Reply #6: I went through the same thing with my kitty Isis...

[Desertrose]

First off...let me give you a big :hug:

This procedure is really daunting for some reason...maybe it is the size of the needle but I was so nervous like you and of course Isis picked up on my nervousness ...that on top of her feeling pretty low....well...I know exactly what you are going through.

I finally had to give in & take her to the vets about 2-3 times a week. But it was a 5 minute drive for me. I can't imagine having to take a bus.

I assume they showed you how to grab the skin behind her neck to make a place for the needle to go in - sort of between your fingers if I recall....and they also showed me how to gently squeeze the bag of saline to speed the process up a bit. I hope you can get someone to help you. I really think its too much for an untrained person to attempt on their own, but I realize sometimes there is no choice. I would put a towel on the table and hold her down but usually ended up getting more on me than in her.....

I hate to ask, but are they hoping this will slow down the progress of crf or is it a matter of just making her comfortable? With Isis they kept her in the hospital for about 3 days and hydrated her but after that it was only about a month until she just couldn't make it- during that time she would get hydrated about twice a week. The hydrating made her comfortable up to a point but then it seem we quickly passed that point.

CRF is tough to watch you sweet kitty go through, but I've been convinced for sometime that these little spirits don't make as big a deal about leaving the body as humans.


I wish I could be more help...its a hard place to be in....to want to help yet be unable to. (I always had horses & other animals around & did many things to help & tend to them, but for some reason, I just couldn't manage this procedure , so don't be hard on yourself.)

Have you asked Pitski what she wants?? Or explained to her this is to make her feel better? I remember Isis finally understood, but honestly, she was really ready to leave that body behind. I knew that very clearly before our first visit to the vets but just felt so bad for her & I wasn't ready to let her go at that point either.

Keep us posted....do you know any nurses or techs who could help you at home??

:hug:
DR