Caregivers’ perspectives on feline chronic kidney disease in Portugal: a questionnaire-based study

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess caregivers' perspectives on feline chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsPeople living in Portugal caring for a cat with CKD were invited to participate in an online questionnaire.ResultsIn total, 405 responses were considered, with most participants (n = 309, 76.3%) dealing with feline CKD for the first time. International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) CKD staging was explained to 260 (64.2%) respondents, but only 188 (46.4%) confirmed that blood pressure was assessed at diagnosis. The recommendation of a renal diet was received by 387 (95.6%) respondents, but only 341 (84.2%) gave it, and, of the latter, 139 (40.8%) were ultimately offering at least some non-renal food daily. Medications, supplements/nutraceuticals and subcutaneous fluid therapy were administered at home by 255 (63.0%), 204 (50.4%) and 205 (50.6%) respondents, respectively. Among the caregivers who used a phosphate binder (n = 123), at least 46 (37.4%) were giving it without food. After diagnosis, the caregiver-cat emotional bond remained the same, improved or worsened in 285 (70.4%), 106 (26.2%) and nine (2.2%) cases, respectively. Most respondents felt completely informed by their veterinarian (n = 331, 81.7%), complied with the recommended monitoring frequency (n = 377, 93.1%) and believed that their experience would not influence future decisions to get a new cat (n = 221, 54.6%). Clinical signs and proteinuria, the need for medication and nutraceuticals/supplements, the administration of erythrocyte-stimulating agents and subcutaneous fluids, and the monitoring frequency were higher (<i>P</i> <0.05) in cats at late IRIS CKD stages.Conclusions and relevanceMost caregivers surveyed felt informed; however, some recommendations were not completely followed. Veterinarian-caregiver communication must be improved to ensure greater adherence to medical recommendations, and an early diagnosis should be pursued to minimise the caregiver burden.