Yes, cats with kidney failure often develop a distinct, strong ammonia or metallic-like smell on their breath (uremic halitosis) due to toxins building up in their bloodstream, which also leads to poor coat, lethargy, and changes in thirst/urination, signaling serious illness.
One of the earliest and most common signs of kidney failure in cats is increased thirst (polydipsia) and increased urination (polyuria). As the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, your cat may drink more water and urinate more frequently.
A cat in early stages of kidney disease can live for years with the right care. But if they're not diagnosed until they have late- or end-stage chronic kidney disease (kidney failure), most cats may only live a couple of months after receiving their diagnosis.
The four stages
Stage 1: Creatinine below 140umol/L; 65% lost function. Stage 2: Creatinine 140-249 umol/L; 66-75% lost function. Stage 3: Creatinine 250-440 umol/L; 76-90% lost function. Stage 4: Creatinine above 440umol/L; more than 90% lost function.
Dietary modification is an important and proven aspect of CKD treatment. Therapeutic diets that are restricted in protein, phosphorus and sodium content and high in water-soluble vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant concentrations may prolong life and improve quality of life in cats with CKD.
A prescription diet restricting protein and phosphorus may be one of the first changes recommended with early renal disease. Warming food and hand feeding can help encourage cats to eat. Tuna juice water, gravy or low-sodium chicken broth can be mixed with food to coax eating and increase water consumption.
Chronic kidney failure in cats is a gradual condition that typically develops over several months or even years. This type of kidney failure is typically caused by autoimmune diseases, cysts in the kidneys, and genetics.
If your cat is suffering from acute kidney failure you may also notice an arched back or stiff-legged gait, symptoms that your cat's kidneys are causing pain.
“They may be trying to protect vital organs that are in distress, and they may generally be in pain or under stress,” says Quandt. For example, kidney disease has been linked to the version of the meatloaf position where the head is down on the ground and the front paws may be extended, he adds.
You may notice difficulty moving and persistent breathing difficulties, particularly for older cats. Euthanization can be an option if your cat has renal failure and isn't getting better with treatments.
Cats with ARF may regain some kidney function with treatment, supportive care, and time, depending on the cause. Even with treatment, ARF is terminal in about 50% of cases. However, cats that do survive the initial cause usually have a better outcome compared to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Low-phosphorus diets can also help to reduce nausea. Diets containing chicken and some types of fish as their protein source are often lower in phosphorus. As a general rule, diets for cats with CKD should contain around 0.3-0.6% phosphorus on a dry matter basis.
Cats with chronic kidney disease typically show a waning and waxing appetite. Ensuring adequate food intake is essential. If energy needs are not met, the consumption of body tissues occurs, which leads to the loss of lean body mass and increases the risk of mortality.
Low Body Temperature
Healthy cats have a temperature between 37–38°C. As their organs begin to shut down, their body temperature drops. You may feel this in their ears, paws, or nose, which can become cool to the touch. You can monitor their temperature at home or speak with your vet for further care or guidance.
Easy 4 Steps!
In acute kidney failure, they may cry constantly or collapse because of the significant pain caused by the swelling of the kidneys. At the end stage of kidney failure, you might notice your cat has an arched back or has weak back legs and trouble walking.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
If you see a kitten sleeping they tend to curl up into a ball with their beautifully flexible spine almost doubling up on itself! Cats in discomfort can sometimes sit in a hunched up position, eyes squeezed shut and with their legs sat very close to their bodies or perhaps with a painful limb held out to the side.
In some cases, little can be done to prolong the life of a cat diagnosed with late-stage chronic renal failure. On the other hand, it is quite common nowadays, thanks to innovative medical procedures, for some cats to live for one to three years or even longer following early diagnosis.
For chronic renal failure there is no cure – but with appropriate treatment, your cat may live for months or even years – the median figure comes in at between less than two years up to almost six years.
Lethargy or Low Energy
A cat with early kidney issues may sleep more, play less, or seem “off” or withdrawn. These symptoms can also mean other illnesses.
Renal failure in cats can progress from subtle changes to a life-threatening emergency in a matter of days. Knowing when to seek immediate veterinary care could save your cat's life. Many cat owners miss the early warning signs of kidney problems until the condition becomes serious.
The disease typically starts once a cat is over the age of 8 years, but younger cats can become affected. The kidneys' primary function is to filter waste products out of the body and into the urine. These waste products are produced on a daily basis through normal eating and activity.
Definition. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the last stage of long-term (chronic) kidney disease. This is when your kidneys can no longer support your body's needs. End-stage kidney disease is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Stage four: Cats have severely high levels of creatinine and BUN with numerous symptoms. This is considered end stage kidney disease since the majority of the kidneys are not functioning. Average survival is 35 days after diagnosis. Pet parents should watch for worsening of symptoms and a decline in quality of life.