Sharing the foods, supplements, and feeding methods I’ve tried with TT.
I’ve been managing TT’s kidney condition for 8 years now, and she’s still doing well. Her creatinine once reached 2.9, but at her most recent blood test in May 2026, it was 2.1—within the stage 2 range. She’s eating well on her own and staying active.

These days, TT is quick to remind me when it’s mealtime. After eating, she’ll sometimes hop on her cat wheel for a run.

But she hasn’t always eaten this well.

In the early days, getting TT to eat was a struggle for both of us. At first, she would turn down her regular food but still eat treats. I thought she had just become a picky eater. Later, as her kidney numbers climbed, she began refusing even those.

Having to feed TT when she wouldn’t eat on her own was hard on both of us. There were days when I held her in my arms and sobbed because she wouldn’t eat.

I bought different kinds of cat food and tried them one by one, hoping to find something she would eat. Every day, I also thought about ways to get a little more water into her.

I first noticed TT becoming pickier about food and leaving larger clumps in the litter box in 2018. At first, I thought it was a good thing that she was drinking and peeing so much. I didn’t realize those changes were signs of kidney trouble.

The following year, in 2019, she was diagnosed with stage 2 chronic kidney disease. I was scared, wondering how much time we would have together.

At the time, I was told:

“Cats with stage 2 kidney disease generally have a life expectancy of about 3 years. But there is still hope. With good care, they can stay active.”

I heard the part about hope, but “3 years” was all I could think about. It felt far too short. I was overwhelmed by fear and sadness.

Now, 8 years have passed since I noticed those first changes and began her kidney care in 2018.

TT is still enjoying a comfortable, active life.

Everything I experienced and learned while caring for TT led me to start Greycoat Research.

I don’t believe that the way I care for TT is the right approach for every cat. It’s taken years of trial and error to find what works for her. Her condition became more stable over time, and she continues to do well today.

I hope sharing our experience helps someone else caring for a cat with kidney disease.

What TT’s Blood Tests Have Shown

When TT had her blood test in May 2026, she was 10 years old. Her BUN was 18, and her phosphorus was 3.6.

From May 2022 through May 2026, TT had 11 blood tests. Her creatinine readings ranged from 1.7 to 2.2. Here are some of her results, going back to 2019.

Her lowest creatinine result was 1.7, in both December 2023 and April 2025.

At her May 2022 visit, Dr. Jae-young Kim explained that TT’s creatinine had come down from 2.5 to 2.0. He also explained that a lower number did not mean damaged kidney tissue had grown back. He reminded me that her energy and appetite mattered, too.

Even a small change in a test result could make me worry. I also paid attention to whether TT was eating well and acting like herself at home.

Finding Food TT Would Eat

In September 2018, TT’s creatinine was 2.0. At that point, we decided to keep an eye on her condition.

Before switching to a prescription kidney diet, TT ate Orijen Chicken & Fish.

In May 2019, her creatinine was 2.5 and her BUN was 23. By October, her creatinine had reached 2.9.

Vet visits weren’t easy, either. Once, when I briefly stepped out during an appointment, TT called for me, and I came back to comfort her. At the time, I was relieved that her condition hadn’t gotten worse.

In 2020, TT received fluids twice. At times, she wasn’t eating enough on her own, so I had to feed her myself two or three times a week.

When a cat won’t eat, I think it’s important to take them to the vet and help them start eating again.

I tried Royal Canin Renal Special and Hill’s k/d for TT. I also fed her Royal Canin Indoor early on. Sometimes, even mixing a lickable treat into her food didn’t get her to eat.

In 2021, I switched to Royal Canin Renal Select, and TT began eating more consistently.

TT sometimes wanted the other cats’ food, so I fed her separately when needed. In a home with several cats, feeding them separately in a quiet spot can also make it easier to see how much each one eats.

Finding the right food for TT took time. I wanted to find a prescription kidney food she liked and make sure she was eating enough.

By 2024, TT was asking for breakfast every morning and refusing to leave the kitchen. After all those times I’d struggled to get her to eat, seeing her ask for breakfast was such a relief.

In 2025, I also tried Royal Canin Indoor 7+, following advice from a veterinary nutritionist and a pharmacist. Afterward, she seemed to eat better, and her coat looked healthier.

I later switched back to Royal Canin Renal Select because it was the prescription kidney diet she liked best. It is still her main food today.

TT weighs 4.8 kg, about the same as she has in the past. I worry about extra weight putting more strain on her kidneys, so I’m not trying to get her to gain weight. Her appetite is good these days and she asks for more, but I don’t give her extra because I want to keep her weight steady.

