Artie and his Issues

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2Cats4everLoved

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@Artiemom  How is our sweet boy doing today? 
 
Ditto, how are Artie and you?
I think we're all wondering how you are and of course sweet boy Artie.

I'm taking this as a good sign that you took the day off from the interweb and are getting into a routine with Artie.  I really hope you got good sleep and are relaxing with your sweet boy.

Nite nite, fill us in when you can. xoHope
 
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artiemom

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Hi all, No, I did not forget about you guys.. I thought you may need a break from all my whining and perhaps I needed a bit of a break also...but you asked so here is the update..

Yesterday was a bad day for both of us.. between him straining and not pooping and me waiting for instructions.. and then the explosion, well it was a bad day overall.

I gave Artie his first dose of the lactulose in the afternoon. He still was not eating, refusing the prescriptions food. I had to give in and give him the Pride rabbit. He ate a bit, not much...I did try to massage his belly--he ides not care for it.. was running away..

That night, after the second dose of lactulose, (only 0.5cc) he had diarrhea!!! OMG.. one minute hard poop (and with a piece on the edge) with straining ---each time he moved a piece came out --all over the place... and then diarrhea.. so fast?!! hard to comprehend. 

I smelt poop all over me and his plush throw, but could not comprehend where it was. He was clean.. I finally got up and saw it all over the throw. Mind you, I had washed this the day before , Monday.....

And then I looked, and poop was all over his quilt, washed on Tuesday..

I cleaned things up as best I could with Natures Miracle... and covered things up with towels. 

I remembered to cover my quilt with a large sheet. 

Woke up to 2 large piles of poop and 3 pee clumps in the litter box...

Found poop on one towel, on top of his fleece throw, on the floor... on my bathroom rug,  all over the sheet on my bed, and a pillowcase....

Cleaned things off with Natures Miracle and then soaked in the washer with bleach before washing..

Keep finding spots all over the place.

He had diarrhea when I got up. He waits for me to get up for a morning poop.. 

He did eat all his food from the night...just over a small can.

Artie is not eating much today. I think the effects of the cyproheptadine as an appetite stimulant are wearing off. sigh

Went back to the NV Pride Rabbit because he is completely refusing the prescription food. I am even mixing a bit of it in with the Pride rabbit...

He just pooped a bit more.. it was more formed... getting normalish.. 

Artie just looks sick, to me.. his coat does not look good. he looks thin.. and sickly.. 

I do not know what more I can do... frustrated, and not knowing what else to do for him. I am thinking I am almost at my end.. 

I do not know what more I can do...He is starting to run away from my touch. He has to come over to me.. if not, he runs away.. at my wits end. He feels so thin....

I sound vey down, because I am.. I am trying.. trying my best.. trying to be positive..but I am not sure if my best is going to be good enough to get through this.. I do not know what else to do.. 

What is the worst part, is that Artie is so alert.. and has such expressive eyes.. he can see into my soul. He still has a lot of life in him, but it seems to be slowly dwindling away, no matter what I do.. 

I am not giving up.. I am not giving up... I am just so frustrated that in spite of all I am doing, he is not improving.. It has been 2.5 weeks of intensive work..another 4 weeks of increasingly increasingly exhausting work... Since December first... 

I am exhausted..my brain is totally drained out...

All I seem to be doing is washing poopy laundry, washing spots off the floor, washing the floors, medicating Artie, calling Vets, taking Artie to Vets, or ER, running to get his prescriptions filled, scooping the litter box, cleaning it, washing Artie's bum and some of his fur, running to buy new food for him, ordering new food for him, begging him to eat, leaning how to do subs fluids, ...and weeping....worrying about him.   and trying to cuddle with him... and brush him without running over his bones.. sigh...

I am burnt out.. 

I guess what I am saying is that I cannot do anymore. I am going to keep fighting for him.. and I will continue on this course, but it is out of my hands.. it is in God's hands now.. I am not defeated... just burnt out. I have to give it up to a higher Authority.. and that is God. I cannot do anymore.. 

anyway.. Artie is waiting at the kitchen doorway for new food. He is not liking his Pride Rabbit..

here is a picture of him lying on my arm, from tonight..


I love my little boy... he is so precious.... 
 

tarasgirl06

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You DID have a bad day.  And I empathize so much.  I could revisit so many times, with so many of my beloved ones, when things were similar, and I was a wits' end as well as so downhearted.  Now that these loved ones are no longer here, I would give anything to have them back with us again, not in terrible health of course, but just to be able to love them and share life with them.  It is so difficult.

My friend with a cat in similar situation uses the dog weewee pads to put under her little guy.  If Artie is not very active, this might be a help to you, too, to save on laundry.  If you can't get those, even baby diapers might work.  

