Diagnosis cost
£200–£500
Treatment cost
£400–£1500
Ongoing cost
£50–£150 per month
Severity
Serious
Treatable
Manageable
Species
Cats
What is kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions in older cats, affecting up to 30–40% of cats over the age of 15. The kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood, concentrate urine, and regulate hydration. By the time symptoms appear, around 65–75% of kidney function has already been lost. While CKD cannot be cured, early detection and careful management can slow its progression significantly and maintain a good quality of life for months to years.
Symptoms to watch for
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss and loss of muscle mass
- Reduced appetite or eating less than usual
- Vomiting or nausea
- Lethargy and sleeping more than usual
- Poor coat condition or unkempt fur
- Bad breath (uraemic breath) with a metallic or ammonia-like smell
- Dehydration (skin tenting, sunken eyes)
How is kidney disease diagnosed?
| Test | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Blood test (SDMA, creatinine, urea, and full biochemistry) | £100–£300 |
| Urinalysis (urine specific gravity and protein levels) | £40–£80 |
| Abdominal ultrasound (to assess kidney size and structure) | £150–£350 |
Treatment options and costs
Prescription renal diet
£30–£60 per month ongoingA specially formulated diet with reduced phosphorus, moderate protein, and added omega-3 fatty acids. This is the single most evidence-based intervention for slowing CKD progression and has been shown to extend survival by an average of 2–3 times compared to a standard diet.
Medication and supplements
£30–£80 per month ongoingPhosphate binders, anti-nausea medication, blood pressure tablets (amlodipine), potassium supplements, and appetite stimulants as needed. The combination depends on the stage of CKD and individual symptoms.
Subcutaneous fluid therapy (at home or in clinic)
£50–£150 per monthIn more advanced stages, regular fluid therapy given under the skin helps maintain hydration and flush out toxins. Many owners learn to give this at home, which reduces cost and stress. Fluid sessions in clinic cost more but are an option for owners who prefer professional administration.
Ongoing costs
Estimated ongoing management cost
£50–£150 per month
monthly
Breeds most at risk
| Breed | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Persian | High |
| Siamese | High |
| Maine Coon | Moderate |
| British Shorthair | Moderate |
| Ragdoll | Moderate |
| Russian Blue | Moderate |
Does pet insurance cover kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is covered by most lifetime pet insurance policies for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Because CKD requires lifelong treatment with increasing costs as the condition progresses, a lifetime policy is essential – time-limited or maximum-benefit policies are likely to run out. CKD is one of the highest-cost chronic conditions in cats over a lifetime. Pre-existing kidney disease will not be covered by a new policy, so insuring your cat early is important.
