KidneyCats The whole map
Every guide on this site.
Thirty pages, grouped by what you need them for. If this is your first day, don't start here. Start with the ordered walkthrough instead.
29 written so far. The rest are outlined and coming.
Understanding it
What the disease is, what the numbers mean, and what to expect.
- What chronic kidney disease actually is What is chronic kidney disease in cats?
- IRIS stages 1 to 4, in plain English What are the IRIS stages of kidney disease in cats?
- Your cat's bloodwork, translated What do my cat's kidney blood test results mean?
- The urinalysis, and why it matters as much as the blood Why does my vet need a urine sample for kidney disease?
- Why did my cat get this? What causes chronic kidney disease in cats?
- How long do cats live with kidney disease? How long will my cat live with kidney disease?
Treatment
Fluids, diet, binders, appetite, medications, the things you will actually do.
- Subcutaneous fluids: the complete guide How do I give my cat subcutaneous fluids at home?
- Giving fluids when it goes wrong Why does my cat cry when I give her fluids?
- Kidney diets: what matters, and what to do when she refuses What is the best food for a cat with kidney disease?
- Phosphorus binders explained What does a phosphorus binder do for a cat with kidney disease?
- Potassium supplements: who actually needs them Does my cat with kidney disease need potassium?
- Appetite: the real battle Why is my cat with kidney disease not eating?
- Nausea and vomiting, managed properly How do I stop my CKD cat from vomiting?
- Blood pressure and kidney disease Does my cat with kidney disease need her blood pressure checked?
- Anemia in later-stage kidney disease Why is my CKD cat anemic?
- Every medication your vet prescribed, explained What does each of my cat's kidney medications do?
- Supplements: a vet's honest take Do kidney supplements actually work for cats?
Living with it
Settling into a routine that works for both of you.
- The first thirty days What should I do in the first month after a CKD diagnosis?
- What to watch at home, and when to call What should I monitor in my cat with kidney disease?
- Rechecks: what your vet tests, and why How often does a cat with kidney disease need blood tests?
- Kidney disease in a multi-cat house How do I feed a kidney diet with other cats in the house?
- Leaving a CKD cat with a sitter Can I go away if my cat has kidney disease?
- What this actually costs How much does it cost to treat a cat with kidney disease?
- My own kidney cats, and what they taught me What did a vet learn from his own cats with kidney disease? draft
The hard parts
Crisis days, knowing when it is time, and afterwards.
Resources
Videos, a printable guide, and the outside sources I actually trust.