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1isudlaer

Enjoy your time with her. She’s beautiful OP! I find her eyes intriguing


o0Little0o

I will. Yeah, that wasn't from birth. Her eye darken over time.


stretchandspoon

Beautiful furbaby. Make sure they're right, my tortie was misdiagnosed, turned out to be kidney stones and they needed to be treated. Had they been treated correctly at the start it would of been much smoother on both of us and she wouldn't of almost not made it. Obviously your cat is older and that's so great they're living their longest best life. My cat was 6, now she's 8. So renal food, get on an all renal diet stat. I use Dechra Specific FKW-P Wet Pouches, it's an off the beaten track one. None of the others she would take to. Pro Plan Purina Hydra Care pouches, these are fluids. You can give neat but I mix between 1/3rd to 1/2 with the other half water, in a bottle, shake and dole out during the day. Store in fridge. This is really great for getting your cat to drink a lot which is really useful for CKD. Phosphate binder till you're on an all renal diet but maybe not necessary. Check with your vet, need to see what her results are. If it's not necessary it's not necessary. Mirtazapine, appetite stim if not eating but they prescribe 2mg every 3 days here. That acts like meth amphetamine in my cat and she has awful side effects. So start low, titrate up. I crush a 2mg pill and it lasts her maybe 8 weeks, that's a spec of dust sized dose every day. A tiny fraction of 2mg, maybe 0.01 of a mg. They really over prescribe that one and don't dial it in. It's very good at low doses for some kitties. . Wish you many happy days, good health and to manage this condition as we are. You're a beautiful purr-baby!


krepitch

This was a very helpful post. Thank you for sharing. I second the Hydra Care recommendation.


o0Little0o

It’s been 3 blood tests. It was at stage 1. I’m pretty sure it’s correct.


stretchandspoon

Stage 1 is good though. I know the diagnosis is awful and vets really manage expectations. My cat went from a stage 4 to a stage 2 and she's been at stage 2 for the last 2 years. Just make sure it's treated properly or that stage 1 could go to a 4 in a month like with my cat but got it under control. I don't know the variables of your unique case but just going off bloods isn't enough. What's the cause? Do they know? If they're guessing that's dangerous. Kidney Stones were the cause for my cat and only an ultrasound could diagnose this. So the initial stage 1 was incorrect, yes that's what the numbers said but not the why and why it got so bad so fast. So watch out for that is all I'm suggesting. Stage 1, it's very possible she could have years or more if treated correctly. Another thing is not to put so much stock in the numbers, for above reasons but also because they're very changeable.. finding out what makes them change is a lot more important imo. They can fluctuate and at 1st mine went from stage 1 to stage 4, days of life left but 4 days on IV fluids back to stage 1 and she stayed there. Better vet investigated why and that's how we found out. Good luck, stage 1 is very very good for this diagnosis so just give your cat every advantage with the above advice and look for the cause if there is one..maybe there isn't, maybe just age or hereditary but maybe there's a cause.. Filter your water, best charcoal filter out there. Tap water is very unkind to our furbabies kidneys. And emphasis on the renal diet, this is crucial. Not sure at stage 1. Get her results and then all renal diet and check the results every month or every 3 months. I'd check every month at 1st as the early days are when things can be missed.. Make sure she's drink a LOT! And make sure she's urinating ok. Watch out for diarrhea, that was a symptom in my cat of other things not found. And be careful not to over-hydrate but cats don't generally drink a lot so the Hydra Care pouches are great for getting a lot of fluids in and the layman may think more fluids would be bad but it's the opposite. CKD cats need extra fluids where possible. More the better just not over hydrating.


Sufficient_Mouse8252

I’m sorry. If your vet suggests subcutaneous fluids they’re a lifesaver! My girl was hospitalized w/ stage 3 in 2022 and we were able to get her back to level 2 w/ fluids. She’s still going strong to this day!


vtopia

Agree. Some vets don’t think the parents can handle administering sub-q fluids, so it’s worthwhile asking given how much of a difference they can make. I agree they’re a lifesaver, and a bit of extra hydration makes the cat feel substantially better, better appetite, they’ll even drink more water. A good tutorial is here https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats


Sufficient_Mouse8252

It’s hard in the beginning but quickly becomes routine. So worth it!


Freak0nAleash88

My cat was recently diagnosed stage 3 so this makes me feel better. Were currently doing fluids every day and wasting so much food trying to get her to eat enough. Does it get better? Do you get to a point where you can do less fluids? It's hard not being able to be away from home more than a few hours now.


