The vital role of kidney care for rescued big cats

ON WORLD Kidney Day, observed annually on March 12, the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is drawing attention to a lesser-known but critically important topic: kidney health in non-domestic felines.

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While chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely recognised in domestic cats, the condition also affects majestic species like lions, tigers, and leopards, particularly those that have lived in captivity or endured years of inadequate care before their rescue.

“Kidneys are extraordinary organs responsible for filtering toxins, balancing hydration and electrolytes, supporting blood pressure and even aiding red blood cell production,” says Hildegard Pirker, the Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. “When they begin to fail, the entire body feels the strain. The same is true for our big cats.”