Greycoat Research

Kidney Care Guide

Age 5+ · Preventive care

You can start today, even without test results

What to know first

Chronic kidney disease in cats often shows few clear signs early on, so it can go unnoticed for a long time. Even without blood test results, you can start today: record your cat's weight and food intake, and look after water intake and the home environment.

For now, build the basic care habits. When you have new blood test results, add them to Greycoat Research to see care guidance matched to what has changed.

Understanding kidney disease first

Kidney function that has declined rarely comes back

Once function has declined, the kidneys are unlikely to return fully to their earlier state. That is why it helps to notice small changes early and keep up daily care, rather than responding after a problem has grown.

Start watching before there are visible changes

A cat can look healthy while kidney function is gradually changing. If your cat starts drinking more water or urinating more, or if appetite, weight, or energy drops, care may already be needed.

A single change is not enough to tell whether it is kidney disease. Keep up regular checkups, and when you have blood test results, review them alongside earlier results to see the trend.

Nutrition: start by reviewing treats

Large fish such as tuna and bonito

Large fish can accumulate heavy metals, so avoid offering them as often as a main food.

High-protein treats such as jerky and dried fish

Offering high-protein treats such as jerky or dried pollock often, or in large amounts, can add strain for a cat that needs kidney support. A “grain-free” label alone does not mean a product suits kidney care, so check the protein and phosphorus content as well.

Fish eaten whole with the bones, like anchovies and shishamo

Fish eaten with the bones can be high in phosphorus. Avoid offering it routinely, and adjust the kinds and amounts of treats you give.

Dairy, and foods and treats made for kittens

Foods and treats made for growing kittens can be higher in protein and phosphorus than adult formulas. If you offer them routinely to an adult or older cat, check whether the product suits your cat's current condition.

Change food slowly, based on your cat's current condition

Without test results, there is no need to switch to a kidney prescription diet based on age alone. If your cat is 7 or older, or you would like to look after kidney health in advance, first check how much your cat is eating and their weight, then talk with your veterinarian about whether a moderate-protein or early renal food would suit.

If you decide to change food, mix a little of the new food into the current one and transition slowly. Making sure your cat eats enough and holds their weight matters more than which food you choose.

Three things to record from today

Weigh your cat once a week

Weight is a key indicator of changes in food intake, nutrition, and muscle mass. Use a baby or pet scale once a week, on the same day and under similar conditions, and write the number down.

If weight drops quickly or keeps falling, watch for other changes as well and have your veterinary clinic check the cause.

Keep track of daily food intake

Recording how much you offer and how much is left each day helps you notice appetite changes sooner. Where possible, offer a set amount at set times.

If your cat is used to free feeding, do not take the food away suddenly. Adjust feeding times and frequency slowly so that intake does not drop.

Help your cat take in water naturally

Place several clean water bowls where your cat spends time, and change the water often. If your cat takes wet food well, using it at mealtimes can help with water intake naturally.

Look after the home environment and stress

Keep toxic substances out of reach

Move toxic plants such as lilies somewhere your cat cannot reach. Store human medicines and supplements, perfumes, diffusers, scented candles, and strong cleaning products where your cat cannot get to them, and take care when using them.

Make eating, resting, and using the litter box easy

Keep the litter box clean, and set up a quiet place to rest alone along with vertical space your cat can climb safely. About ten minutes of gentle play a day, matched to your cat's age and condition, also helps with stress.

Adding supplements to daily care

Greycoat Dr. Toru
Formulated to support waste management and kidney health.
Greycoat Probiotics
Supports digestive health and the connection between the gut and kidney health.
Greycoat Intensive
Suitable for cats with a range of nutritional needs, including cats receiving kidney support. It helps support your cat's everyday vitality and antioxidant nutrition.

You do not need to start with everything. Begin with Greycoat Dr. Toru alone, and once your cat is used to it, add what you need one at a time.

Care plans by stage

Care continues, even as the stage progresses

From early care through the later stages, here is what to add and adjust at each point.

Stage 1Getting started

What can you start with when there are no visible changes?

Before bigger changes appear is a good time to start kidney care.

Stage 2Keeping it steady

Does daily care really make a difference?

TT's record · Now 10 years old, 8 years of steady kidney care

Stage 3+Care from several angles

How do you keep up care from several angles?

Soommu's record · Now 8 years old, 11 months of a structured care routine

Start kidney care with today's record

Even without test results, you can record weight and food intake and build the basic care habits. When you have new blood test results, add them to Greycoat Research — you will see what to look after first, in a care guide matched to your cat's current condition.

Start kidney care

This guide offers general prevention and care information for guardians who do not have blood test results yet. Please consult your veterinarian about confirming kidney disease, assessing its stage, and using prescription diets or medications.