My cat seems to have CHF

A few weeks ago we moved to a new home, after a couple of days Memo seemed to be limping and hurting a lot. Long story short, he had a knee surgery. Apparently his knee cap was shut and needed repair. Operation was successful but stress on Memo was devastating. Normally a nice easy cat (he is indoor cat, brit short hair) became extra aggressive in the clinic. at home he was back to "normal" and within a couple of days he was up and around. Something was there I didnt like so we took him back to the vet who told us he was yet not over the stressful period and his leg was doing fine. I was not satisfied, my cat was different, careful and not playful, actually very lethargic. Surgery was Nov 29; two days ago he didnt jump up and down when we gave him his fish...strange. Today the same, couldnt handle it so I took him to the vet....CHF...his lungs and cavity are filled with liquid :-(. Immediately with medication for the fluids and heart medicine. It is first day. Vet recommended us to be back home to minimize his stress and be with him. I am nervous and anxious, love this cat dearly. Vet said that tomorrow we should see if medicine works and if not we have to make a trip to the cardiologist (1hr 20min away)....

My husband is in pain as well and just yesterday he left on a business trip. I am alone with memo at home, dont dare to leave him alone, keeping a constant eye on him. He is very very tired and struggles. Just gave him fish (hand to mouth), ate some happily but had no energy left after a while...

How did you guys cope? what can I do? any recommendations?

Thanks

Claus

@claus -- i'm so sorry it's taken so long for us to reply to your thread!

how is your memo doing today? did your vet find that memo needed to see the cardiologist?

i have experience with having a cat with special needs/medical needs, my little girl had chronic kidney disease for 4+ years. it's good to keep an eye on your boy, but i'd try not to stay too close all the time unless that's what your memo seems to want. my girl preferred to have me stay close to her more and more as her CKD progressed, and i did so -- adapted to that, changed the things i did and/or how i got them done.

i think i can understand how you feel, being nervous and anxious. it's important for us to try to keep ourselves calm, and relaxed as much as possible. cats do pick up on the stress/upset of their people, and by being as calm and relaxed as you're able to you'll help to reassure your memo as well as keep him calm and relaxed. i understand that this can be hard for us to do in these kind of situations, but we do our best...for our cat.

i coped by doing the things i needed to each day, inside our home and outdoors, but the rest of my time was spent close to my little girl. i did a lot of reading, spent time on the internet, and did things like watched some tv and played computer games.

you're working with your vet's as well as doing what the vet's recommend, that's excellent! something that might be helpful is to ask your vet what signs or symptoms you should keep an eye out for, that would mean you should call and/or bring your memo in to see the vet. i found that very helpful with my girl.

since there's the two of you, you and your husband, it might be helpful (when possible) to switch off in caring for or staying with your memo sometimes. this would give you each some time to just get out, do something like take a walk or visit with friends or some other relaxing activity. it's really important for you and your husband to have some time (as possible) to get out and do something that's relaxing/enjoyable. you need this in order to be able to cope with the stress, concern, and worry about your memo -- now, and for the longer term. and you'll be stronger for your memo by taking good care of yourselves too.