She has been diagnosed with enlarged kidneys resulting in kidney failure. She will inevitably die but does anyone know any good remedies for prolonging and improving her quality of life. At present she is at the vets on a drip and I have to call to see what is what in the morning. Sorry to put this on you folks but needed to share it with someone. Can anyone help?
2006-12-22 05:36:42 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Some cats can live a long time with chronic kidney failure if they get proper care. It depends on how far the condition has progressed. Your vet can help you figure out whether kitty's life can be prolonged or if her days are numbered.
If she still has enough remaining kidney function you may be able to maintain her for a long time with proper diet and subcutaneous fluids. You can do the fluids yourself at home; your vet can fix you up with a subQ fluids kit and teach you how to use it. It's not hard, and you can get bags of fluid from the vet or at a drugstore.
Your vet can prescribe a special renal diet food formulated for cats with CRF.
I just hope kitty isn't too far gone for all this. I guess you'll find out pretty soon, when you see how she responds to the current treatment she's getting.
If kitty has some prospects of being with you for a while, you might want to join the Feline CRF Group for advice and support:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FelineCRF/
I hope this is not the end for your kirtty!
2006-12-22 08:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by Mick 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How old is your cat? I wouldn't give up on her yet. There is special food for cats with bad kidneys - kd. I have used it twice, and both cats are doing fine, and are actually back on regular food. One was young, and may have gotten in some antifreeze, as I rescued him from outside, the other is 16 years old. She may need sub-Q fluids from the vet daily for a while. Can get kind of expensive, but it can get them thru until they are better. I did have one cat that died from this. She was only 11, and another cat was chasing her all the time and I think she didn't get to the water enough, and I didn't realize it. She died very quickly - within a day. Hope your cat is able to recover. She will need to drink a lot of water, so if you have other cats that could be chasing her, isolate her or them
2006-12-22 05:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by Maje 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know you're just looking for more answers but definitely take your vets advice here. Any kind of "natural" herb or "supplement" has not been approved by any kind of administration or board and can end up doing your cat more harm than good. I know you're trying to do your best, so ask your vet what else you can do, and if your cat will be able to live a good QUALITY of life. If not, you may want to ask yourself some essential questions. I'm sorry you have to go through this right before the holidays.
2006-12-22 05:55:08 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The vet will instruct you on how to give Sub Q fluids which will prolong the cats life with some improvement in the quality of life, but unfortunately it's usually just a temporary solution.
Good luck.
2006-12-22 05:43:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to apologise for your question; of course you are upset about your cat; any cat lover will understand how you feel. I am so sorry to hear about your cat. The drip will help, but probably only short-term. Diet can help; your vet will advise you. You might try consulting a homeopathic vet. He might have helpful ideas. All I can suggest is that you make your cat comfortable & spend time with her. Make whatever remaining time you have together special & use it to say good bye to her. You will know when it is time to let her go. You will know that she doesn't want to carry on. I know it's a heartbreaking descision, but helping her on her last journey is the last thing you can do for her. I will be thinking of you. Please let us know what happens.
2006-12-22 05:51:40 · answer #5 · answered by Caro 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry but its not good news. Kidney disease can progress rapidly unfortunately. A neighbour of my mums had just had this with her cat and it had to be put to sleep to end the suffering. I know its hard but most good vets will do whatever they can to make your cat comfertable during her illness & will help you to decide when the time is right to let her go with peace & dignity.Really sorry your cat is ill & hope she improves enough for you to have her with you for a while longer. Its hard when a loved pet is ill with something like this. My dog had to be put to sleep a few years ago & its heartbreaking.
2006-12-22 12:00:01 · answer #6 · answered by la.bruja0805 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll need to talk with your vet, but really... once they go into kidney failure, it's just a matter of time, and not much of it. The vet can tell you what your options are and advise you whether the treatment he's giving her will do much good, but in the long run, either you put her down or she dies a painful death.
I'm sorry. I wish I could give you better news, but I've seen what that kind of death is like.
2006-12-22 05:45:46 · answer #7 · answered by triviatm 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wow that's a rough situation for you and your cat. I think if there were remedies the vet would tell you.
Please do your cat and yourself a favor...make the decision that has to be made. Your cat can't make it , only you can.
You are postponing your grief but in the meantime your cat is paying the price.
I've been there and it's hard. My prayers are with you.
2006-12-22 05:41:28 · answer #8 · answered by BRENDA 1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They all do reach their end. I had to euthanize my 22 and 1/2 year old cat at Thanksgiving.
If you go to www.spiritessence.com Dr. Jean Hovfe has some combinations of the flower essences for ailing and dying animals. They are only $16.95 and mailed to you from Colorado with no shipping or handling charges. If you use that with your elderly cat it will help make her passing easier for her.
2006-12-22 05:41:35 · answer #9 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't give her any red meat feed her on chicken this might help along with the medication the vet gives to her & plenty or fresh cold water.
2006-12-22 07:17:03 · answer #10 · answered by sophie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