When winter arrives, one of the most common changes many guardians of cats with CKD notice is this:
Constipation.
The problem is not the cold weather itself.
It is the way cold weather changes how a cat’s body responds— especially in cats with chronic kidney disease.
Why is constipation more dangerous during cold weather?
Reduced water intake As the weather gets colder, cats tend to move less, and their water intake can naturally decrease.
For cats whose kidneys are already under strain, reduced water intake can make waste elimination even less efficient.
Slower intestinal movement
Lower activity levels and increased energy use to maintain body temperature can slow the movement of the intestines.
When bowel movements slow, waste stays in the body longer.
Increased toxin reabsorption
This is the most important point.
The longer stool remains in the intestines, the higher the chance that toxins meant to be excreted may be reabsorbed into the body.
This is why, for cats with CKD, constipation is not just a bowel issue.
Why cold-weather CKD care requires a different approach
During colder months, cold-weather CKD care comes down to two key priorities.
First, water intake.
As temperatures drop, cats tend to drink less water.
When water intake decreases, stool becomes harder, and the risk of constipation increases.
Second, probiotic support.
When constipation keeps repeating, diet adjustments or basic supportive care alone may not be enough.
At this stage, it becomes important to stabilize the intestinal environment itself.
When gut balance is disrupted, the toxin burden can return to the kidneys—
which is why probiotic support plays a critical role in cold-weather CKD care.
A probiotic approach for cats with CKD
Greycoat’s Probiotics Protocol
is not designed as a simple solution for occasional digestive trouble.
It is developed with consideration for:
- intestinal toxin burden
- easy integration into CKD care routines
- the gut–kidney connection
In cold weather, when constipation tends to repeat more easily,
probiotics should not be viewed as a “later option,” but as one of the core pillars of daily CKD care.
If constipation is sending a signal, this may be a good time to review your current care routine.
Every cat is different, but cold-weather constipation should never be taken lightly
when managing chronic kidney disease.
Warm Regards, Greycoat Research CKD Care Team
