Chrstopher Thomas in the hospital

He had lost 3 pounds, from 11-8, and was not eating well at all, lethargic, staring off into space, making little chirping sounds. I finally got him in to the vet today. He has kidney disease and will have to spend several days there with more blood tests.

Today's visit for me almost $900. I am on SSI: my monthly income is $600. Don't know what to do, depending on long-term prognosis. I am going through that all-too-familiar hell.

I am so sorry to hear your kitty is sick, I am praying for both of you x

seaturtle said:

 
He had lost 3 pounds, from 11-8, and was not eating well at all, lethargic, staring off into space, making little chirping sounds. I finally got him in to the vet today. He has kidney disease and will have to spend several days there with more blood tests.

Today's visit for me almost $900. I am on SSI: my monthly income is $600. Don't know what to do, depending on long-term prognosis. I am going through that all-too-familiar hell.

Click to expand...

You may have to start hydrating him with Sub Q fluids, not difficult and not expensive.  If you want I can link you to a great instructional video.

Thanks, yes, I'd like that link. He is home for the weekend. Vet said he showed slight improvement because of fluids they gave him , but also said he would go back into crisis in a few days. His bloods are very bad - he will last a few days, apparently. Vet asked me if I wanted to put him down today or have a little more time with him, so of course he is here. Actually eating - not a lot - and drinking, too, on his own.

The vet said nothing short of a miracle would pull him out of it. Well, here's hoping for that miracle.

He's on Rx kidney diet and Greenies. They said to feed him anything he will eat right now.

Maybe I can get some sleep tonight. I've lost 8 pounds going through this, time to take care of me now.

To everyone here, my heart goes out to all of us. And I will be thinking of everyone.

I'm pretty certain that this is the video that @StephenQ referred to: 
Did the vet send you home with subq fluids and supplies (not very expensive)? They will make your cat feel better, if only temporarily. If not, get in touch with your vet as soon as you can.

This is an excellent site for information: http://www.felinecrf.org

Did you give the vet a maximum amount you can afford? Many of them just keep doing tests and getting nowhere. In the blink of an eye they will run up several thousand dollar bills on you.

Yes, I did discuss money, and I will be asked before they do anything.  I know so well what you mean about those tests and the dollars, and they; will indeed go on testing if you don't forbid them to do so without your explicit permission.

Re-hydration is possible, but he is so far gone...hardly ate anything this weekend,is drinking on his own - a lot -but just sits in a puddle staring off into space. According to vet, this will just get worse.

Making things more difficult is that tomorrow I have to be gone all days to an out-of-town hospital.

Thanks for all your help. Will report back tomorrow.

Seriously, try GoFundMe. It's helped others in your shoes.