Cera probably has hours left to live

Status
Not open for further replies.
SweetAngel

SweetAngel

Member Since 2014
She's in the beginnings of renal failure. I just hope she has years, not months.

I can't write any more now, I'm still trying to deal with losing Lianna. I'm in pieces. Luckily Angel is doing well and has every chance of going into remission.
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Oh (((Cassandra)))...

Is this the early stages of kidney disease?
Cats can live a long time with this, so there is every chance that you and Cera will be able to share many happy days together.

What treatment has the vet proposed at this time?

There are many people here with CRF kitties who may be able to advise.
I also strongly recommend 'Tanya's' CRF site. It has a wealth of information. The link is here: http://www.felinecrf.org/
I also have the book that the Tanya's website owner has written and can highly recommend that too (you are welcome to borrow my copy if you wish.)

Chin up, sweetie. There is a lot you can do to help Cera feel better.

Huge hug to you,

Eliz x
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Sorry to see this Cassandra but as Elizabeth says, there is definitely hope! You are a fantastic cat mummy and I know you will do your very best. We are all here cheering you on...

Diana x x
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

thank you both so much. I've looked at Tanya's site and signed up for the support group.

I'm picking up some special food for Cera tomorrow, looks like for once Hills may be the answer, I've checked the catinfo list and the Hills wet k/d seems the best option for her. I'm just praying she has at least a few years left. Although she's 17 she's always been amazingly healthy. It's less than a year since I lost Angel's sister Jordan from acute renal failure and just over 2 weeks since I lost Lianna, I'm overwhelmed, just don't know how much more I can take. Thank god (fingers crossed) Angel is doing well.

xx
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Don't give up hope. My kitty Boo was diagnosed with early kidney failure, discovered when she went for a dental. It scared the petunias out of me and gave me such a sick feeling in my tummy. She stayed at nearly those same numbers for 6 more years and was healthy and happy till the last few months of her life. She lived to be 21. There is a wealth of information at the Tanya site that was mentioned but just remember that kidney deterioration many times happens very slowly, over a period of years and that with good care, which I know you give, you may have your sweet kitty for a long, long time to come.

Molly
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

CRF isn't always a death sentence. Just as with diabetes, ECID. My Shadow was DX'd with stage 3 CRF almost 4 years ago and he's managed to hold steady ever since. With some small changes to diet and regular monitoring, Cera could very well lead a very long normal life. It's great that you've caught it early. This gives you more time to manage the disease and, hopefully, slow its progression. There are some wonderful CRF resources out there. Do your research and don't become overwhelmed by fear or give up hope. Best wishes to you both!
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

The Friskies Special Diet pates may work fine for her.
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

I have two civvies in early kidney disease stage. They are age 14 and 16. I expect them to live for several+ more years. They are both doing well and at last check their numbers have not gotten any worse. It reminds me of when the doctor told my mother that she has congestive heart failure. She didn't think she would last the week until I told her it is just the doc's way of saying you are old and your heart is old and doesn't work as well as it use to.

Tanya's page is very helpful at maintaining good health for CRF kitties. The Friskies Special Diet foods are great. I have a phosphorous blocker for mine but their numbers haven't gotten high enough for me to have to worry about it. Just keep her food hydrated and make sure she eats.

So breathe and cherish her every day.
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Oh Cassandra ...

(((((((((((( Cassandra and Cera ))))))))))))

My heart goes out to you. I'm glad that Angel is doing well, and I'm saying a little prayer that Cera is going to be OK. She has you as her critter mom and I know you'll do everything you can to help her.
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

((((Cassandra)))) My heart goes out to you, I am glad to hear Angel is doing so well! I know you have a lot on your plate, but remember there are ways to help manage CKD, through your loving care, there is always hope! Hugs!
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

thank you so much everyone for thinking of us.

