Predisposed

• Cats of any breed or age can experience chronic renal failure. However, it is most common in cats that are older. The average age of diagnosis is 9 years. Abyssinians and Persians may be predisposed to the condition, according to Debra Primovic, DVM.
  
  

Process

• When the kidneys aren't working properly, waste products aren't removed from the body effectively. This leads to toxins building up within the body and illness occurring.
  
  

Affects

• Kidney disease affects nearly every system within the body. The blood is filtered abnormally and hormone production fails. Fluids and electrolytes are out of balance.
  
  

Causes

• Kidney disease in cats can have many causes. Diseases and trauma can cause the condition, as well as toxins, ischemia, inflammatory disease, infections, cancer and abnormalities of the immune system.
  
  

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of kidney disease in cats is excessive drinking and urination. Other symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, bad breath, poor appetite, weakness, lack of coordination and weight loss.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment includes intravenous fluids for cats that have become dehydrated. Blood abnormalities that have occurred as a result of the disease must be corrected. There is no cure for kidney disease. However, the condition can be managed and the progression of the disease slowed. Many cats experience a good quality of life for months or even years after being diagnosed with the condition, if it is managed.