iCatCare Launches Brand-New Veterinary Guidelines for Feline Chronic Kidney Disease: What It Means for Cat Lovers

Back in 2021, Australian Cat Lover published a comprehensive two-part series on understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in cats (Part 1) and managing CKD through diet, fluid intake, and daily monitoring (Part 2). Those foundational guides walked cat owners through how the kidneys work, early diagnostic signs, prescription renal diets, and the crucial role caregivers play in monitoring their cat's quality of life.

Now, a decade after the previous guidelines were set in 2016, feline nephrology* has taken a major leap forward. International Cat Care (iCatCare) has announced the publication of the 2026 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease in cats.

Published for free in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) on Friday, 4 September 2026, these new expert guidelines bring together the latest scientific advancements in feline kidney care, emphasising emotional wellbeing, team-based veterinary nursing, and practical tools for cat owners at home.

What's New in Feline CKD Management?

Encouraging hydration through running tap water or pet fountains supports kidney health.
(Photo: rfotostock / Pixabay)

Contributed to by global experts in veterinary nephrology*, the 2026 guidelines serve as a complete update to the 2016 ISFM standards (published by the former International Society of Feline Medicine, now the iCatCare Veterinary Society).

Over the past ten years, understanding of feline kidney health has expanded rapidly. The 2026 consensus guidelines bring clinicians, nurses, and owners up to speed with actionable, modern insights:

• Managing Complex Complications: Updated, practical protocols on preventing condition progression and addressing common complications such as nausea, hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium), hypertension (high blood pressure), and proteinuria (protein loss in urine).
• Anaesthesia and Analgesia: Brand-new guidance on safe pain management and anaesthetic protocols tailored specifically for cats living with compromised kidney function.
• Comorbidity Management: Integrated strategies for caring for senior cats who may be managing CKD alongside other age-related conditions.
• Mental Wellbeing and Environment: A major highlight of the 2026 guidelines is the emphasis on understanding and optimising mental wellbeing. Care plans now explicitly focus on reducing environmental stress—both at home and during veterinary clinic visits—offering cats choice, comfort, and Cat Friendly care.

Cat Friendly handling and team-based clinical monitoring are essential for managing feline kidney disease.

Samantha Taylor, iCatCare Veterinary Specialist Consultant, Panel Chair, and Co-Author, says:
"We’re delighted to support the global veterinary profession with this much-needed update. In the ten years since the last guidelines were published, knowledge has increased rapidly in feline nephrology and our new guidelines bring together the latest expert information on diagnosis, preventing progression of the condition, and practical management of complications such as nausea, hypercalcaemia, hypertension and proteinuria. They also emphasise the importance of supporting those caring for cats with CKD, with practical advice on helping caregivers manage medication, diet changes and veterinary clinic appointments. There are also new sections in the guidelines on understanding and optimising mental wellbeing as an important part of caring for senior cats, including those with CKD."

Brand-New Companion Resources for Nurses and Owners

A central theme of the 2026 release is recognising that managing CKD is a team effort involving veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and cat owners. To support this collaborative approach, iCatCare has released two brand-new companion guides:

1. Nursing Guide: 'Nursing the cat with chronic kidney disease'

Created specifically for veterinary nurses and technicians, this comprehensive companion guide supports a team-based clinical approach. It highlights the pivotal role veterinary nurses play in client communication, guiding owners through ongoing health monitoring, and ensuring smooth continuity of care.

2. Cat Carer Guide: 'Managing the cat with chronic kidney disease: a guide for caregivers'

Designed specifically for cat owners, this free, accessible guide empowers caregivers to take an active, confident role in their cat’s treatment plan. It provides clear advice on:

✅ Recognising disease signs and subtle symptom shifts early.

✅ Practical strategies for managing medications and transitioning to renal diets at home.

✅ Helpful tracking resources to support ongoing health and wellbeing monitoring.

✅ Tips for communicating effectively with your clinical team.

Empowering cat carers with practical home-care strategies improves long-term quality of life for senior cats.

Access the Free Guidelines and Downloads

As part of iCatCare's mission as a global welfare charity, all guidelines and companion materials are 100% free and open access to ensure veterinarians, clinic teams, and cat owners worldwide can benefit from trusted, science-backed care.

• 📖 2026 iCatCare Consensus Guidelines: Read the full consensus guidelines online via the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS).
• 📋 Nursing Guide PDF: Download 'Nursing the cat with chronic kidney disease' on the JFMS website.
• 🐾 Cat Carer Guide PDF: Download 'Managing the cat with chronic kidney disease: a guide for caregivers' on the iCatCare website.

