Chronic Renal Failure:  Kidney Failure

Affected Animals:  Cats and Dogs, In felines, cats of any breed, sex and age can be affected; however, older cats most frequently develop the illness. The mean age of chronic renal failure in the cat is nine years. Some types of kidney disease can be passed genetically among Abyssinian and Persian breeds. All animals and people can develop chronic renal failure.

Information and Overview:  Chronic renal failure seems to be more common in cats than dogs, but signs of kidney failure are the same such as: frequent urination and increased drinking as well as weakness. Eventually the cat's attempts to compensate for the failure of its kidneys will become insufficient. As the disease gets more severe, many serious complications may result. Ulcers in the mouth and stomach, anemia, and urinary tract infections are common occurrences among cats with chronic kidney failure. High blood pressure, which can lead to blindness, is one of the more serious complications. Generally, older cats get chronic kidney failure, and the disease tends to worsen with age.

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