[Absynthe]

I just can't believe this, I'm so heartbroken...after losing Tara a few months ago, I've been paranoid about my other two kitties. My old girl, a gorgeous Black Persian, is 14.5 years old. I took her to the top cat clinic in OC, and things started out okay: she has a slight heart enlargement, 2/6 heart murmur due to HCM. I figure that's genetic, but she's been rock solid healthy since she was a kitten.

Next, I saw two white specks in her right kidney area; vet tried to assure me that she may have eaten something, and it's in her large intestine. I shook my head, no; I know a Struvite crystal when I see one, because my roommate has a 4mm one!

I immediately ordered her a urinalysis.

They said her teeth were all in great shape, but she did have a chipped molar I should have extracted, since it's impractical to crown cat's teeth (heh, I'm working on my crowns!).

The Renal Failure panel came back. She gently told me, that Purrby just wasn't going to make it to be an old cat, but possibly with the special low protein, k/d diet, she could live up to 3 - 4 years old.

That's when I had uncontrollable laughing; Vet looked at me funny, while my cat was rubbing against her, and running around the room, all curious (Tara was that way too). I asked her if she realized what she just said to me, she was puzzled. Evidently the fax from the other vet came in, rather badly: she thought my Purrby was nearly FIVE years old, not almost 15!! I pointed out there was a missing number, it went in front of the 5.

So, I again ask her, "How long does my girl have to live, then?" She shook her head, rolled her eyes, "With you caring for her, I really don't know; since she's already old, hope for the best, but prepare for the future."

I'd had a beautiful silver-shaded Persian diagnosed with PKD at one year, and she was given perhaps 2 years; she lived to be 7.

I'm so shaken up, and she knows I'm upset, because she's literally calling to me, to see if I'm okay, and I scoop her up, make a little nest for her, and sleep with her, and my other cat. Purrby is known to lick the tears off my face, and purr me to sleep, but Tara sounded like a lawnmower compared to her. Cheshie has the lowest purr, and she's really upset right now. They are watching me carefully.

At least right now, Purrby simply LOVES her k/d food, and is gobbling it up.


Tara & Purrby fighting for attention at computer; one on mouse, one on Wacom tablet!


Cheshie:


Beautiful shot of Tara:


They were my 3 "Mouseketeers", who all would sleep on my, much to my boyfriend's laughter. Tara & Cheshie were both rescues/adopted.

Tara, Cheshie have pieces of my heart; Purrby has my heart and soul in her paws.

[Ivy]

I am so sorry.... Love and positive energy goes a long way....and you have so much to give to your kitties...please keep us updated. Keeping your Purrby in my thoughts.

[Jeffster]

I hope Purrby improves some on the k/d diet. I think it has helped our Sasha girl.

[Absynthe]

Thank you both! If she were a younger cat, Purrby could have up to 3 - 4 years - but not make it to be an older cat - which she is. She hasn't exhibited any symptoms, so this was truly a gut feeling to get her tested.

Someone I know has a kitten that looks like Tara, born 2 months after she died; I want her so badly! Cally almost died within the first few days, her mom got some sort of infection...I prayed for her a lot, to make it. Now that she's been offered to me, I'm desperately trying to come up with the money to fly her out here - I wish I could have her brother too, as both were bottle fed babies, and love to be on you, and handled all the time!

I'm so used to having 3 cats - and it's like a miracle this little one survived. Although the boy isn't solid black, he's at least a Van (black & white), and both are just about perfect little well behaved babies.

I've always had cats 5 years apart, I don't know why; Tara was 5 when I got her, and Cheshie was 6 - 7 months old. Purrby was 10.

Just love combing them, bathing them, fluffing them up - like little live stuffed animals, except they are real, and lover you back!

We shall see what happens with Cally; I don't ask for much, just my health, and I would rather have all my cats healthy than any diamond on this planet.

- Absynthe

[KushMeister]

So sorry for you.
Continue to love her and share the love she gives to you.
Cherish whatever time you've got with her.

Our pets are one of God's greatest gifts, but unfortunately, God only lends them to us for a while.

Peace to you

[C.C.C.N.]

Man that is absolutely horrible. My sincerest condolences. I would be beside myself with grief. I hope your are able to find some strength in a tough time such as this. Heres to having a happy holiday tommorrow.

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by KushMeister

So sorry for you.
Continue to love her and share the love she gives to you.
Cherish whatever time you've got with her.