🐾 Feline Health & Wellness Hub

Explore more expert guides on feline kidney care and daily wellbeing from Australian Cat Lover:

• Understanding Feline CKD: Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis (Part 1)
• Managing CKD at Home: Diet, Fluid Intake & Daily Monitoring for Cats with CKD (Part 2)
• Hydration Care: 5 Practical Tips to Keep Your Cat Hydrated Every Day

* What is Veterinary Nephrology?
Nephrology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the kidneys and urinary system. Veterinary nephrologists are specialists who focus specifically on how kidney diseases develop in animals and how best to manage renal health.

About International Cat Care (iCatCare)

International Cat Care (Registered Charity No. 1117342 in England & Wales) is a global cat welfare charity dedicated to improving care for cats and driving positive change worldwide through trusted, science-backed, and expert-led education, advice, and support. Through programmes like the iCatCare Veterinary Society and Cat Friendly Clinic accreditations, iCatCare works towards a world where every cat is understood and treated with compassion, respect, and high-quality care. To explore more resources, visit icatcare.org.

A Quiet Way to Keep Your Cat Close: Pawmoir’s Personalised Fur Locket

A handcrafted leather touchstone for everyday feline companionship and remembrance

With National Pet Memorial Day marked on September 13 (and September observed as National Pet Memorial Month), it is a poignant time to reflect on the quiet, irreplaceable bond we share with our cats.

Whether as a comforting touchstone for daily life or a sympathy gift for a grieving cat parent, new Australian brand Pawmoir offers a subtle, touchable way to keep your companion close wherever you go.

Behind the Brand

The idea for Pawmoir grew out of everyday life with Kimi, a rescue dog whose daily health routines inspired his owner to find a quiet, physical way to stay connected during time spent apart. Though born from a dog parent's experience, the sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who shares their home with a pet.

"Life with a dog is made up of countless small, heart-warming moments—their paw prints, the warmth of them curled up beside us, and the soft fur left in their brush after grooming. Like most dog parents, I wanted something small and real that could come with me when Kimi could not. Pawmoir began with this idea—not as a replacement for a collar, photograph, or favourite toy, but as a real, touchable, quiet way to keep a physical connection close.

Clipped to my handbag or keys, it looks like a small leather paw keyring. What others cannot see is the little piece of Kimi tucked inside and the memories it holds for me. When someone notices it and asks what is inside, I get to tell them about Kimi, his personality, his little habits, and the everyday moments we share."

— Co-Founder, Pawmoir

A Daily Touchstone for Cat Parents

That same desire for connection sits behind the Pawmoir Personalised Pet Fur Keepsake Locket: a small leather paw that arrives empty, ready to be filled with soft fur from your own feline at home.

Whether clipped to a tote bag, backpack, travel bag, or keyring, it allows a piece of home to travel with you on ordinary workdays and longer journeys alike.

✅ Self-Fill at Home: The locket arrives empty so you can easily collect loose fur or undercoat fluff from your cat's grooming brush, comb, or favourite blanket and place it inside yourself. (Note: Pawmoir does not receive, handle, store, or insert customer fur).

✅ 6 Colour Options: Available in Amber Glow, Glacier Blue, Sakura Pink, Pearl White, Midnight Noir, and Amethyst Mist.

✅ Personalised Engraving: Custom machine engraving is available (up to 12 characters) for names, dates, or short messages ($59.00 engraved vs $39.00 standard).

✅ Finished in Sydney: Key components are produced by a specialist manufacturing partner, with final personalisation, machine engraving, hand assembly, and quality checks completed in Sydney, Australia.

✅ Gifting Ready: Delivered in a beautiful gift box, making it a thoughtful present for cat owners, family members, or dedicated cat sitters who share that special bond.

Materials & Dimensions

• Locket Dimensions: 5.5 cm x 6 cm (9.2 cm total length including hardware ring).

• Body: Premium full-grain vegetable-tanned leather featuring stitched edges and a polished finish.

• Lining: Soft suede microfibre lining designed to hold fur securely inside.

• Hardware: Durable 316L stainless steel snap button paired with a gold-tone alloy split ring and connector.

Leather Care & Maintenance

• Wipe leather with a soft, dry cloth to preserve its natural finish.

• Avoid prolonged contact with water, perfume, or harsh chemicals, and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Store in the included gift box when not in use.

• Note: Full-grain leather naturally develops a rich patina over time—a classic feature of quality natural leather, not a defect.

Pricing & Shipping Summary

• Standard Locket (Unengraved): RRP A$39.00

• Personalised Locket (With Engraving): RRP A$59.00

• Shipping: Free standard shipping on Australian & New Zealand orders over $50 (flat-rate shipping applies for orders under $50).