I will know more when she has her repeat bloods done on 1st September, it will show what speed things are progressing. (hopefully not at all) I had a long chat with Stan (my brilliant vet) when I picked up Cera's food, as far as we know she does not need phos. blockers or fortekor or vit b yet, also at this early stage iv fluids and fortekor could do more harm than good. That day is also 1 year since I lost Angel's sister Jordan from sudden renal failure so I'm trying to look at it like Jordan is looking over us.

I can't get Friskies here in UK, but looked at the catinfo site and even that seemed to think the Hills wet k/d was the best option. And she loves it, Angel is going mad for it and I can't let him have any, of course. I'll start a new thread and post an update on Angel, Cera and me now. Thank you again everyone.

xxx
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Have a look at this thread for UK foods, then check phosphorus. Levels on the candidates. Or post a new thread with a subject line of 'UK low phosphorus foods'
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

thanks BJM.

I found an unbiased list (ie not a Hills one!!) and the Hills k/d and another renal diet food (the Purina, I think) are the lowest phosphorous. I guess as far as crf is concerned Hill's have got it right. Luckily she loves the food. I'm always researching though, so if anything even better turns up I'll try that.
x
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

You can add up to 20-25% plain meat/poultry to canned food which may lower phosphorus ratios.

Another option is to make the food at home, where you can control the amount of bone (phosphorus) which goes in. Cat info has a recipe for raw and Dr Pierson consults for a fee.
A veterinary school may offer nutrition consulting for creating a cooked food (ex Ohio State University does in the USA; it may be possible to consult with them through your vet if you're interested ... er, for a fee))

Have you been to Feline CRF? Lots of good info there on nutrition for renal cats.
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Aww :sad: Sending hugs and positive vibes to both yourself and cera. :YMHUG:
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

SweetAngel said:
thanks BJM.

I found an unbiased list (ie not a Hills one!!) and the Hills k/d and another renal diet food (the Purina, I think) are the lowest phosphorous. I guess as far as crf is concerned Hill's have got it right. Luckily she loves the food. I'm always researching though, so if anything even better turns up I'll try that.
x
Click to expand...

Hi Cassandra,
Is the list you've found the feline CRF UK food list? (If not, here's the link!):
http://www.felinecrf.org/canned_food_uk.htm

Some folks don't favour the Hill's k/d because of it's having a lower protein content than many foods (and keeping weight on CRF kitties can be one of the main challenges). As an alternative view you may be interested to read Kimouette's post on the subject here:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=118503#p1241532

Eliz
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Sending Hugs & Prayers.
My neighbors cat, Snowball who is 16 has had it for many years and is still doing well.
Don't give up! Cera can live a long life with this, especially since she has such a wonderful mama!
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

in tears as I write this. Cera has about 2 weeks left to live. She has lost her appetite, will hardly touch the hills k/d which she really liked just over a week ago.
In 10 days she has lost 10% of her body weight.
The vet said spoil her, let her have whatever she wants to eat. He also said if I gave her fortekor it would make her feel better in herself but could shorten her life, but I've nothing to lose so to give it to her. She's actually eaten some pilchards in tomato sauce warmed up.
My dad is driving down tomorrow, she's always been his favourite.
One reason I haven't posted here is I've been worried about Cera....but I was worried I would only have months...not 2 weeks or less.
I found all this out today, which would have been Lianna's 19th birthday.
I will post again when I can xx
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

Oh Cassandra ... :sad:

Will keep you both in my thoughts. Cherish every second ...

((((((Cassandra & Cera))))))
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

My cats love sardines in tomato sauce, if she likes it of course keep feeding it to her. Prayers :sad:
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

(((((Cassandra & Cera))))) I am so sorry to read this, I will be praying for you both;this is so unfair, so soon after the loss of Liaana and on her birthday no less.... My heart is breaking for you! I hope that you are able to spend as much time with Cera as possible, surrounding her with your undying love and may she only know all of the luxuries and comforts in life. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Re: bad news about my civie Cera

I'm so sorry to see this, Cassandra, it really doesn't seem fair. Sadly we see this situation all too often - where people have barely experienced the loss of one dear kitty before more news like this... it's so much to come to terms with and really tests us. What can we say but what the vet has said - spoil little Cera and let her know how very much she is and always will be loved.
Thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace...
Diana x x
 
Cera only ate a tiny bit last night, nothing today, am trying everything I can think of.
I cannot let my baby starve to death. I've made a provisional appointment at the vets for 3.30 tomorrow, unless a miracle happens I will be saying goodbye to my little girl. Unbelievable.
 
