My cat was diagnosed with CHF (congestive heart failure)

imeowmew

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This thread has helped me in so many ways. Even if I've all but cried my eyes out while reading it. My sweet 3 year old baby Fidget was diagnosed 18 months ago. The first year after that was a breeze. No trouble at all, and I hardly ever thought about the disease. Four months ago she had a second episode, that threw me into a constant state of anxiety. I suffer greatly from generalized anxiety, and she is my emotional support animal. I've never in my life felt so attached to anything like I do with her. She's my little peep. Now anytime her breathing picks up, I get so scared. She's had one other episode since August, and almost another but I caught it quickly. I've made her an oxygen box that her vet recommended. It seems to help tremendously when she's fighting for breath. I would do anything to save her life. It's so very hard to watch her go through this evil disease. :( I hate it so much knowing I can't cure her. She's so full of life and deserved to live it long and happily. As do all of our precious kitties. I pray nightly for a miracle.
But all I can really do is be happy, for her sake.
 

zed xyzed

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I am sorry your kitty is ill, I am sending prayers and healing vibs. This is a  great site to be on, the people here are true animal lovers and many have gone or are going through the same thing you are. Be strong for your kitty, she needs you. I am pulling for you and your cat.
 

Mamanyt1953

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Hi Janice and welcome to The Cat Site!


My mother's cat went into Congestive heart failure about a year and a half ago and she is still with us.
There are a fair number of us on here that have dealt with cats with this condition.
Please do not hesitate to start a thread of your own if you have any questions or just need some support.
Thank you for posting this.  I was just going to post that my neighbor's cat was diagnosed almost three years ago, and is doing fine.  Come to think of it, I was diagnosed with CHF almost 10 years ago now, and I do very well, indeed. 

The panic will slowly lessen as your kitties become stabilized on meds, but it won't happen (the lessening) immediately.  It was a bit over two months ago that Hekitty had her bout with pancreatitis, and I still watch every mouthful she eats, and what position she sleeps in...just to make sure.  I'm not as bad as I was.  I bet I called the vet at least once a day in a panic for the first three weeks following the attack.  She's good to go, now, and I"m slowly getting back to normal.
 

3cats2dogs

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Thank you all for this thread. My cat is a 7 yo male Maine Coon who was diagnosed CHF with severe restrictive cardiomyopathy about 3 weeks ago. He's home and on meds now and doing much better but his appetite is weak. He eats on his own but not enough and he's lost weight since coming home. His vet knows and we're doing our best to give him lots of yummy options constantly to encourage him. He seems happy and comfortable otherwise and I love more than ever when I catch him doing his favorite things like watching the birds out the window from the back of the couch or going nuts on the scratcher, but I have been gripped with depression and anxiety over his prognosis and how and when he will finally pass away. Most resources just describe CHF and say that it's the end stage of heart disease but the earlier post describing how you just know when it's time was so helpful. Gus is not our only pet but he's my special dude so this has been incredibly difficult to process and manage for a previously healthy young cat.

You're all such brave and wonderful pet parents. CHF is a terrible disease and I'm so sorry we've all had to suffer its effects. My thoughts are with you and your kitties!
 

purejoy

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I'm new to this site, my dearest friend sent me the link after my little love was diagnosed this past Wednesday evening with HCM. I don't need to explain the terror, panic and grief that gripped me while I was in the emergency room to anyone on this site. Like many of you, I do not have children, I lost one sweet cat due to Feline Lukemia about six years ago and also lost both my parents within that time as well. Loss is never easy and I have come to believe that it never gets easier. My sweet little Shana is only six years old, is pampered beyond belief, eats good quality food, has regular check-ups and came from a boutique pet store so I was shocked after they took an x-ray and said that she had fluid in her lungs and she most likely had CHF. It was close to midnight and there were not a lot of people in the ER room but I know that when I cried from the inside out and made sounds that seemed almost inhuman, even to myself, that everyone who was in that building heard me. I had to leave her there which was torture in itself and the last few days have been filled with tears and oxygen, I feel like it is me that has heart failure. After a grueling week (cardiologist was out of town) we finally met with the heart doctor who was unbelievably kind as were all the staff, techs and Vets at the MedVet Emergency Center on Clybourn in Chicago. Would recommend them to anyone in the Chicago area who has a pet emergency. The doctor said that her overall health was good and with proper meds and treatment she could possibly live for a year and maybe even longer.

