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Purron · 04-30-2010, 05:20 PM

Just a quick update. My dear boy's still hanging in there but has become increasingly frail. He only weighs about 7 pounds now. In his heyday, he was a 12 pounder. It's amazing he's still with us since my trusted vet thought he wouldn't live to see last November.

He's always been a very happy cat and I think he's hanging on because he likes his life. I know the time is drawing near and I'll have to face that awful decision soon. In the meantime, as long as he doesn't appear to be in pain, is eating, and wants to curl up next to DH and I in bed every night, that time isn't here.

We consider him to be in "hospice care" now since he's too frail for invasive treatments or surgery. He's had a very delicate tummy and I've struggled to treat that. I recently put him on Pepcid AC (1/4 tab daily) and it really helped. I've also been mixing a little Slippery Elm herb in his food. Any of you with pets with any kind of GI problems should give Slippery Elm a try. It's very safe and is the kind of thing that will either do nothing or help. I think it's helping him a bit.

Shawn · 04-30-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purron

Just a quick update. My dear boy's still hanging in there but has become increasingly frail. He only weighs about 7 pounds now. In his heyday, he was a 12 pounder. It's amazing he's still with us since my trusted vet thought he wouldn't live to see last November.

He's always been a very happy cat and I think he's hanging on because he likes his life. I know the time is drawing near and I'll have to face that awful decision soon. In the meantime, as long as he doesn't appear to be in pain, is eating, and wants to curl up next to DH and I in bed every night, that time isn't here.

We consider him to be in "hospice care" now since he too frail for invasive treatments or surgery. He's had a very delicate tummy and I've struggled to treat that. I recently put him on Pepcid AC (1/4 tab daily) and it really helped. I've also been mixing a little Slippery Elm herb in his food. Any of you with pets with any kind of GI problems should give Slippery Elm a try. It's very safe and is the kind of thing that will either do nothing or help. I think it's helping him a bit.

You have been doing everything that can be done for your little boy. While it is a very difficult situation, you clearly have his best interests in your heart.

I know it's hard to see him lose so much weight, but 7 pounds is not a bad weight for a cat who is sick. When my cat Peanut got sick five years ago (and was also on Pepcid AC), he dropped down to 6.5 pounds but still had many more happy months inside of him. My vet would tell me about her cat, Sigmund, who weighed much less but was still comfortable and happy.

I never knew what tomorrow would bring. I was very sad when Peanut finally passed away, but I also took heart knowing that I loved him and that he loved me. I did everything I could. He lived a happy life.

bbbamI · 04-30-2010, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the update Purron...I wondered about the little fellow. I appreciate the tips as well since my cats are 14 and 18 years old. I've got to make them as comfortable as possible too.

They are doing ok, but getting on up there in years.

Bestwifeever · 04-30-2010, 06:57 PM

What a sweetie your cat is, Purron. I'm sorry he's so sick, but of course he's hanging in there, with all that tender loving care.

Purron · 04-30-2010, 07:11 PM

Thanks everyone. You guys are the best. Your support means so very much to me.

Katsmeow · 04-30-2010, 09:03 PM

What a beautiful cat. I'm glad you have had all this time with him.

tuixiu · 05-01-2010, 06:13 AM

Yeah cats can surprise you how much they can manage when down to 6-7 pounds. We lost one to cancer and despite weighing just under 7 lbs near the end he would still jump up on the kitchen counter if I was peeling shrimp.

That cat is fortunate to have you Purron, and I'm sure you feel lucky to have him. Thanks for the updates.

Moemg · 05-01-2010, 07:36 AM

Your cat is amazing ! I think it is your excellent care that is keeping him going .

**simple girl** · 05-01-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moemg

Your cat is amazing ! I think it is your excellent care that is keeping him going .

I agree! You are such a good kitty mommie Purron!

Purron · 05-22-2010, 03:54 PM

My husband and I made the very painful decision today to have our much loved Hummer euthanized. It was him time. Our hearts are broken and we miss him so much.

Nova · 05-22-2010, 04:00 PM

So sorry for your loss. I've read a lot of your posts and you've been so good to Hummer. I'm sure he knew how lucky he was to spend his life with you. I know it is hard to make that painful decision, but I bet Hummer agreed with you. Hope good memories of Hummer crowd out the pain of losing him.