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Cat kidney failure, won't eat. How long can he live with one kidney?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

hello yesterday i went to the vet after my cat lost weight he told me that my cat suffers from kidney failure now he has one kindey that works but not with high efficiency and the other one stopped completely now my cat refuses to eat or drink what should i do and how long can he live by one kidney? a picture of his kidneys below

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Rachel

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2017

Sorry to hear about your kitty. It sounds like he is in the advanced stages of kidney failure. Unfortunately kidney damage can not be reversed once it occurs - only managed. Once cats get to this stage of kidney disease, most treatments are focused on trying to make cats feel as good as possible for as long as possible. Sometimes treatments that are prescribed include SQ fluids (water given as an injection under the skin to increase hydration), anti-nausea medications, blood pressure medications, antacids, and other therapies to manage complications associated with kidney failure. It is hard to give a prognosis without knowing the specific details of your cat's bloodwork and history, but if he is not eating or drinking, he may be suffering and can quickly decline. If you are concerned about your kitty's quality of life, have a discussion with your veterinarian.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If his kidneys are not functioning properly then he may need to be hospitalized and placed on IV fluids. I am assuming that his BUN and Creatnine are elevated and IV fluids for 24 - 48 hours may help decrease those values and make him feel better. Your vet can then teach you how to give subcutaneous fluids at home which may help prolong his life.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Kidney failure is common amongst cats and the survival time varies based on the underlying cause of the kidney failure. A full report of what was found on the ultrasound would help here; because just an image of the kidney itself isn't enough to make a diagnosis as to why the 1 kidney is no longer working nor can we predict how long he can live based on this. The only thing that can be gathered based on the photos you have sent is that there is hydronephrosis (distension of the kidney with fluid) of one of the kidney's which leads to severe malfunction . More importantly, since your cat is refusing to eat, he needs to be hospitalized and given IV fluids, force feeding (by means of a tube if necessary) and pain medication. He will not be able to survive long if he does not eat. Once he is able to be stabilized (by eating on his own), then you can try to manage his condition at home with subcutaneous fluids and a prescription kidney diet (i.e. Hill's K/D, Royal Canin renal). However, the condition that he has is severe and survival is going to be tough for him, especially since one of his kidney's is in such bad shape. I send all my best to both you and your cat. I hope he gets better soon. Take care.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 22nd, 2017

    I am so very sorry to hear about your kitty. How long a cat can live with kidney disease vary by a number of factors, including the cause of the kidney disease (if it is something the vet thinks is rapidly progressive or more slowly progressive), how severe the disease is, and if your kitty response to treatments/you are able to administer treatments. This is a very in depth topic so I would consider a consultation through pet coach if you want more detailed information. There are some things we can do to help kitties with poor appetite. Sometimes treatment with fluids (either IV in the hospital or subcutaneous at home) can make these cats feel better. Sometimes they may need antacid medication, medications to help adjust their potassium levels, and appetite stimulants. I am attaching a link to a website with detailed information on kidney disease. If you look on the right hand side of the site you will see additional links on kidney disease topics. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=572

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