What Is a Kidney Transplant for Cats
A kidney transplant replaces a cat’s failed kidney with a donor organ, usually from a shelter cat that is adopted by the recipient’s family. The surgery is performed by a veterinary surgeon at a specialty hospital and requires general anesthesia.
Why Cats Need Kidney Transplants
Cats with chronic kidney disease or irreversible acute kidney injury may be candidates when medical management no longer controls symptoms. Common signs include persistent thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and vomiting despite diet and fluid therapy.
Cost, Risks, and Outcomes
Costs typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, covering evaluation, surgery, hospitalization, and initial medications. Risks include rejection, infection, and surgical complications. With immunosuppressive drugs, many cats survive months to years. The Cornell Feline Health Center provides an overview of feline kidney transplantation outcomes.
