I miss him so much. Life isn't the same without him home.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Boy Kitty 1990-2009
I put Boy Kitty to sleep this morning at about 10:30am. I knew it was time this morning when he did not eat and his breathing was still so bad. My mom and I brought him to the vet. We get into the examination room and I put him on the table. Usually, he's antsy and doesn't really appreciate being there but this morning he laid on his side stretched out... almost like he was saying he was ready and it was ok. He growled when they put the catheter in and when the doctor listened to his heart and lungs prior to the injection. That made me smile. I asked the doctor if he thought that he had fluid in his lungs and he said that there was alot going on and I did the right thing by bringing him in. He said some other comforting words... They were all very nice. My uncle Eugene (he found Boy Kitty as a kitten) and my mom were in the room with me. The vet said he'd do it when I was ready. I leaned over him and cried, cried, cried... whispered that I loved him.. he's a good boy... and good night. Last night and this morning I had a talk with him and told him what was going to happen today. I thanked him for being a patient, loyal, and loving companion and I hoped he had a good life with me. I told him he was the best cat ever. I said some other stuff. I nodded to the vet that it was time and the change was so subtle and peaceful. I petted him for a little bit afterwards... the vet closed his eyes... we wrapped him up in the towel... We took him home to my parents house. My uncle bought a tool box and put him in it (I petted him one last time) and then sealed it. We put a note inside - that we loved him - and my uncle put him in the ground. My uncle bought one of those solar light landscaping stakes -- just one -- and put it on his gravesite. I am going to get a little stone with his name on it soon. I wanted to cremate him but it was way too expensive. The next best thing was my parents back yard where he liked to walk around and eat grass. I'm just so fucking depressed. Empty. But I know it was the best thing to do for him. It was his time.
Saturday sunset. I held Boy Kitty up to look at the golden sky with double rainbows.
Boy Kitty in better days... 'night, kitten...
I put Boy Kitty to sleep this morning at about 10:30am. I knew it was time this morning when he did not eat and his breathing was still so bad. My mom and I brought him to the vet. We get into the examination room and I put him on the table. Usually, he's antsy and doesn't really appreciate being there but this morning he laid on his side stretched out... almost like he was saying he was ready and it was ok. He growled when they put the catheter in and when the doctor listened to his heart and lungs prior to the injection. That made me smile. I asked the doctor if he thought that he had fluid in his lungs and he said that there was alot going on and I did the right thing by bringing him in. He said some other comforting words... They were all very nice. My uncle Eugene (he found Boy Kitty as a kitten) and my mom were in the room with me. The vet said he'd do it when I was ready. I leaned over him and cried, cried, cried... whispered that I loved him.. he's a good boy... and good night. Last night and this morning I had a talk with him and told him what was going to happen today. I thanked him for being a patient, loyal, and loving companion and I hoped he had a good life with me. I told him he was the best cat ever. I said some other stuff. I nodded to the vet that it was time and the change was so subtle and peaceful. I petted him for a little bit afterwards... the vet closed his eyes... we wrapped him up in the towel... We took him home to my parents house. My uncle bought a tool box and put him in it (I petted him one last time) and then sealed it. We put a note inside - that we loved him - and my uncle put him in the ground. My uncle bought one of those solar light landscaping stakes -- just one -- and put it on his gravesite. I am going to get a little stone with his name on it soon. I wanted to cremate him but it was way too expensive. The next best thing was my parents back yard where he liked to walk around and eat grass. I'm just so fucking depressed. Empty. But I know it was the best thing to do for him. It was his time.
Saturday sunset. I held Boy Kitty up to look at the golden sky with double rainbows.
Boy Kitty in better days... 'night, kitten...
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Goodbye, Boy Kitty.
Well, last night I talked to Dave and my brother about Boy Kitty and about when I would know when to put him to sleep. Last night I had decided to give it a week and see how he is. Today, when I opened up his crate to give him fresh water and food, I could see that he was still laying in urine on puppy pads, that he's still leaking poo, his breathing labored, and he didn't eat much. I changed out his litter box and then sat next to him. I gave him fluids and started to cry. I nodded and said I would make the call. Briefly, I thought of asking my mother to call and make the appointment but then decided that I must be strong and just do it. I told him what I was going to do. I told him I loved him. I told him I was sorry for being a shitty mom sometimes but hoped that he knew I love him so much. I told him that he was the best kitty ever.
