CKD Cat Daily Care Checklist
Chronic kidney disease care can feel easier when the day has a simple rhythm. This checklist focuses on the observations that are useful for you and your vet, without turning home care into a full-time job.
Start with food and appetite
Note what your cat actually eats, not only what you offered. For CKD cats, appetite can change subtly before it becomes obvious.
A useful daily note can be as simple as the food type, approximate amount, and whether your cat seemed eager, hesitant, or uninterested.
Track water and prescribed fluids
Fresh water access matters, but the useful signal is the pattern. Record unusually high thirst, low drinking, or any prescribed subcutaneous fluids exactly as your vet instructed.
If your cat receives fluids at home, log the amount, time, and any comment about comfort during the session.
Keep medications visible
Write down each medication after it is given, especially when more than one person helps with care. A visible record lowers the risk of missed or duplicate doses.
Include dose timing and short notes for anything unusual, such as vomiting shortly after a dose or refusing a capsule.
Watch litter box changes
Urine volume, stool consistency, constipation, diarrhea, and accidents outside the box are all worth tracking. One odd day may not mean much, but a pattern is valuable.
Try to log what you saw in plain words. You do not need perfect measurements to create a useful history.
When to call your vet
Call your vet promptly if your cat stops eating, seems weak or painful, vomits repeatedly, strains in the litter box, has trouble breathing, collapses, or seems suddenly much worse.
For milder changes, a clear log helps you describe what changed, when it started, and whether it is improving.