Your daily cat and kitten news

[stavros]

Office cat, in full on “can't face the world right now” mode this evening

View attachment 453393

 

[Epona]

Back from the vet.
Jakey's not in a great state bless him, which we knew, he's lost more weight and we've got some tablets for the constipation (which is moderate, the vet says he's seen a lot worse cases, which is at least something) and we're going to start giving him fluids every day instead of every other day to see if that all perks him up a bit. His eyes are gunky due to dehydration and the vet suggested I get some artificial tears from the chemist which will make his eyes more comfortable.
However if there's no sign of improvement within 48 hours we have to seriously consider the value of further intervention and might have to decide to call it a day.

It's upsetting of course, but tbf I've been in a state of expecting it at some point for the last couple of months.
And there's still a chance that with increased fluids and unstopping his bowels a bit that he might have another month or two of happy comfort, which is worth a go.

I don't think he's miserable and CKD is not considered a painful condition, but he is definitely tired and frail on the days he's not been having fluids, so giving fluids every day might help a bit, and we can judge whether that's improving his quality of life substantially and therefore making his life worth living - thankfully he is so easy to give fluids to, it doesn't bother him at all, we do it while he's eating and it just takes probably about a minute.

I actually think he'll let us know when he's had enough, and stop eating - that's the way it's been with the others.

 

[Puddy_Tat]

(((( jakey and Epona ))))

 

[Happy Tree]

He knows you love him and are doing everything you can for him. He's a good boy.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

((((Jakey and Epona ))))

 

[LeytonCatLady]

 

[Epona]

View attachment 453427

Jakey and his "low protein renal diet" cabbage farts

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Tabby Road

 

[Skinny Ethel]

Could be lilleths grandmother at the rear?

 

[Rebecca Riot]

Back from the vet.
Jakey's not in a great state bless him, which we knew, he's lost more weight and we've got some tablets for the constipation (which is moderate, the vet says he's seen a lot worse cases, which is at least something) and we're going to start giving him fluids every day instead of every other day to see if that all perks him up a bit. His eyes are gunky due to dehydration and the vet suggested I get some artificial tears from the chemist which will make his eyes more comfortable.
However if there's no sign of improvement within 48 hours we have to seriously consider the value of further intervention and might have to decide to call it a day.

It's upsetting of course, but tbf I've been in a state of expecting it at some point for the last couple of months.
And there's still a chance that with increased fluids and unstopping his bowels a bit that he might have another month or two of happy comfort, which is worth a go.

I don't think he's miserable and CKD is not considered a painful condition, but he is definitely tired and frail on the days he's not been having fluids, so giving fluids every day might help a bit, and we can judge whether that's improving his quality of life substantially and therefore making his life worth living - thankfully he is so easy to give fluids to, it doesn't bother him at all, we do it while he's eating and it just takes probably about a minute.

I actually think he'll let us know when he's had enough, and stop eating - that's the way it's been with the others.

These last few months of a much loved pet's life can be heartbreaking and I've been there myself on too many occasions but I think you will know when the time comes to say goodbye. You can feel safe in the knowledge that you have done everything you could do to keep him comfortable.

 

[Dystopiary]

Best wishes Epona and Jakey.

And defo this:

We're always here for you Epona, and you can always talk to us. You've been supportive and helpful to so many of us, whether that's with cat advice or other life issues. I'm sure all of us are happy to return the favour.

 

[Epona]

These last few months of a much loved pet's life can be heartbreaking and I've been there myself on too many occasions but I think you will know when the time comes to say goodbye. You can feel safe in the knowledge that you have done everything you could do to keep him comfortable.

It's preferable to the massive trauma of losing one suddenly in an critical illness or accident situation, at least I've had some time to spoil him and cuddle him and get used to the idea.

 

[pogofish]

I had a rapt audience while making a curry tonight.

 

[Rebecca Riot]

It's preferable to the massive trauma of losing one suddenly in an critical illness or accident situation, at least I've had some time to spoil him and cuddle him and get used to the idea.

Definitely. Despite living on a quiet country lane I've lost a few cats to road accidents thanks to selfish drivers who think it's ok to zoom around as if it was Brands Hatch.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Definitely. Despite living on a quiet country lane I've lost a few cats to road accidents thanks to selfish drivers who think it's ok to zoom around as if it was Brands Hatch.

Inconsiderate drivers are the pits, and the reason Lilith's not allowed out the front. She's got her cat flap at the back, and I'm really glad there's no direct street access! I'm flat hunting and need to really make sure my next place is equally cat friendly.

 

[StoneRoad]

Epona & Jakey - all best wishes ... sadly we all know what's coming, but as you say, at least you've had a chance to spoil him for a while.
Of course you can chat on here, that's what t'internet is for ...

 

[Skinny Ethel]

Epona theres more people on here wishing the best for Jakey and You than there ever was for the queen am sure. Am wishing every good thought for use both. God bless Jakey and Epona and may all who sail in them. come on jakey

 

[stavros]

Tabby Road

View attachment 453431

 

[ddraig]

Not sure what she wants!

 

[Skinny Ethel]

She looks like she wants the doors opening on all the xmas chocolate thingmajigs the xmas tease door cardboard bollloxy things that jesus invented

 

[fucthest8]

It's preferable to the massive trauma of losing one suddenly in an critical illness or accident situation, at least I've had some time to spoil him and cuddle him and get used to the idea.

Just caught up on Jakey's news. You're dealing with it brilliantly Epona, and are continuing to do what you have always done: everything that's best for him. Lots of love to you both.