I picked up the phone, dialed, it went to voicemail. I called back and my voice broke as I told Shelly on the other end what I was calling for. 9am Saturday. 9am Saturday. This Saturday. 9. a. m.
I took his picture... the last picture I will have of him.
Well, last night I talked to Dave and my brother about Boy Kitty and about when I would know when to put him to sleep. Last night I had decided to give it a week and see how he is. Today, when I opened up his crate to give him fresh water and food, I could see that he was still laying in urine on puppy pads, that he's still leaking poo, his breathing labored, and he didn't eat much. I changed out his litter box and then sat next to him. I gave him fluids and started to cry. I nodded and said I would make the call. Briefly, I thought of asking my mother to call and make the appointment but then decided that I must be strong and just do it. I told him what I was going to do. I told him I loved him. I told him I was sorry for being a shitty mom sometimes but hoped that he knew I love him so much. I told him that he was the best kitty ever.
I picked up the phone, dialed, it went to voicemail. I called back and my voice broke as I told Shelly on the other end what I was calling for. 9am Saturday. 9am Saturday. This Saturday. 9. a. m.
I took his picture... the last picture I will have of him.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Boy Kitty isn't doing so well. He's pretty unstable on his feet and sleeps most of the day. Lately it is hard for him to get in and out of the litter box and he's peeing outside the litter box mostly. He wasn't eating much (a few months ago I was going thru a can or two a day for his ravenous appetite) but now eats bit more but still not a lot. His bloodwork showed his BUN at 99... some other numbers increased but the vet said it wasn't time... yet. He called him a stage 3 out of 4, 4 being time to put him to sleep. Tonight I was giving him fluids and he purred but his breathing sounded a bit labored.
I wonder if I am keeping him alive because he has life left or because it is for me. Because it's hard to make that decision. Because everyday I want to see an improvement or at least hope for one. Have I done all I could? Am I being a bad mom? I have a sinking feeling the time is soon and I won't have my boy around anymore.
I wonder if I am keeping him alive because he has life left or because it is for me. Because it's hard to make that decision. Because everyday I want to see an improvement or at least hope for one. Have I done all I could? Am I being a bad mom? I have a sinking feeling the time is soon and I won't have my boy around anymore.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Ugh... so Boy Kitty is still urinating outside of his litter box when unsupervised. I keep him in a large carrier, complete with bed and litter box and that seemed to help things alot. He also seemed to like being secluded and having quiet time. Lately though he has been meowing all night (I haven't slept the night through in a couple of weeks)until I get up and give him some fresh food. I began putting food down before I went to bed but that didn't help. I leave the light on and just make sure he knows I am still around. He began to pee in his bed and lay in it too.... but he still uses his litter box. This is so utterly frustrating, I am at my wits end. He's due for blookwork recheck anyway, so I need to make that appt soon.
Saw Abbiecat yesterday at my uncles... he said she is hanging out with her babies (now almost about 9-10mos old) and occassionally will lay on their bed when they are in it. Success! When she saw me, she just started at me but didn't come close. I didn't push it either.
Saw Abbiecat yesterday at my uncles... he said she is hanging out with her babies (now almost about 9-10mos old) and occassionally will lay on their bed when they are in it. Success! When she saw me, she just started at me but didn't come close. I didn't push it either.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Abbie. My sweet little cat moved to my uncle's house. He has her three kids and a colony of cats. I moved her there about two weeks ago. She went from the small cage to a cage condo. She was very scared and the last update I received is that she is moving around more but is still scared. Her gray cat continues to hiss at her and other cats seem to be curious about the new edition. I know I did the right thing by moving her to a place where she can be around others and with someone who can devote more time to her. It breaks my heart, but it was the best thing for her. I could not move her to my new place.
Boy Kitty seems to be doing well. We have a new addition which is keeping him on his toes. Bella, my shih tzu / chihuahua mix, loves him but he could do without her -- that is, until she licks his ears and plays around his neck. He seems to like that. He's still eating, drinking, and sleeping alot. His urine smells so potent but at least he is no longer spraying (He sprayed alot with Abbie around.)
He is entering his 19th year...