He is so sweet.  Give him kisses from me. *PRAYERS* for him and for you too, for better days. And I hope you'll be able to tempt him with some food that he will enjoy. I have no idea which foods he should and shouldn't have, but meat baby food with NO onion/garlic, like the Gerber small jars, has been helpful in the past with cats who are very hard to tempt.  And Soulistic salmon has been very well loved here, as well.  It's very soupy and fragrant. 
 

margd

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(((((Hugs)))))   Just hugs.  
    

You and Artie are in my heart.  
 

maddies momma

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I am so sorry to hear that things are rough again, and that you are so broken hearted. I have a suggestion that is a little out there but might be helpful to you. Have you ever considered seeking help from an animal communicator or spiritual healer.
If you are skeptical or don't think that's right for you then I apologize for overstepping. However I have worked with one and was skeptical at first but then amazed at how much she picked up on and how accurate. She can do long distance sessions with your pet. You could have her communicate with artie to get an idea of how he feels about everything or where he stands. You can even have her do an intuitive healing session with him where he will recieves healing energy and she can pick up on anything you need to know about his body. I have used both services with amazing results.
the one i use is debbie mcgillivray. If you Google her name you should find her website, Animal Telepathy.
Once again you may feel this is not right for you but it's something to think about.
 

stephenq

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I love my little boy... he is so precious.... 
Friend

we have talked many times.  As I may have said before, in time, all treatments fail. Always.  What must not fail is your relationship with Artie, even if that means hastening his demise.  He must not live in fear of you.  At the end (not that he is there) it is more important that he love you than live a little longer.  You may have to choose between treatment and trust and at the very end, trust doesnt fail, but treatments always do.
 
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LTS3

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Would in home hospice care help relive some of the burden of caring for Artie? The newspaper had an article about it about 2 years ago. Besides the hopsice provider mentioned in the article, there are others in the area. I can PM you the links if you'd like.

Do what you you feel what is best for Artie but don't forget yourself, too
If things are getting too much and Artie is just not responding, have an honest talk with whichever vet you are comfortable with and really discuss Artie and his quality of life. Don't feel guilty if the "big decision" has to be at least talked about.
 

2Cats4everLoved

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I'm sooooooooooooooooooo sorry you're having a rough day


I remember all too well these days of despair - but even on my darkest days with Simon, the next day or the day after that, a light would shine and we'd share the most precious moments together, then we'd both take a breath, and I'd come to TCS, get support, advice and reassurance, and I'd become more determined then ever to rethink my approach and I'd start all over.

It seemed never ending, but I felt in my heart if Simon wanted me to hang in there just like he was. I thought if he could hang on and show me he was still able to "live" and want to be with us, it was worth it, there was no excuse for me not to give my all.  It's very very exhausting, I won't lie, but it's worth it.

I think this was an important revelation for you in knowing that it's out of your hands, this is a new way of living for you both.

This is a big step, but you don't ever have to give up, not until Artie lets you know he is just too weary to move on, you will know when that time is near, but  I honestly feel in my heart he's fighting and is determined to stay with you for a while, it's just a BAD DAY!  I just wish we could get a handle on his bowels.  This has to be draining on him.  Poor fella looks exhausted.  

And we all know how exhausted you are mentally not to mention physically - all the laundry you've been doing and cleaning is a lot for one person.

You need to know, you are not bringing us down in anyway.  I do understand needing to stay away and needing a break for a little while, but don't think that you are a burden to any of us.  

We're here for you


I say this often, but I assure you, I never expressed truer words then these, which are, TCS and these beautiful members who offered support, made me strong. determined and held me up when I was ready to lay down and give up.  As difficult as it was, those 4 months I got to share with Simon was an experience I'll never forget.

I will pray for you and Artie to get much needed rest.

Tomorrow is another day.  Hang in there...

Warmest regards, Hope
 

neely

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Many, if not all of us, have been in a similar situation with our beloved felines.  This does not make it any easier for you but we can empathize and understand what you are going through.  You have my deepest respect for trying to give Artie the best quality of life.  Take care of yourself and you will have the strength to take care of Artie too. 
 

Columbine

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Just :hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs:
I'm so sorry you had such a rough day :( Burnout is understandable in these circumstances. I know it's hard, but try to remember to take care of yourself as well as Artie. You owe it to him to stay well.

Have your thoughts of trying Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost to make life a little easier? It would remove (or at least reduce) the need for spot cleaning, which has to be a good thing.

