Arginine, a platform dedicated to advanced scientific training in veterinary nutrition, has published a new evidence‑based review by Charlotte Devaux, focusing on one of the most debated topics in feline clinical practice: how much protein a cat with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should receive. The article, “Maladie rénale chronique chez le chat : ce que dit la science sur la quantité de protéines”, revisits the latest research and challenges several persistent misconceptions in the field.
CKD affects 30–40% of cats over 10 years old, and nutrition remains the only intervention capable of significantly extending survival time. Despite this, the belief that renal cats require high‑protein diets continues to circulate, often based on misinterpretations of studies such as Laflamme & Hannah (2013). Devaux clarifies that these conclusions are scientifically unfounded: the study was conducted in healthy cats and presents methodological limitations that prevent its application to CKD patients.
The article highlights that IRIS 2023 guidelines are explicit: from Stage 2 onwards, a renal therapeutic diet is recommended, with protein restriction when azotaemia or proteinuria is present. Increasing protein intake can raise the production of over 130 uraemic toxins, worsening inflammation, fibrosis, anorexia and muscle loss.
The key is not the quantity of protein but its quality, alongside ensuring adequate energy intake. Recent studies show that well‑formulated renal diets can maintain lean mass without relying on excessive protein.
Read the full article here: Maladie rénale chronique chez le chat : la quantité de protéines – Arginine