1/12/09 -- edit to add: He is spraying. I caught him spraying in the hallway. He's been laying in a meatloaf position alot lately. He doesn't appear to be interacting much but he may also just want to stay away from the puppy. I'm concerned.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Picture: Boy Kitty tonight sleeping in his bed. Seems to be the spot that he likes most except when he wants to hang out with me. He had a bath today, so he looks a bit scruffy, but smells much better. He actually growled at me when I was drying him off with a towel. Something he never does to me. Grumpy. Anyway, he seems to have adapted to the move pretty quickly and seems to be doing well.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Today I moved Boy Kitty into my new apartment. He seemed to feel at home relatively quickly. I had forgotten what it was like to be with him freely (as opposed to being separated in another room due to parent allergies and dogs). He's following me around, tripping me up, and now, quietly sleeping right next to me on the couch. I promised him years ago that he would be inside with me again and though I am a few years late getting us here I am glad that he's with me again.
Abbie cat is still doing well and will be moving to my uncles soon. He said he would take her in and give her a good home with her 3 babies and his other cats (some are visitors). He takes good care of his critters and I know he will do well with her. She is going, eventually, like being around other cats and having the freedom that she was not able to have with me. I will miss her though. I try to see her as much as I can until he takes her... and I can always visit.
Abbie cat is still doing well and will be moving to my uncles soon. He said he would take her in and give her a good home with her 3 babies and his other cats (some are visitors). He takes good care of his critters and I know he will do well with her. She is going, eventually, like being around other cats and having the freedom that she was not able to have with me. I will miss her though. I try to see her as much as I can until he takes her... and I can always visit.
Friday, November 07, 2008
All together now... "meow meow meow" go Boy Kitty and Abbie Cat until I give them food. Abbie just doesn't stop mewing til she gets food. Whata big fatty she's turning out to be. Last week she started to paw at my hand (no claws) when I take her bowl away. Very cute. I take this as a big step in our relationship. My mother visited her today, said she just wanted to pet her, but Abbie backs up and hides, too scared. My mother doesn't care for cats, so this was new feeling for my mom. Unfortunately, Abbie isn't warming up to anyone else but me.
Boy Kitty is also obsessed with food. He's pooping a bit more, but not consistant yet. He sleeps and meows at me alot. I don't know what he wants. I just want him to hang on a bit longer so we can all move into our new place... maybe he will be more comfortable. At this point Abbie will be released, but confined in a different room, separated from Boy Kitty.
Anyway, all seems well with both felines.
Boy Kitty is also obsessed with food. He's pooping a bit more, but not consistant yet. He sleeps and meows at me alot. I don't know what he wants. I just want him to hang on a bit longer so we can all move into our new place... maybe he will be more comfortable. At this point Abbie will be released, but confined in a different room, separated from Boy Kitty.
Anyway, all seems well with both felines.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Boy Kitty had his T4 retested today. It's too low again -- .5. Dr. Roof told me to cut the dosage back to 1/4 tablets twice a day. He said he would rather his thyroid be a little higher than this low. This is frustrating.
$60 for today's office visit. They charged me the exam which was a little over $20.
Dr. Roof wants us back in 4-6 weeks for retest of total bloodwork.
He said everything else is looking good and that I am doing a good job with him.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Boy Kitty is still having trouble pooping. He's just not regular yet. He's also been meowing at me alot which I take to mean that he is uncomfortable. I'm doing what I can.
I picked up sub-q fluids from the vet yesterday. Dr. Roof came out to see me and ask how BK is. Dr. Roof is another vet that I've seen in the past and he also keeps in touch with Dr. Lester. I was happy that he remembered and that he asked about the Boy. I told him what was going on and that the "fainting" episodes have stopped (as far as I've seen) and he looked flabberghasted as much as I am.
Boy Kitty goes on Saturday for T4 test.
Here's a pic of Boy Kitty (turned his head last minute). Shows that though he's skinnier than what I am used to, he still has some meat to him... even after being furminated today!
Abbie Cat is doing well. She even liked being furminated too.
I picked up sub-q fluids from the vet yesterday. Dr. Roof came out to see me and ask how BK is. Dr. Roof is another vet that I've seen in the past and he also keeps in touch with Dr. Lester. I was happy that he remembered and that he asked about the Boy. I told him what was going on and that the "fainting" episodes have stopped (as far as I've seen) and he looked flabberghasted as much as I am.
Boy Kitty goes on Saturday for T4 test.
