Preventing Muscle Loss in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

How Veterinarians Can Help Preserve Muscle Mass and Quality of Life

Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, is a common and often overlooked consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. As renal function declines, cats experience metabolic changes, reduced appetite, inflammation, and protein catabolism—all of which accelerate muscle wasting. Maintaining muscle mass in these patients isn’t just about appearance or strength; it directly impacts mobility, immune function, recovery, and overall longevity.

Fortunately, veterinarians can play a key role in slowing or preventing this decline through early intervention and a multifaceted management plan.

1. Prioritize Early Detection of Muscle Loss

Because CKD progresses gradually, it’s important to monitor body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score (MCS) at every visit. Even cats with stable weight may be losing lean muscle while gaining fat or fluid.

• Use palpation of the temporal muscles, scapulae, and lumbar spine to assess early muscle loss.

• Document and track changes in MCS alongside laboratory values.

• Educate owners on subtle signs, such as decreased jumping, slower movements, or reluctance to play.

Early identification allows for nutritional and therapeutic adjustments before significant muscle depletion occurs.

2. Support Adequate Protein Intake

For years, protein restriction was a cornerstone of CKD management, but research now shows that over-restriction can worsen muscle loss without clear benefit to renal function. The goal should be to provide enough high-quality, bioavailable protein to maintain muscle while managing phosphorus intake.

• Choose renal diets formulated with moderate, not severe, protein restriction.

• Focus on highly digestible animal proteins with balanced amino acids.

• Consider individualized nutrition plans for cats in early to mid-stage CKD who are still maintaining muscle.

Collaboration with a veterinary nutritionist can help tailor the diet to the patient’s renal status and muscle condition.

3. Address Inflammation and Metabolic Imbalance

CKD promotes a chronic inflammatory state, which contributes to muscle catabolism. Managing inflammation and oxidative stress can help mitigate muscle breakdown.

• Ensure optimal hydration to reduce toxin accumulation.

• Manage concurrent conditions like hypertension and anemia, which can exacerbate catabolism.

• Consider supplements that support muscle health and reduce inflammation.

4. Incorporate Muscle-Supportive Nutrition

Adding a muscle-supportive supplement can help counteract the catabolic effects of CKD. Products containing Fortetropin®, the active ingredient in MYOS Canine and Feline Muscle Formula, have been shown to help build and preserve muscle by reducing myostatin activity, supporting muscle protein synthesis, and promoting recovery from atrophy.

Integrating such a supplement into a renal management plan can provide a safe, non-pharmaceutical approach to maintaining lean muscle, mobility, and vitality in cats with CKD.

5. Encourage Gentle Activity

Even modest daily movement helps maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. Encourage owners to:

• Engage their cats in low-impact play (wand toys, short interactive sessions).

• Provide accessible climbing or perching options to encourage natural behaviors.

• Modify environments for safety and comfort as mobility changes.

Physical activity, combined with nutritional support, can help slow sarcopenia and improve quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Muscle loss in cats with CKD is not inevitable—it’s manageable with early recognition, thoughtful nutrition, and proactive muscle support. By addressing muscle health alongside renal care, veterinarians can help these patients stay stronger, more active, and better able to enjoy their golden years.

MYOS Feline Muscle Formula offers a targeted approach to support muscle preservation in cats with CKD and other chronic conditions. Learn more about how it can complement your patients’ care plans at MYOSvet.com.

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