CKD Is the Single Most Prevalent Age-Related Disease in Cats — Early Detection Is Now Possible
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 30-40% of cats above 12 years. Early detection now carries a major clinical advantage — SDMA testing can identify kidney decline up to 17 months before creatinine levels rise on standard bloodwork, allowing intervention at a far earlier and more manageable stage of disease.
Products for CKD Management in Cats
This section stocks Hills Prescription Diet k/d feline, Royal Canin Renal (dry and wet), Ipakitine phosphate binder, Semintra (Telmisartan — for proteinuria management), Azodyl, Mirtazapine appetite stimulant, and subcutaneous fluid administration supplies. Dietary phosphorus restriction is the single most impactful intervention for slowing CKD progression in cats. Wet food is strongly preferred over dry food in CKD cats — higher moisture content reduces renal workload and maintains hydration.
What Advanced CKD Requires Beyond Diet
For cats in IRIS Stage 3-4, active management of phosphorus, blood pressure, proteinuria, and anaemia simultaneously is required. Supplementation alone is insufficient at this stage — this level of management must happen under veterinary supervision with regular bloodwork every 6-8 weeks.