How to Cope With Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) in Elderly Cats

It doesn't make sense, does it? All you did is bring kitty in for his yearly check-up, and now you can't believe your ears... You are being bombarded with words you don't understand... CRF, BUN, creatinine, erythropoietin... The list goes on and on. But there is one word that you understand only too well, and it manages to ring the loudest, way above the din of all the bad news: terminal.

So... what is going on? What is CRF and how can you cope with this diagnosis?

First of all, don't panic. It is important that you keep your head. Your cat really needs you now and you cannot be of much help if you are drowning in negativity. It is OK to be scared and confused. It is OK to be sad and cry. But then you do need to snap out of it. As fast as you can.

Do your homework. Educate yourself about CRF. Learn the facts and get used to the lingo. CRF stands for chronic renal failure. It is an umbrella term that has come to signify all stages of kidney disease in cats, from mild to severe. So, at this point, your cat may not have kidney failure, but kidney insufficiency. This buys him and you, his caretaker, precious time.

Is CRF bad news? Yes, unfortunately it is. Very. Is it curable? No. CRF will not get better, it can only get worse. By the time a blood test confirms kitty's CRF diagnosis, as much as two-thirds of his kidney function may have been irreparably lost. CRF is progressive and terminal. Do not lose heart though. With proper care and lots of love (and a little bit of luck), kitty may have months or even years of good life in store.