Kitty Tribute **lonnnng**

[Der Cute]

Well, guys & gals, I've been around, but I havent been active too much on this board due to my moving.

I'm now partially settled in WA state and doing ok. Except, well, my cat smelled funny when I picked her up. She didnt eat for 3 days and barely used the litter box. I was wondering - I had a very very bad feeling.

I took her to a vet who said she's having kidney failure and is possibly fixable; may not be. She was at the vet for 4 days w/ an IV in her arm (poor girl) and she was just about done...then she had a seizure.

The doctor let me take her home, and said keep an eye on kitty....I am now, but she's not eating. Shes lovey, but weak. She's lost too much weight and is not able to jump like she should...I'm afraid she wont make it to the end of the month.

So here's my tribute to my baby girl.

Dear Bit:
I wanted to write to you , and have this with you at all times. You're my girl, the closest I have to a child. You have been with me for over 8 years - you've put up with Brian & I, Jimmy (gah) Mike, and of course, me going to see Mark.

I remember how much of a Klingon you were when I got home from England.

you know, you've been more of a family person than anyone else! You've always loved me for exactly who I am- the holder of Food, Giver of Water and reminded me how often to change your catbox. Sorry I kept dropping the ball, by the way.

You're going to a better place, I think. I want you to be happy, at peace, and no longer in pain.

You've been my girl for awhile, helping me get thru men, money, growing up, moving 3x (gah) and just general life shit. You've been a saint, sort of, with Abby, and always made me smile when I was in bed.
You helped me thru the dark days - you know what I was doing that day. You slept with me that night to say I love you.

I think you'd be a better human than most humans. Why can't you stay longer?? It's not for me to say. Really. I'd wish; part of me says to let you go because you'll need it.

In human age, you're only 56. It's kinda young to die, hmm? But, I cant see what else. I am at a loss, really.

I miss having you and your lively meow-versations. I miss your morning routine with me. I miss you tucking me in every night. You've abandoned those in pain and hurt. I cant be selfish. I cant.

I would love to have 3 more years with you, but I'll be thankful for the rest of this month.

I love you, Bitty.

cute

[Mr. Rager!]

I helped a cat along with kidney failure...

My best advice... canned food with a lot of juice. Find out what your kitty likes, then keep feeding her.

Also, she might be developing ulcers in her stomach, try crushing a 4th tablet of Pepcid AC and diluting it with water and put it into a syringe. Then give it to her orally... it might help with the eating.

That's what I had to do with my Princess a few years ago. She went an additional 8 months before developing cancer.

[MadMike]

I'm sorry about you're kitty. That almost had me :cry: Hopefully she pulls through.

I lost one to kidney failure awhile back myself. I'm not sure which is sadder -- the fact that he was only 5 years old, or the fact that he was the nicest kitty anyone could possibly want.

He loved belly rubs. Most cats I've seen would take your hand off if you tried it, but he loved it. Sometimes he'd flop over on his back because he wanted a belly rub. Then you could walk out of the room for a few, then come back, and he's still on his back.

He also enjoyed riding in the car. He'd either curl up in the passenger seat, or in the back window, in which case the people in the cars behind me would smile and laugh. I'm sure more than one of them wondered if that was a real cat. Sometimes I'd even take him thru the drive-thru and get both him and myself a little snack.

He was also my son's buddy. My son never hurt him intentionally, but little kids can get a little rough unintentionally. But the cat just took all of it, and kept purring the whole time. My son wasn't quite 4 when that cat died. Having to tell him was not fun. :(

My thoughts are with you and your kitty. I hope everything works out. Please keep us posted, whether she gets better or worse. :hug:

[Phoenix79]

Cute, I'm so sorry your furry friend is having trouble.

I'm dreading the day one of my buddies has trouble. The kitty I grew up with passed last year - she was 17 human years old and started having siezures - old age, I guess. She was with Mom and Dad, and I hadn't lived at home in 8 years, but it still hurt.

I can only imagine how hard things are for you right now. I hope Bit pulls through for you. If my Maple could make it for 17 years, Bit certainly has a great chance to get through this. I wish I had some experience with kidney failure in pets so I could offer advice, but I don't.

Good luck!

Phoenix

[Der Cute]

Well, I've spent some time with her, and tried all the possibilities I can think of.

She's still not eating or drinking much, and I have to force feed her glop from a tube. Pretty bad when your cat knows you're giving them stuff.

I've decided to take her to the cat doctor and say g'bye this week. I dont know when per say, but it will be soon as she's smelling funky again and that means she's getting toxic.

I dont want to see her go. I need all the love I can get; I just lost my job TODAY. What the FUCK ELSE CAN GO WRONG???? *shakes fist at clouds*

But its better to put her down and have her in peace than me worrying.

Hugs to everyone.

Cutenoob

[BrightEyedKitty]

As a fellow cat lover, I am so sorry.

But remember, (whenever you're ready), there are tons of poor homeless kitties in shelters who need a good loving home, just like you gave your little Bitty. ;)

I have three of my own, and although the oldest is only about 4 1/2, I'm not looking forward to the day when one or more of them pass on.

Cats ARE like children. They're sensible, intelligent animals, and wonderful companions.

Hug your kitty, pet her, talk to her, tell her you love her. If there's one thing animals understand, it's love.

[XCashier]

I'm so sorry, Cutenoob. It hurts to lose a pet, losing your best friend. :(

{{{Cutenoob and Bitty}}}

[Der Cute]

Well, today was the last day.

I thought about postponing it til Saturday or Friday..or even not euthanizing her at all.

Then I thought: If I'm ever this sick or miserable, I sure as hell want someone pulling the plug.

I took her into the doctor today, he said she's even wasted away more than last week's bad form. He reassured me I was doing the right thing, which, honestly, I do believe.

But, damittall, I cried. I had wetspots on my shirt and sleeves. I held her, I comforted her. I told her I loved her, and that shes my baby.

And I watched her leave. Evaporate, dissolve into the air. Part of me left with her.

I havent been home since I took her in, since I dont want to be in my empty, desloute undecorated CRAPHOLE apartment alone.

These last few nights we've been snuggling for a movie and sleep together at night. I get to go home to a place that ECHOS for pete's sakes, with little reminders of cat all over it.

And I go to bed alone, for the first time in eight years.

God, forgive me.

Cutenoob

[Luna]

I am so sorry for your devastating loss. I don't know what I would do if Nala or Keira got sick and passed on. I still cry over my first cat Princess, and that was going on 15 years ago.

Cats are indeed like children.

If you are ever in a bookstore - get yourself this book. Yes it will make you cry - but it will warm your heart all the same and reassure you that your cat will always love you.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780965922517&itm=1

HUGS

[Banrion]

I'm sorry you had to let her go, but you know deep down you did the right thing. What would have been the point in making her suffer any longer? I had to put my 19 yo dog down on my dad's birthday last year. The whole family was devastated by the decision, but as we were all there, the meds went in, and she opened her eyes wide, took a deep breath for the first time in months, and gave us a look of "Thank You" and quietly went, we all knew it was time.

We had her creamated, and put a shrine on the mantle. We are saving money to have her creamated remains turned into a diamond.

[BrightEyedKitty]

*hugs*

I'm sorry.

[protege]

Poor kitty :cry:

I've had mine since he was a kitten. Not sure what I'll do if he gets to that point :(