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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWe think it's getting to be our cat's time.
A couple of years ago, one of our cats was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. For up until two months ago, she handled it like a champ. Now, she's getting more tired, having litterbox issues, and losing weight. I'll be taking her into the vet before the end of the month to see what more can be done, but it's very likely that her time is quickly coming.
I'm not asking for sympathy; I haven't even really come to terms with it yet. All I'd ask is that those of you with furry friends give them a big hug tonight and remind them how much you care for them.
Thank you.
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oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)They know -- they know you love 'em and they know when the time is coming. Just be with her. That is all she wants.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)Curled up right now on the couch and snoring.
I'm 27 now, and she's been with us since I was in middle school. I think she knows it's her time; it's her big dumb human that hasn't fully come to terms with it yet.
Thank you.
CurtEastPoint
(19,272 posts)She loves you so much. Remember that.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)She doesn't like a lot of people, but the ones she does, she loves.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,011 posts)He is 15.
Neighbor cat came over and picked a fight with him when he was sunning himself on the back deck.
Murphy got bit on the upper side of face, an abscess formed. Half his head was swollen.
Last week the vet said it was a bad abscess and if the meds did not work, only major surgery would, and old cats do not do well after that kind of surgery and infection.
The meds are not working, the poor old guy is looking worse, and I will have a tuff choice come Monday.
So hard to be a responsible fur baby parent, when these tough decision times come around. 
I share your sorrow.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)You love your little boy, and he loves you. I know you'll do what's best for both of you.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,845 posts)I just reached over and skritched my kitty's ears. He and his two roommates know I love them. Yours knows you love her, too.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)Thank you for giving them a home.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,845 posts)I'm glad they chose me as their human. Although they are family I don't think of cats as like children, exactly; they are cleverer and more magical than children - they're more like mischievous but benevolent, loving elves.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)
Gumboot
(531 posts)It was heartbreaking to see them waste away after such long and active lives, and having given me so much love and great memories.
Spend every remaining minute you can with her, before the bridge comes into view.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)
SusanCalvin
(6,592 posts)It's hard. I have a row of urns in support of my empathy.
navarth
(5,927 posts)Count on it. These little miracles are more than just furry friends. They are our family. And they get tons of love every. single. day.
I will give them extra hugs, and tell them I know of a little girl who is loved very much and is not doing well.
I know you're not asking for sympathy. How about some hugs?
We fall in love with these little shits and they break our hearts. And I would do it again.
Sending courage and comfort.
litlbilly
(2,227 posts)My last one was my sweetheart to the core. She was 19 so she had a long, loving life. I have 4 wonderful babies now and just knowing someday, they will leave this world, hurts to even think about. I know exactly what youre feeling now and just give all the love you have. Everything I do is based on what they want. I know that sounds strange but wow is it true. At least your cat has you.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,845 posts)to kidney disease more than anything else. I've lost two that way.
litlbilly
(2,227 posts)a dear friend who was only 11 because of contaminated food from a pouch. It was on a recall list be we didn't find out till it was too late. He went downhill within 2 months after eating it. It still tears me apart to this day and it was over 10 years ago.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,845 posts) 
Botany
(72,789 posts)Let him or her run some simple tests to see what is up and what can be done.
If it is kidney failure do not let your friend suffer.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)She's still being a member of the family, but her time is going to be very soon.
Botany
(72,789 posts)I wish you well.
martigras
(151 posts)Our old girl had similar issues. We combed the Internet to see if anyone had success with reversing or halting kidney failure. We came across abproduct called Azodil that not only halted her kidney problems, her numbers improved. After giving her three months to live she lived another 2 1/2 years. And she died from a stroke, not kidney disease. If you love her, try it and see if it helps. Even our vet was impressed.
Jack Rabbit
(45,984 posts)
(from both me and Swashbuckler)
swilton
(5,069 posts)Know that there are a lot of memories in our furry friends and there's a great empty spot when their time comes.
slumcamper
(1,742 posts)I never really had a pet after my cat Ed was run over by the schoolbus as it backed into our rural Iowa gravel driveway back in 1971. Like clockwork, Ed always bolted from his lazy lounging on the front porch of the hundred-year-old farmhouse we rented to meet me when the big yellow bus arrived at about 3:45 in the afternoon. He met his end on an early morning afternoon.
Loper (so named because he was an interloper at the outside catfood bowl) arrived in 2008. Reluctantly I coaxed him in. What a cat! Orange and white, a good boy, he was largely an outside cat but came in occasionally. He never messed or scratched things, He was a perfect gentleman, if cat can be such a thing. 3 years ago he died suddenly from what I believe was poison (the neighbor had set out poison for bunnies, and Loper was an avid hunter of small rabbits).
Loper was on my shortlist of best friends. I understand and feel your pain. When the inevitable parting occurs it will take awhile to recover. But you will. I still won't consider another cat because I'm convinced no other will replace him and I seek to avoid the pain of the loss.
Thoughts are with you and your kitty. Be strong and think of what's best for the kitty.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)We have a bichon who is almost sixteen and is not doing well. Several times in the last month we thought "this is it" but the dear old boy keeps hanging in and hanging on. Seeing his decline is brutal, but at this point, each day is a gift.
Letting go is not easy under any circumstances. I'll keep you and your fur baby in my thoughts and will send healing vibes to you both.
Lucinda
(31,170 posts)about. We are still shell shocked. I am glad you've had the extra time with your furry one, and I hope your vet can help.
And I absolutely agree with your advice. Hold them close folks.
Number9Dream
(1,667 posts)When our male Siamese was diagnosed with CKD, almost five years ago, our vet suggested infusions to buy him more time. Because he had such an easy going disposition, we tried it. He has been receiving Normosol infusions for over 4.5 years. He just turned 18. We're certain the infusions have maintained a good quality of life for the old meezer. Good luck.
mike_c
(36,414 posts)eom
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)they become family (at least they should, if you're doing it right). I haven't had a cat in 10 years, but I know the pain.