Chronic kidney disease in cats, often referred to as feline CKD, is one of the most common and impactful health conditions affecting our feline companions. For cat parents, especially those with senior cats, understanding this disease and knowing your options can make a meaningful difference in both quality of life and long-term outcomes.
At Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic and Cat Specialty Center, we are committed to advancing feline medicine while providing compassionate, expert care. That includes offering access to clinical trials designed to improve how we diagnose, manage, and treat conditions like CKD.
What Is Feline CKD?
Feline chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that results in the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Healthy kidneys play an essential role in filtering waste from the blood, regulating hydration, and maintaining normal blood pressure.
As kidney function declines, cats can experience a range of health complications that impact their comfort and overall well-being.
CKD is extremely common in aging cats:
- Up to 40% of cats over age 10 are affected
- Over 80% of cats over age 15 develop some degree of kidney disease
Age is the primary risk factor, which is why routine monitoring and early detection are so important for every senior cat.
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the challenges with feline CKD is that early signs can be subtle and easy to miss. Increased thirst, weight loss, changes in appetite, or increased urinations may develop gradually.
With proactive care and routine diagnostics, CKD can often be identified earlier. Early diagnosis allows for:
- More effective management strategies
- Slower disease progression
- Improved quality of life
At our Cat Specialty Center, led by Dr. Ashlie Saffire, a board-certified feline specialist, we take a proactive and feline-focused approach to detecting and managing chronic diseases like CKD. Our team combines advanced diagnostics with a deep understanding of feline medicine to deliver highly individualized care.
Advancing Feline CKD Care Through Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are an essential part of advancing veterinary medicine. They allow veterinary specialists to evaluate new treatments, diagnostic tools, and therapies that may improve outcomes for cats living with chronic conditions.
Faithful Friends partners with leading research organizations and pharmaceutical companies to bring these opportunities directly to our patients.
For cat parents, participation offers something unique. It is a way to contribute to the future of feline medicine while receiving expert, closely monitored care for your own cat.
Learn more about clinical trials currently offered at Faithful Friends >>
Now Enrolling: The REVERSE Feline CKD Study
We are currently enrolling eligible patients in the REVERSE Feline CKD Study, a clinical trial focused on improving how chronic kidney disease is managed in cats.
About the Study
This is a nine-month, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating an investigational veterinary product for feline CKD.
Participating cats will:
- Receive either the study product or a placebo
- Attend scheduled visits for monitoring and evaluation
- Be closely followed by our experienced veterinary team
Why This Study Matters
Feline CKD is a progressive disease that significantly impacts quality of life. Studies like this are designed to uncover new ways to manage the condition more effectively and potentially improve outcomes for cats everywhere.
Benefits of Participation for Cat Owners
For many pet parents, one of the biggest concerns is cost and access to advanced care. This study helps remove those barriers.
All study-related care is free, including:
- Screening and eligibility testing
- Physical exams
- Lab work and urinalysis
- Diagnostic imaging
In addition, the caregiver will receive $700 as a thank you for their contribution of time!
Participation also means:
- Contributing to advancements in feline CKD treatment
- Supporting research that may help future cats
- Gaining access to innovative therapies not widely available
Eligibility Requirements
Your cat may qualify if they:
- Have been diagnosed with IRIS Stage II or Stage III CKD
- Weigh at least 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs)
- Are under the age of 17
- Can take an oral medication once weekly
- Do not have diabetes mellitus
If you are unsure whether your cat qualifies, please contact our team. We are happy to guide you through the screening process.
For Referring Veterinarians
Faithful Friends is proud to collaborate with the broader veterinary community. Referral partnerships are an important part of expanding access to advanced feline care.
Veterinarians who refer eligible patients for the study also receive referral bonus vouchers, issued by the study sponsor.
Why Choose a Feline Specialty Center for CKD Care?
Managing feline CKD often requires a nuanced, individualized approach. At Faithful Friends, our Cat Specialty Center is designed specifically for feline patients, with advanced diagnostics, specialized expertise, and a low-stress environment.
Our team understands the unique needs of cats and their families, especially when navigating chronic conditions. This combination of specialty care and clinical research allows us to deliver a higher level of support at every stage of disease management.
Take the Next Step
If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, or if you have concerns about their kidney health, our team is here to help.
To learn more about the REVERSE Feline CKD Study or to find out if your cat may qualify, please contact Faithful Friends. Our team will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help determine if this clinical trial is the right fit for your cat.
Participating in a clinical trial is not just about research. It is an opportunity to access expert feline care while contributing to the future of chronic kidney disease treatment in cats.
