2026 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease in cats.

Early IRIS-staged CKD diagnosis and multifactorial management, including nutrition and complication treatment, prolongs survival and quality of life.

These 2026 iCatCare consensus guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for diagnosing and managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, a condition that is prevalent among senior feline patients. The guidelines emphasize early diagnosis as a critical strategy for implementing interventions that can slow disease progression and minimize clinical signs, noting that affected cats may present with minimal or no clinical signs in early stages, contributing to diagnostic delays. Disease staging follows the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) system, and management is multifactorial, encompassing medical therapy, nutritional intervention, and environmental optimization to support both physical and mental wellbeing. Key biomarkers discussed include SDMA, GFR, FGF23, PTH, and ionized calcium. The guidelines address common complications including hypercalcaemia, hypertension, proteinuria, and anaemia, each requiring specific therapeutic consideration. Treatment options include ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers for proteinuria and hypertension management. Because advancing age is itself a risk factor for CKD, clinicians must carefully balance management of concurrent comorbidities with renal health. The guidelines also highlight the importance of caregiver support, acknowledging that caring for a cat with CKD can impose significant caregiver burden. A whole-team approach—incorporating veterinarians, nursing staff, and informed caregivers—is advocated to slow progression and maximize quality of life. These guidelines were developed by an international expert panel convened by International Cat Care (iCatCare) Veterinary Society, drawing on current literature and expert opinion.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.