So, now, we are at home (brought her home yesterday evening) with prescribed meds and I, like many of you, am afraid to leave the house, have cancelled my out of town trip and have been watching her breathe, feeling like this is borrowed time. There are no instructions on how to live this way and I am thinking that it will have to be a day to day lesson of love and acceptance for what is. For now she is on Lasix, Vetmedin and Potassium. She seems to be doing well, possibly better than myself. My question is about diet. I had read on line, and the cardiologist also agreed, that a meat based protein diet is best for cats with this condition, best for cats in general (and to avoid high sodium so avoid the soft treats). I am going to keep using hard food to eliminate tarter build-up since I will not be putting her under again for a cleaning due to her compromised heart. She eats Science Diet hard food at the moment but I am going to change this. Has anyone found a good hard food that is meat based?

We are planning on beating the odds, as everyone with a pet that has an incurable illness is, and spending many more years together. I am loving her up each and every moment though it is not even possible for me to love her more than I do. Thank you for all the wonderful posts and all the great information. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who have or are still suffering.
 

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So, now, we are at home (brought her home yesterday evening) with prescribed meds and I, like many of you, am afraid to leave the house, have cancelled my out of town trip and have been watching her breathe, feeling like this is borrowed time. There are no instructions on how to live this way and I am thinking that it will have to be a day to day lesson of love and acceptance for what is. For now she is on Lasix, Vetmedin and Potassium. She seems to be doing well, possibly better than myself. My question is about diet. I had read on line, and the cardiologist also agreed, that a meat based protein diet is best for cats with this condition, best for cats in general (and to avoid high sodium so avoid the soft treats). I am going to keep using hard food to eliminate tarter build-up since I will not be putting her under again for a cleaning due to her compromised heart. She eats Science Diet hard food at the moment but I am going to change this. Has anyone found a good hard food that is meat based?
When a cat is seriously ill and you have a vet you trust then you should go with what the vet says, but if the only reason you are giving her dry food is to keep her teeth healthy, then you should look up some of the latest research on this which says that actually dry food sticks to the teeth like sweets, and can cause decay. Your vet prescribed a good protein-based food but did he suggest wet or dry versions or was it not discussed? ~if I were you I would go into it further, because as you say, you must get it right for your cat's sake. I am so sorry you are going through this and I hope you manage to stabilise her conditoion, for both your sakes.
 

purejoy

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He was the cardiologist at the ER center, not my regular vet, though I did ask him if he thought dry or wet was better and if he had a recommendation which he did not. I also mentioned that as of now she was on dry food and I thought it might be better for her teeth since I did not want to put her under any anesthesia and he said that we could handle any teeth issues a different way. I trusted him when we met and still think he was extremely knowledgeable but he did not tell me any particular brand to use, wet or dry. I have just started researching foods and for every brand I think I have found that is good there is other information about it being bad. I was not aware about the dry food issue that you mentioned with the teeth so this will also have to be something to keep in mind. The search continues and I may have to consider making her food myself. Thanks for the info.
 

jennyr

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Unfortunately very few vets know much about nutrition, and they are lobbied all the time by company reps trying to push their brands. ~it does pay to do some independent research, so at least you know what you are talking about when the vet suggests something. ~It is so hard for us ordinary pet owners who are desperate to do the right thing by our cats, especially when they are sick and suffering. Good luck.
 
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tigeruk

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PureJoy - my story is a little sad so I won't upset you with the details - you can read them here http://www.thecatsite.com/t/308219/my-cat-was-diagnosed-with-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy when you are ready.

Basically my Tom 'Mister' was diagnosed with advanced CHF - at the time of diagnosis we were told he had about a month left. He surprised us all and lived for a further 6 months until the Sunday just gone when we had to make that unbearable decision to send him off to sleep after he developed a blood clot that stopped him from being able to use his back legs. This was the second blood clot he had and we were certain it was 100% the right decision.

When he was diagnosed I did so much research on this awful illness and I found a lot of studies stating that if you catch this illness early a cat can live a happy and fairly long life so don't ever give up hope. Those 6 months I had with Mister where some of the best and I have some wonderful memories to treasure forever.  All I can say to you is to give your kitty as much love and affection as you possibly can but at the same time try not too worry (I know it's hard) as you will make yourself ill - animals can pick up on times where you are stressed so calm and positive thoughts is always the best even when its almost unbearable.

My vet advised me to give Mister any food that he wanted as he was in the finial stages of CHF, I therefore treated him to some of the best meals he most probably ever had, his favorite was roast chicken fresh from the oven (after it cooled of course).

As cats with CHF are on diuretics to help with the fluid build up they do drink lots and lots and lots of water and of course they pee lots too so make sure there is plenty to drink. I had one of those filtered water fountains for cats to make sure even the water was the best he could have. He was very well looked after and live his final days as a king.

Giving pills is also a challenge with cats, that is until I discover Feline Pill Pockets. For the entire 6 months, 4 times a day, 7 days a week and up to 4 pills at a time he always, and I mean always ate them with no problems so I definitely recommend them. 

