Acute kidney injury in cats
Also known as Acute renal failure, Acute kidney failure.
The kidneys stop working within hours or days because of a toxin, a blockage or an infection. It is an emergency but, unlike the chronic form, it can be reversed if treated in time.
If you suspect your cat has touched a lily or a toxin, go without waiting for signs.
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Hospitalisation for 2 to 5 days, €800–3,000.
Symptoms
- Severe lethargy and not eating
- Vomiting
- Urinates a lot or, worse, hardly at all
- Dehydration
- Breath smelling of ammonia
- Weakness, tremors or seizures
Causes
Lilies, antifreeze, anti-inflammatories and paracetamol, urinary blockage, kidney infection (pyelonephritis), heatstroke or a drop in blood pressure.
How it is diagnosed
Blood and urine tests, ultrasound and measurement of the urine being produced.
Treatment
Hospitalisation with intravenous fluids, treatment of the cause and control of potassium, nausea and urine output. Dialysis is only available at some centres.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Guarded. If action is taken in the first few hours, many cats recover, sometimes with somewhat damaged kidneys for life.
Prevention
No lilies at home, human medicines locked away and antifreeze out of reach.
Frequently asked questions
What causes acute kidney injury?
Lilies, antifreeze, anti-inflammatories and paracetamol, urinary blockage, kidney infection (pyelonephritis), heatstroke or a drop in blood pressure.
Can acute kidney injury be cured?
Guarded. If action is taken in the first few hours, many cats recover, sometimes with somewhat damaged kidneys for life. Hospitalisation with intravenous fluids, treatment of the cause and control of potassium, nausea and urine output. Dialysis is only available at some centres.
How much does it cost to treat acute kidney injury?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Hospitalisation for 2 to 5 days, €800–3,000. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can acute kidney injury be prevented?
No lilies at home, human medicines locked away and antifreeze out of reach.
More in kidneys and urinary tract
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.