Cat Kidney Disease (CKD): Signs, Vet Care and Acupuncture
Signs of kidney disease in cats, veterinary management, and acupuncture for cats with kidney disease as supportive care.
This guide is educational and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, conventional care, and the evidence differs from condition to condition. See our Medical Disclaimer.
See a veterinarian first
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care to try acupuncture, if:
- Your cat has eaten or chewed a lily, or may have swallowed antifreeze or a human painkiller.
- Your cat is not passing urine, or is straining.
- Vomiting is repeated, or your cat is collapsing, very weak or having seizures.
- Your cat has not eaten for a day or more.
This list is not complete. Cats hide illness, so if you are worried, call your veterinarian.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function and is one of the most common illnesses in older cats. Early signs are easy to miss. Kidney function cannot be restored, but diet, hydration and medicines can slow the effects and keep many cats comfortable.
Signs to look for
- Drinking and urinating more
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Vomiting, nausea or bad breath
- Dull, unkempt coat
- Tiredness and hiding
How veterinarians diagnose and treat it
Diagnosis uses bloodwork (including creatinine and SDMA), urine tests and blood pressure checks, and the disease is staged. Care often includes a kidney-friendly diet, more water through wet food or fountains, fluids under the skin when needed, medicines for nausea, appetite, blood pressure and protein loss, and regular rechecks. A cat that stops eating needs prompt attention.
Acupuncture for cats with kidney disease
Acupuncture is sometimes used as supportive care for appetite, nausea and comfort in cats with kidney disease. It does not restore kidney function and should not replace diet or medicine.
What the evidence says: Evidence for acupuncture in cats with kidney disease is limited. Any use is supportive.
Results vary from cat to cat and cannot be promised. To find a practitioner, see cat acupuncture near me in our directory.
Acupuncture points for cats commonly discussed for this condition
These feline acupuncture points are named in traditional charts for the signs described on this page. Each guide gives the location, traditional indications and safety notes. Listing a point is not a promise that it will help, and points are chosen by the practitioner for each cat.
- BL23 Shen Shu (肾俞)Chart lists: CKD
- KI3 Tai Xi (太溪)Chart lists: CKD, lumbar pain
- KI7 Fu Liu (复溜)Chart lists: edema, CKD fluid regulation
- SP6 San Yin Jiao (三阴交)Chart lists: CKD
- ST36 Zu San Li (足三里)Traditional use; see the point guide
- CV4 Guan Yuan (关元)Chart lists: deficiency, urinary disorders
- GB25 Jing Men (京门)Chart lists: lumbar pain, nephritis
See all points on the cat acupuncture points chart.
Next steps and resources
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Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture reverse kidney disease in cats?
No. Lost kidney function does not come back. Acupuncture may be discussed for comfort alongside treatment.
Is acupuncture safe for cats with kidney disease?
Practitioners adapt their approach for each cat. Share bloodwork results and all medicines.
What are the first signs of kidney disease in cats?
Increased thirst and urination, weight loss and a poorer appetite are common, but only tests confirm it.
Related cat conditions
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