Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the most common cause of death in older cats. The tragic part: When the cat finally shows symptoms (drinking a lot, losing weight), 75% of the kidney tissue is often already destroyed. But kidney failure is not a sudden fate – it is a creeping process that we can stop.
The kidney is the "filtration plant" of the body. In cats, this plant works under high pressure because, as desert animals, they have to concentrate urine heavily. Over the years, nephrons (filter units) die off. They do not grow back.
Diagnostics: Creatinine is too slow
For decades, veterinarians relied on the creatinine value in the blood. The problem: This value only rises when the kidneys are already largely failing. It is a "late indicator".
The Gamechanger: SDMA. The new gold standard in longevity diagnostics is the SDMA value (Symmetric Dimethylarginine). It rises even with only 25-40% loss of function. This gives us months, sometimes years, of head start for therapy. Demand SDMA specifically at every senior check-up (from age 7)!
Why do kidneys fail? The AIM Protein
Japanese researcher Dr. Toru Miyazaki made a groundbreaking discovery: Cats possess a protein called AIM (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage), but it does not work correctly. Normally, AIM helps macrophages clear cellular waste (dead cells) from the kidney tubules.
In cats, AIM binds too tightly to antibodies and does not reach the kidney. The "trash" remains lying around, clogs the filters, and leads to inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). This explains why almost every cat eventually gets kidney problems if it lives long enough.
Prevention: What you can do
1. Hydration is key
A cat on dry food is a cat with chronic dehydration. The kidneys have to work maximally to retain water.
Strategy: Consistent feeding of high-quality wet food. Add an extra tablespoon of water ("cat soup") to every meal. Drinking fountains can also encourage drinking behavior.
2. Phosphorus Management
Excessive inorganic phosphate in industrial food acts like poison on pre-damaged kidneys. Pay attention to high-quality meat sources. In early stages, phosphate binders (e.g., based on calcium carbonate or chitosan) can relieve the kidneys without having to reduce protein too drastically.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Kidney failure is an inflammatory process. High doses of EPA and DHA (from algae or fish oil) improve blood flow to the remaining nephrons and lower glomerular pressure. Studies show significantly longer survival times in CKD cats receiving Omega-3.
Conclusion
Don't wait for your cat to drink more. That is already the alarm signal. Start active kidney protection today through fluid management and regular blood tests (SDMA). Longevity for cats means first and foremost: Protecting the kidneys.