Expert: Jessica - 12/14/2009

Question
My Cat recently stopped eating, i took her to the vet and after days of tests was informed that she is suffering from both Kidney and Liver failure. I asked my vet about the possibility of organ transplants in cats but he sort of laughed and left the room. I'm absolutely devastated, and was wondering if you have ever heard of a cat who has recieved an organ transplant? I dont want her to die without ruling out all other options which could save her.

Answer
Hi Shimarlie.  I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty.  What awful news.

Kidney transplants can be performed on cats.  However, only the largest and most experienced of facilities perform them, so you would need to be referred to one by your vet.  Additionally, you would need a donor cat that would be a match with yours.  The hospital performing the operation can often help you find one - the donors usually come from shelters.  Since cats can live just fine with one functioning kidney, one kidney is usually given to the transplant recipient, while the healthy cat keeps his other kidney.  But for the trade, it's typically required of the transplant recipient's owner to adopt the donor cat.

Unfortunately, however, since cats have only one liver, there are very few donors.  I have never personally heard of a liver transplant being performed on a cat.  It's something you could talk to the hospital about - perhaps they know of cats who are not going to survive for other reasons that could provide a liver.

All that said, the cost would be immense and would likely run well over $10,000.  You also must question the root cause of both kidney and liver failure.  When there is multiple organ failure involved, there may be a disease such as feline infectious peritonitis or metastasized cancer present.  These are not curable, so organ transplants would do no good.  Nevertheless, I think your vet should certainly refer you to a hospital with transplant capabilities if it's something you are seriously considering.  A consultation with the vets there will let you know whether your cat is a good candidate for a transplant, and what the odds of full recovery are.

My thoughts go out to you as you make these difficult decisions.

Jessica