A kidney test result went down in cats given curcumin.

Even with a prescription diet and medication, you may wonder what else you can do for your cat after a kidney disease diagnosis.

Curcumin is the yellow compound in turmeric root. It’s a common ingredient in supplements for people, and researchers recently tested it in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Cats given curcumin alongside treatment had a lower reading on a kidney blood test. Here’s what changed and what to keep in mind if you give your cat curcumin.

The Study Included 16 Cats With Stage 3 CKD

A research team in Türkiye published the study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2026. The cats were 7 to 15 years old. All had stage 3 CKD, the third of four stages.

The cats were divided into two groups. All received a prescription kidney diet and the treatment they needed, and half also received curcumin. The researchers compared changes in the two groups over 60 days.

SDMA Was Lower in the Curcumin Group

SDMA is a blood test marker that helps show how well the kidneys filter the blood. It rises as kidney function declines.

The two groups started with similar average SDMA levels. After 60 days, the average was 43 in cats receiving treatment alone and about 27 in cats also given curcumin. Protein loss in the urine also decreased in the curcumin group.

There was no clear difference between the groups in another kidney marker called creatinine. At Greycoat Research, what stands out to us is that both SDMA and protein loss in the urine decreased.

Curcumin May Have Reduced Inflammation and Cell Damage

The final blood tests showed lower levels of markers linked to inflammation and cell death in the curcumin group. In the curcumin group, a blood test for substances that can damage cells also showed a drop from the starting level.

The researchers think curcumin may have helped reduce inflammation and cell damage.

How Curcumin Is Made Affects How Well It’s Absorbed

Curcumin doesn’t dissolve well in water, so the body absorbs only a small amount. That’s why the form of curcumin matters.

A 2020 study in healthy cats tested curcumin enclosed in tiny particles. About two to three times as much curcumin reached the bloodstream compared with regular curcumin.

The CKD study also used a liquid form of curcumin processed to improve absorption. It was given with food.

Giving Your Cat Curcumin? Keep These Three Things in Mind

At Greycoat Research, we believe it’s important to supplement your cat’s diet with the nutrients they need, starting while they’re healthy. If you give your cat curcumin, keep these three things in mind.

1. Don’t Substitute Turmeric Powder or Curry

The amount of curcumin in turmeric powder varies from product to product. In one study, some products contained more than five times as much as others. That makes it hard to give a consistent amount of curcumin by sprinkling turmeric powder on your cat’s food.

Curry often contains onions and garlic, both of which can cause anemia in cats. Don’t give your cat curry in place of a curcumin supplement.

2. Choose a Product Made for Cats and Follow the Label

Human supplements contain amounts intended for people. Choose a product made for cats and follow the label’s serving size and directions.

Greycoat Intensive also contains curcumin phytosome, a form processed to help the body absorb curcumin more easily.

3. Watch for Changes in Weight and Appetite

Weigh your cat once a week and notice whether they’re leaving more food than usual.

If your cat repeatedly vomits or has diarrhea, or refuses food, stop giving the supplement and contact your vet. Do the same if your cat keeps losing weight. If your cat takes medication, bring the supplement to their appointment.

We Hope This Familiar Yellow Compound Can Help

This study gives us a reason to pay closer attention to curcumin in cats with kidney disease. At Greycoat Research, we hope this yellow compound can play a part in their treatment and daily care.

Greycoat Research is here to help you care for your cat’s kidneys, starting while they’re healthy.

Explore Greycoat Research Kidney Care →

About the Author and Research Team

Alex Shin is a pharmacist with more than 20 years of experience advising on medication use in animals. His work includes counseling owners of cats with kidney disease and advising on nutritional formulations.

Greycoat Research works with veterinarians, pharmacists, and researchers in South Korea and Japan to study feline kidney health and nutrition.

Specializing in Feline Kidney Care
Greycoat Research

Sources

1. Curcumin in cats with chronic kidney disease — İlgün M, Aktaş MS. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2026;40(4):aalag138. Read the study
2. How curcumin formulations affect absorption in cats — Ng SW, Selvarajah GT, Hussein MZ, et al. BioMed Research International, 2020;2020:3012198. Read the study
3. Differences in the curcumin content of turmeric powders — Tayyem RF, Heath DD, Al-Delaimy WK, et al. Nutrition and Cancer, 2006;55(2):126–131. Read the study
4. Why cats should not eat onions or garlic — ASPCA Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. Read the guidance

[Educational Disclaimer]

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Please consult your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet, supplements, or care routine.