• International Availability: Currently shipping within Australia and New Zealand only.

Explore the collection online at Pawmoir.

Grown from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibres, these 100% biodegradable urns offer cat lovers a natural way to honour a beloved feline's legacy—either kept safely on a favourite sunny windowsill or returned to the earth as part of a garden memorial.

Fresh off the news of Australia's very first human mushroom coffin burial in the Blue Mountains, Dutch green innovation company Loop Biotech has officially expanded Down Under—bringing its world-first, dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range to Australian and New Zealand cat lovers.

Timed meaningfully alongside National Pet Memorial Day on Sunday, September 13, this new option gives grieving pet parents a sustainable, deeply personal way to honour their cat's memory.

Already trusted by more than 10,000 families across 12 countries and recognised as one of TIME's Best Inventions, Loop Biotech is transforming the future of memorialisation by turning the end of life into a force for nature.

Distributed locally through memorial specialists Arrow Bronze, the FurEver™ line is grown rather than manufactured in the traditional sense. Each vessel is created using mycelium—the underground root network of mushrooms—combined with upcycled plant fibres like hemp. The result is a lightweight, completely natural memorial urn that enriches the soil rather than leaving a long-term environmental footprint.

"The Beginning of New Life"

Loop Biotech founder Bob Hendrikx pictured in Sydney with the human Loop Living Cocoon™. The company has officially launched its dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range across Australia.

"For many people, losing a pet means losing a member of the family," explains Loop Biotech inventor and founder Bob Hendrikx. "We wanted to create a memorial that reflects that bond while also giving something back to nature. FurEver turns the end of one life into the beginning of new life."

Designed specifically for companion animals, the natural, velvety texture of the mycelium vessel gives pet parents complete freedom in how they choose to remember their cat:

Families can paint or decorate the soft natural surface of the FurEver™ urn as a therapeutic, personalised tribute to their cat.

• Personalised Tributes: Families can paint, draw, or write personal messages directly onto the exterior of the urn as a therapeutic, creative part of the grieving process.

• Kept Close at Home: Because the mycelium remains completely stable while kept dry indoors, families can keep their cat’s ashes safely on a display shelf, mantel, or windowsill for as long as they wish.

• Backyard or Tree Planting Memorial: When the time feels right, burying the urn in a garden bed or planting it beneath a new memorial tree allows the mycelium to naturally decompose in surrounding soil, returning vital nutrients back to nature.

The Science: Fast Decomposition & Soil Restoration

Supported by a scientific summary from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the technology behind these urns offers remarkable environmental benefits:

• Decomposes in 45 Days: Under optimal soil conditions, the mycelium composite material biodegrades completely in just 45 days—a fraction of the time traditional wooden or synthetic vessels take to decompose.

• 100% Safe & Non-Invasive: The specific fungal species used is non-invasive, globally occurring, and feeds exclusively on dead plant fibres, posing zero ecological risk.

• Enriches Soil Quality: Rather than sitting as waste, the breaking down of mycelium adds a rich source of carbon and energy into the soil, boosting soil biodiversity and actively helping to neutralise organic toxins and heavy metals.

Sized for Cats and Small Pets

Unlike human burial products in the Loop range, the FurEver™ pet urn features a distinct, rounded design crafted specifically for companion animal ashes and is available in three distinct sizes:

• 0.5 Litre (The ideal size for domestic cats, rabbits, and small animals, or for keeping token keepsake ashes)

• 1.5 Litre (Suitable for multi-pet memorials or larger companion animals)

• 4.0 Litre (Designed for larger family pets)

Availability in Australia

The FurEver™ pet urn range is now actively rolling out across Australia through Arrow Bronze and its national network of pet memorialisation providers, local funeral partners, and pet cremation services.

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*Research source: Scientific summary on mycelium composite performance and biodegradation by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). For product specs and research details, visit Loop Biotech.

As National Tick Awareness Month approaches this September, a landmark study of over 10,000 cases reveals where paralysis ticks prefer to hide on pets—including critical places feline parents frequently overlook.

Paralysis tick season is already proving brutal, with emergency veterinary hospitals reporting a 29% surge in cases across New South Wales compared to the previous year. According to data from the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH), staff treated over 400 pets for tick paralysis between August 2025 and February 2026. Alarmingly, vets report seeing active cases throughout the winter months, proving that paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are no longer just a spring and summer threat.

With cases also rising in indoor-outdoor cats and pets that travel into tick-endemic coastal regions with their families, Australian cat owners are being urged to maintain year-round vigilance and effective preventive protection.