I do so much feel your pain and your worry having been in there, but do try to enjoy the time you have with your kitty, every moment is precious. At least she has an owner like you to take care of her in the best possible way.

Good Luck x
 

loveourcat

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Hi PureJoy,

I know your pain.  We just went through it with our Toby.  We fought so hard for our little guy but in the end his little enlarged heart just couldn't hold out any longer.  He started having significant trouble breathing and we had to rush him to the vet for oxygen three times. On the third time, we lost him this past Tuesday, just 20 days after we first discovered a problem when he refused to eat one morning which was so unlike him. Before we lost him I was filled with sadness and worry and felt that I was pre-mourning his eventual death. I wish I hadn't been so overly concerned and could have taken time to just enjoy the moments with Toby a bit more for what they were. It's easier said than done though especially when you don't know what the future holds.

My advice would be to treat every day as a gift. We really thought we had more time based on many accounts and even studies.  We were unfortunately on the unlucky end of the scale but at least we were not completely surprised during an emergency visit where he would be immediately required to be put to sleep. So you can find some comfort in that you at least know ahead of time what you're facing.

At least we know Toby didn't suffer very long and never experienced the dreaded saddle thrombus which was one of our biggest fears of all.  I wish you all the good luck in the world and hope you two can have a lot more time together. 

Hugs.
 

gomimi

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Thank you for this. We just put our beloved cat Beasley to rest yesterday after his journey with CHF and hyperthyroidism. He was 14 and we knew this day would come but we are devastated none the less. We have no children and our fur babies are the only babies we will ever have. Beasely was diagnosed about 7 months ago and he was already used to taking his thyroid pills twice a day so we added about 4 more meds to his repatoire and he did really well and had many happy days after the diagnosis. We did not have insurance so the first time he went to the cardiologist it ran about $1300. They didn't keep him overnight to help lessen the cost for us but it was still not a bill we could really afford at the time and it went on a credit card. The last few weeks before his death, he was losing weight and then his breathing became labored. We thought we'd just take him in and get another chest tap but the vet was worried that the fluid could be around his heart. They gave him and injection to help his breathing and put him in an oxygen tank. The estimate for the treatment was going to be $1700 with more tests later that week. It was the hardest decision we've ever made because emotionally, Beasley was still there, his poor heart was just worn out and maybe the treatment would extend his life a few more months. I don't know. I just wish he was still here with us. There is an empty spot in our home now. We also spent 2 plus hours with him at the vet petting and spending our last moments telling him how much we loved him. My boyfriend seemed at peace with our decision but then last night before bed, he was regretting it. I'm glad to hear this is natural. I love my cats more than most people. This has been so hard. Hopefully we all find peace and realize they live on in our hearts. 
 

imeowmew

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Thank you for this. We just put our beloved cat Beasley to rest yesterday after his journey with CHF and hyperthyroidism. He was 14 and we knew this day would come but we are devastated none the less. We have no children and our fur babies are the only babies we will ever have. Beasely was diagnosed about 7 months ago and he was already used to taking his thyroid pills twice a day so we added about 4 more meds to his repatoire and he did really well and had many happy days after the diagnosis. We did not have insurance so the first time he went to the cardiologist it ran about $1300. They didn't keep him overnight to help lessen the cost for us but it was still not a bill we could really afford at the time and it went on a credit card. The last few weeks before his death, he was losing weight and then his breathing became labored. We thought we'd just take him in and get another chest tap but the vet was worried that the fluid could be around his heart. They gave him and injection to help his breathing and put him in an oxygen tank. The estimate for the treatment was going to be $1700 with more tests later that week. It was the hardest decision we've ever made because emotionally, Beasley was still there, his poor heart was just worn out and maybe the treatment would extend his life a few more months. I don't know. I just wish he was still here with us. There is an empty spot in our home now. We also spent 2 plus hours with him at the vet petting and spending our last moments telling him how much we loved him. My boyfriend seemed at peace with our decision but then last night before bed, he was regretting it. I'm glad to hear this is natural. I love my cats more than most people. This has been so hard. Hopefully we all find peace and realize they live on in our hearts. 
I've made a comment on here before in December about my baby, Fidget. Two days ago I had to make the same heart breaking decision. She lived 24 months post diagnosis with less than a handful of scares. I was truly blessed. I haven't figured out how to be okay yet, but I decided to have her cremated because I can't fathom the idea of not having her close to me. When the time came, I was told by my vet that I would know. I didn't think I would honestly, but that day she had thrown up blood from her lungs. We knew she wouldn't have gotten better from there. We kept her content and painless in her home oxygen box for two days before that. Trying to help her recover, but she just wouldn't or couldn't. I knew she was in there, like you said. But her poor body just couldn't keep up with her fight to live.
I empathize with you on wishing she were still here. It's a really hard thing to go through. Especially when they become like your children. I'm sending positive thoughts your way. I hope it does get better.
 

