If you’ve lived with several cats into their senior years, chances are that at least one developed and possibly died from chronic kidney disease. Research shows that one-third of cats will develop chronic kidney disease in their lifetimes. Kidney problems have frustrated cat owners for years because often they don’t show themselves until a lot of damage has been done.

Yet things are changing. Earlier this year we told you about a new kidney test that can detect problems earlier and give cat owners the chance to take action. Then in June, with the help of Lil BUB and her “Dude” Mike Bridavsky we brought you a video about the test, developed by IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

As you’ll learn in the video below, Lil BUB is happy and healthy. She doesn’t suffer from kidney disease. She just wanted to help us spread the word on this important issue.

And help she did. This little cat has some big power. With the video, Catster and Lil BUB reached more than 2 million people. Most comments we received were very positive.

The IDEXX test screens for something called symmetric dimethylarginine, or SDMA, in the blood of cats. Kidneys usually filter this small protein, and when kidney function declines, more of it shows up.

According to IDEXX, the SDMA kidney screen can find disease months or even years earlier than traditional methods. SDMA can also help indicate how advanced the disease is, so owners can seek treatments while there is still time to affect their cats’ health.

We’d like to thank Mike B. and his tiny cat from outer space for their help. Good job, BUB.