Where Do Ticks Hide on Cats? Landmark Study Pinpoints Attachment Sites

Infographic source: Attachment-site preferences of Ixodes holocyclus study supported by
NexGard SPECTRA® (Teo, EJM., et al. 2025).

A landmark Australian study analysing over 10,000 tick paralysis cases across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and Sydney’s Northern Beaches has provided crucial insights into feline attachment sites:

• Head, Neck, and Ears: Accounted for 63% of all ticks found on cats. Cats grooming their bodies often force ticks to target areas the cat cannot easily reach with their tongue.

• Unusual Hiding Spots: Researchers identified critical hidden attachment sites, including inside the mouth (on the gums and lip folds), deep within the external ear canals, around the groin, and occasionally at the base of the tail.

Finding and removing a paralysis tick as quickly as possible is life-saving, as the neurotoxin injected by the tick continually worsens the longer it remains attached.

“Finding and removing the tick quickly is critical,” explains Dr. Tim Hopkins, Emergency Veterinarian at SASH Northern Beaches. “Many people check the obvious places on the body but don’t realise ticks can also attach inside the mouth or deep within ear canals—hidden sites that can delay detection and increase the risk of severe, life-threatening illness.”

Vets emphasise that alongside daily searches, maintaining effective, feline-safe tick preventive treatment all year round is the strongest line of defence.

Real-Life Feline Emergencies: Pumpkin & Gummy

The speed at which tick paralysis escalates can catch even the most diligent owners off guard.

Pumpkin's Story:

Pumpkin's tale highlights why cats need prevention all year round. After disappearing for three days, Pumpkin returned home completely unable to stand, leaving his owners fearing the worst and rushing him to SASH Sunshine Coast.

Emergency Veterinarians discovered he was suffering from severe tick paralysis, featuring a significantly reduced gag reflex and severe breathing difficulty.

As Pumpkin's treatment progressed, the team uncovered another surprise: after clipping his coat, they discovered a large paralysis tick hidden at the base of his tail—an unusual attachment site.

Vets also found a crater-like wound on his neck, likely where a second tick had previously attached. Pumpkin required four days of intensive hospital care before making a full recovery.

Gummy's Story:

Gummy, a four-year-old domestic medium hair cat, was rushed to SASH Northern Beaches after suddenly becoming weak, floppy, and struggling to breathe.

Vets discovered two paralysis ticks on her neck, and within hours, her condition deteriorated into life-threatening respiratory failure as her breathing muscles fatigued.

Gummy required emergency intubation and mechanical ventilation to stay alive. Over seven days, an expert critical care team and ICU nurses provided 24/7 advanced life support—including ventilator care, tick antiserum, sedation, and round-the-clock nursing.

Against the odds, Gummy gradually regained the strength to breathe on her own and was able to walk and eat independently by day seven before heading home.

Watch Gummy's incredible ICU journey and recovery video on the SASH Facebook Page.

Early Warning Signs in Cats

Vets advise owners to seek immediate emergency care if they notice early warning signs, including:

• Voice Change: A weak, altered, or silent meow.

• Weakness: Wobbliness in the hind legs, difficulty jumping, or sudden collapse.

• Breathing Changes: Laboured, rapid, or heavy breathing (often panting or open-mouth breathing).

• Digestive Distress: Coughing, gagging, subtle retching, or vomiting.

Daily Feline Tick Search Routine

Even when using an effective preventive, performing a thorough daily physical search remains a vital line of defence against tick paralysis:

✔ The 'Finger Walk': Gently move your fingertips through your cat's coat right down to skin level, feeling for any small bumps, scabs, craters, or raised areas.

✔ Start at the Top: Focus on the head, face, cheeks, and neck first. Carefully check inside the ear flaps, under any collar, and look gently inside the lips and gums.

✔ Paws & Legs: Move down the front legs to the paws, checking thoroughly between the toes, around the pads, and under the armpits.

✔ Body & Tail: Search the chest, belly, back, groin, and—as Pumpkin's case shows—all the way down to the base and tip of the tail.

For more information on paralysis tick prevention, visit your local veterinarian or consult the NexGard Range.

Reference: Teo, EJM., et al. (2025) Attachment-site preferences of Ixodes holocyclus, the eastern paralysis tick of Australia: insights from 10,311 cases of tick infestations in dogs and cats. Australian Veterinary Journal.

Maintaining a regular feline oral health routine can be a genuine challenge for cat owners—especially when traditional toothbrushing isn't an option. To help simplify daily dental care, Australian brand Fussy Cat is expanding its grain-free dry food line-up with the launch of Fussy Cat Dental Defence Ocean Fish.

