AIM-Based Stage 1 Kidney Care

"In just 3 months, Stage 1 can become Stage 3."

This is not just early detection—it’s a critical turning point.

While Stage 1 may appear harmless, IRIS guidelines show kidney function is already 33–66% impaired.
Even if your vet says, “It’s still okay,” our analysis of over 10,000 CKD cases reveals a harder truth:
Inaction at this stage often leads to rapid progression.

Stage 1 is no longer just about prevention—
it’s the moment to begin structured, proactive care to slow kidney decline before it accelerates.

Supplements - The Foundation of AIM-Based Kidney Care

A CKD diagnosis means kidney damage has already begun.
Stage 1 is the window where early action can slow progression, before symptoms appear.

✔ Introducing the Dr. Toru Protocol
A kidney-cleansing supplement based on the AIM (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage) system

  • Supports the AIM protein's natural waste-clearing function
  • Developed by Dr. Toru Miyazaki, founder of the Institute for AIM Medicine
  • AIM protein dysfunction has been confirmed by multiple peer-reviewed studies as a key factor in feline CKD progression
  • Actively used in animal hospitals across Korea and Japan as part of early-stage kidney care

※ Even if your cat’s bloodwork still appears normal, if CKD is suspected or diagnosed, we strongly recommend starting supplements from Stage 1.

Diet Management – It’s Not Yet Time for Prescription Renal Food

Stage 1 CKD doesn't mean rushing into protein-restricted renal diets.
At this stage, your cat needs kidney-friendly nutrition without sacrificing strength or cellular balance.

✔ Why not renal food yet?

  • Prescription renal diets often restrict protein too much
  • and can raise blood pH—increasing the risk of metabolic alkalosis.

✔ What to feed instead:

  • Senior-specific diets with moderate protein and low phosphorus (P)
  • Choose established brands like Royal Canin and Hill’s—vet-trusted for a reason

✔ How to feed:

  • Transition from free-feeding to timed meals: 3x/day, 8+ hours apart
  • Regular fasting activates AMPK, enhancing cellular survival and kidney resilience

Hydration – Stage 1 Cats Need Attention, Too

Even if your Stage 1 cat shows no outward signs of dehydration,
tissue-level hydration may already be declining.
Instead of forced hydration, focus on creating an environment that encourages voluntary drinking.

✔ Key hydration strategies:

  1. Place 2–3 water bowls throughout your home
  2. Replace water and clean bowls at least once a day
  3. Mix warm water with wet food:
  • 1:1 ratio → 50g(1.76 oz) wet food + 50ml(1.69 fl oz) water
  • 1:2 ratio → 50g(1.76 oz) wet food + 100ml(3.38 fl oz) water
  • Start with a small amount and gradually increase based on your cat's response

Stage 1 cats need about 40–50ml (1.4–1.7 fl oz) of water per kg (2.2 lb) of body weight daily.
It’s important to reach this target through a combination of diluted meals, voluntary drinking, and hydrating treats.

Health Monitoring – Stage 1 Still Requires Vigilance

Even in Stage 1, your cat is not out of danger.
Make sure to regularly monitor the following: 

✔ Track changes in appetite and energy

  • Repeated loss of appetite or lethargy may signal progression to Stage 2
  • These can also indicate the onset of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
  • AKI can occur on top of CKD, even in early stages

✔ Visit your vet every 6–12 months

  • Blood tests: Check creatinine, BUN, and phosphorus (P) levels
  • If possible, ask for an ultrasound to detect kidney stones or structural issues

The Power of Proactive Action in Stage 1

Stage 1 is no longer about "prevention"—it's the time to slow down progression through active management.
Even if your cat appears healthy, significant kidney damage may have already occurred.

What you do now can shape your cat's health 3 months, 6 months, or even years into the future.
You still have a window of opportunity, but if it's missed, the road ahead will only get harder.

Start your cat's care routine today.

In some cases, Stage 1 cats may already have other complications.
Their care routine may need adjustments. Please contact us for personalized consultation.

Curious About Stage 2? Explore the Next Stage Management Guide→

Effective CKD Management: Supplements and Beyond

Greycoat Research provides supplements that are essential for managing feline CKD.
But let’s be clear—supplements alone are not enough.
True improvement begins when these targeted supplements are combined with dietary adjustments, proper hydration, and active management of complications.
This integrated approach isn’t just helpful—it’s how meaningful change happens.

Before & After on the Greycoat Program

Some cats were losing hope—until they started the Greycoat program.
From early-stage improvements to late-stage stabilization, their stories show what’s truly possible.
We’ve supported over 10,000 cases. Here are just a few of them.

Read more stories →
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