Purrs for Minnie on a Trying Tuesday

I apologize for not posting much recently.  My heart is not in it.  This has been an extremely  trying year for us - losing my brother in law in Jan to cancer, almost losing Georgie to fatty liver disease, losing Lily in April to cancer and then last month Ivy to thrombosis.  When Minnie refused to eat Monday morning I called the vet immediately.  She has increased her drinking so I was not surprised at the diagnosis of chronic renal disease.  Her numbers are not great but we hope with fluids regularly and added herbs and natural treatments we can help her feel more comfortable and return her appetite.

Our Angel cats Chica, Yoko and Ivy all had this disease for many years but none of them died from it - that is reassuring that we are doing something right.  Please keep dear Minnie in your thoughts and set your purrs on mega power for her to stabilize.  Thanks to you all for your support and kindness.

Tortie Tuesday with Chica

Chica is doing so much better...thanks to all of you for your prayers, purrs and advice! She is eating and drinking on her own and seems even perkier. I just have to make sure she is hydrated and that she eats well to keep her chronic renal failure in check.

I took her to a new holistic vet in the area. I had a holistic veterinarian for ten years before we moved here and still talk to her for phone consults but it is too far to take my cats for exams.



Dr. Davis, our new vet, is wonderful. Very much like Maggie was - her office is a big open room with plenty of couches and chairs to sit and lots of windows. The exam room is the same - very little machines and metal tables - just a braided rug and some comfy chairs and her desk. Dr. Davis took off her shoes and sat on the floor with Chica to examine her. Chica was quite comfy herself and checked out the room thoroughly.

After we discussed our treatment plans and what to expect from this disease, I had a big surprise. I did not realize Dr. Davis was also an animal communicator but Chica knew - she sat sprawled out on the rug with her back towards the vet. Dr. Davis mentioned Chica was very in tune with what was going on. The vet told me Chica thanked me for all I was doing for her especially all the research on the computer for natural treatments. I just about fell off my chair! I have used animal communicators in the past for other issues but was not aware that my new vet was able to do this. What an added bonus! Dr Davis said Chica wanted to tell me that she did not like the other cats - I already knew that! She would have preferred to be the only one!

My heart was so touched by this opportunity to talk to Chica. Chica also said that she was not planning to leave this world anytime soon. Oh I was so happy to hear that - my eyes welled up with tears.

We decided to give Chica vitamin B12 shots twice a month, 250 milligrams of vitamin C a day plus her Standard Process Renal Support glandular and Renalix homeopathic blend. I purchased a sub-q fluid kit to have on hand but we did not feel I needed to do that on a regular basis just yet. I hydrate Chica with water or Pedialyte by plastic syringe throughout the day.

Chica's spirits are high and she is enjoying her life and all the extra attention. Thanks again for all your help. We will keep you posted!

For more cat photos on Tuesday vist Gattina's Cats on Tuesday!

Thoughtful Thursday

Please send all your purrs and prayers for our 18 year old Chica - we had a rough night last night and I didn't think she was going to make it. She has chronic renal failure and last night she began vomiting watery foam, drooling, licking her lips. She was crying and growling and very uncomfortable. Her paws were cold and her breathing was shallow.

We called the ER for pets and they felt she was dying and said she may not make the night so we opted to keep her home with us giving her homeopathic remedies for kidney toxicity and nausea. I slept on the sofa near her. She refused to let me hold her and finally found a small spot to curl up in.

I got up during the night and she had gotten inside her basket and fell asleep. She was awake and aware this morning and so far has not vomited. She keeps drinking water and has peed. She even purred for me.

She will go to the vet and hopefully get some SubQ fluids to make her more comfortable. She had been diagnosed three years ago but had been doing well. This episode was quite sudden and severe. Has anyone else had experience with CRF? I had thought her disease progression would be slower than this. Thanks for your help.

Update Fri 9/18
We finally got IV subq fluids in Chica - it went easier than I thought. She is quite feisty even for her age and does not like to be messed with! She is wiped out and sleeping but ate a little and seemed more active and alert. We have a vet appointment on Tues to give her a complete check up and see what we can be doing to help her be more comfortable. The vet was out sick today so we had to make other arrangements to get her fluids. I guess I will be giving her the fluids myself which I have done before with other cats but not her. Thanks again for all your support and purrs! You guys are great.