Our pets are one of God's greatest gifts, but unfortunately, God only lends them to us for a while.

Peace to you

^^^what he said^^^

Good thoughts and wishes sent your way.

[Absynthe]

Well, I'll tell you all the joke about Purrby - that's her nickname; when I got her back in '94, I ticked off the breeder by putting on her papers, "Lil' Black Purrvette" because she sounded like my '95 black Corvette at the time!

I did manage to shoot off several pictures of her today, doing one of her favorite past times (which she hasn't done in forever): Cat in a Bag! She loves to dive into a nest of plastic bags, and tunnel around in it, and then attack your fingers under the bag. The other cats watched mesmerized, so I took pics of them all.

Purrby is extra special to me - because I failed as a Persian cat Breeder; nothing ever went right, but good has come out of it: I'm able to relate to people interested in breeding, and give them the good and the bad.

Anyway, I pray that since one of the top cat Vets (who's helped to write books on cats), mistook my girl for nearly 5 instead of 15, that perhaps she will live another few years. But, I'm being realistic - all the research I've done involving cats with both heart enlargement (HCM), and with Chronic Renal Failure, they lived up to almost a year.

I pray that since I caught this BEFORE she exhibited symptoms, perhaps things will turn around...right now, she's happy, over her sinus infection, and enjoying sleeping with me again, and just snuggling on the keyboard! All typos are HER trying to type for me, you know.

I...turned down a kitten to take Tara's place today; it was hard, she looks like the kitten Tara could've had, when she was younger. I decided that when the time comes for Purrvette, that I will get another black persian kitten - and perhaps foster kitties in the future.

Purrby did go for the k/d when she was a kitten with my silver-shaded persian, Icey, so I wonder if that was a precursor to this. Sadly, all the cats I've rescued from shelters, and all but Purrvette from Breeders all met with an early demise.

With Purrby, I tried my hardest, and absolutely spoil her rotten - she loves being groomed, combed, and lets my boyfriend and I carry her around like a little baby.

He doesn't like the way Persians look, but if you MUST talk about addictions - I'm addicted to PERSIAN CATS, and I don't mind one bit! I still wish we'd adopted two kittens, a calico and a van, when I was getting both Purrby and Icey fixed - I showed them how to clean them up, groom them, and gently re-fluff them out.

I also have contemplated fostering now, 10+ older Persians, because they've lost their forever homes due to the Housing Situation...Purrby adores, and loves other cats.

Anyway, I'm praying for the best, preparing for the worst.

I love you, my darling Purrvette - and all my sweet darlings waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for us. At least time doesn't matter there.

When I was a kid in church, the preacher told me that cats and dogs didn't go to heaven, because they had no souls; at the wise old age of 9 years old, I made a resolution, that shook him and the other church elders to the core, "Then, I must go to Hell willingly - so someone will take care of all the animals in the world, and love them all!" I'll never forget his shocked look, and he had to think of something quick, heh.

[Absynthe]

Thus far, Purrvette has been hanging in there - but we now must do the SubQ fluids on her, every other day. Soon, it will be every day...

The fluids do help her kidneys.

This week, they finally explained why there's such an issue with her: Her system is too Acidic, ergo she must be fed the k/d diet, which is low in protein, and alkaline.

BUT - it's the alkalinity that contributes to Kidney Stones!!

I can't win this with Purrby; damned if we do, damned if we don't. The fluids are only extending her life, but not fixing anything. She's been pretty friendly today, running around and snuggling against people - not bad for an old gal with 30% of kidney function left! But when one of those kidney stones breaks free...there's nothing left to be done, so I'm walking a tightrope with the food. I've now permission to give Senior cat food over the counter, because it's lower in protein, wet, and may be the tightrope walk she needs!

In the meantime, I'm being given the daughter of two grand-champions for Christmas. She and her sister are only a handful of survivors of a Persian Cattery, that burned up Saturday (6 month anniv. of Tara's death to the day). They can't be used in the breeding program, of the 6 cats that were rescued out of 16, because they lost the outcrossed studs, and you never want to line breed, especially when it's their brother. I'm both touched, and saddened by this tragedy. My friend knew I'd been looking for another cat, and now I'm being gifted suddenly with a Persian kitten from this situation!

To be honest, she does remind me of Tara, though only one of her colors. Just that spunky attitude, and she's definitely a lap kitty.

