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The purpose of this page is to share my story in the face of this common fatal disease. Perhaps my experience can shed light or provide ideas that will help someone else going through this with their beloved cat.
steps for safety
Health History: Daisy was always a healthy cat and didn't have any major health concerns. But, there were two things that required some attention. When she was maybe around age 4 I noticed she would hold up her paw in pain at times. After an x-ray the vet said she had some arthritis. Ever since then I made an effort to minimize her chance of jumping from high places. All of her favorite spots had graduated "stairs" such as a chair, box or footstool. That took care of it and I never saw her hold up the paw again. The only other thing was that Daisy always had a ferocious appetite. She was a little piggy. So I've never been able to fill the bowl in the morning and just walk away. I've always had to portion out her food, which means multiple small feedings. As she approached age 10 or so she became somewhat overweight, but never obese. She went on a prescription diet food and at her annual exams we always kept an eye on her levels to ensure she wasn't becoming diabetic.
Once her age constituted a bi-annual exam, blood work was still within normal range for years. As she approached 16 years old or so, she did start to have gradual weight loss but I chalked it up to her just getting older. At some point she was switched to a prescription kidney care food because her numbers were indicating very early stages of kidney disease. In the summer of 2017 some abnormal ranges showing up in her blood work resulted in an ultrasound. At that time there did appear to be some sort of mass next to her liver. The assumption was that it was probably a tumor. We decided to just keep watching appetite and behavior and see what blood work would show in her next exam. So in September I got a call from the vet hearing, "I don't have good news this time."
Final stages - I asked the vet what to expect and the signs I should look for in order to know when it was time to say goodbye and end her suffering.
There were 3 main signs to look for:
if she hides from you & isn't seeking your attention or enjoying your company then that points to her being in pain
if she stops eating & drinking altogether there is not much more you can do and her organs will fail
So for around 3 months Daisy was in the final stages of kidney disease. She gradually lost weight and her strength and balance so I kept a closer eye on her. She remained content and enjoying the best life I could give her. She loved to be brushed, loved laying in boxes, bags, the bay window. She actually became extra affectionate during this time, which I welcomed.
I noticed her fur being more greasy as she stopped grooming so I bought pet bath wipes & cut them in smaller squares and would clean her fur while I brushed and pet her.
Since she lost weight and had less body fat I made sure she had lots of warm spots to sleep with fleece blankets.
I basically offered her any food I could get her to eat and mostly ones with moisture to help her get more fluids. I spent a lot more time at home just giving her extra attention, love and monitoring.
I bought her a fountain that she ended up loving and it encouraged her to drink more. I also placed water bowls in other rooms.
On Friday, January 5, I noticed more of a decline. She went in for bloodwork either Friday or Saturday and didn't look so great. Over the weekend I kept food right by the couch where she stayed close to me. Anything I could do to encourage her to eat or drink, I did it.
My last snuggle with Daisy
On Monday, January 8, it was the first time she wouldn't even drink milk. She also got a surge of energy and was walking around disoriented and meowing. I called the vet and the bloodwork had come in. Her numbers were so low she didn't even know how Daisy still stable. Maybe my deep love for her compensated. The vet visited my condo in order to eliminate any added stress. My final act of love was to give Daisy permanent relief from her failing body here on the couch where we spent many snuggle sessions. It was so sad seeing her lifeless body taken away in the carrier, never to return to me. I'm so thankful that Daisy did not experience any of the horrible effects of kidney disease that I read about. I kept a close eye and gave intensive care right up to the end to try to prevent her from suffering.
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