My cat goes to the vet at 4:30pm, I think he is dying :((((

[Eurobabe]

I've never been through this, can anyone tell me what happens when a cat starts to die?

My oldest cat has been acting strange since yesterday. He is not in any visible pain, he just looks tired and drugged. He is very weak. He pooped on the couch and on my DU calendar :( and I caught him trying to squat on the chair and poo or pee. He was howling earlier today like he is confused (he does that I think because he is deaf and confused) but today he seems extra weak and just out of it. Shallow breathing. He is light as a feather, and weak when I pick him up

I have him on my lap and he seems pretty content, purring, yet swishing his tail like he is borderline agitated. He is not aggressive or anything, but I do believe his days are numbered. I feel really sad.

My younger cat is keeping his distance and seems concerned. He was howling today too, which is really odd.

Anyone who has been through this, can you tell me if my instincts sound right?

[MissHoneychurch]

1. I am so sorry 48%er

it is hard to let a pet go, but I am afraid the signs are of Sebastian leaving this world. :hug:


I am sending positive vibes your way!!!!! Please let me know :hug:

[Eurobabe]

2. I know, this has been coming on slowly, but within the past

couple of days, he seems to be rapidly failing. The best I can do is make him comfortable, we'll see what the vet says at 4:30. :cry:

[MissHoneychurch]

3. Yes, you told me already

that Sebastian is getting worse :cry:

I was hoping that he would stick around longer though. :(

[Tammie]

4. Sorry to hear the news

I know how you are feeling. I lost yet another cat Charlie on
March 12. He was old and frail at 19 years. But when he stopped eating and was weak and didn't look comfortable in his bed, I knew it was time. So for the third time in only 6-1/2 months I had to say good-bye to another good friend.

My thoughts are with you and Sebastian today. :hug:

[elleng]

5. So sorry, 48%.

I have no direct experience, either with cats or directly with dying animals, but my dog passed about 6 months ago. I had moved from the house and learned that Toni was ill too late to help, and by the time my husband took her to vet, it was too late to do anything. I visited her at home.

I did feel content when I learned that she passed while on his lap, at home, because I know how much they cared for one another, and tho I feel sad when I think about her, I still feel content.

Peace

[malta blue]

6. Hugs to you my friend....

:hug::hug:

I hope it all works out for the best and he is comfortable.

[smokey nj]

7. I'm so sorry 48percenter

:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

8. So sorry your baby is suffering, and you may have to let him go..but out of love, sometimes

one has to do the most painful thing, which is to let them go.
So sorry...:cry:

[Grateful for Hope]

9. So sorry to hear this

It is very hard to lose a pet.

:hug:

[Eurobabe]

10. Update, 7pm, he's at the vets for at least 2 days

His bladder was blocked again and his kidney function was low. Probably why he was so weak. The vet did an ultrasound of his heart and bladder and took blood. He has a thickened heart wall, nothing unusual for a cat his age. High BUN levels, some other things re: kidney function out of whack. Kidneys were a little inflamed, but doc was going to insert catheter and drain and flush bladder. He will be on antibiotics and back on special anti-stone diet.

I'd say it is kind of touch and go until we get the bladder thing cleared up, but this is a recurring issue for him. Poor baby was NOT happy at the vets, even though he was exhausted, he hissed and tried to bite my husband and the nice vet. :( Update again in the morning. Say a prayer, and thanks for all the nice thoughts. I think we are leaning towards no unnecessary measures (ie vet mentioned operation to remove the penis to make his urethra wider.)

Rest well tonight my little angel. :hug:

[JeffR]

11. Very sorry to hear about this

Fingers crossed for him here.

[alstephenson]

12. I hope your little angel pulls through!

I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and your fur-baby!

[Beaverhausen]

14. when I read the OP I thought it might be a UTI or something related

my best thoughts go out to you and your baby. :hug:

[blondie58]

25. yep, that operation is called a PU- my vet told me that they basically turn

him "into a girl". Unfortunately, many male cats will have that problem in their lifetime. My tuxedo dumb friends league kittie, Oreo, has had two bad urinary tract infections and was threatened with that. His bladder even literally burst the last time. I am happy to report that it is now five years later, he is fourteen and doing fine. We keep him on a strict urinary control food diet.

Good luck with your little guy, please send him hugs and kisses from me and my furkids. Keep us posted.

