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My cat has kidney disease. Will their kidneys ever regenerate or heal?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Male | neutered | 8 years and 10 months old | 11 lbs

My cat's creatinine level was first 3.1, then reduced to 2.5 in 3 weeks. After 4 months, it is now 3.5 despite intake of Azodyl, Enalapril, Lasix, Epakitin. When creatinine level is reduced, does that mean the kidney 'regenaretes' itself or that as it had already seen above 3, a change below 3 doesn't count as improvement? Once the kidneys fuctioning is reduced, can it be regained?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 20, 2016

Poor Sarlo! I'm sorry to hear that he has kidney disease. It would help to have a bit more information about exactly what his diagnosis was, as well as an overview of his treatment plan - I'm not quite sure why he's taking Lasix, for example, since this isn't commonly used in the treatment of chronic kidney disease in cats.

If Sarlo has chronic kidney disease (the most common type of kidney disease in cats), then no - unfortunately, this is a progressive disease that gradually gets worse over time, and we would not expect kidney function to improve. Medication and supplements can help to slow the progression of the disease and make him feel better, but they will not cause the kidney to regenerate.

With acute renal failure, which can occur due to ingestion of something toxic or an infectious disease like leptospirosis, it is possible for kidney function to regenerate. This is much less common in cats, but I can't say for sure what type of kidney disease your kitty has without more information. Feel free to post another question or request a one-on-one consultation if you want to discuss his situation in more detail.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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