She won't, can't ever replace Tara or Purrvette; but, she can lessen the pain with the loss, and impending loss. I had the day before the accident, decided that I would rather wait for a cat or kitten.

But sometimes you must simply accept the gifts life grants you, and this is one of those! I feel best with 3 cats at all times, and perhaps my Angel Tara put her paw in this one. I miss you, my baby girl, so much.

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by Absynthe

. . . . . . . . .


But sometimes you must simply accept the gifts life grants you, and this is one of those! I feel best with 3 cats at all times, and perhaps my Angel Tara put her paw in this one. I miss you, my baby girl, so much.

Very poignant post, thank you for sharing and paying tribute.

[Au_Hunter]

Absynthe,

My heart is heavy with the same eventuality although due to different health issues. Sometimes it's hard for me to post to others when my own buddy is old and nearing his final days.

I'm happy your heart is so big as to rescue when dealing with the eventual loss and doing everything one can to maintain a quality life for a loved cat.

I hope it is a peaceful and loving transition when the time comes and I'll do my best to post some supportive words.

We can only treasure the love we share as all too soon change happens, then hopfully we are left with all the good memories that bring a smile to our face.

The silly, playfulness, the morning wake up calls and the special way each personality gives back to us, not because we are masters, r owners, but because we share life and love with critters who cannot speak, yet know us better than we know ourselves.

I admire your spirit and here is a friendly across the net to you and yours.

[firemonkey]

Originally Posted by Au_Hunter

Absynthe,

I admire your spirit and here is a friendly across the net to you and yours.

What a sweet thing to say. Hugs to all at this time. I'm so sorry.

[Absynthe]

Au_hunter, that's very sweet!

Baby Boomer, thank you!

Firemonkey, I do agree - hugs for all!

Purrvette does have a strong spirit, and has outlived two of her sisters. But, she's not feeling like fighting for her position in the 'pride' anymore, so she's been getting mildly picked on. Things like, the others want her food, and either swipe her tail, or try and move her head away with theirs!

She's been having a good day today, took her SubQ fluids without any anger today, it was great! I gave her kitty treats, while giving the 100 ml to her, and she was fine with everything. I'm so relieved that she's trusting me enough for this, she must realize we wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't necessary.

Purrvette played with her new Xmas toy, and seemed to like her Persian cat Xmas ornament. Evidently, she prefers the texture of the tissue paper things were wrapped in, so I put that down in one of her nappy spots.

She also has a new napping basket, just didn't want to overwhelm her.

Have a great Christmas, all!

[missht2006]

My thoughts & prayers are with you and your sweet kitties!

xoxoxoxox

[stealthviper]

Originally Posted by missht2006

My thoughts & prayers are with you and your sweet kitties!

xoxoxoxox

What she said.....

[Bemysnugglemate]

Originally Posted by stealthviper

What she said.....

Ditto to both above......

Prayers be with you.

[b1joy2c]

Originally Posted by Ivy

I am so sorry.... Love and positive energy goes a long way....and you have so much to give to your kitties...please keep us updated. Keeping your Purrby in my thoughts.

My heart goes out to you with understanding and the loss we feel as our loved one start to slip into another part of ourselves. The grieving begins. I just lost my furman of dubious poodle genetics (most probably a puppy mill) at the end of the summer, he still visits.

I awoke the other night with him trying to get up on the bed without the stairs being there. Freaked me out, then comforted me that I had a visitor rescuing me from a nightmare that was scaring the crap outta me that I woke myself screaming.

When I had time to digest it I think my man Ted was protecting me!

So be where you are and cherish the time for he will never leave your heart or head. Your Persians are beautiful, well loved and cared for - you can see it in their eyes.

[dolphineyes]

Originally Posted by Absynthe

I just can't believe this, I'm so heartbroken...after losing Tara a few months ago, I've been paranoid about my other two kitties. My old girl, a gorgeous Black Persian, is 14.5 years old. I took her to the top cat clinic in OC, and things started out okay: she has a slight heart enlargement, 2/6 heart murmur due to HCM. I figure that's genetic, but she's been rock solid healthy since she was a kitten.

Next, I saw two white specks in her right kidney area; vet tried to assure me that she may have eaten something, and it's in her large intestine. I shook my head, no; I know a Struvite crystal when I see one, because my roommate has a 4mm one!

I immediately ordered her a urinalysis.