[Eurobabe]

36. this is the first time that we have had bladder problems (sand)

for years. I can't remember the last time it happened. He has a tendency to get URIs and that sets the house on fire down below for him. :(

I'll know more today at noon how he is doing. Vet told me to call then, we will visit our son tinight. :)

[AZBlue]

34. I'm so sorry!

It's sooooo difficult when our little ones are in pain. You feel so helpless - I've been there too and it's miserable, I won't lie.

But, keep your hopes up, he's receiving good care and hopefully he'll kick this quickly. Definitely keep us posted and know we're all pulling for him!

:hug:

[Suziq]

13. I am so sorry, 48percenter

to hear about your kitty. Hoping for some good news. :hug:

[yellerpup]

15. So sorry to hear the news, 48percenter.

You didn't say how old he is, but you have him at the vet and are doing all that you can possibly do. Purring can indicate stress or pain as well as contentment. I would guess pain since he was swishing his tail, too. Your instincts are, unfortunately, sounding quite right. My best thoughts are with you and your poor kitty. :hug:

[okasha]

16. Something you can do

if your baby gets through this episode okay--

Put him on distilled water only. I had a kitty who plugged up with frightening regularity and had to be catheterized repeatedly. Then I took him to a vet who told me about distilled water. It's dissolved salts in the tap water--our area is particularly bad for magnesium--that precipitate out and make the "sand" or outright stones that block the urethra. I put all my kitties on distilled, and have not had one bladder episode in the twenty years since.

Meantime, all good thoughts and vibes to you and your kitty.

[Eurobabe]

17. Yes, I've had to do that before also

Our water has TONS of minerals in it, but thankfully no chlorine, it comes straight from the Alps. The older cat will deal with this, but...

How can I wean the younger one from drinking out of his fountain?? (the bidet, it's his personal fountain, we live in a new house, if you get my drift)

[musette_sf]

50. same here

and we did the same thing. good advice.

[MissHoneychurch]

18. How is Sebastian doing?

do you have any news? Please let us know

:hug:

[Eurobabe]

20. He is doing OK, catheterized

vet wants him there until Thursday minimum. We are worried about him because his kidney function is lower than it should be, but the vet thinks that might be because his bladder was swollen. I still think that he is nearing the end, slowly. He is nothing but skin and bones in the rear. Poor baby. I sure don't want him to suffer. :cry:

But I am relieved that he is responding to the treatment. I think you know in your heart when your pet is nearing the end. I've never felt it so strongly, but who knows, he is a fighter and may surprise us all?

:hi:

[Eurobabe]

19. Update 9AM, he made it through the night, is catheterized

they want to keep him at the vets through Thursday, tomorrow we will get the results of whatever they flushed from his bladder. This poor cat has been through the ringer, I feel terrible for him. :cry: He has been a stone-maker since he was 4. I can't recall his last episode, may in 2005 he had a bladder infection, but no stones or blockage.

The vet said he was comfortable, we will try to get in to see him later this afternoon if possible.

Thanks everyone for the nice messages and positive vibes for Sebastian.

[MissHoneychurch]

21. Look at him

He is a cutie pie


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ POSITIVE VIBES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


:loveya:

[Eurobabe]

22. He's the best cat EVA.

So mellow. :hug:

[Branjor]

23. Awww....

Get well soon, Sebastian!

[BrklynLiberal]

24. What a sweetie... Sending lots of positve vibes. Pls keep us posted.

[blondie58]

26. he is adorable- what a love!

[Lorien]

27. Poor Sabastian!

I had a cat who went through the very same thing years ago. He did pull through-though it was touch and go for most of the week. My kitty Jasper was around 17 when this happened, and he lived another two years after the vets pulled him through with round the clock care. Good vibes to Sabastian that he recovers as fully as Jasper did!

[Eurobabe]

35. Good to hear Lorien, I'm only ready to let him go if he wants to go

and I think he has a couple years, maybe? Other than the bladder issues and these damn stones/kidney stuff, he is in really good shape for almost 17!! :hi:

But he is an octogenarian now. :shrug:

[smokey nj]

28. What a sweetie

I'm sending positive vibes to Sebastian. Hang in there, fella! :hug:

[Beaverhausen]

29. sending lots of good thoughts for your handsome boy

and heres a :hug: for you.

[Ranec]

30. My thoughts and hugs to Sebastian and you.

:hug: :hug:

[virgdem]

31. He's adorable...

love those brown tabbies (my cat, Tigger, is full of catitude). I hope that Sebastian recovers very quickly and is home with you before you know it.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

32. Get well vibes for Sebastian.

He looks like a real sweetie.

