Chronic renal insufficiency is responsible for the death of one in three cats, and while age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, half of all people with an older cat know nothing about this 'silent' killer1.

In fact, results of a recent Newspoll study revealed that nearly a third of older cats show symptoms that may be associated with chronic renal insufficiency, yet only a minority of cat owners seek advice from their veterinarian1.

The warning coincides with the launch of the first and only medication registered for the treatment of chronic renal insufficiency in cats. According to Dr Rob Zammit, veterinarian at Vineyard Veterinary Hospital, benazepril hydrochloride represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of chronic renal insufficiency as it offers cat owners the chance to both extend and enhance the quality of their cat's life.

"Until now, treating this debilitating disease has been challenging due to the limited success of options such as diet modification to reduce the workload of the kidney, and hydration therapy."

"This new medication actually delays the progression of chronic renal insufficiency by reducing blood pressure, reducing harmful protein loss in the urine, and improving the cat's appetite," Dr Zammit said.

Dr Zammit believes that it is vitally important that cat owners look out for symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, oral ulcers, excessive urination, poor hair coat, weakness and increased thirst - particularly in cats over the age of seven years.

"Since these symptoms are not exclusive to chronic renal insufficiency, and often appear in the later stages of the disease, it is strongly advised that cats over the age of seven have yearly urine and blood tests to ensure early diagnosis and effective management of the disease," Dr Zammit said.

According to Brian Edwards, President of the Waratah Sate Cat Alliance, research has shown pet owners value the friendly and sometimes intimate companionship of their pet, and experience better physical and mental health as a result.

"The Newspoll study confirms the importance of the family cat with 9 out of 10 people agreeing that their cat's health is very important to them, with a similar number claiming they regard their cat as being an important member of the family1."

"By educating cat owners about chronic renal insufficiency and the symptoms to watch out for, they will become more diligent about having their cat/s tested for chronic renal insufficiency. With effective treatment now available, this disease doesn't have to remain a silent killer," he said.