I have other cats–one weighs 16lbs, but he’s a big, tall cat & does not look fat-vet’s never mentioned putting him on a diet. The cat in question is small & definitely looks overweight – her litter mate has the same frame but weighs 8.5lbs. But since eating is her greatest pleasure–plus it’s really hard to put one cat on a diet, but not the other 2-- we decided there’s just more of her to love.
And we go to a small vet practice that is closed on weekends and on Monday for the MLK holiday. I’m wait listed for cancellations today, so I may get in today. I like this vet because it’s really close to home & this kitty hates the car & carrier.
If it’s urgent, I can always go to the urgent care vet, but that is really expensive & involves a half hour car ride, which gives her major stress. She did wake up last night and ate a whole can of cat food. But today she’s snoozing away again in her little house…
Yes, along with some bacterial infections. It’s generally more an issue with cats that are exposed to a lot of other cats that might carry the germ. Humans can carry the germs back home with them on hands or clothes if they are around/pet other cats, though.
My 27-pounder made it to 20. I tried getting him to exercise. I bought a leash and collar, and carried him out to the sidewalk. Then I gave him a little tug, thinking that he’ll start to walk. No way. He just dug his claws into the sidewalk and left streaks when I pulled him. People were laughing.
Was able to get Kitty to the vet today, and sadly she is suffering from congestive heart failure & pleural effusion. We’ve been referred to a veterinary cardiologist, which will cost a LOT of money…so now I have to decide whether I should spend thousands of dollars to keep her alive as long as possible or whether I should put her down.
I’m trying to get answers to these questions from the vets right now & also reading everything I can on her condition. Hoping to get more info about her prognosis soon.
People have said she may be in pain. She doesn’t seem to be in pain AT ALL. She mostly sleeps, but when she’s eating & whenever I pet her, she seems very happy and content. But I also know that cats hide their pain (and she is in CHF). Is there any way to tell for sure? I’m trying to assess her quality of life going forward. TIA for any advice
Our old Persian had renal problems somewhere between 17 and 20- we were never sure of his age. I understand this is different to what you are facing.
However we kept him going for us long us we could even though the cost would have supported a cocaine habit (I believe).
However these things have to come to an end and when he tried to pee on our bed- as it hurt him to pee in his litter tray, he would try a different location- I told me wife his time was up. My wife is a softie but we took him to the vet on a Sunday - she was a different vet- and she advised “We are merely patching him up- we can’t fix him. However you have to make the call, not me”
So the call was made that day and he died in our arms. We had provided him the best ten years of his life but you just can’t go in in the wish that they will get better.
We miss him dearly but I still believe the choice was correct.
I’ve had a heart disease kitty and she didn’t seem to have any pain at all. Once her symptoms were managed with medication, she was fine. I do question whether your cat is in actual CHF rather than having HCM (or DCM or RCM, which are far less common). CHF usually occurs at the end of one of these disease cycles and you would’ve been seeing symptoms for a long time. Cats can live quite a while with managed heart conditions. Mine lived six years after diagnosis and she was 17 when she died.
I’m glad you’re seeing a cardiologist because that’s what I would’ve suggested. My experience with a kitty cardiologist is that most of the expense is upfront with the initial examination. The six-month rechecks and meds weren’t that expensive. Please at least go to the initial evaluation, if you can afford it, and decide after that.
ETA: I’d MUCH rather deal with heart disease than renal failure!! Good luck!
I’ll second Helena. I don’t think the heart disease causes kitty much pain (or any). She’s just tired and sleepy. CHM can be managed with medications in many circumstances. The person best able to tell is the cardiologist.
One option to manage the cost is to go to a vet school and get a consult there. I’m not sure where you are located or if that’s possible.
Still trying to figure it all out, but so far I’ve decided to feed her like a Queen. Today she got fresh Salmon, which she LOVED!! We’ll figure out the long term agenda soon, but meanwhile I’m going to spoil her.
If the cardiologist is what you think is too expensive, and since it sounds like this is something your kitty could live with for years without pain, maybe you should do a gofundme or whatever here on the dope. I mean, there are a lot of animal lovers here. Just sayin.
