This is Jack and he's slowly dying. He's about 16.5 years old and he's one of the best cats that I've ever met. Jack came to me as a badly injured stray that I nursed back to health and he has always been extremely grateful to me for taking such great care of him. He's been a amazing friend, companion and ambassador to all who visit our home.
I write this because he was recently diagnosed with a terminal case of renal failure. I've done my very best to keep him healthy through this issue but despite my best efforts he has lost about half of his body weight and recent blood tests have not been encouraging. Lately his appetite has been significantly decreased and it's been a struggle to keep him eating and drinking enough to stay nourished and hydrated. The worst part is that I can tell that he knows that something is wrong. Just looking at him makes me feel so incredibly helpless.
Thankfully I am working from home so I spend many hours every day with him sleeping contently on my lap. Each minute that I have with him now is very precious because I know what is soon to come. His quality of life is still good but it's noticeably deteriorating and I am already filled with grief and despair.
But right now, Jack is happy. He has been brushed and massaged and is now curled up on a heating pad enjoying one of the days many naps. Which is good because he doesn't have to see me cry while I'm writing this.
Too bad they don't live forever.
Spend the time with him that you can.
Hold him in your lap as long as it takes.....even if that means calling in sick??
I'm sorry. I lost my Blossom a couple months ago. It was hard. I full on snot cried for days before and after. Actually hyperventilated which I never did in my 41 years before. But it does get easier. Blossom lived a long full life at about 18-20. And Jack has too. You gave him a great life, and now you're there for him at his end. Although I can't even look at pictures of Blossom, I'm thankful it all went as it did.
I'm so sorry, that's a horrible thing to go through. Reading this really hits home with me. I rescued an Airedale Terrier and after only 3 years she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I always tell myself that I did whatever I could to give her an amazing life. I did what I could to make her last days great. I had to make the call to put her down eventually, it's a damn tough day. Hopefully you don't have to do that.
Hang in there, and remember that she got to live a great life with you.
Duke
MegaDork
2/24/21 8:41 p.m.
We've lost similar friends to renal failure like that. It's slow and sad but you'll know when it's time for him to move on. Until then just keep doing what you are.
My sincere condolences to you.
So sorry, he looks like a great little friend. One of my cats was diagnosed with a kidney deficiency 2.5 years ago that may do him in eventually. It's been a lot of work to keep him somewhat healthy. Best advice I can give is keep him comfy for as long as possible.
Losing pets is terrible, I sometimes wonder why I bother but then I remember the good times.
I'm so sorry to hear this man
Oh man, I am so sorry. You've been a good friend and care taker to him. Losing a pet that is really close like that is so hard.
So sorry for you, looks like Jack has been a great cat and you gave him a great time here.
I lost my Fluffy a year ago January, also to renal failure. She was a black long hair and a great companion. My condolences.
I'm so sorry. Enjoy the moments you have left.
Sorry to hear this, black cats are the best!
We're here. I just lost a fur kid too. Lean on us.
I'm sorry about Jack. Enjoy every minute with him.
Condolences, some things you just can't prepare for
He is certainly a handsome Black Bombay. It is great that you have been able to give him such a wonderful and caring home for so much of his life.
Having just lost one of ours to the combating diseases of renal failure and congestive heart failure I understand where you are. I hope that you can be close to him during this time and wish you clarity in knowing when to help take away his pain. So sorry you are having to say goodbye.
I'm sorry to hear this, it sounds like you're doing a good job of cherishing your remaining time together.
We went through this in the past year. Poor little Sadie was getting 100cc of fluids every day, some meds and her tastes were constantly changing for what she was willing to eat. She hung on for six months and gradually got weaker until she just passed away. It's a hard time. But at least it gives you time to say goodbye.
It really isn't that hard to give fluids to a cat subcutaneous fluids, and I know Sadie definitely benefited from it. We did it as a two-person team, one person holding the cat and the other running medical gear.
Best wishes to you and Jack.
Keith Tanner said:
We went through this in the past year. Poor little Sadie was getting 100cc of fluids every day, some meds and her tastes were constantly changing for what she was willing to eat. She hung on for six months and gradually got weaker until she just passed away. It's a hard time. But at least it gives you time to say goodbye.
It really isn't that hard to give fluids to a cat subcutaneous fluids, and I know Sadie definitely benefited from it. We did it as a two-person team, one person holding the cat and the other running medical gear.
Best wishes to you and Jack.
We do the same with Linus, along with some meds for his appetite, and others for other conditions he has.
eastsideTim said:
Keith Tanner said:
We went through this in the past year. Poor little Sadie was getting 100cc of fluids every day, some meds and her tastes were constantly changing for what she was willing to eat. She hung on for six months and gradually got weaker until she just passed away. It's a hard time. But at least it gives you time to say goodbye.
It really isn't that hard to give fluids to a cat subcutaneous fluids, and I know Sadie definitely benefited from it. We did it as a two-person team, one person holding the cat and the other running medical gear.
Best wishes to you and Jack.
We do the same with Linus, along with some meds for his appetite, and others for other conditions he has.
Same here. Our last 3 cats that passed have received subcutaneous fluids. We were buying 5 bags of lactated ringers, line sets, and 100ct needles from Valley Vet. When we had to let Izzy go last week my wife and I figured that it would be the first time in 6 years we hadn't needed to give a cat fluids that day. Fluids, a phosphorus binder, and appetite-stimulating meds gave us almost 11 more months with Izzy.
