One in three elderly cats will die prematurely of chronic renal insufficiency - making it one of the leading causes of death in cats.

Chronic renal insufficiency particularly affects cats over the age of seven years and occurs when areas of the kidney gradually become damaged and die.

Left untreated, the continuous decline in kidney function makes it impossible for the body to eliminate waste, regulate electrolytes and conserve water, leading to dehydration and a build up of wastes in the blood stream - poisoning the animal.

As cats go through life many things have the potential to affect the health of the kidneys, including infections, inflammation, toxins which damage the kidney, urinary obstructions, cancers and some conditions that were present at the time of the cat's birth.

A veterinarian may suspect chronic renal insufficiency based on the cat's history and characteristics. Loss of appetite, increased thirst, excessive urination and weight loss are all hallmarks of chronic renal insufficiency.

To confirm a diagnosis of chronic renal insufficiency, a veterinarian will need to conduct a physical examination, perform blood tests and collect urine samples. If required, X-rays and biopsies may be used to rule out other diseases such as kidney tumours.

Yearly urine and blood tests are recommended for cats over the age of seven to ensure early diagnosis of chronic renal insufficiency.

While there is no cure for chronic renal insufficiency, treatment will help the cat live a longer, healthier and more active life. In treating chronic renal insufficiency a veterinarian may recommend a kidney friendly diet to minimise the workload of the kidney and / or medication.

Until recently, no specific medication was available to slow the progression of chronic renal insufficiency. Now there is a proven medication available only from veterinarians. This medication works by reducing blood pressure and reducing harmful protein loss in the urine, making it easier for the kidney to function.

Other medications a veterinarian may prescribe include vitamin supplements, anabolic steroids, antibiotics and medications to treat anaemia and control vomiting.

In more severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary so the veterinarian can monitor and treat the cat. Intravenous fluids may be required to correct dehydration and to help flush toxins out of the bloodstream. Hand feeding or insertion of a feeding tube may be needed if the cat has lost all appetite.

It is important to ensure that the cat has access to fresh clean water and receives plenty of rest.

If a cat has been diagnosed with chronic renal insufficiency, it is important that cat owners continue to consult the veterinarian on a regular basis to monitor its progress.