Sending you both a ton of :vibes: for a better day today. You're both in my thoughts :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes: :vibes::vibes:
 

Loving Mickey

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I am so sorry you and Artie are having such a rough time right now. I can sure sympathize with caring for a ill kitty. The worse part is seeing them not well. Our hearts break for our babies. We would do anything to make them well again. We wish we were the ones sick instead of them.
You are doing everything possible for Artie and taking excellent care of him. He knows that and loves you for it.
I believe he is a fighter and wants to stay with you.
He sure is a beauty and looks pretty contented in his pictures.
Just wanted you to know my heart and prayers are also with you and Artie.
I hope tomorrow is a better day for you both.
Love and Hugs to you both!
Gloria
 

angels mommy

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This brings tears to my eyes, as I remember tough days with Angel. I know how you feel. If you are open to it. I also think an animal communicator is a great idea. Maybe she can express to him how important the Rx food is to him as well.
MANY prayers going up for you & Artie. Give him kisses for me.
I am thinking of you guys often, & try to say a prayer each time.
If you can, maybe take a nice soak in the tub for yourself to try & relax a little. Have a good cry, whatever you need to do. Then maybe a nap & hopefully you will feel a little better after that.
If you were here, I'd have you come get on my massage table! [emoji]128522[/emoji]
Hugs!
Kelly
 

2Cats4everLoved

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It's days like this when you need to take things one hour at a time.  

Don't beat yourself up.

Sending you positive vibes.
 


Big Hugs to you and your sweet handsome boy Artie.

xxooHope
 
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artiemom

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Yes, yesterday was a bad day for me.... and a Artie.. honestly, he has had worse days.. the days where I was syringe feeding him..

I was really down yesterday.. it is never-ending cleaning and medication with him .. it is a full time job..

I am better today. I really want to go go noontime mass today.. I have been there for the past couple days.. 

I am taking a quick break before I take a shower.. I am currently drying the king size sheet I had covering my bed, from last night.. yup, more smears...and I found a tiny piece of poop on a towel which I keep on my computer chair. Artie loves to lie there.. that is ready for a wash also, when I have a couple more things.. 

I put a new towel down with a puppy pad on top.. wonder if Artie will accept the puppy pad?

Woke up with him cuddling me in bed.... all his food was gone.. that was a can of food...

He had a couple pee clumps in the box and a poo clump.. 

Artie is so funny... He knows I am always in the bathroom when he poops. He has taken that as a given.. I wipe his bum after he goes. I was in the kitchen getting his meds ready, I thought I heard him yowl. I did not move, because this is an apartment building and kids were going to school..thought it was a kid.. 

Well, I heard another yowl, but no kid footsteps in the corridor....

I left what I was doing, saying, "Artie, what is it? what? what? is that you?".. Sure enough he was in his litter box, digging.. he looked at me as if to say; "I called you" .. and proceeded to do a much more formed poop, very tiny, but formed.. about an hour later, he went in to poop again.. this time a lot more and still a bit formed.. 

It is at this stage where his poops turn hard.. so I am keeping up with the miralax and not stopping it...

He still does not care for his food. I am mixing the Pride Rabbit with some of the Prescription food. 

Artie also took me over to his cat tree, jumped on it, and wanted to be brushed.. as soon as I picked up his brush, he started purring...

He is having a good day.. and so am I...

I did a quick vacuum, dumped out his litter and washed the box out. I have to dump that in the dumpster outside. Also had a very strained and crazy phone call from my cousin. He gets personally offended if you tell him you will call him back.. and if you are doing things as you talk to him.. he wants your undivided attention --but talks nonsense.. craziness. he is really trying. and not what I need today. Glad it was only a 15 minute call.. I kept doing my things and he was offended.. he will get over it...

If only we can get Artie's  poops under control...

I also really combined his med this morning.. I am giving all the ones which should be on and empty stomach, at one time, instead of constantly bugging him.. that will decrease the bugging down to 2 times in the morning...

OMG!!!   This is really something!! I have not seen this since the summer...

Artie just jumped onto his enormous cat tree, in the living area.. he is in the "box" area, peeking out at me....OMG!!!!

so full of life, so happy... so much love... and life....unbelievable... he has decided that is his new 'hiding spot' for the morning....so sweet....he is the picture of a happy and contented cat.. you would never know he was so sick.. he pooped, ate, got brushed, christened his clean litter box, and now he is curled up in his new hiding spot...man.. 

I hate to bother him, but in about an hour or less, I have to give him some meds...sigh...

I will try to take a picture and post it, if I am able to...

Leaving my dishes for when I get back from church... gotta jump in the shower......it is sunny and nice out..cold weather to return tonight...

kind of rambling, but that is the way I am thinking, now....sorry
 
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