Senior cat, is it time?

So glad to hear Skunk perked up! He's one lucky guy to have you in his corner. How does he seem today? I've got my fingers crossed for you.

Skunk still had a bit more of an appetite than normal, but not much more this morning. He was still a little more active, but not as much as last night either.  He'll get more diazepam tonight, though I'm hopeful to switch him to a different med by Monday due to the risks with the diazepam.  

what about babyfood meat like chicken/turkey? Some of our members have used this to entice them to eat.

Does the cat sniff the food and walk away licking lips? It could be nausea. The antiacid helps but maybe something like Cerenia/Zofran can help. usually if its nausea they lick the juice and not much else. the ckd causes trouble with appetite.

Have you read the website tanyas site for CKD? http://www.felinecrf.org/

Theres tons of pages of info in trying to entice kitty to eat. also if he is constipated it will affect the appetite. Kind of a hand in hand thing. digestion really affects appetite.

Theres a food called BFF which is shredded food-chicken ones are good. if you have a specialty pet store they will have them. I find petco doesn't carry as many dif brands as petsmart. around here in nh/ma we have whats called pets life who has all those better quality foods.

Daves and Natures variety seem to work well with our members cats who had health issues. my 3 girls only like fancy feast classics turkey/chicken. they occasionally eat all the fish ones but we have been trying to stick to nonfish.

Natures Logic has canned duck and rabbit for different protein source. Hoping you find something that works and your kitty gets more time to be with you!

Skunk hates babyfood meat.  I have several jars still in my pantry from that attempt.  On a normal basis, he'll lick some gravy and eat a few bites of the meat, then turn away.  This morning, he still ate more than that at least.  I think nausea is a good possibility, I just don't want to overwhelm my guy with too many new medicines at once.  I want to give the latest new meds a chance to settle to see where we're at before adding that one.  Potassium and aluminum hydroxide will be added as soon as they arrive.  

I'll see if I can find those foods.  I'll be heading to Petsmart this weekend as my local Petsense doesn't have as many options.  

what did they give for appetite stimulant? if its mirtaz it usually lasts 2 to 3 days. if its Cyproheptadine it lasts 12-24 hours. sometimes they recommend giving the antinasuea meds a half an hour prior to appetite stimulant-that's good that the stimulant is working-some kitties need a helping hand to keep going. Ive got an older kitty who I don't know her age. got her in 2001-2002? and lately she is slowing down. but she still enjoys the outdoors and sleeping next to us at night. she begs for food every morning but her eating has slowed down a bit. it is so hard to say when it is time. You have to write a list like someone mentioned and see how many + things and - things come out.

I saw you wanted chicken livers-what about organic meat shops or farm stands or butcher shops? I am sure you could locate something he will eat. You may have to call around or poke around on Facebook for local businesses. Facebook was a way I was able to find pet related items in my community. Not sure which would work for you.

What I found that my kidney cat went crazy for (and she was practically eating nothing up to that point) was Iams Perfect Delights.  Specifically TunaTopia.  I'ts not quite pate, but kind of.  It's really thick shreds.  BUT,they also have one that is tuna chunks and a sardine one.  I know, I know...too much fish isn't good, but these are actually all below 1% phosphorus, which is a plus, but you're giving phos binders anyway.  You might give them a try. 

Also, Merrick Surf and Turf was a hit for a few cans.  But my girl was a beef lover in her younger years before she got sick. 

Hope the B12 helps

Thought I'd post an update!  Skunk is still eating better, and acting more lively.  My potassium supplement arrived today so I gave him some, and he ate better even without the appetite stimulant.  He's still not eating as much as he needs to ultimately, but I think he's been eating so little for so long that it will take a bit of time for his stomach to stretch back out.  I think he'd end up throwing up if he went right back to full eating.  I'm looking forward to seeing his test results on Thursday or Friday, and am feeling much more hopeful than when I started this post.  I can't thank everyone enough for all your support!

I'm glad to see Skunk is doing a bit better! I love that name btw, guessing he's black and white kitty?

As far as when the right time is... that really is so hard. All I can say is go with your gut. And gauge how your kitty feels as best as you can. If they are suffering, or if they are just done - the proverbial "signs" they give - then definitely, it's time. Lucky peed on me. I'd already made the decision, but he wanted to make sure I knew how he felt. Sara gave no signs; she was already dying when I took her in to be put to sleep (they both died from acute on chronic renal failure).

