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My cat has kidney failure. What's their life expectancy and comfort?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

I work at an animal shelter and I have come across a few different elderly cats whom have sticky notes from the vet stating they have chronic kidney failure and need foster or rescue. I am wanting to understand a bit more such as how long does a cat typically have after diagnosed with chronic kidney failure? And is it typically painful? Or do they pass in their sleep? I want to know more so I can do my part to ensure they have quality of life if no foster is found on time...

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2018

Hi and thanks for posting! The time each cat has when first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease does vary on the age of the cat and stage of the kidney disease. Cats that have this can do very well with great supportive and supplemental care. Kidney disease can be managed with prescription diets, certain kidney friendly vitamins, SQ fluid administration, and blood pressure medication if needed. While kidney failure is not typically painful, other secondary issues they can acquire may be, such as urinary or lung infections. Sometimes kidney disease can cause nausea which can be uncomfortable but not necessarily painful. Nausea is often treated in these patients with anti vomiting medications. Kidney failure patients may pass in their sleep, but not always. They can develop serious complications from compromised kidney function which can lead some owners to humanely euthanize them towards the end due to decreased quality of life. I hope this helps you and I thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The life expectancy for cats with chronic kidney failure can vary from months to years depending on the severity of the disease. It has been found that cats who are on a kidney specific cat food live on average two years longer than cats who are not. It can be painful in that as the disease progresses the cat can experience vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. No, they do not always pass in their sleep, and when a cat's kidneys are severely compromised, the kindest option is to have them humanely euthanized to prevent any further suffering. I hope this helps!

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