Diagnosis
A veterinarian will diagnose chronic kidney failure after a thorough examination and an analysis of laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, or CBC, a blood chemistry test, and a urinalysis. Other tests the veterinarian might conduct include a urine culture, x-rays, an ultrasound, and measurement of the cat's blood pressure.  Biopsies of the kidney, performed using ultrasound or surgery, may provide more information about the cause of renal failure.  Some of these tests may require referral to a specialist of veterinary internal medicine.