Archive for the ‘feline CRF’ Category

This sweet kitty’s name is Lovie. I met Lovie’s mom on Yahoo! Groups Feline CRF Support Group. Lovie lives here in Los Angeles and I went to visit the little guy and his mom on Wednesday. After Jake’s passing I had lots of useful CRF supplies that I wanted to share with another CRF cat. As many of you may or may not know caring for an ill kitty of any kind can be very expensive especially in a metro area such as Los Angeles where vet visits and medication can run 3x the national average.

Lovie is the sweetest little guy and the most photogenic I’ve met since Micah! The camera just loves him. Sometimes he gets a little tired from not feeling so well but he still loves to jump and play. I’m hoping that some of the new treatments help Lovie start feeling better soon. He’s such a sweetheart and his mommy is working so hard to keep him healthy and happy. It just breaks my heart that he has to cope with CRF so early in his young life as he’s only a little over 1 year old!

There hasn’t been more than a minute that I haven’t thought of you Jake. I woke up this morning and missed you in bed with me on my legs. I remember back to not long ago and our morning routine. I’d wake and you’d stand up on the bed and stretch, then jump down and run to the kitchen to be fed. This was for as long as I can remember. More recently you’d be waiting in your window seat, sure to get there early before the young ones got there first. You might not have been the fastest anymore but you were still the smartest.

I checked the litter boxes at least three or four times today. They were clean. I knew your kidneys made you go a lot and I was always cleaning them so they would be nice when you went in. I just didn’t realize that you went 10 times a day and Jonah and Fionna go about once a day. I guess I knew but I didn’t mind. It was so gradual that I forgot what the litter boxes of healthy cats look like. I was going through over 40 lbs. of litter each month. I just bought a 25 lb. bag that should last me months at this new rate. I used to do a lot of cleaning… of the carpet and hardwood floors. You got sick a lot and towards the end you had diarrhea too. I used to have a lot of laundry from the towels we used while feeding you and washing your face afterwards. I felt tired a lot but didn’t realize it was from taking care of you. I’d do it all over again to have you back with me.

We ate dinner alone and we didn’t need to stop in the middle to check on you. This morning I didn’t need to wake up at 6 AM to syringe feed you. I woke up anyway and it felt horrible. In the evenings we’d feed you again and spend time with you wherever you were. I have that $150 blender I received as a wedding gift and didn’t open for 5 years. I opened it just to blend you food in. People might think I’m nuts for doing that. That blender was awesome for mixing your food. I doubt I’ll be using it again anytime soon.

I cleaned up some of your things but other things I can’t bear to move. Your tent is still setup in the corner of our bedroom, right next to where you flew to the Bridge. We have the notebook we logged all your meals in for the past 7 months. Every day, every meal, how much you ate and if you got your medication. Even if it was just 5 treats or 1/4 can of baby food. At the end we were thrilled to have you eat anything on your own. (CRF mommies and daddies will know what I’m talking about.) I have your IV pole. I could sell it on craigslist but I can’t yet. It represents our evening routine that extended your life with us. It’s strange just “going to bed” now without giving you fluids. We’d put you in bed, turn on classical music and warm water in the sink for your fluids. Jonah and Fionna would watch. Jonah would sit on the bed next to your and Fionna would watch the water. I expect to see you in all the spots you liked to sit and sleep. When I’m working in my office I expect you to strut in with your confident stride and jump in your window seat. I can’t imagine having lived with you for 20 years because I can’t imagine loving you any more than I already did. In your last 9 months we tried to live 5 years worth or memories always living in the moment and enjoying each day at a time.

Mostly I just miss you Jake. Life seems to have lost all it’s vibrancy and everything looks black & white now. I’ve received so many wonderful messages following your departure to the Bridge. Daddy and I have read each and every one. We’re so happy that your story of bravery touched so many people. One person wrote that “CRF cats are tough” and they’re right. I still don’t know how you made it to the litter box on your last night. You could barely lift your head let alone walk so I laid you on a bed of towels in our bedroom so if you had to go you’d be able to. Just in case I moved the litter box into the room too. I knew you were a determined cat. You’d drag yourself to that box somehow rather than soil yourself. And you did… in the morning I found you sleeping in the box after having gone.

