Old cat, (whom we believed to be dying) getting better?

My cat is a very old cat. Hes got gallstones and unfortunately is too old and weak to go through surgery. His liver is starting to fail as well. He lost weight dramatically and is very weak in general. He wouldn't eat or drink by himself so we had to do it through a syringe. He was added to the vets hospice program, we were just pretty much waiting for the time to come to have to put him down.

Out of nowhere, he started eating and drinking on his own, gaining weight and being vocal and energetic again. He ate on his own today, more than he eats in a day in one sitting, drank a half a bowl of water, AND had treats. We were told he would not get better, we were just waiting to see if we could keep him alive for a few weeks, but we were prepared to put him down when the time comes, which we believed to be any day. How is this happening? Of course its a wonderful thing, but I'm so confused. Can anyone explain to me how he is getting better?

I asked this on yahoo answers, and got one suggestion, that it was a misdiagnoses from the vet, which could be, but we saw the ultrasound of his belly and saw all the stones. And the vet said his liver is failing from the yellow on his skin, in his ears and mouth, which is very visible to us, though seems to be going away.

Another was that this is what cats do when they are about to go on their own, they have a time where they feel better, almost as a goodbye, which makes sense, but hes acting like a kitten again. Maybe its just wishful thinking, but I think hes acting too healthy for it to be that. So, do you guys have any ideas? We are going to call the vet and get him in soon, but i'm very curious and wanting to see others ideas on this. Thanks guys!

Were blood tests done as well to diagnose liver failure? While jaundice can be a sign of liver failure, it's also a symptom of gallstones. I don't think gallstones are immediately life-threatening unless they're causing an obstruction. The jaundice could also be from hepatic lipidosis which happens when a cat doesn't eat enough. The syringe feeding may have gotten him past that.

It is also possible as you said that this is a last rally before the end, but I don't think it's usually this dramatic of a recovery. Please let us know what the vet says.

Oh, and many, many vibes that it IS a recovery.

Yes, blood was taken as well. To my knowledge, the gallstones were causing one of his intestines to dialate. I saw the x-rays but it was all so much to take in. Basically, though, because of where they are, in order to to remove them they would have to completely 're-route' his insides, as terrible as that sounds, because of the size and quantity. It was decided that he is too old and weak to put him through that. He was refusing to eat and drink, and super weak because of this, so we had to feed him with a surringe, and when he started refusing that we would need to put him down.

I apologize, im trying to explain it as best as possible. Its pretty confusing, though, and a lot to take in, haha. I will for sure let you know what the vet says. Im calling today.
 

No matter how long he has left at least he is happy now. Just love him and care for him and don't worry about the medical diagnosis. Here's hoping he stays happy and healthy for as long as he possibly can.
 

Oh, of course! Were thrilled. Its like a miracle. Im just very curious as to what could have happened that changed it.