Archive through December 12, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: archive: Cats (ARCHIVE): Archive through December 12, 2003

Landi

Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 06:18 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
here is a bic of my big buddy Belle (she's a GORGEOUS purebred maine ••••!). she likes to sleep covered up like a baby in her blankie!

belle

Janfts

Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 06:55 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lucy-Thanks for the welcome!

Landi-What a sweetheart!! Belle looks so much like my cat.

I don't have any pics downloaded of Cleo, but have some on a roll of film that i'll get developed soon and share with everyone, if that's ok.

Take care all!

Lostintheglades

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 05:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Awww Landi...how adorable. She looks so snuggly makes me wanna lay down and take a little nap too.

Gidget

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 07:58 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Quiz for the day

What happens when you have:

1) nothing to do
2) a sharp knife
3) a large lime
4) your g/f's patient cat
5) too much tequila
6) and it's football season?

Your g/f's cat and his new helmet
tequilacat

Lostintheglades

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 07:59 am EditMoveDeleteIP
LOL Gidget

Calamity

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 09:36 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Darling pics, everyone.

Casper's not doing too good. I stayed up with her the whole night (which is why I was posting at 2am - had to distract myself a little or I was going to freak out) and phoned the vet first thing this morning. Cass has an appointment in little less than an-hour-and-a-half. While I cannot give up hope that the vet can help her, as the time ticks closer I'm getting more and more upset over the news I expect to hear.

She's been very weak for two weeks now, in fact I feared she wouldn't make it through the day before Thanksgiving. But she keeps rallying. Oddly enough, her appetite has improved dramatically during that same time. She's eating & drinking, knows when she needs to use the litterbox and is perfectly alert and aware.

I've been sleeping on the couch with her at my dad's because, with the exception of two trips to the movies that my friends & family insisted I needed, I've refused to leave her for more than short breaks at a time. (I am grateful that my office allows me that.) These past days I've been trying to convince myself that I understand her time is near and I'm just trying to keep her comfortable. But now that it seems to be past hope, I am devastated.

I am sorry if this post bring's anyone's spirits down.

Mamie316

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 10:00 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity, I will be praying for you and Casper. I know how heartbreaking it is to have a sick pet. And I know how tiring it is. You are being so selfless and loving and I'm sure that helps Casper immensely.

Janfts

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 10:09 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity-i'm so sorry. You're in my thoughts.

Gidget-wonderful, loved it!

Gidget

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 12:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity... my heart is with you... don't ever hesitate to reach out to your fellow pet lovers for support... unfortunatly all of us have been there more than we care to think about. Hugs to you and sweet Casper.

Lostintheglades

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 01:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I am so sorry Calamity. Ditto what Gidget said in that we really do understand how tremendously painful it is.

Mygetaway

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 03:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
{{Calamity}} and other's with sick kitties/animals, hugs and hang in there.

Cats will sleep anywhere, won't they?

This 1st one is him, in the "well" behind my pillow on the headboard on top of all the junk there..1. This next one is him after I tried to move him... look's like he's saying what the heck Mom..lol 2 Then finally, after he resettles himself, ON MY PILLOW, again.. 4

Lucy

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 03:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity, My heart hurts for you right now. I know how painful it is to watch over a sick kitty. Hugs to you and Casper..

Twinkie

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 04:26 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
{{{Calamity}}} Most of us have experienced the heartbreak you are going through and know just how much it hurts. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mygetaway

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 04:46 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Now look...aww

The cat comes in (wet) and decides to cuddle with Zoey to get warm, lol. Of course, still on the pillows.

(PS, I try making my pics smaller thinking it takes up less room on the board, are they harder to see? I have a 19inch screen so they look ok to me.)

Lucy

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 05:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
MGA, Those are such cute pics of kitty. The one with Zoey and kitty is especially adorable!!

Grannie

Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 02:31 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
My kitty is not very happy with me today. I washed her litter boxes yesterday and forgot to fix her inside the house one. She had been using her box in the enclosed patio all day.
She can't get to the enclosed patio at night. Yes it is too cold here in So Cal at night.

She was a good girl though -- kept her legs crossed or something...............

Calamity

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 01:46 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Special thanks to Mamie316, Janfts, Gidget, Lostintheglades, Mygetaway, Lucy, and Twinkie for your kind words. I can’t begin to express how much they were appreciated (and needed).

I’m beginning to understand why they say cats have nine lives. Casper is still with us. She had begun to retain fluid and it was affecting her breathing. I had no idea if it was her kidneys, FIP, a result of her not moving around much lately, or something else. Someone said her systems were probably just shutting down and this would likely be the end. I went to the vet’s dreading but almost fully expecting to hear the worst (although I just couldn’t give up all hope). But the doctor didn’t even mention the option of putting her to sleep. In fact, she said Casper’s heart sounded very strong although it was working hard because of the fluid buildup. She also said Cass had “good gut sounds”, her temperature was normal, and her blood pressure didn’t appear to be elevated. And she commented that Casper appeared to be a bit stronger and that her color looked a little better than it had the last time she was at the vet’s. (Cass became very anemic as a result of her not eating much a while back and the anemia is what’s caused her extreme weakness). She gave her a shot of Lasix and gave me some liquid Lasix to give at home.