During your last days daddy and I wondered (and daddy worried) what your passing would be like. I imagined it in my mind and hoped I’d know when the time was right. Thank you for your gift Jake. You spared us having to make the decision that so many CRF parents have to make. You went when you were ready. I should have known you’d go on your own terms. Micah flew down to get you and I told you it was alright to leave, your fight here was over. You endured blood tests, trips to the vet, taking your medication, getting your vitamins, getting poked for sub-Q fluids and at the end being syringe fed. You were so brave and determined as you woke up each morning and kept fighting to stay with us. Despite all the tears, your passing was peaceful. I couldn’t have asked for more. As you took your last breath I felt your spirit take flight. After you were gone we sat with your body for a little while. I know you weren’t there anymore but I already missed you so much. When I feel empty and lost without you and start to cry, I somehow find the strength to stop. I know that’s you Jake wrapping your angel wings around me in comfort and love. ~Mommy

I’m an Angel now. I passed away naturally at 10:45 AM. Mommy had scheduled the mobile vet to come at 7 PM tonight but I went before then on my own terms. My spirit is free. Mommy and daddy were with me. I saw Micah and mommy said to go to him where I would be free of my failing body. There was bright light and I felt happy and warm. When I looked down Mommy’s world had turned dark. Part of her died with me today so her world seems black now that my sweet light has left her. ~Jake an Angel now

Today was a good day. It was another day I was able to spend with mommy. I went to the litterbox twice by myself during the night. I felt a little more comfortable today so I was able to get a little rest. Mommy and daddy are still feeding me and they put new medicine in my food that is supposed to help my phosphorus levels. I’m a bit wobbly and get tired fast. Daddy said I need my rest. Today I surprised mommy by walking into her office when she was on the phone with daddy. She lifted me up onto my window seat and took this photo of me enjoying myself like old times. You might notice my crazy little brother in the background. He’s my shadow, nurse and a monkey on my back. He’s always hanging around me even when I feel sick.

Mommy and daddy prayed with me tonight like they do every night. They prayed that if I want to stay with them awhile longer that I may be pain free. I was sleeping under the bed but I came out when I heard mommy crying. I don’t want to leave her either so I keep trying to find the strength to fight but sometimes I get so tired. I’m going to keep fighting for as long as I can because I love her so much I can’t bear to be without her either. When I can’t see her I cry for her and she comes running to me. Somehow she knows when I need to go to the bathroom and she carries me there fast so I don’t have to walk. I hope tomorrow is another good day. Thanks for keeping me in your purrayers. Purrs for now, ~Jake

Believe it or not everyone, I’m feeling better everyday!! I’m back to being Top Cat in the house! Fionna thought she’d try and move on up when I wasn’t feeling so well but now that I’m almost back to my old self she’s backed off. I’m back to sleeping in bed with mommy and daddy at night and I’m able jump when I want to. My appetite is getting better too. They still syringe feed me a couple times a day to make sure I’m getting enough calories but I eat some food on my own too. My breathing is completely normal now. My biggest problem now is my indigestion but that has always been a problem for me. Mommy gives me transdermal famotidine (pepcid) and usually I feel okay. I’m getting my sub-Q fluids again but mommy is being careful to make sure I’m absorbing all of it. I’m getting more demanding about what I want and make mommy and daddy chase me around the house to feed me now. Mommy ordered a new heating pad for my window seat. I have one setup in my teepee and I told her I need another one because I get the chills even though it’s summertime. I only want to be places that are cozy and warm. That way I can get back to sitting next to her in the office during the day. Thanks everyone for purring for me! It’s because of mommy and daddy’s love and all the prayers that I’m still here! – Jake Cat

Every night before bed mommy tells me if I’m tired of fighting and want to go to the Bridge to play with Micah she’s okay with that. She gets sad at night and I hear her crying. She hopes that what she’s doing is right. Every morning I get up and use the litterbox and drink. Today I even tried to jump into bed with daddy and mommy like I always do. Mommy was worried I might stumble so she lifted me up. Somehow she has a way of knowing what I’m about to do or what I need. It was nice being there with them again. I haven’t been in daddy and mommy’s bed for 5 days since I’ve been sleeping in my teepee most of the time. Mommy sleeps in the bed beside me so she’s always close.

Today my breathing is finally getting better. My cold is almost gone. I ate a few pieces of kibble this AM but it takes me a long time to eat so mommy and daddy still feed me with a syringe. I’m really hungry now so I gobble it up right away. I like treats again and today I got fed treats two times. Mommy took this video of me snacking on some. Yesterday mommy gave me a small amount of Sub-Q fluids because Dr. B. said we could try and my body was able to handle it. She was worried about my heart and all but in the morning all the fluid was all absorbed and I feel good. A few times today I snuck out of my tent without mommy knowing. If she comes in the room and I’m not there in my tent she panics. I know it’s silly because I’m always just using the litterbox or getting a drink of water. Yesterday daddy stopped by the vet to get me more food. He had to pay the balance of the bill for my stay last week. On the bottom it said that I was sent home to be euthanized… hmmm now wouldn’t they be surprised to know that I’m still around? Mommy and daddy still aren’t sure for how long but every day I seem stronger and more like myself before I got sick. Maybe my levels are high like they say but for now they aren’t getting me down! – Jake Cat

Napping in my teepee.