[Blue Gardener]

33. Awwww

He looks like such a sweet baby. Sending positive thoughts and hugs your way.


:hug:

[KC]

45. What a beautiful cat

He looks so much like our cat.
I'm sorry he's having so many problems and know how hard it is for you too.
I hope he will be ok .

KC

[Eurobabe]

37. Thanks so much everybody, sniff-sniff, your words made me cry!

I am so thankful to have my DU pet family. :grouphug: Update on his condition around noon my time, 7am your time. Hoping for the best re: kidney function.

[Lorien]

38. ....

:hug: :loveya:

[Eurobabe]

39. Thurs. update: Kitty is doing well, but still has catheter

Since we have a trip planned this weekend, he will be staying at the vets through Tuesday. He has to be monitored to make sure he is peeing on his own, and even though my neighbor who is a doll and usually watches the cats said she would do this, I don't want anyone to be faced with an emergency situation. So he stays with Dr.

They said we really won't know too much until the catheter is removed tomorrow and they can see if he is peeing on his own. Sometimes when they remove the catheter, the urethra swells up and poor cat can't pee again anyhow. :(

We are hoping for the best, so far he is doing much better, his Daddy just left to go see him. What a good husband I have. (I am editing a paper for someone, ugh, on deadline)

Thank you all for your continued wishes and support.

[blondie58]

42. I'm glad to hear that Sebastian is holding his own

and might I add what a wonderful husband you have. A man who loves cats is a good man. I am still sending all of my positive vibes and head butts from Oreo, Linden, Lorelei, Tabitha, Max, Isabelle, Hazel and Lilac. (hey, only four are mine, the others are my daughters)

[demnan]

43. I've been offline for a while so just wanted to share my concern

I'm glad Kitty is in a holding pattern. I've had sick cats recover and do fine if they can. One thing is for sure, your love will help them.

[Eurobabe]

47. Thanks Demnan, I am going to visit him today after lunch at the vets

I think Dad is coming too. He wants to bring his brother (the Demon) but I said that is a bad idea, we don't need a virus coming home, that could reinfect Mr. S. when he returns to us on Monday eve.

[okasha]

44. The Dr. might want to give Sebastian a really short course

of Prednisone or something similar to keep potential swelling down. Steroids can be nasty things, but they can also be life-savers.

[Eurobabe]

48. thanks will ask, they have him on antibiotics

not sure what else? he's had an IV drip, perhaps he's recvd. pred in that?

[AZBlue]

46. I'm glad he's doing better and I know he'll continue to do so!!

:hug:

[mak3cats]

40. My Gideon's bladder filled up with sand constantly...

...and I had the feline urethrostomy operation done (I call it a "peckerectomy" - my vet almost lost it when I first used the term). That was years ago, and he hasn't had a urinary problem since. He's 12 now. One of my sister's cats also had the operation, and he made it to 20. Considering your beautiful boy is elderly, the surgery might not be advised, but hopefully maintenance will keep him comfortable and with you much longer.

Sending good thoughts your way...

[blondie58]

41. LOL, mak3cats!! peckerectomy!!!! That is priceless!

[Eurobabe]

49. Yes, that is why the vet is concerned,

he has thickening of the heart muscle, and with the kidneys functioning low, they did not want to do that...

[Lisa0825]

51. (((HUGS)))

I am so sorry you and your kitty are going through this. I am sorry I didn't responded sooner. I have been kinda preoccupied with the primaries and haven't taken the time to check in on my fellow animal lovers as much as i should. I hope that your baby will continue to improve. Kisses and a headbut from my kitties to yours... :loveya:

[spooky3]

66. glad to hear it - my cat had the same operation and is doing fine years later

[Eurobabe]

52. OK, Sebastian is HOME!! Yea!!

Thank you all for your love and support, Sebastian is home. His brother was less than cordial to him, hissing and trying to pick a fight, (I think Sebastian smells like the vet and other cats)

ANYHOO, kitty is on special renal diet, and he is getting Prilium (ACE inhibitor for CHF??) The one thing that has me concerned though, is that he is still pooing outside his box. Very unusual for him. He is pinkling (I love that German word! From pinkeln: to pee) on his own, but I wonder why he is not using the toilet for #2? He still seems weak, and is quite thin. He is shaved in th most unusual places.

But he is home with us, and whatever happens now is in the hands of the universe. :grouphug:

Sebastian is almost 17, and has used up just about all of his 9 lives, I am at peace with whatever happens...

