Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is the most common cause of death in senior cats. Unfortunately, it’s usually not diagnosed until symptoms are advanced. But when it’s caught early, targeted treatments can keep your cat happy and active for as long as possible.

As CKD progresses, cellular toxins build up and increased amounts of fluid are lost in the urine. These processes can be measured by blood and urine testing.

Annual testing is recommended when your cat reaches four years of age. By the age of seven, screening should be ramped up to every six months.

There’s no cure for CKD, but there are more treatments than ever before to help manage its progress and symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner your veterinarian can develop a treatment plan for your feline friend.