Progress is being made in treating advanced cases of feline renal failure. Here's what you should know.

By Tom Ewing

About 25 percent of the blood that enters your cat’s circulatory system with each heartbeat travels directly to the kidneys. Given the relentless and crucially important burden that these organs bear, their well-being is essential to your cat’s health.

Early signs of a failing kidney can include a marked increase in water consumption and urination, weight loss and a decline in appetite.

Unfortunately, feline kidneys — like their human counterparts — are susceptible to a wide range of life-threatening disorders. Indeed, kidney (renal) disorders are major causes of feline disease and death. Especially among cats that are seven years of age and older, taken as a whole they are one of the two or three most frequently observed causes of severe illness. …

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