 

[Epona]

I got the cold shoulder yesterday evening once we were back from the vet - first time ever that a cat has done the "I'm letting you know I am not happy with you" after a vet visit - he went and spent most of the evening sleeping next to N on the other sofa, which is something he never usually does while I am in the room and my lap is available! I was forgiven after a few hours though.

He's seemed a bit brighter today and ate a lot this morning (although not so interested in food this evening) - but he got up this morning and had a bit of a wander about.
Hoping that the extra fluids will keep him comfortable for a bit longer.

He still hasn't had a shit though! At least not one that I've found yet. I think it takes a while for the pills to kick in.

Thank you everyone for the support and care you all give us - it really helps me
I'm going to be inconsolable when he goes, but this side of the inevitable I just have to be there for him.

 

[oryx]

I got the cold shoulder yesterday evening once we were back from the vet - first time ever that a cat has done the "I'm letting you know I am not happy with you" after a vet visit - he went and spent most of the evening sleeping next to N on the other sofa, which is something he never usually does while I am in the room and my lap is available! I was forgiven after a few hours though.

He's seemed a bit brighter today and ate a lot this morning (although not so interested in food this evening) - but he got up this morning and had a bit of a wander about.
Hoping that the extra fluids will keep him comfortable for a bit longer.

He still hasn't had a shit though! At least not one that I've found yet. I think it takes a while for the pills to kick in.

Thank you everyone for the support and care you all give us - it really helps me
I'm going to be inconsolable when he goes, but this side of the inevitable I just have to be there for him.

Liked for him seeming a bit brighter, not ignoring you or not having a shit!

Paddy is always a bit 'off' with us after a vet visit.

 

[moose]

I think we're going to have to go to the vets tomorrow - Dobey doesn't seem to be able to put any weight on one of his front paws. And of course he won't let me have a look at it. He's a difficult lad to get hold of so will need to wait for his dad to get home, late tonight.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

 

[seeformiles]

Lil’ Bob is due a visit to the vet as his skin allergy has flared up again. Bless him, he’s not in too much obvious distress as he’s a stoic wee fella (& his appetite is unchanged) but he’s really scabby around the base of his tail and starting to over groom a bit. A minor complaint compared to what’s affecting other U75 kitties at the moment but he’s such a sweet boy that he deserves a bit of TLC. Appointment booked for next Tuesday.

 

[Epona]

Good luck to both Dobey and Lil' Bob when they have their vet visits!

 

[seeformiles]

Good luck to both Dobey and Lil' Bob when they have their vet visits!

Not even comparable to you and Jakey (Having been there with Buttons) - I really feel for you at the moment as it brings back how it felt. C’est la Vie chum

 

[Epona]

Jakey's actually having a good day today, so I'm not going to make any hasty decisions just yet.
When I got up and went into the sitting room earlier he woke up and came to see me again at a bit of a trot, had a wander about the flat, pissed on the puppy pads near the litter tray (which is a win at this point ) then started asking for some food, having at some point in the night licked his bowl clean of the portion I left him before I went to bed.
Then tucked in and ate an entire pouch while we were giving him his fluids.
Then sat on my lap and pestered me to give him head kisses.
So I hope he might have a little bit of a reprieve now we're giving him daily fluids, at least for a short while.

I'm reluctant to prematurely end the life of an animal that has a non-painful albeit terminal condition, is still mobile, asks for attention and affection, enjoys sitting in the sun (when it's out, come on weather!) or under a blankie with a hot water bottle getting cuddles on my lap when it's not sunny, and still requests and eats food.
So we're not making any decision today. I'm supposed to email the vet tomorrow with an update on how Jakey is doing, and I hope I'll be able to say that the extra fluids have helped and we don't need to book an appointment for anything final just yet.
We'll take it on a day by day basis, and let him have as many good days as non-invasive/easily tolerated at home care will allow him to have.

I think at some point he'll either stop eating, or he'll have lost too much condition and won't have enough strength to walk, and that will be our cue. We're not at that point today, and will reassess that every day.

 

[seeformiles]

Jakey's actually having a good day today, so I'm not going to make any hasty decisions just yet.
When I got up and went into the sitting room earlier he woke up and came to see me again at a bit of a trot, had a wander about the flat, pissed on the puppy pads near the litter tray (which is a win at this point ) then started asking for some food, having at some point in the night licked his bowl clean of the portion I left him before I went to bed.
Then tucked in and ate an entire pouch while we were giving him his fluids.
Then sat on my lap and pestered me to give him head kisses.
So I hope he might have a little bit of a reprieve now we're giving him daily fluids, at least for a short while.

I'm reluctant to prematurely end the life of an animal that has a non-painful albeit terminal condition, is still mobile, asks for attention and affection, enjoys sitting in the sun (when it's out, come on weather!) or under a blankie with a hot water bottle getting cuddles on my lap when it's not sunny, and still requests and eats food.
So we're not making any decision today. I'm supposed to email the vet tomorrow with an update on how Jakey is doing, and I hope I'll be able to say that the extra fluids have helped and we don't need to book an appointment for anything final just yet.
We'll take it on a day by day basis, and let him have as many good days as non-invasive/easily tolerated at home care will allow him to have.

I think at some point he'll either stop eating, or he'll have lost too much condition and won't have enough strength to walk, and that will be our cue. We're not at that point today, and will reassess that every day.

I recall being told Buttons was not long for this world and how we gave her all the foods sh’d pleaded for (but never got) - especially pigs-in-blankets - treated like royalty and quite rightly so