The fluid has slowly been going down (more still needs to go though) and she was breathing normally by Wednesday night. She’s still weak but I don’t know if that’s ever going to go away. (Does anyone know of any treatments for anemia? Casper takes a supplement, Lixatinic (sp?) with B vitamins & iron).Her eating and drinking are fine and she is aware when she needs to use the litter box. And she’s still perfectly alert.

I know that at almost 18 ½ years of age, her time is limited. And I don’t want her to suffer physically or become disoriented. But as long as she is reasonably comfortable and cognizant of herself and her surroundings, I figure I owe it to her to help her out. She’s clearly not willing to give up just yet.

It has been tough though. Some people have told me I should just have her put to sleep because I’m only delaying the inevitable. I know what’s inevitable but so long as she’s not in pain and still enjoying life somewhat…you should see her light up when she sees me bringing her saucer of food or water. I also give her some of that malt hairball gel and she practically attacks the tube, she loves that stuff so much. She purrs so loudly at times and loves to be petted and talked to…I’m aware that we could go through another crisis in another few days or another few weeks and might not get a reprieve then but what else can I do?

Sigh. You ever have those times when nothing seems to go right? Just in the past month-and-a-half, I’ve broken up with my bf; got bit by one of my dad’s cats while trying to give her a pill; developed an allergic reaction to one of the medications my doc prescribed for the infection; ended up having to undergo emergency surgery on the bite; and then one of my mom’s cats had to be put to sleep because of feline leukemia. Plus I think I’m getting sick which really ticks me off because I was already sick once this year and I’m usually healthy as a horse. Although I do feel better today. I’m not sure what causes a backache, rash, nausea, and a sore throat anyway, so I’m just taking extra vitamin C and finally got some sleep last night which was wonderful because I doubt I’d gotten more than 2 hours of sleep a night for the past 2 weeks since I’ve been staying up with Casper.

Sorry for rambling everyone…

Weinermr

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 02:01 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Big hugs to you and Casper, Calamity. We've got a 17 year old that has kidney problems, thyroid problems, she's underweight, and needs daily fluids. But in every other way she is strong, healthy, alert, and as feisty as when she was young. You'll know when it's time, and that doesn't seem to be here yet.
{{{{Calamity and Casper}}}}

Janfts

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 02:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity-so very glad to hear Casper is rallying. And i know people mean well when they say you're putting off the inevitible but.....as long as the cat seems comfortable and not in pain, why rush it? I want to keep my cat as long as he'll (the cat) let me. But of course not if he's in pain, i couldn't stand that.

No wonder you're sick again though hon, you're run down from all your nursing. Take care of yourself too.

No need for apologizing for "rambling"....talk (type) all you want. Talking can make things feel not so overwhelming.

Keep us posted.

Lucy

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 02:09 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh Calamity, If I could reach through the screen, I'd give you a big hug.{{{{Calamity}}}} It sounds like you've really been having a rough time yourself, and then to have a sick kitty, too. I am glad to hear that the vet thinks Casper is doing a little better. That must have been a huge relief for you. You are such a good Mommy, and I'm sure you will continue to make good decisions on Casper's behalf.

Take care of yourself and give Casper a big hug.{{{{Casper}}}}

Calamity

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 02:42 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh, thank you all again. My best wishes to all your kitty cats too!

Mamie316

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 03:42 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity, of course you are feeling achy! You probably just aren't getting enough rest at this moment in time! Take care of yourself! And of course it is inevitable, isn't death inevitable for all of us?! Your Casper is purring, letting you know that he wants to try too! You hang in there and know that we are all praying for you.

Tagurit

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 03:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity, my thoughts are with you and Casper. I can't imagine how tired you are just from the stress of worrying about your kitty and being sick. I hope you are able to have some "me" time and get better. And please, ramble as much as you want! We are all here for you. {{Calamity}}

Ruiner

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 06:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Calamity...hugs to you and little Casper!!!

Sounds like you're doing all you can, what a great friend you are to Casper. Also sounds like Casper is doing pretty well.

You know I'm always thinking of the two of you and I was saddened to you see your initial post. I'm glad the vet gave you hope!! Please take the to heart that the vet says she's showing progress.

Please take care of yourself.

My thoughts are with the both of you....

Grannie

Friday, December 12, 2003 - 11:08 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Dear Calamity,

So sorry that you and Casper are under the weather. I agree with you that making him comfortable and making sure he is not in pain is the way to handle this heart breaking situation. Only you will know when the time has come, so trust yourself to do the right thing for Casper. You will remain strong enough to handle this because you love him so much.

And Casper knows that you love him and trusts you. Try to enjoy these moments and know that you have done all that you can do.

Sounds like I am rambling here but as a fellow kitty lover this is an emotional topic.

Hope that you can get some rest yourself and feel better. Can someone help you by staying with him while you take a good long nap? I hope so.

Thinking of you both...........................