They said her teeth were all in great shape, but she did have a chipped molar I should have extracted, since it's impractical to crown cat's teeth (heh, I'm working on my crowns!).

sorry to hear what hapen hope all is well..! much love to you and your cat!



The Renal Failure panel came back. She gently told me, that Purrby just wasn't going to make it to be an old cat, but possibly with the special low protein, k/d diet, she could live up to 3 - 4 years old.

That's when I had uncontrollable laughing; Vet looked at me funny, while my cat was rubbing against her, and running around the room, all curious (Tara was that way too). I asked her if she realized what she just said to me, she was puzzled. Evidently the fax from the other vet came in, rather badly: she thought my Purrby was nearly FIVE years old, not almost 15!! I pointed out there was a missing number, it went in front of the 5.

So, I again ask her, "How long does my girl have to live, then?" She shook her head, rolled her eyes, "With you caring for her, I really don't know; since she's already old, hope for the best, but prepare for the future."

I'd had a beautiful silver-shaded Persian diagnosed with PKD at one year, and she was given perhaps 2 years; she lived to be 7.

I'm so shaken up, and she knows I'm upset, because she's literally calling to me, to see if I'm okay, and I scoop her up, make a little nest for her, and sleep with her, and my other cat. Purrby is known to lick the tears off my face, and purr me to sleep, but Tara sounded like a lawnmower compared to her. Cheshie has the lowest purr, and she's really upset right now. They are watching me carefully.

At least right now, Purrby simply LOVES her k/d food, and is gobbling it up.


Tara & Purrby fighting for attention at computer; one on mouse, one on Wacom tablet!


Cheshie:


Beautiful shot of Tara:


They were my 3 "Mouseketeers", who all would sleep on my, much to my boyfriend's laughter. Tara & Cheshie were both rescues/adopted.

Tara, Cheshie have pieces of my heart; Purrby has my heart and soul in her paws.

[firemonkey]

I just came to check on things here for you. I'm thinking of you! I hope it is all peaceful. Firemonkey.

[PineysConfections]

I've been reading your posts about your kitties. It is interesting to me just how much these little furry beings become as loved as our own children. I have loved many pets and have always felt so robbed when it was their time to leave this earth, but eventually, the sting of pain subsided and was replaced by the sweet memories of my lovely furry children.

A few months ago it became clear that one of our little kitties, aged 17, was in renal failure. The vet wanted us to put her down many months ago, but we decided to bring her home after her initial hospitalization so that she could pass away peacefully at home. (I've been told by my vet that renal failure is perhaps one of the most peaceful ways to pass.) We were told that she would be gone in days, perhaps hours, so I just took her home and let her sleep in my lap, thinking that she would slip away.

She didn't. The next thing I knew, she started becoming quite annoyed because I had not filled up her bowl. Then she started jumpinp up on the counter and demanding food! She was hungry, she was making it to the box, and she was active. I thought that this cat was a goner, but she decided that she wasn't ready and we were able to have many really good quality months with her, well past the time when it was recommended we let her go.

She finally passed away in December and it was very peaceful. I know that at the end, that I had given her the best life I could, and in return, she gave me the most precious gift in return - her unconditional love.

Bless your heart and the love you share and give to your little fuzzies.

Thank you for sharing your story. Please remember that we are all here for your support.

Piney

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by PineysConfections

I've been reading your posts about your kitties. It is interesting to me just how much these little furry beings become as loved as our own children. I have loved many pets and have always felt so robbed when it was their time to leave this earth, but eventually, the sting of pain subsided and was replaced by the sweet memories of my lovely furry children.

A few months ago it became clear that one of our little kitties, aged 17, was in renal failure. The vet wanted us to put her down many months ago, but we decided to bring her home after her initial hospitalization so that she could pass away peacefully at home. (I've been told by my vet that renal failure is perhaps one of the most peaceful ways to pass.) We were told that she would be gone in days, perhaps hours, so I just took her home and let her sleep in my lap, thinking that she would slip away.

She didn't. The next thing I knew, she started becoming quite annoyed because I had not filled up her bowl. Then she started jumpinp up on the counter and demanding food! She was hungry, she was making it to the box, and she was active. I thought that this cat was a goner, but she decided that she wasn't ready and we were able to have many really good quality months with her, well past the time when it was recommended we let her go.

She finally passed away in December and it was very peaceful. I know that at the end, that I had given her the best life I could, and in return, she gave me the most precious gift in return - her unconditional love.