[Blue Gardener]

53. That's great news!

I bet he's glad to be home with his family.

[malta blue]

54. YAY!!!

I am so happy for you and Sebastian kitty :bounce::bounce:

:hug:
~MB

[Eurobabe]

55. Thanks! We are thrilled he is home

for as long as we have him. :hi:

[blondie58]

56. that is wonderful news!! And, yes- you are right about that

hospital smell. I remember bringing my kids to the doc at different times and this always happened when they returned. I had completely forgotten it.

Good luck with the poo problem. I don't know what is up with that either.


Long live Sebastian the brave.

[Grateful for Hope]

57. I am so glad to hear this!

Not sure about the poo problem, but, my daughter's cat, who is about 11 years, had blockage so severe that the vet removed his penis. He spent a very long time in the hospital (about a month), and, since he has been home, my daughter has had to keep him confined because he tends to pee outside the litter box.

Sebastian did not have such invasive treatment, so, I suspect that his problem may clear up.

[AZBlue]

58. I'm so glad he's doing better!!!

[BrklynLiberal]

59. Sebastian appears to be a fighter. Hope that you both come thru this gently...and successfully.

So glad he is home.

[Eurobabe]

60. Update: Sebastian is holding his own, doing well

He is using his box, and still sparring with his brother, good sign.

Still such a bag of bones, poor old man. But he is getting LOADS of love, wet food for his condition, and he is loving it.

Thanks to all for your concern. :grouphug:

[blondie58]

61. I am so glad, 48percenter!!!

Yeah, Sebastian. As the vet phrased it for my old skinny foster cat, Tigger "I guess it is not his time to check out yet."

[Eurobabe]

62. Thanks Blondie!!!

We are THRILLED. He's such a wonderful kitty, I want to keep him around forever. :hug:

[japple]

63. Hooray for Sebastian. Sending positive energy in his

direction. He is such a sweet boy. Thanks for posting his picture. My boy, Tiny, had a similar episode at 13 yrs. and refused to eat the "special" diet the vet prescribed. I changed his diet to mostly wet food with some dry Innova Evo, and he has gained weight and looks pretty good for a 15 yr. old. He has his ups and downs, but his lab work has improved and the vet says he's doing really well.

[Lorien]

64. That's great news! I was pretty sure he would pull through

it sounded exactly like what I went through with Jasper, and my "old bag of bones" lived for a couple more years after that episode-even through two bouts with cancer! Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy one another's company for a good while to come. :-)

[BrklynLiberal]

65. So happy for you and for Sebastian. I guess he is staying around for a bit more of your lovin.

[spooky3]

67. best wishes for all of you +++ ++++ +++++ ++++ ++++++ ++++++ +++

[Eurobabe]

68. Thanks EVERYONE!!!

Yes, I think he is going to be around for awhile yet. Old Mr. Bag of Bones. LOL.

:loveya:

[liberaldem4ever]

69. What a pretty kitty

I have an eighteen year old kitty named Tiger who looks a lot like your kitty. He has breathing problems, but loves life and kitty treats. I had tears in my eyes going down through the posts afraid things wouldn't go good for your precious kitty. I'm so glad to hear that the outcome is happy. Please keep us updated. God bless.

[Eurobabe]

70. Oh LD4E

:hug: :hug:

Your note was so touching. Thank you. :hi:

And here's another picture of my big pretty kitty who is an angel, (except when he whines for food.) I have to keep their food dishes separated, kind of a hassle, but the younger one pigs out on the renal diet.

[BrklynLiberal]

71. Gorgeous...Absolutely gorgeous.

[Eurobabe]

72. Thanks BL

:hug: to you too! :hi:

[liberaldem4ever]

73. Thanks for the pic-he is a cutie pie!

He looks so sweet and precious. I have six kitties, a chihuahua, and a cockatiel and I'm a huge animal lover. I could talk all day about my pets-they are all so sweet and are so spoiled rotten it's funny. My kitties (and puppy) all whine for "kitty treats" all the time, and they get them pretty regularly. I haven't ever figured out how to seperate the puppy's food from the kitties. They just eat each other's food but nobody needs any special food so I guess it's OK. Anyway, I was so happy to know that Sebastian is doing better. I know from experience that it hurts so much to know that someone in your animal family is in pain, and feel so good when they can get better. Thanks for the update-I hope he continues to feel better and has lots of time to spend with you. Take care. :hug: