When Your Cat’s Symptoms Point to Kidney Disease: What Happens in Urgent Care

Your cat is drinking from the water bowl nonstop. They’re losing weight despite eating, or maybe they’ve started vomiting more often. Their coat looks dull, and the litter box clumps seem to grow larger by the day.
These symptoms are among the most common reasons families bring their cats to urgent care- and one of the most frequent causes behind them is kidney disease.

At Peak Pet Urgent Care in Reno, NV, our walk-in, triage-based urgent care for cats and dogs is designed for situations exactly like this- when something seems off, but you’re not sure if it’s an emergency.
Many cats with kidney issues start out with subtle changes that suddenly become serious. Knowing what these signs mean helps you arrive early, get your cat stabilized, and plan effective follow-up with your regular veterinarian.

What’s Going On Inside: How Kidney Disease Affects Cats

The kidneys act as the body’s filtration system. They remove toxins, balance fluids and electrolytes, help regulate blood pressure, and even support red blood cell production.
When the kidneys begin to fail, waste builds up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, dehydration, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is especially common in older cats and often progresses quietly until around 70% of kidney function is already lost. That’s why the first urgent care visit is so important- it’s often when the condition is finally uncovered.

What Each Symptom Really Means

“My cat is vomiting.”

As kidney function declines, waste products like urea and creatinine build up in the bloodstream. This can irritate the stomach, leading to nausea, gastritis, and vomiting.
At Peak Pet, vomiting cats often arrive dehydrated or weak. We start IV or subcutaneous fluids to flush out toxins and correct electrolytes, while anti-nausea and appetite medications help your cat feel comfortable enough to eat again.

“My cat is losing weight.”

When appetite drops, cats burn muscle for energy, leading to gradual weight and muscle loss. In urgent care, we focus first on rehydration and nausea control, then work with you to transition to a prescription kidney diet– lower in protein and phosphorus- to reduce strain on the kidneys and support steady weight.

“My cat’s coat looks dull or unkempt.”

A healthy coat reflects internal health. When toxins accumulate, cats often feel too tired or queasy to groom. Their fur may look greasy, dry, or clumpy. With fluids, appetite support, and comfort care, many cats resume grooming and regain their healthy shine within days.

“My cat is urinating and drinking constantly.”

Damaged kidneys can’t concentrate urine effectively. The result? Large volumes of dilute urine and excessive thirst as the body tries to compensate.
If you’re refilling water bowls frequently or cleaning huge litter clumps, testing is essential. In urgent care, we check hydration status and run bloodwork and urinalysis to confirm whether kidney function is declining.

“My cat seems weak, tired, or pale.”

Kidney disease can cause anemia, since failing kidneys produce less erythropoietin- the hormone that tells bone marrow to make red blood cells.
Low red cell counts mean less oxygen reaches tissues, causing weakness, pale gums, and reduced activity.
 Anemia in cats needs quick evaluation. We check packed cell volume and may recommend fluids, medication, or even a blood transfusion if the anemia is severe.

What Happens During an Urgent Care Visit

Step 1: Stabilization

The first goal is to get your cat comfortable and stable. We restore hydration, balance electrolytes, and reduce nausea using IV or subcutaneous fluids, anti-nausea medications, pain control, and appetite stimulants when needed.
Because Peak Pet uses a triage model, the sickest pets are prioritized first- but most cats with CKD flare-ups are stable enough to go home the same day with clear aftercare instructions and a treatment plan.

Step 2: Diagnostics

After stabilization, we perform key tests to understand what’s happening inside your cat’s body:

  • Bloodwork– to check creatinine, BUN, phosphorus, and electrolytes
  • Urinalysis– to assess concentration and detect protein loss
  • Blood pressure– since hypertension is common in kidney disease
  • Imaging– digital X-rays or ultrasound if we suspect stones, infection, or cysts

Our in-house laboratory and digital imaging allow same-day answers. Before any advanced testing or treatment, we review a written plan and cost estimate, so you know exactly what to expect.
Testing also rules out other lookalike problems such as hyperthyroidism or urinary blockages.

Step 3: Planning Next Steps

Once your cat is stable and test results are in, we discuss the best course forward.
Some cats recover with fluids, diet adjustments, and medications at home. Others may benefit from a brief hospital stay for more intensive hydration.
If your cat needs specialty treatment or hospitalization, our team coordinates the transfer and ensures your records go directly to your family veterinarian for seamless follow-up.

Working With Your Regular Veterinarian

Urgent care focuses on stabilization and crisis management. Your primary veterinarian then takes over for long-term CKD care, which includes:

  • Prescription renal diets
  • Routine bloodwork and urinalysis every 3–6 months
  • Blood pressure checks and medication adjustments
  • Subcutaneous fluids at homefor ongoing hydration
  • Medications such as phosphate binders or ACE inhibitors

This partnership is essential- especially since Peak Pet is not a primary care hospital. We fill the gap between your family vet and emergency services, handling urgent but non-life-threatening issues so your cat receives the right care at the right time. You can meet our doctors and support team on our team page.

Be Prepared for Future Flare-Ups

Chronic kidney disease is progressive. Even with great home care, flare-ups can happen.
Plan ahead by watching for these warning signs:

  • Dehydration– sticky gums or poor skin elasticity
  • Severe vomiting or nausea
  • Sudden weakness, fainting, or collapse
  • Pale gums or worsening lethargy(possible anemia)

If these signs appear, come in right away. Early treatment- especially fluids and anti-nausea medication- can prevent a mild episode from turning into a medical crisis. Many cats with CKD do very well long-term with occasional urgent care visits for rehydration or appetite support.

Think of urgent care as a stabilizing stop on your cat’s long-term journey, keeping them comfortable between wellness check-ins with your regular vet.

Supporting Your Cat’s Health for the Long Run

The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) emphasizes that early recognition and consistent management can keep cats feeling good for years after diagnosis.
The key is to act quickly when symptoms change and to stay proactive with rechecks, hydration, and communication between your veterinary teams.

If your cat is drinking more, losing weight, or vomiting, call us before symptoms escalate. You can find our address, directions, and current hours on our contact page.

At Peak Pet Urgent Care, we’re here to bridge the gap between emergencies and routine care- helping your cat get back on their paws, and helping you breathe a little easier knowing you acted fast.

For urgent assistance, please call us now.