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- Jan 6, 2006
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My Hannah, my first cat, who turned 16 in June has begun showing some distressing symptoms: 1. For the last month or so, she will get TO the litter box, but not make it INTO it, and will totally unload a large amount of urine. I've started leaving a thick layer of newspapers there as the accidents happen 1-2 times a week.
2. Last night, my dh found a small puddle when Hannah hopped off the sofa. It was urine.
3. Today I was tidying up and I looked in her shoebox, where she LOVES to stuff herself and nap the day away. It was saturated with urine, as was the table underneath. (I got her a fresh box and put a chux under and in it as she loves that spot)
4. This week, Hannah's appetite has taken a nosedive. I wasn't too concerned at first, as it is summer in TX and everyone's appetite is a little off. However, add it to the other problems, and I think something is wrong.
I do plan to take her into the vet. My beloved vet and tech are away at a seminar until Monday. Hannah is "special needs" in that she has a very hot temper and is extremely hard to handle. I've always just "been there for her" and have provided for her needs and worked around her personality issues. She has otherwise been a good cat--very low maintenance.
She is eating C/D due to bladder stones early in her life. She also has IBS and ANY change in food, or change in routine will cause bowel problems--mucusy diarrhea and some bowel incontinence in the last few years.
I suspect renal disease. Due to Hannah's severe personality issues, I will be unable to do more than the barest minimum of treatment options. Handling her a lot is out of the question--it upsets her to no end. In fact, she hasn't been in to the vet's in 10 years. My vet understands and we've addressed issues well to this point.
Anyway, just wanted to see if there were any words of wisdom. Sixteen years is a good long life. I'm inclined to go with the vet visit on Monday for bloodwork, and then support her as long as her comfort and dignity are intact, then let her go.
Sigh...
Cally
2. Last night, my dh found a small puddle when Hannah hopped off the sofa. It was urine.
3. Today I was tidying up and I looked in her shoebox, where she LOVES to stuff herself and nap the day away. It was saturated with urine, as was the table underneath. (I got her a fresh box and put a chux under and in it as she loves that spot)
4. This week, Hannah's appetite has taken a nosedive. I wasn't too concerned at first, as it is summer in TX and everyone's appetite is a little off. However, add it to the other problems, and I think something is wrong.
I do plan to take her into the vet. My beloved vet and tech are away at a seminar until Monday. Hannah is "special needs" in that she has a very hot temper and is extremely hard to handle. I've always just "been there for her" and have provided for her needs and worked around her personality issues. She has otherwise been a good cat--very low maintenance.
She is eating C/D due to bladder stones early in her life. She also has IBS and ANY change in food, or change in routine will cause bowel problems--mucusy diarrhea and some bowel incontinence in the last few years.
I suspect renal disease. Due to Hannah's severe personality issues, I will be unable to do more than the barest minimum of treatment options. Handling her a lot is out of the question--it upsets her to no end. In fact, she hasn't been in to the vet's in 10 years. My vet understands and we've addressed issues well to this point.
Anyway, just wanted to see if there were any words of wisdom. Sixteen years is a good long life. I'm inclined to go with the vet visit on Monday for bloodwork, and then support her as long as her comfort and dignity are intact, then let her go.
Sigh...
Cally