Formulated as a complete and balanced everyday meal, this locally made recipe combines high-meat flavours with targeted oral care ingredients to support teeth and gum health through natural feeding routines.

Simplifying Feline Oral Hygiene

Speaking on the launch, Fussy Cat Brand Manager Grace Davey noted that while dental health remains a key priority for cat owners, maintaining a traditional care routine isn't always straightforward.

“Cat owners want to support their cat’s dental health, but brushing and other forms of dental care are not always easy to incorporate into their daily routine,” Davey said.

“Fussy Cat Dental Defence offers a simple way to provide everyday dental support through their regular meal, combining complete and balanced nutrition, the meaty taste cats love and added dental benefits in every crunchy bite.”

Key Features & Benefits

✔ Mechanical Plaque Control: Features a specially engineered kibble shape and extra-crunchy texture that encourages active chewing, helping to physically scrape away plaque and reduce tartar build-up as your cat eats.

✔ Targeted Oral Care: Includes an added functional dental agent alongside natural parsley to help promote fresher breath.

✔ Bone & Tooth Health: Formulated with added calcium to support strong, healthy teeth.

✔ Grain-Free Nutrition: Made with Australian-sourced ocean fish to deliver a high-protein, meat-first recipe without added grains.

✔ Australian Made: Locally manufactured under the Real Pet Food Company portfolio.

Nutritional Breakdown & Ingredients

Ingredients:
Fish (equiv. to 42%), Peas, Lentils, Animal Fat (Beef), Vegetable Meal (Soy), Pea Protein, Beef, Chickpeas, Palatants (Beef and/or Fish), Beet Pulp, Cellulose Fibre, Whole Linseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Dried Chicory Root, Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins and Minerals, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Natural Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Parsley.
(Made on equipment also used to process grains and cereals.)

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Metabolisable Energy: 360 kcal / 100g
• Crude Protein (Min.): 34%
• Crude Fat (Min.): 16%
• Crude Fibre (Max.): 6%
• Total Carbohydrate: 30%

Fussy Cat™ Ocean Fish Dental Defence is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.

Price & Where to Buy

• RRP: $26.50 (2.2kg bag)
• Availability: Available nationally at Woolworths from 15 September 2026, followed by a rollout into Coles stores nationwide from late October 2026.

To explore the wider range of grain-free food and treats, visit Fussy Cat.

Australian pet brand Kazoo has expanded its cat range with Squat Club—a line of low-dust, eco-aware, and pet-safe litters designed for superior odour control, low tracking, and easy scooping.

Every purchase also supports local cats in need through the Kazoo Cares initiative, providing product donations, foster packs, and support to Australian cat rescues and shelters.

Explore the New Squat Club Range

1. Fast Clumping Clay (Lavender & Unscented)

• Best for: Tight clumping and quick scooping
• Sizes: 5kg | 12kg
• Features: Made from purified bentonite clay that forms tight, solid clumps the moment moisture hits—no crumbling or sludge. It is 99% dust-free, hypoallergenic, soft on paws, and offers natural odour control with low tracking.

2. Plant-Powered Flushable (Fresh Scent & Unscented)

• Best for: Eco-conscious homes and flushable convenience
• Sizes: 2.5kg | 4.6kg
• Features: A lightweight, biodegradable blend of corn starch and green pea fibre that clumps fast and firm using natural starches and guar gum. Infused with zeolite minerals to capture and neutralise ammonia at the source rather than just masking it. Fully flushable and gentle on paws.

3. Deep Clean Eco Charcoal

• Best for: Multi-cat homes and maximum odour control
• Sizes: 2.5kg | 4.6kg
• Features: The range’s ultimate odour powerhouse combining tofu, activated carbon, and bicarbonate of soda. Activated carbon and zeolite trap ammonia molecules before they can escape, while bicarb neutralises acidic odours on contact. Flushable, eco-conscious, and built for strong smells.

Price & Where to Buy

• RRP: From $12.99 for Fast Clumping Clay, $15.99 for Plant-Powered Flushable, and $19.99 for Deep Clean Eco Charcoal.
• Available at: Major online pet retailers, specialty boutique pet stores, and select warehouse clubs across Australia.

Shop or Learn More: www.kazoo.com.au

Follow Kazoo: https://www.instagram.com/kazoopet | https://www.facebook.com/kazoopet

About Kazoo

Kazoo is a second-generation family business that has been active in the pet industry for 17 years. In that time, they’ve grown one of the most loyal and engaged cat communities in the Australian & New Zealand market, thanks to their premium range of high-quality cat furniture pieces, toys, and consumables.

Image credits: Courtesy of Kazoo Pet Co