# My sick kitty \[update - kitty has passed\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 9, 2021, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079 "2021-11-09T23:45:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2021, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/1 "2021-11-09T23:45:19Z")
He’s been becoming weaker and lethargic for about a week now. Today we took him to the vet. He’s a rescue, I got him at the Humane Society around eight years ago. They estimated him to be about five years old, then. So, he’s considered “elderly.” Based on the vet’s labwork, he’s got failing kidneys. I know how it goes when cats get kidney disease. He’s got maybe three months. We return to SCal next week, to stay until after the New Year. I’ll probably say goodbye to him there. And then we will have him cremated and bring him home to AZ to beburied with his brother. His name is Jasper, and I love him dearly. 😭 ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/2 "2021-11-10T00:05:17Z")
I’m so sorry. You did a truly wonderful thing when you adopted an adult rescue. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/3 "2021-11-10T02:08:02Z")
I’m sorry to hear that. Nibbler died from kidney failure as well. Although it’s always hard to know with cats, I did not get the impression that she was in pain or other serious distress. She just stopped eating and drinking at the end, and not long before couldn’t control her bladder. Maybe she could have held out a few more days, but I felt it was time then. It sounds like you aren’t planning to wait until the absolute bitter end. I think that’s better for both Jasper and you. Make sure it is the end–some cats hold out longer than others–but aside from that it’s better to be too early than too late. Good luck with everything. You gave Jasper a lot more good years than he would have had otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/4 "2021-11-10T02:14:03Z")
I’m so sorry. I think most of us have been there, and it never, never gets easy. I’m sure Jasper knows how much you love him, and believe me – cats DO return their humans’ feelings. Hang in there. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/5 "2021-11-10T02:25:30Z")
Yes, I think many of us have been there as well. Holding you and Jasper both in loving thoughts. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/6 "2021-11-10T02:41:17Z")
Hugs to you and Nibbler. This is always an unpleasant ordeal. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/7 "2021-11-10T04:12:53Z")
Jasper is blessed to have you. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/8 "2021-11-10T04:19:24Z")
I’m very sorry. We lost one of our guys recently and it’s never easy. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/9 "2021-11-10T04:57:38Z")
Shit. We lost Creamsicle to acute kidney failure. We’ve lost three cats since Mrs. L.A. moved in. (She brought Harvey, who died of a sudden respiratory distress – he also suffered from seizures; and Tonka died at 17 years, 7 months last June.) I’m devastated every time. At least with Tonka we could see it coming. Love Jasper as long as you can. 😿 ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/10 "2021-11-10T04:58:11Z")
Oh, no. I’m so sorry. You made his life a good one, and he’s been blessed to have you. Wishing both Jasper and you smooth sailing. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/11 "2021-11-10T05:00:09Z")
I’m so sorry to read this, @VOW. Sending you and Jasper positive energy. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/12 "2021-11-10T05:16:11Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > I think most of us have been there … I certainly have. I’ve lost three cats to kidney disease in the past year. It comes on quite suddenly, and cats being cats, it is hard to notice until it is almost too late. You did well in adopting an adult rescue. A few of mine over the years have been the same, and they always seem to have been grateful to find a loving forever home. I will keep Jasper in my thoughts, and will tell my cat Fiona to do the same. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/13 "2021-11-10T05:18:28Z")
So sorry to hear this, **VOW**. Yes, we’ve all been there, and it never gets easy. Give Jasper a few extra scritches from me. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/14 "2021-11-10T08:00:56Z")
Awww. @VOW , I’m sorry. Grieve well my friend. Give Jasper a kiss and hugs from Auntie Beck. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/15 "2021-11-10T16:17:26Z")
I am so sorry. He may go gently enough to be able to die at home without intervention. Talk to your vet., and listen to Jasper. He’ll be letting you know. You might also talk to the vet about giving him subcutaneous fluids at home. It’s easier than it sounds; but it seems to be advised in some cases and not others. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/16 "2021-11-10T19:10:44Z")
Hugs for Jasper. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2021, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/17 "2021-11-26T20:36:01Z")
Update: Jasper seemed to positively respond to the Rx renal cat food. He was still obviously a sick baby, but he gained back a little weight. He didn’t yowl as much. After we returned to SCal for T-Day, he needed more of the Rx food. The vet in SCal wanted to see him, to examine him, before he’d okay the Rx diet. Mr VOW took him in while I stayed home to continue the post-Thanksgiving cleanup. My cat does NOT have kidney disease. However… He DOES have Leukemia. Well, shit. He is in the early stage now. The vet recommended taking him home, give him supportive care, and give him love and affection. When he reaches the end stage, bring him in the final time. IMPORTANT INFO: to all Dopers who are owned by cats, yes, there is a feline vaccination for Feline Leukemia. It is now a YEARLY innoculation! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2021, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/18 "2021-11-26T21:12:39Z")
I’m so sorry, @VOW. Give Jasper tuna and skritchies and love. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2021, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/19 "2021-11-26T21:21:55Z")
I’m so sorry, too. I hope _none_ of you has to suffer excessively as his time draws near. Enjoy every single last second with Jasper. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2021, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079/20 "2021-11-27T05:24:18Z")
I am so sorry. No matter how often we go through this, it never gets easier. Thinking about it, knowing what is going to happen makes harder every time. Now is the time for treats all the time. It doesn’t do a bunch of good to keep a dying cat on a healthy diet when both of you will be happier with the “old sick cat gets whatever they want” diet. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sick-kitty-update-kitty-has-passed/954079.md?page=2)