Bless your heart and the love you share and give to your little fuzzies.

Thank you for sharing your story. Please remember that we are all here for your support.

Piney

What a beautiful post.

Makes my eyes happy.

Thank you.

[stealthviper]

Made mine misty. We lost our Sam earlier this year (he was 19), and I still choke up.....

[BiggerTom]

It does my heart good to see that WTers have such affinity for their animals.
God bless those of you hurting right now. Know that your animals were lucky to have owned you.

[Absynthe]

We made it there, last week. I had a complete meltdown after I got back, because I realized that I'd lost my father 19 years ago that week, plus we'd had my cousin's memorial a year ago last week.

Purrby's always been such a good girl, and took the trip like a champ. I borrowed bfs car, so we had airconditioning, and a newer car. I used a larger carrier, and she actually didn't mind getting into it, so that was great.

Now I consulted with a Research Urinary Vet, who helped to create some of the kidney diets out there. She was well spoken, never spoke down, and ready to listen! She initially put together a plan I couldn't afford, so I asked what was NEEDED now. Cut the price 2/3s down, whew.

Anyway, while I went to get the rest of the money, tire blew, on my way back; took a look at it, it was shredded! So, I limped it up the hill, and backed in, praying I didn't tear up the rim. My cousin was able to come and help with the tire, while I spent time with the research crew.

They were all so nice, I asked for a job for my cousin, but they have no openings - but asked for his resume.

Anyway, I got the results the next day, which is what made me cry, scream and laugh all at once:

At 14, she has Polycystic Kidney Disease!! Her kidneys are too small, and irregular. Ergo, the renal failure comes from this GENETIC DISEASE.

We got her BUN & CREA down to high end of normal - but, too high for a 5 lb cat.

Just we did everything right, subq fluids, everything possible.

AND, the icing on the cake, she has a UTI, of which I was absolutely clueless!
I suppose appropriately, I have one now, too.

All of this started, because I noticed her sinuses were raspy, coat growing wrong, and last week, her kidneys were WARM.

Antibiotics that won't mess with her kidneys, and lots of samples, but she likes nothing. Ergo, they'll send me homemade recipes.

Anyway, this morning she surprised everyone: she heard me stir, leapt onto the bed, crawled onto my stomach, and batted at my thigh! So, I made her a "nest" in my down comforter, and she curled up in the crook of my arm, purring so much. She's been purring at everyone, I've been in tears!

Still haven't received the kitten, but that's been because of the weather (I hope), across the midwest to the east coast!

I had a bad reaction to driving so far on my own, just starting to feel better today. Unfortunately, I can't medicate because people I don't know came over, and my nerve pain is rather high; I don't want them to know where my meds are, which isn't usually a problem, so I'm waiting to crash, and finally sleep.

I do appreciate all your well wishing, I just pray she can stabilize for a few months or years. They want to possibly put in a feeding tube in her neck, if I can't get her to eat or drink enough; that way, the nutrients can still get into the tummy. She said, you cover it with a small sash for the kitty, like a dog's kerchief...but, that costs $400, and I don't wish to traumatize her more.

Yes, they wanted to run Ultrasounds, but I personally don't feel that would get us anywhere further along.

Main thing I cried over, is that when I had money in the early '90s, I'd specifically purchased her, because she tested to be PKD free. Unfortunately, that meant an Xray while she was a kitten.

She's lived twice what my other PKD kitty lived to be; she was a silver-shaded persian, and would hop in the bathtub with me, and paddle around the water, then fall asleep on my chest, while I would soak in the water! I miss her so very much, stupid diseases make me sad, because there's only so much you can do.

I myself had feared PKD, because I saw mineralizations attached to her kidneys, of which stones do NOT do. SOmetimes, we just don't want to accept sad things, but I've had to, so I can get through this.

I love my purrbaby so much, I'm thankful that at least this isn't painful in Stage 2 (where she is now), but can be painful in stage 5, the end stage...I will NOT let her feel pain, I promised her that!

Ah, I wish she had 10 more years to be with me, but that just isn't going to happen.

If she were half her age, no heart issues, we could have a kidney transplant, of which there is a foundation set up for; but, she has heart problems...

I suppose, I've really been feeling sorry for myself throughout all of this, even though the focus is on here. Love you, baby girl, one of the most gentlest souls on earth.

[kennabis]

love and kindness spills forth from my heart, may you and purrby have a blessed and peaceful day...