Here's a pic of Boy Kitty (turned his head last minute). Shows that though he's skinnier than what I am used to, he still has some meat to him... even after being furminated today!
Abbie Cat is doing well. She even liked being furminated too.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Boy Kitty is doing pretty well. I know that he is still a bit constipated but he's going little tiny turds. Poor guy. I put a bit of Miralax in his food and that is helping. I've watched him a lot this weekend and he didn't fall over again and noone else has seen him do it either. He's still eating, sleeping, walking around and meowing as usual. So I think all is pretty well right now.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Boy Kitty pooped today! Yay! To keep him regular and keep him going from this day forward I will continue to feed him a syringe of pumpkin mixed with Miralax (1/8 tsp per day spread throughout all meals). This should help with any constipation and just keep him going!
I have not seen him fall over again since the other day. That doesn't mean that he hasn't done it when I have not been home and not around him though. When I am home this weekend I will be able to watch him better and see what is going on.
I have not seen him fall over again since the other day. That doesn't mean that he hasn't done it when I have not been home and not around him though. When I am home this weekend I will be able to watch him better and see what is going on.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Boy Kitty fell over one more time around me when he was eating. He got back up and continued to eat. He continues to eat, drink, sleep, walk, jump as normal. Sometimes he looks drunk and wobbly on his feet. I noticed he hasn't pooped since Saturday, except for a small turd. I started to force feed him some pumpkin in a syringe to give him more fiber which will help him go. I am also giving him laxatone to help with that and hairballs. I was very panicked this past weekend thinking the end was near. Now I am taking this day to day. He's still functioning. Whatever this falling down business is I am not sure. If it happens more often or whatever, then I'll decide what needs to be done then. I am thinking about picking up a potassium supplement too to help with muscles in his hind legs. Right now his potassium levels are normal but they may not reflect a true reading. Many on the cat forum suggest renal k supplements. I also need to pick up welactin for him and Abbie Cat... speaking of Abbie...
Video of Abbie
Video of Abbie
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Today I rushed Boy Kitty to the vet after I saw him stand up, back legs give out and then his front legs gave out. He had trouble getting his footing, then I scooped him up, gave him sub-q fluids, and then took him to the vet. They ran his bloodwork and his bloodwork came back stable with some improvements. T4 was high though and so he's on a different dosage of meds starting this afternoon.
current (range) last visit
T4 (thyroid)1.8 (1-5) 6.4 (Dr changed dosage today)
ALB 3.3 (2.3-3.9) 3.1
ALKP 53 (14-111) 25
ALT 60 (12-130) 28
AMYL 1346 (500-1500) 1688
BUN 66 (16-36) 61
CA 10.1 (7.8-11.3) 10.6
CHOL 215 (65-225) 250
CREA 3.1 (0.8-2.4) 3.7
GLU 145 (71-159) 128
PHOS 4.8 (3.1-7.5) 6.0
TBIL .5 (0-0.9) 1.0
TP 7.8 (5.7-8.9) 8.4
GLOB 4.5 (2.8-5.1) 5.3
sodium 166 (150-165) 168
potassium 4.0 (3.5-5.8) 5.7
chloride 127 (112-129) 130
WBC 9.57 (5.5-19.5) 13.0
RBC 5.24 (5.00-11.0) 4.11
HGB 7.0 (8.0-15.0) 6.8
HCT 22.96 (25.0-45.0) 18.7
MCV 44 (39-50) 45
MCH 13.3 (12.5-17.5) 16.6
RDW 14.56 (13-17) 15.5
PLT 324 (200-500) 213
MPV 10.12 (6.5-15.0) 9.0
Cost: $240 (with meds)
plus bought a new water fountain dish at petsmart $50
Will be seeing Dr. K now that Dr. Lester has moved away. I've seen Dr. K before with other pets and I do like him. He wants to see us back in 3 weeks to recheck his T4. If Boy Kitty loses footing again, we may do an xray to see if there is something else going on. Other than that he was very pleased with his bloodwork. I am concerned though. My Boy really scared me today.
