Has Anyone Had To Go Through A Cat With Chronic Renal Failure?

11/25/10 | Me

[NoGrayZone]

For the last couple of months, I thought my elder kitty was just going senile. She turned 19 this summer and has the usual "old cat" look....frail back and hind legs, loss of muscle and weight and just looks "old". She also started tinkling and pooping outside her liter box and seemed obsessed with her water bowl (hovering over it for hours).

She has hip dysplasia and "old cat back", which cortisone shots took care of 2-3 years ago, then they stopped working. I found Syn-Flex for pets online and she made a miraculous recovery.

The vets did all kinds of tests, etc last time I bought her in and nothing came back. I started seeing weird symptoms for the past month, but just assumed she was getting senile.

I looked up her symptoms and found CRF, which is common at her age. There is no cure, it only gets worse. I do not want to bring her to the vets. Last time she was there (my original vet is now elder and seemed to have lost some of his mind, perhaps senility is creeping in. I heard that in the vets office). I don't like the other vets there, nor trust them from my last experience.

There is also no cure for it.....just things to do to ease any symptoms to make them more comfortable.

I found, online, Tinkle Tonic, which seems to ease a lot of symptoms for this disease.

I was just wondering if any FReepers had to or are dealing with this and perhaps can give me some helpful advice.

[NoGrayZone]

Thank you. It is such a terrible loss, for each of us.

Funny thing is, I asked Him for an hour, but He gave me 12. I went back and forth...give me more time, take her now, taker her in an hour, etc.

He knew what was best for me. I thanked Him for that extra time and was grateful I was able to spend the last days by her side.

As horrid as it was, I’m glad I was there. I think she was too. My goodness I miss her. Everything reminds me of her.

[pbmaltzman]

No dry eyes here, my friend.

I'm sorry for what you're going through. Your Kitty was fortunate by be loved by you.

I too wish they were longer lived. I had to put a boy to sleep in about 2002, and I still miss him.

I've got three tortie girls now; I'm hoping they'll all stay healthy.

[Slings and Arrows]

May G-d be with you in your time of need.

[MHGinTN]

I still waken in the middle of the night thinking I hear him meow outside my bedroom door. ... I’ve sure got a few question for God when I get the chance.

[beaversmom]

I didn’t see your story originally in November. I just read about your kitty passing—cried reading it. I’m very sorry for your loss. You must have been doing something right to get your kitty to 19. That’s an amazing age for a cat. Of all the cats my mom has had, only two made it to 19. Best wishes to you and your family and remaining animals.

[Lemondropkid31]

I am so sorry :o( It is so hard to loose a pet. I am glad you have the other two to love on. May God give you peace.

[SMM48]

I am very sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you feel. Just know that "Kitty" is now at peace. No more suffering. Our pets are never here long enough.

Upon learning of my cat's passing, the moderator of the CRF group I belonged to sent me the following short poem which I want to share with you:

I loved my friend

He went away from me.

There's nothing more to say.

The poem ends,

Soft as it began--

I loved my friend.

--Langston Hughes

[Allegra]

I am so sorry....sending you a big, comforting cyber-hug.

I lost a 19-year old feline friend in '99 and I know how hard it is.

You gave Kitty a good life.

Prayers up for your comfort and strength.

[vetvetdoug]

You need a phosphorous binder...Alternagel or Maalox are two excellent choices...act as a antacid and a binder and extend the life of the kidneys. Learn to give subcutaneous fluids daily to diurese the kidneys...just takes a few minutes a day and easy to learn. Switch the diet to high carbohydrate low protein diet...Hill's and Purina have special diets for renal failure and if you are so inclined, there is even a recipe for you to cook your own diet. Your veterinarian can give you the diets and the dosage for the binders and provide you with the fluids for the SQ daily use. As long as your kitty has one working nephron unit there is a good quality of life there for the both of you.

[CAluvdubya]

So sorry to hear. These little furry creatures worm their way into our hearts and latch on.

As I type this, my 18 year old is sitting on my lap after not having eaten her breakfast. I know her time is also near.

I lost my diabetic about 2 years ago and every now and then he sends me a sign, reminding me of his time here.

You will never forget your baby and she was very lucky to have owned you!

[vetvetdoug]

I am sorry for your loss. I was just pinged about kitty and didn’t read the thread. There were some excellent recommendations here for you as you were well aware. I am going to bookmark it because it will be helpful for my clients as well. Kitty will be there waiting for you when we pass over, God gave us domain over the animals and they share our redemption as well.

[TheOldLady]

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. What you’re going through is very familiar to me and to most pet lovers. May God comfort you in your grief, and may your memories of Kitty go from bringing tears to making you smile fondly as the months go on.

[teenyelliott]

*crying*

So, so sorry. You will feel better, but you will always miss her. I have two who make me misty eyed to this day, and I lost them years ago. Some kitties just create such strong bonds with us, and it is very painful when they go. I am so sorry.

[golux]

Dude, that website is WAY creepy.

[pabianice]

Prayers

[Biggirl]

My condolences to you on the sad passing of your beloved cat. :(=^..^=

[duckman]

I have had several Siamese cats with renal failure. I have had to give them the equivalent of dialysis several times a week. The cats were 14 years old and from the same litter. Each cat developed renal failure just after the previous one passed on. I did this procedure for about 4 years. Its simply a water bag, obtained from the vet, with a very sharp needle and performing a sub-q water transfer, flushing the kidneys with water. If you have the time to do this check with the vet. Its not a pretty sight when she is ready to pass on. Best to put her down while she still has some dignity. IMHO

[gimme1ibertee]

I'm so sorry for what you must be going through right now..I'd like to share my story with you if I could...

My beloved Boog,our big grey tom,was 16 when he began not wanting to eat,looking haggard and had an odd-smelling breath. I took him to the vet's and got the heartbreaking news: he was in kidney failure.They could keep him & give him IV therapy,force-feed him and get his strength back and see how he would do,and after 3-4 days and nearly $600 later,he was sent home. After a couple of days,the loss of appetite was back and the bad breath smell as well.He laid on my lap one evening and looked up at me,his eyes so tired and weary.I told hubby i'd take him to the vet's the next day for what I knew was the inevitable.
I took him in the exam room,heart in my throat, and the vet checked him and asked me what I wanted to do.I broke down immediately and just nodded at him to do what needed to be done. I turned my back as they administered the first shot,then the doc explained to me what would happen.
He closed the door and I held Boog close to me until I felt his little body go limp and his breathing stopped.I'm crying writing this but I would do it again in a minute,as devastatingly painful as it was for me to do.
Letting go takes much more love and courage than you could ever know;but rest assured-God knows ,and your best friend knows,and they will be waiting for you at The Gate when you get there.
An interesting and happy footnote to this story:
About 2 days later, I was at work still feeling like crap,and I kept getting this nagging voice telling me to go to Petsmart after work.I NEVER go to Petsmart! What's this?? By the time quitting time came,I was ready to go,and I still wasn't sure why.I went right to the adoption center-I swear to you, I NEVER went there before that day!!!!There,in an unmarked cage in the very back of the row,was the most beautiful,chubby little female tabby i'd ever seen.She was sticking her paw out of the cage like she was trying to get my attention.I left that Petsmart with Penny in a cardboard carrier and nearly 5 years later she continually brings me joy.To this day I know Boog sent her to me,to comfort me and watch over me after he left.She's my miracle kitty.

[They'reGone2000]

Pax vobiscum.

You did everything right.

[Fawn]

So sorry...They take such a big chunk of our hearts with them.....it’s very hard....just hope I see them in Heaven.