Jonah hangs out with me in my hospital room. He looks more exhausted than I do!

I want to thank everyone for their purrs, prayers, and emails of encouragement. So far they’re working but I’ve got a long way to go! Mommy and daddy are thanking God for every additional day I’m with them. They thought they were going to have to send me to the Bridge on Saturday but I’m still here with them!

Yesterday was a long but peaceful day. I got up and used the litterbox on my own. Number 1 AND number 2!! Then I drank some water from my Fresh Flow pet fountain. Mommy was worried because I’m much weaker now. I get tired fast. I walk a little bit, then get tired and lay down. I like to do things on my own though. Mommy and Daddy said I need energy so they syringe fed me some food. I kept it all down and took a REALLY long nap. Mommy and daddy took turns sitting with me all day long. My nose is still congested but hopefully getting better. Later I got more syringe food (they tell me it’ll make me strong) and mommy and daddy played Scrabble in the room with me. Before bed we all held hands and prayed together for the power to heal me. Mommy and daddy held my paw. It was a special day.

Today I woke up around 6, used the litterbox and drank some water. I still get tired really fast though. Mommy thought I’d like her to move my cat teepee into the room where my water fountain is. Well I didn’t like it there at all. I walked back into the guest bedroom and STARED at the spot where I wanted my cat teepee put back. So back it went. Mommy and daddy thought I must be feeling okay because I’m still bossing them around. I got more syringe food because my tummy was growling a little. A little later daddy was sitting in with me and he put his face down close to me so I sniffed his face and head. Does this mean my smell is coming back a little? Daddy ran into the other room and got some cat treats. They smelled pretty good so I ate a few on my own!! This is the first time I’ve eaten food the humans have offered me in 4 days! They just keep force feeding me cat pudding. When you can’t taste or smell food why bother eating? Now I’m napping in my cat teepee. Mommy is still concerned about my breathing and getting rid of my cold for good. She’s going to ask Dr. B. if I can get a little of my Sub Q fluids since I’m still hanging on. Hopefully my body can handle it. Please keep purring and praying for me. It’s working! – Jake Cat

I’m back home!! Kiss me!! Kiss me!!

I’m back at home, yippee!! Mommy and daddy come to pick me up like they promised. After draining the fluid off my heart and chest I’m breathing much much better. My nose is still a little bit stuffed from my cold but not like last night in the hospital. That metal cage was not a comfortable accomodation at all! Can you believe they put my food directly next to my commode?? As soon as mommy and daddy showed up to get me, I jumped right in the carrier. Get me the heck of of here! I purred the entire ride home. So Dr. B. said that I sound much better after getting the fluid off my chest. My poor heart just could take all that fluid at one time. He said we should just wait and see what happens. He’s amazed that with my renal levels I’m still able to keep food down. My levels haven’t gone down, but one thing at a time right?

When I arrived home, I was greeted by my silly brother. Jonah tried to climb into my carrier with me! I resigned myself to tons of kisses, rubs and lovin’ from the humans but I’m pretty tired from the vet ordeal. I went to get a drink and used the litterbox. I’ve been sleeping in me goode olde cat tent. I haven’t been in these digs since I was adopted, funny huh? So mommy outfitted my tent with a heating blanket to keep me warm. Right now I need to get my beauty sleep. Tommorrow is a new day so we’ll see how I feel. Mommy and daddy aren’t ready to put me to sleep (even though I’m tired) just yet. They haven’t given up all hope on me since I’m such a tough dude and not just ready to join my brother Micah. Please keep purring and praying for a miracle. – Jake Cat

Last night mommy and daddy came to see me at the hospital. Wow was I happy to see them. I was the only pet there with human visitors and boy did I feel special! They had an IV hooked up to my arm so I tried to rip it out and leave with them. They told me a I needed to stay so I could get better. I’m in the same special cage that my brother Micah was in. It’s special because it has heat and oxygen. When they saw that though it made them sad and worried.

Today I’m not doing so well though. Momma is bringing me home soon. Dr. B. says that with all the additional IV fluids pumping into me, it’s putting a strain on my heart. The right side of my heart is filling with fluid. Because my creatinine is so high I’m not going to the bathroom anymore so I’m not getting rid of the fluid on my own. They can’t reduce the fluids or I’ll have complete kidney failure, if they keep giving me fluid I’ll have a heart attack when my heart drowns. Mommy wants to die she’s so sad. She can’t imagine life without me. They are going to drain some of the fluid off my heart with a needle and then mommy and daddy are going to bring me home. Mommy promised me she would bring me home so she is. I’ll be going to the Bridge soon where I’ll see my brother Micah. Mommy knows that Micah will be so happy to see me that’ll he’ll scream with joy, but she’s just so sad because she’s not ready to let me go. – Jake Cat