Before he's gone...

I just found out my 14 y/o kitty might have cancer. He's only shown signs of illness for a couple months but his xray was pretty concerning. I can't afford the ultrasound to confirm it...

I had a baby this year and so I haven't got to spend much time with my kitty... I feel guilty for not knowing he was sick sooner. I feel helpless. I can't even spend much time comforting him right now because I'm a single mom and only have a babysitter when I go to work.

I feel so awful knowing he's so sick and at home all alonE.

What can I do? I don't know how to do this alone :...(

Cats love us very much, but they are solitary animals and can get along very well on their own for periods of time. The only thing you can do is to make the short time you have together as full of love and attention as you can. Even if it is for only 15 minutes, give him some undivided attention, it will help you both more then you will know.  I know it is a difficult time in your life right now, but there is never a good time for cancer to appear and you will cope in whatever way you can. Be thankful for the 14 years you had together, and tell him so, the sound of your voice is comforting even if you are busy with something else. Take an old, unwashed T-shirt or or jacket and make him a nest, he would be comforted with your smell. Buy him inexpensive but much loved treats, give him what he loves to eat, tuna, bologna, etc., now is not a time to worry about long term dietary needs, he just must eat.  Cats are very good with hiding pain, so watch closely for signs of failing, you don't want him to suffer. I'll pray that he goes peacefully in his sleep, at home, close to the one he loves so much, it is what I would pray for all of us. You are not alone, many of us at this site came here for advise and support, and we received it in abundance. Post whenever you need to, we'll help all we can, we are all of one big family. Your feelings of helplessness and guilt are all a part of the grieving process, try to not let it take over your life, share it with others who understand. Give that sweet boy a kiss from me and just do what you can do, he loves you too much to ever want you to feel so bad. I'll pray for the three of you, bless you for loving him so much and giving him such a wonderful home. He is so lucky to have someone like you in his life. 

Thank you so much for those kind heart felt words. This is my one and only cat, I've never had another and won't ever replace him. I'm not ready for him to go but if he's suffering I hope this ends quickly. I have been trying to take more time with him, even just a few minutes at a time. It's made this a lot less stressful. I just wish I could do more.

He just needs your love right now, and he has it, there is nothing he wants more in this life. My heart cries for what you are going through, I wish things like this would never happen, to good people and innocent companions. Please keep us informed on how you are doing. Take care........

He asked for breakfast today! And he's sitting at the breakfast table with is again!!! Good morning!

It's amazing how much we start to appreciate the little things when they get sick. I hope he does well for as long as possible. to you and it's quite obvious you care about him. Please don't feel bad. I know I did last year when my Lucky got sick, thinking I'd been distracted by the kittens (was hard to NOT be distracted by them!) but there was nothing I could have done differently. Same with you I'm sure.

Please don't feel guilty.  He knows how much you love him.  You treat him with kindness and make his life a happy one.  Most cats don't require constant attention, they like some time to themselves.  My prayers are with you.  Blessings to you, your baby, and your cat.

I am sorry you and your kitty are going through this. What is his name. Spend as much time as you can with him, tell him he is loved, and that his life is special. 

His name is Simon Kitty. Kitty for short.

How is Kitty today? 

Kitty ate a whole can of food yesterday! He did throw a little up but he seemed a little more energetic. He has good food days and bad food days. I continue to push water through a baby Tylenol syringe and he's getting fiesty trying to escape this which I see as a good sign of strength. We hit a couple rough patches, he started using his bed as a litter box so we had to toss it, we replaced it with an extra litter box and he now sleeps on the couch. He stopped sleeping in his house (extra large soft covered dog kennel) not sure why he has abandoned it. He still can't have dry food - spits it up, spits it out, won't even take it now. However he devoured a salmon steak off my plate when I wasn't looking so I'm optimistic!

That is very encouraging news, sending you guys healing vibes 

Kitty didn't eat at all today despite asking for food twice. When I got home from work I noticed his eye is now tearing up pretty heavily. I think we need to go back to the vets but I'm running out of money and I'm scared we are facing the end. Maybe he will eat tomorrow :...(

have you looked at the possibility of Carecredit and if your vet takes them?

i know credit cards are dreadful and open a whole new can of warms but they can help during emergencies.

I also found this link from this site but haven't had a chance to look at all of it:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/no-money-for-vet-care-how-to-find-help-and-save-your-cats-life

i know that feeling of knowing your cat is deteriorating and being helpless. Just try to stay as close to it as you possibly can I wish you all the best

Care credit isn't an option at this point... he didn't eat again today. I was able to get some plain water in but no food

According to this http://www.allpetsmacomb.com/qualityoflife.html

Kitty still has a ton of life left to him. I don't know what else to try but I'm not ready to give up!

How is Kitty today? I am hoping you have some good news to share 

Kitty went to the vet today for a follow up and a runny eye. The good news, zero vomiting since completing the antibiotics, and he willing asks for and eats his food. The bad news, the diarrhea continues and done serious eye weeping just started yesterday, plus he lost 3 more pounds and is dehydrated again. He is happily sitting near us sleeping right now.

We are upping the steroids and I have to fight with him to get him to drink water. I do add extra water to his food aS well. We e are trying a new food too that is speed to be easy to digest, but he is allows to eat anything he will take.

I can go back for more antibiotics I'd I think his eye isn't improving our if blood returns to his stool. I can also take him for a saline booster if he keeps fighting water from me.

The vet says at this point if the steroids are helping then we might be repairing some serous Ibd problems so if we can get over the hump there is hope. If no improvement comes them is more likely an intestinal cancer and I will just keep him comfortable until he gives up.

I feel more focused now that this vet have me specific signs to be looking for.

Thank you for asking, it's been a tough week.

To keep him hydrated do this:  give him wet food and, for each half can, add half a can of warm water to it but do not mix it -- basically a mound of food in a moat of warm water.  He'll slurp up the water and eat the food.

How bad is his eye problem? I know some cats get herpes virus in that area and since it is a virus antibiotics will not do a thing.