munchkin

We have a cat who is 15, maybe 16 (not sure, we got him from neighbors about 10 years ago). He is the sweetest kindest cat. Don't think anyone has ever not loved him. Vet told us a year ago he was in the beginning stages or renal failure. Said it could happen fast or it could take a couple years. Last time he was at the vet they checked him and said it hadn't progressed at all. That was about 2 months ago.

Lately he has started to lose muscle control. I looked on line and think he is hypokalemic. He can suddenly just lose control of his legs and his whole body goes limp. He has a vet appt on Nov 2. Not sure if we shouldn't try to get him in sooner.

We will definitely be watching him closely. I don't think I am ready to lose him. He has been his "mommy's" pal lately. Can't bear to think of him not being around to cuddle with me.

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texascurly

I would go ahead and take him to the vet. Crossing my fingers for you and your furry friend. I know how hard it is to see them start to go down in health.

munchkin

We are going to keep a close eye on him for the next 24 hours. Not sure I want the vet to tell me it's time to make a decision yet either. Don't want him to suffer, but I don't want him to "leave" anytime soon either. He is my baby.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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texascurly

I totally understand. This time in a pet's life is the absolute only negative about having a pet. Wishing the best for you and your furry baby.

CurlyHairedFarmer

Bring him to the vet sooner rather than later. If it is a potassium issue, it needs to be addressed.

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roseannadana

((((munchkin))))

You know what is best for your little kitty. He's a lucky guy to have you watching over him.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

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CurliLocks

Yes, I would take him in sooner. There may be something they can do for him. I know how hard it is to watch them start to fail, and have to make that awful decision. ((HUGS))

And healthy vibes for mr. kitty.

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Lotsawaves

I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose our pets, because they become like children to us. You've been a wonderful mommy to him. He has been so lucky to live with you all these years. (((HUGS)))

MichelleBFT

The people I know who've been in this situation (for which I have great sympathy) have made the 2/3 rule. As soon as your pet can't do two of his or her three favorite things, it's time.

Cats are hard, because they don't tend to engage in "activities" the way dogs do, but if you're starting to think it's time, and your vet doesn't immediately poo-poo the thought, it's probably time.

I do think you need to see someone sooner than two weeks from now. If, as CHF suggests, it's a treatable thing, you want to do it now.

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Spider

Sorry for his decline Munchkin. I have a 17 yr old cat that still seems to be as healthy and active as ever, but I know time left is dwindling.

I had to put my dog down last summer due to liver failure, it happened very quickly, within about 2 months. He was suffering, and had difficulty walking, uninterested in food... It was hard but I know it was the right decision.

I'm hoping your kitty still has time and treatment options left, maybe needs some meds or just dehydrated.

Regardless of the diagnosis, you and he have been blessed with many years and memories together.

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munchkin

We got him to the vet today. He has lost 2 lbs in the past 3 months. Vet said short of x-rays, MRI, or catscan, we probably wouldn't know for sure what is causing his problems, and even she said what would doing all that accomplish. His pupils have dilated a couple times to the point where he looks like one of those cats in artwork 25 years ago with the big black eyes. Vet said one possibility is a brain tumor. She gave him a shot of steroids. Said this could help him for a while. My goal is for him to make it to 2012. We got him in 2002 so I would like to say he was my baby at least 10 years. Of course, 2013 or later would be better but I really doubt that will be the case. Just hope the steroids give him a little better quality life than he has had recently.

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roseannadana

Poor little guy. What is his name?

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texascurly

I'm glad you went ahead and took him, munchkin. I hope the steroids will be helpful to him. Pippa (my poodle) and I send good vibes for your sweet kitty.

CurliLocks

I hope he feels better and makes it for at least a few more months. ((hugs))

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munchkin

Roscoe. He has a big guy name because for years he was king of the neighborhood. He was in charge. Everyone loves him. Hard to see such a tough guy getting feeble. He was never a lap cat till about the past year; then he became mommy's boy.

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roseannadana

My favorite cats have always been the males that I've had.

Hugs to Big Roscoe.

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curlypearl

{{{Munchkin & Roscoe}}}

I hope you have more time together to cuddle.

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MojoDojo

Hugs to you and Roscoe. Good thing you took him to the vet I hope the steroids help.

The last of my childhood cats is going through kidney failure right now, and it's heartbreaking to watch the decline, so I know how it feels.

The only bad thing about pets is that they live so much shorter lives then we do.

Lotsawaves

I hope the steroids help, but please do know when it's time to let him go. My mom had a dog who had a lot of medical problems and she wouldn't put her down. Her dog really suffered. It was really sad to watch. It was sad to watch her not being able to let go and it was sad watching her dog suffer. I hope my post doesn't seem unsympathetic to you. I really do know what you are going thru. I've been there. (((HUGS))) to you.

munchkin

No, I didn't take it as being unsympathetic. My husband and I have talked. We know if the time comes we will have to make a decision no matter how hard it might be on the two of us.

Thank you everyone for all your kind words.

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