“My cat GB’s health checkup was a week ago, and his blood tests were very promising. While I’m well aware that this doesn’t mean his kidneys will just up and get better, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s good news for me as his guardian.”
- Big Bro of the MilkyBokiTan YouTube channel
The MilkyBokiTan YouTube channel chronicles the lives of two Korean brothers (operating under the monikers of Big Bro and Little Bro), as well as their two cats and humongous Samoyed dog. The eldest among the three pets is the dandy Norwegian Forest cat Gwangboki (who represents the Boki in the channel name), affectionately known to fans around the world as GB.
Since 2023, GB’s kidney levels have been a cause for concern among his owners, who have been doing everything in their power to better manage and improve his health. As GB was born in 2018, this means that he began experiencing kidney problems at the age of 5.
According to the brothers, they took great pains to ensure he drank enough water, but even that wasn’t enough to keep his kidney levels from growing worse, which was a source of much stress for them.
Much about feline kidney disease remains shrouded in mystery even to this day, so it’s no surprise that even the most attentive of cat owners could find themselves lost as to why their cat was suffering from the disease. A commonly-held belief to this day is that a lack of proper hydration causes cats to develop feline kidney disease over the course of their lives. After all, most cats aren’t very fond of water, and aren’t avid drinkers.
What Truly Causes Feline Kidney Disease?
Recent breakthroughs in research have pinpointed the actual cause of feline kidney disease, as well as the reason why cats as a species seem more susceptible to kidney disease than other animals. Simply put, it’s hereditary.
Cats are born with a hereditary disorder that results in waste accumulating within their kidneys. In other words, even the healthiest of cats will suffer from kidney-related complications as they age. Those who manage to lead long lives with healthy kidneys are the exception to the rule, the lucky few blessed with a mutation that allows their kidneys to thrive.
GB isn’t alone in his predicament - my own cat TT was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 5, and many cats also begin experiencing heightened creatinine levels at the same age. While kidney cells do possess a limited capacity to regenerate, too much damage can overwhelm them to the point of no return. As such, it’s important to start taking preventive measures to protect your cat’s kidneys when they turn 3 or 4.
Promising News for GB
Not all is lost, however. Since the end of 2023, the brothers have been giving GB his recommended dose of Dr. Toru Protocol, and this April, his blood test results showed a marked improvement in all of his kidney levels!
“My cat GB’s health checkup was a week ago, and his blood tests were very promising. While I’m well aware that this doesn’t mean his kidneys will just up and get better, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s good news for me as his guardian.”
- Big Bro
I was delighted to hear the news, but my joy obviously couldn’t compare to that of GB’s owners, who recently surprised us with vouchers for free pizza to show their appreciation! So we decided to celebrate with a grand pizza party to celebrate all the progress that GB has made!
Of course, this doesn’t mean that GB’s struggles are over now, or that his kidney disease is gone. Still, the very fact that his kidney levels have gone down is a sign that his condition is being treated properly and safely, with all the gravitas it deserves.
So here’s to you, GB! Let’s work to create a happier and healthier future for you and all other cats like you!
Until then, bon appétit!