So glad Skunk is doing better .  Wonderful news.  Even if it doesn't last long, every extra day is a blessing at his age

BTW, my little guy, Stinkpot's "legal" name is Skunk.  I just quickly started calling him  Stinkpot, as in "you little Stinkpot".  My husband still calls him Skunk, and that's what's on his medical records.

Bad update here.  Skunk is refusing to eat anything, even with the appetite stimulant, and is back to just laying in one spot.  When I pick him up, he is just limp.  He'll still walk to get a drink or use the litter box, but that is it.  We go back to the vet tomorrow for more tests, and also to board him through Sunday because it's unavoidable that I have to be out of town.  I'm afraid he won't make it.  He was starting to fight getting his fluids, which I thought might be because he has more energy because nothing had changed, but now he is no longer fighting them anymore.  His test results won't be back until after I'm already gone. 

SkunksMom said:

 
Bad update here.  Skunk is refusing to eat anything, even with the appetite stimulant, and is back to just laying in one spot.  When I pick him up, he is just limp.  He'll still walk to get a drink or use the litter box, but that is it.  We go back to the vet tomorrow for more tests, and also to board him through Sunday because it's unavoidable that I have to be out of town.  I'm afraid he won't make it.  He was starting to fight getting his fluids, which I thought might be because he has more energy because nothing had changed, but now he is no longer fighting them anymore.  His test results won't be back until after I'm already gone. 

Click to expand...

Sweetie, he may be telling you that his little body has done all that it can do.  If he isn't eating anything, is laying in one spot, and is limp when you pick him up, tell him how much you love him and that you always will. Just love him to pieces each moment you have left with him.  I know what he means to you and so does he.  He has probably hung around this long for your sake, not his.  I will pray for him and for you and for peace for each of you.  Skunk has surprised us before and he may do so again.  Whatever happens, we are here for you.  

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good.  But as I mentioned above, my kidney cats always went thru periods when I thought it was "the end", and then usually they rallied.  It's just a shame you have to leave town during one of Skunk's down times.  But if it's his time, then it's his time, sadly. 

It was time so at 3:10 this afternoon, Skunk crossed the rainbow bridge.  He fought the good fight, but just couldn't beat it this time. 

SkunksMom said:

 
It was time so at 3:10 this afternoon, Skunk crossed the rainbow bridge.  He fought the good fight, but just couldn't beat it this time. 

Click to expand...

Oh, sweetie, I am SO sorry to hear this.  Precious little Skunk!  Yes, he did fight quite the fight, bless his little heart; he was absolutely amazing.  He was a valiant little boy.  And you were a wonderful mom to him.  I know you're probably shocked and numb, but when you are ready, please post a tribute to Skunk on our Crossing the Bridge section.  There are also links to grief counselors and you can read about other babies who are now romping in a green meadow with Skunk, as he waits to be reunited with you. http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge   You are in my thoughts and prayers.  BIG hugs, and remember that we are here for you.

I'm so sorry Skunk lost his battle .  It's always hard, especially when you've loved them for so long.

My heart breaks for you.

Run pain free at the bridge, Skunk

So sorry about your loss. You truly did everything you could. I am facing a similar thing right now with my 16 year old girl so I was anxiously reading your posts to see if you had found that miracle combination. I sympathize entirely with the whole "which food will they eat today". My girl is not good at all with taking meds. I did ok giving her the B12 shots for a little while but now if she see it coming forget about it. She's CKD and has dementia. I have many other cats, all seniors and just cannot afford to throw money at the vets for treatments that really will only make her better temporarily. I think it's the dementia that is now making her only use the litter boxes about half the time....she is starting to pee and poop all over the house. I've noticed she's not drinking as much water any more and appetite is way down again. Steroids kept it up for a while. She also has been having tremors (or mini seizures) for several weeks, even when the vet has said she appears hydrated. I don't bother with constant testing, because treatment with her is likely not going to happen. She'll be the 3rd cat I've had to put down in the last 4 years. It's always hard and always heartbreaking. But after holding the hands of family members as they passed away, I think the kindest thing we can do is let them go peacefully through euthanasia. Peace be with you.

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your boy @SkunksMom  I'll lock this thread now as a sign of respect.

Rest in Peace Skunk.