Norachan

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Mod Note.

This is quite an old thread and some of the original posters may not be back to update. If anyone has a cat that is suffering from CHF and would like to start a new thread there is a tutorial here that shows you how to do so.

 [article="24982"]How To Use The Forums​[/article]  

There are also a few articles here that may help.

 [article="30268"]Heart Disease In Cats​[/article]  

 [article="32724"]Pilling Cats Must Know Tips For Hiding Pills​[/article]  

Finally, if anyone has lost a cat to CHF we would like to invite you to start a tribute thread in our Crossing The Bridge forum.

http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge
 

catwhisperer64

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You can try to ask your vet if any of them come in a liquid, our little guy was on several meds as well and we were able to get most of them in liquid form, our vet even sent in to a different place to have his enalapril made into a liquid. He still wasn't happy, but it was a little easier. The other thing we tried was putting him in a pillowcase, I know sounds a little weird. It gave him the freedom to wiggle more but we were able to hold the top closer around his face/neck without having him fuss quite as much. Good luck
 

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My deepest sympathies for you having to deal with this and your cat having to feel bad. When my gal Francue was sick we would pill her by crushing the pill up (doctor said it was fine) and putting it in a bit of baby food and then smearing it all over her paws. It's the only thing that worked. It was stress free and she licked it all off.
 

kingmatthewsmom

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My heart goes out to everyone who has suffered the effects from HCM. Its a terrible disease, and ever since my 5 year old sweet tabby Matthew was diagnosed back in January, like many of you, there hasn't been a day gone by that I don't worry about how or when my boy will succumb to his congestive heart failure. For months, Matthew was responding well to his meds and seemed perfectly normal. Until a week and a half ago, when he threw a blood clot and survived. It was so scary and a sobering reality check that the end is near for my baby. His cardiologist says that the likelihood of him throwing a catastrophic ATE or mild clot like the one he just had, is high. For this reason, I've decided to euthanize. I couldn't live with myself if he were to get a blood clot and we have to rush him to the ER for euthanasia. Euthanizing now is the only way to prevent his potential suffering.
I scheduled the at-home euthanasia for this Friday. The hardest part of this all, is that he seems perfectly normal now. When it occurred, the clot lasted about two minutes, and he's had good days and a couple of bad days since then. His appetite is healthy, he drinks water, and is very social with his kitty siblings and family. But I've noticed that he's lost a lot of muscle mass and weight. He also began sleeping underneath our bed, which is unusual. He normally sleeps on our living room couch, on his back with his legs wide open. Going through with this will be so hard, but deep down I know this is the right thing. I truly hope that his spirit will live on until we meet again. The only thing from completely falling apart, is believing that I'll see him on the other side along with my beloved Akita Tobei, when the time is right. Peace, love and harmony to all the pet mom's and dad's on this forum.
 

darkhorse321

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I know this feeling in spades. I love my kitties--they are my babies. My boy has been sick for  six weeks just after his sister was so ill we thought she'd need to be put down. I think we can all share our out of control panic--I slept with them and like you, watched their every breath.

CHF is not an easy condition to deal with, but there are many medications and things that are available today. Sadly, my mom's kitty went into the suddenly and passed away(we had to put her down). She had a grade 4 heart murmur and was never bothered by it, but as she got older (the kitty), I think it caught up to her---and it sadly coinsided with my mom's medical ailments and many surgeries.  It was awful so I know how you feel! All we can do is tell ourselves we are doing what we can and maybe speak to your vet about an 'emergency' plan and how to--you can give your kitty CPR, and give meds at home if need be.

HUGS!!
 

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I know l am responding to an old thread but l am trying to determine my 10 yr old cats future with CHF. I just recently wrote her story up. Basically to sum it up she was to have a rare adrenal tumor removed only to discover she had a murmur, which led to an echocardiogram and finding out she has heart disease. Records sent to cardiologist who said its severe and even w meds less then a year. In the hospital they used lasix to drain fluid sent her home, no meds. She is doing good. Eating well, playing, her breathing is ok. I asked tge vet when will l know, he said trouble breathing lack of appetite. So right now we have 2 issues not one. I started her on 595 mg of potassium crushed in foid 2x a day. She is perked up. But if we keep giving her diuretics it drains her and the little potassium she is making. I dont want her to suffer or be in pain. Right now she appears ok.

I guess l should call vet again, but curious to know how fast does her heart and lungs fill back up w fluid?

I just am reading stories of strokes and blood clots and its scaring me. I dont want to lose her but also dont want any suffering.
 
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