In 2024 and 2025, I gave her Greycoat Research Dr. Toru Chicken Treats. These days, I give her small amounts of Dr. Toru Chicken Treats or Greycoat Low-Protein Salmon Treats, whichever I have handy.

The Supplements and Medications I Tried

Early on, I gave TT Azodyl, Kremezin (AST-120), Complivit, and omega-3. I also tried AminAvast. After talking with her veterinarian and a pharmacist, I changed the medications and supplements I was giving her.

In 2022, I began giving TT an amino acid complex supplement based on AIM research. It was later released as Greycoat Dr. Toru.

I switched her omega-3 from a liquid in a pump bottle to small softgel capsules because I was worried about the oil going rancid.

In 2023, after talking with Dr. Motoo Kobayashi, I started giving TT resveratrol and quercetin alongside Dr. Toru. Intensive hadn’t been released yet; these two ingredients later became key ingredients in Intensive.

Since 2024, I’ve also been giving her probiotics regularly to support her gut health.

TT’s Daily Routine Now

I used to feed TT three times a day. Once her condition was more stable, I switched to two meals a day, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The other cats now eat twice a day, too. At 11 p.m., before bed, I give TT water, Greycoat Calm, and a small treat.

The Supplements I Give TT Every Day

I give TT her supplements as whole capsules after she finishes breakfast and dinner.

Trying Different Ways to Give TT More Water

I now give TT 210 mL of water a day, spread throughout the day. That includes the water I give by syringe and the water I mix into lickable treats.

At first, I tried moist treats and boiled chicken breast with water added. It was still hard to get her to take in enough water. Eventually, I started mixing water into lickable treats.

Greycoat Lickable Treat is a chicken-flavored liquid treat that comes in 10 g packets. In 2024 and 2025, I mixed about half a packet (around 5 g) with 30 mL of water for TT.

How I Give Her Water Now

TT is comfortable taking small amounts of water from a syringe. She knows she’ll get a treat afterward, so she actually looks forward to it. In the morning and evening, I give her water one hour after her meal, then again an hour later. She also gets water at 11 p.m., before bed.I split each 30 mL into ten portions of 3 mL. I give each portion little by little, allowing TT plenty of time to swallow, and never push all the water in at once.

Thankfully, TT hasn’t coughed or vomited when I give her water this way. I still watch how she swallows every time and take it slowly.

That adds up to 150 mL of water by syringe each day. I mix the rest of her water into lickable treats and give it to her in the morning and evening.

Not every cat is comfortable taking water from a syringe. If your cat resists, coughs, or has trouble swallowing, stop giving water that way. Try offering water another way, such as mixing it into a lickable treat your cat enjoys.

A lickable treat your cat enjoys can make it a little easier to give them more water. Just make sure your cat is still eating enough at mealtimes.

We Had to Watch Her Heart, Too

TT also had a blood test called proBNP to check on her heart. In 2025, her results led to a heart ultrasound.

Her proBNP result came down from 390.2 in March 2023 to 229.5 in May 2026.

After her 2025 visit, we decided to keep checking her heart even if she wasn’t showing obvious symptoms.

When she received fluids, I also worried about whether they might be too much for her heart.

For Anyone Just Starting Kidney Care for Their Cat

1. Find a Prescription Kidney Diet Your Cat Will Eat

When trying a new food, offer a small amount separately from your cat’s usual food. Watch how well they eat it and make the change gradually. If they won’t eat it, try adjusting the portion or how you serve it, or try another food.

Making sure your cat eats enough comes first, even while changing foods.

2. Help Your Cat Get a Little More Water Each Day

One option is to mix a little water into a lickable treat your cat enjoys.

Start with a small amount of water and adjust it based on how well your cat accepts it. With TT, I’ve found ways to give her water that she’s comfortable with, and I use them every day.

3. Look at Test Trends and How Your Cat Is Doing at Home

I tried not to focus too much on a small change in a single test result. I compared results over time to see how the numbers were changing.

How TT was doing at home mattered, too. Was she eating as usual? Did she have energy? Was she still enjoying her cat wheel? When you look at test results, think about how your cat has been doing at home as well.

Hoping for Many More Years with TT

Even when TT made it clear she didn’t want to be at the vet, she’d still take a treat. I’m relieved that she can still enjoy her meals and her cat wheel.

Eight years into her kidney care, TT’s condition is still stable.

I won’t take that for granted, and I’ll keep giving her the care and attention she needs. I hope TT keeps feeling this good, and that we have many more happy years together.

Claire Yun
Founder of Greycoat Research

TT’s Blood Test Reports

October 2019 lab report

May 2026 lab report

[Educational Disclaimer]

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Please consult your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet, supplements, or care routine.