[Cat Care Guide] Cats can suffer from two major diseases with long-term after-effects. A quick guide to vet clinic fees.

The joys and sorrows of a cat can affect its owner’s mood. When a cat is happy, its owner will naturally feel content; but if the cat falls ill, the owner will also find it hard to eat or sleep. Seeing a cat suffering from illness, the owner is unable to share its burden and can only take the cat to see a veterinarian. However, consultation fees, tests and medication all cost money. A cat cannot voice its suffering, and the owner can only bear the heavy hit to the wallet in silence. This time, we introduce two common cat illnesses and explain the fees charged by general animal clinics, so that all owners can gain a better understanding of their cats. 

Cats are the “masters of enduring pain” in the animal kingdom. Even when they are unwell, it is not easy for owners to notice. By the time their behaviour becomes abnormal and the signs are obvious enough for owners to detect, the cat may already be seriously ill. 

Chronic kidney failure

Chronic kidney failure is one of the common causes of death in older cats, mainly due to ageing and insufficient body water.

If an owner discovers that a cat is suffering from chronic kidney failure, it is important to ensure the condition is managed through dietary changes and increased fluid intake. If the condition is severe, a veterinarian may prescribe medication to control symptoms such as high blood pressure and proteinuria. Unfortunately, once the kidneys are damaged, they are difficult to recover. However, with proper management to slow the progression of the disease, a cat’s lifespan can be extended.

Diabetes

Obesity in cats can prevent the body from producing or using insulin properly, thereby leading to diabetes. Cats with diabetes may have an increased appetite, but lose weight and become more thirsty and urinate more frequently.

In terms of treatment, in addition to controlling the cat’s diet, insulin injections must also be given regularly to maintain normal blood glucose levels and avoid other complications that could endanger the cat’s life. 

Fees vary among veterinary clinics in Hong Kong, and are generally charged by item. If a pet has a chronic illness, owners should also take into account the cost of multiple follow-up consultations. 

As pet medical expenses continue to rise, 10Life offers pet insurance ratings to help prevent owners from taking too big a hit to their wallets, comparing seven of the more popular pet insurance plans on the market.

Further reading:
Hong Kong Pet Insurance Comparison 2025: Full Coverage and Premium Disclosure (with Exclusive Actuarial Rating)
What should you do if your beloved pet suddenly falls ill at night? Introducing the best 24-hour veterinary clinics and their fees 
[Cat Care for Beginners] A Complete Guide to Preparation, Health Checks and Cat Insurance

Last updated: 4 October 2024.

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.