Oh, Cassandra...
...And after all that you've been through....

Please know that I am holding you in my thoughts and in my heart; and I expect many others here are doing the same. You are held in great affection here.

Try not to jump ahead too far in your mind, sweetheart. Take it a moment at a time. Focus on your time with Cera. Talk to her. Stroke her if she is comfortable with that. Tell her everything you need to say. Leave her to sleep if she needs to sleep, and just watch over her.

Focussing on 'practical' things can be useful at times, both for ourselves and for our kitty: Don't give up on offering her food and water. Perhaps she will take a little food from your finger? Or some warm milk?
Can she manage to get into a normal litter tray? If not then is there a lower tray/box she could use, or maybe even a plastic bag spread on the floor with some cat litter in the centre.
Can she wash herself? If not then it may be that being gently groomed, or having her fur wiped with a damp warm cloth could be soothing.
You know her well. You'll know what she wants and needs.

Please know that we are all here for you whenever you need us.

(((Cassandra))),

Eliz xxx
 
There are appetite stimulates like mirtazapine. Also you can can assist feed with a syringe. I have do ne that when the cat acts fine except for eating.
 
she's given up, doesn't want food, only taken a tiny bit of water. Vet said yesterday her kidneys are hard. Most likely I will have to say goodbye tonight, my dad is on his way from up north to say goodbye to his little princess. She cries if I pick her up. Wish it was only her appetite.
 
So sad with you, Cassandra, this breaks your heart, I know. Try to stay strong and be the wonderful cat mummy you are for Cera for every last minute you have together. You are now trading her peace for your pain - the greatest gift of all you can give your precious little girl.
(((((Cassandra)))))

Diana
 
I'm so sorry. But, I'm also so glad that she has you to care so lovingly for her at this time when she needs you so very much. Comforting thoughts to all of you.
 
Cera is gone

r.i.p. my beautiful girl.

She went downhill so quickly. By the time my dad got here he barely had any time with her as the vets closes at 7 and we didn't want to stress her out taking her miles to the emergency vets. She wasn't eating, hardly drinking, her breath smelt and vet said she was dehydrated and her mouth was ulcerated. I can't write more now, I'm tearing up...but at least I got to be with her and hold her.
 
I am so very, very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. It doesn't help when the pain is so fresh, but I hope you will be comforted in knowing you were the best kitty-mom Cera could have ever had and you did everything possible to help her and spare her pain. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Christi
 
Sending as many hugs as humanly possible to you....

I am sure Lili met Cera at the bridge and is keeping her close to her....I am sure they are missing you as much as you are missing them, but hopefully there is some comfort in knowing they are together.....
 
Oh Cassandra,
I am so very sorry about Cera and s close to Lianna's passing too. They are together now and are at peace. I wish you love and comfort as well.
 
((((Cassandra and Angel))))) I am so sorry for your loss! I am glad to hear that you were able to hold her in your arms as she crossed the bridge, I am sure she felt all the love you have for her, hugs to you and Angel! :YMHUG:
 
I can't find the words to say how sad I feel for you, Cassandra. Cera could not have had a better or more loving mum. I am glad that your Dad got there in time.

((((((Cassandra & Cassandra's Dad & Spirit Cera))))))
 
I am saddened and so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Cera. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying you find peace in knowing that you were a wonderful gift to her, and she to you. You were so blessed to have found each other. May you find comfort in all the memories of good times you shared. I know you will miss her. May time help you to heal from her loss. Hugs.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top