current (range) last visit
T4 (thyroid)1.8 (1-5) 6.4 (Dr changed dosage today)
ALB 3.3 (2.3-3.9) 3.1
ALKP 53 (14-111) 25
ALT 60 (12-130) 28
AMYL 1346 (500-1500) 1688
BUN 66 (16-36) 61
CA 10.1 (7.8-11.3) 10.6
CHOL 215 (65-225) 250
CREA 3.1 (0.8-2.4) 3.7
GLU 145 (71-159) 128
PHOS 4.8 (3.1-7.5) 6.0
TBIL .5 (0-0.9) 1.0
TP 7.8 (5.7-8.9) 8.4
GLOB 4.5 (2.8-5.1) 5.3
sodium 166 (150-165) 168
potassium 4.0 (3.5-5.8) 5.7
chloride 127 (112-129) 130
WBC 9.57 (5.5-19.5) 13.0
RBC 5.24 (5.00-11.0) 4.11
HGB 7.0 (8.0-15.0) 6.8
HCT 22.96 (25.0-45.0) 18.7
MCV 44 (39-50) 45
MCH 13.3 (12.5-17.5) 16.6
RDW 14.56 (13-17) 15.5
PLT 324 (200-500) 213
MPV 10.12 (6.5-15.0) 9.0
Cost: $240 (with meds)
plus bought a new water fountain dish at petsmart $50
Will be seeing Dr. K now that Dr. Lester has moved away. I've seen Dr. K before with other pets and I do like him. He wants to see us back in 3 weeks to recheck his T4. If Boy Kitty loses footing again, we may do an xray to see if there is something else going on. Other than that he was very pleased with his bloodwork. I am concerned though. My Boy really scared me today.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Boy Kitty's T4 Test
Today BK had his thyroid rechecked since Dr. Lester lowered his methimazole dosage because the last test results showed that his thyroid was too low.
Weight: 8lbs (last visit 8.4lbs)
T4: 1.8 (1-5) and last visit was .5
He is normal!
Vet visit $21.96
Dr. Lester suggested that Boy Kitty's urinating problem may be behavioral and she told me to place a few litter boxes around and especially where he is urinating. I placed two extra litter boxes with Cat Attract litter in the areas where he is urinating and I caught him urinating elsewhere -- and not in any of the boxes. I threw a inflatable swimming thingie at him to get him to stop because I couldn't reach him. He didn't stop. After he finished, he came to me and I placed him in the litter box. He jumped out. Placed him in again and he jumped out.
I know he is very grumpy because he had to be poked today. He didn't even want to eat when we came home. I usually drop him off at the vet and leave him there all day but because he's become so grumpy with them, I decided to make an appointment after work and bring him there so he wouldn't have to sit there all day. Results? Still grumpy.
Maybe I will try the Feliway spray since the plugin didn't do that much. Feliway is a feline phermone which should help behaviorial problems. I didn't think the plugin helped much but I will try it again.
Today was the last visit with Dr. Lester. Her last day is sometime next week and she will be on her way to NC. BK and I will definitely miss her!
---
AbbieCat is doing pretty well. She isn't coming up to me much but she does allow me to put my arm inside the cage to pet her. Next week I will work on coaxing her to me.
Today BK had his thyroid rechecked since Dr. Lester lowered his methimazole dosage because the last test results showed that his thyroid was too low.
Weight: 8lbs (last visit 8.4lbs)
T4: 1.8 (1-5) and last visit was .5
He is normal!
Vet visit $21.96
Dr. Lester suggested that Boy Kitty's urinating problem may be behavioral and she told me to place a few litter boxes around and especially where he is urinating. I placed two extra litter boxes with Cat Attract litter in the areas where he is urinating and I caught him urinating elsewhere -- and not in any of the boxes. I threw a inflatable swimming thingie at him to get him to stop because I couldn't reach him. He didn't stop. After he finished, he came to me and I placed him in the litter box. He jumped out. Placed him in again and he jumped out.
I know he is very grumpy because he had to be poked today. He didn't even want to eat when we came home. I usually drop him off at the vet and leave him there all day but because he's become so grumpy with them, I decided to make an appointment after work and bring him there so he wouldn't have to sit there all day. Results? Still grumpy.
Maybe I will try the Feliway spray since the plugin didn't do that much. Feliway is a feline phermone which should help behaviorial problems. I didn't think the plugin helped much but I will try it again.
Today was the last visit with Dr. Lester. Her last day is sometime next week and she will be on her way to NC. BK and I will definitely miss her!
---
AbbieCat is doing pretty well. She isn't coming up to me much but she does allow me to put my arm inside the cage to pet her. Next week I will work on coaxing her to me.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)