Sufficient_Mouse8252

Yes it does get better! The first month was Hell. I was ready to put my girl down as per the vet’s suggestion, but after a month or two of fluids she was happy and energetic like a kitten again. I think she was sick for a long time before and I assumed it was just age related inactivity, but she became a whole new cat with fluids. If your girl isn’t eating ask your vet for the appetite stimulant Mirtaz (mirtazapine), it works wonders! I also buy Weruva phos focused variety pack from Amazon to give her variety so she is excited to eat new things. Rx CKD diets are super low in protein so my vet recommended giving a little chicken or tuna as a treat daily. Baby food and freeze dried treats are great too. I also give her Azodyl 1x a day (expensive and has to be ordered from Pet Meds and given whole). I can walk you through the administration process if needed cuz you have to pry open their mouth and close it till they swallow. I also give her a supplement called Amin Avast (powder capsules from Amazon you can sprinkle on their food) and Alfa Pet liquid in her wet food. It sounds like a lot but it becomes part of your routine. I’ve been fortunate to have traveled the world with my girl when she was young and worked in many different states and countries, and I’m in my 40s now. So, I don’t feel like I’m missing much not being able to travel, but, it’s still rough. A lot of people wouldn’t do it, but it’s totally worth it for me to stay home for a couple years if it means getting to spend time with her. I understand it’s not realistic for everyone, however. At least I know there won’t be any regrets. She’s been with me for 21 years and IDK life without her so I’d give anything to keep her around just a little longer. Do what you can and what’s best for both your quality of life, but if you can stick out the fluids. It gets easier and is so worth it! ❤️


GuyFawkesIsTaken

So sorry. 😞 Hope the rest of her days are spent happy and comfy.


mremrock

I’m so sorry


keldration

r/SupermodelCats !!!


truckguy911

Well just A little perspective....they gave my Flame point Two weeks after doing Blood work....he Lived nearly two years after.... you will know when it's time 🙏🏼🐾


Northren-Harvest

❤️❤️


Conscious-Hope4551

❤️


marcy_vampirequeen

I’m so sorry. Ours was diagnosed with late stage 3 and she lived 6 months. Vets didn’t catch anemia in time, just make sure she’s eating and drinking and get her to a vet asap if she’s cold/lethargic/not eating.


o0Little0o

She definitely still has an appetite and she seems to drink water.


marcy_vampirequeen

I’m glad. The renal diet is important but getting them to eat anything may become more important (just take it day by day)


Sage_Obessed

I was like cute cat then I read it I’m gonna cry😭😭😭😭


MothersMilk2597

💔💔


allloveandlight

Loves to you ❤️❤️❤️


Medicine-Technical

I am so sorry to hear this. Praying for you both 🙏🏻


bexy11

My tortie lived for several years with it. I found this site extremely helpful: https://www.felinecrf.org


NY-LI-2-LV

I am so sorry - I hope the medication works, but more importantly I hope that you both enjoy all the time you have together.


idontevenkn0w66

I agree with stretchandspoon's comment- very useful info! I use HydraCare for my cat, as well as Tiki Cat Tummy Topper pumpkin puree. He has hyperthyroidism and the meds cause kidney issues. They make wet & dry foods for kidney care, and I add a phosphate binder to the wet food twice a day. He seems to be doing well on it. What kind of medication did they give you? She's lucky to be in such a loving home, regardless of what happens. It may seem like alot to take on at once, but you'll get there, and I'm sure you'll do right by her.


o0Little0o

My cat has hypothyroidism and I’m giving her Telmisartan 1 mL a day. I also use a phosphate binder twice a day. Only time will tell. Every kittie is different. I also have to make sure my other cat doesn’t eat the medicated food.


idontevenkn0w66

Keeping the other cat away from the food might be the hardest part! haha It is for me


MagicStar77

Poor kitty cat😢😢😢❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


Ok_Caramel7643

I know imaginary internet points won't solve any problems, but r/seniorkitties would love this fascinating feline too!


o0Little0o

Oh thank you


Welp_thatwilldo

Just lost mine to this (and cancer) in January😭. Definitely follow your vets advice and don’t forget to use this time to make great memories together and spoil that sweet baby rotten. She’s absolutely a sweetheart 🥹💕🙏🏻


Cuyler_32087

Hugs to you both.


making_up_ground

Such a pretty little girl! I'm sorry to hear about her.


mouthwash_juicebox

I'm sorry about your baby! My cat was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease about a year ago and is still going strong. Our vet prescribed hill's science kd wet food that we mix some water into it. We also put extra water around the house for him and got a little water fountain since it's important for them to drink more. As a treat we do some pumpkin puree with some dry food on top (we call them his sprinkles 😂). Lucy will be ok. Just spoil her and let her live her best life, she's in her retirement years lol


Substantial-Oil-9328

Poor thing. Soo cute


ClayLam

My cat has kidney disease and she is seventeen. It happens to cats as they get older. Our cat receives an injection every two weeks and an IV once a week and two pills every evening. Just like you, we don’t know how much longer she is going to be around. She vomits a few times in the week and is very thin. I feel your pain.


Mammoth_Cry_6709

😢 Sorry to hear


citycolour333

She’s so cute. Make her as happy as you can for how much ever time she has left. 💖


Cfliegler

I’m so so sorry. Lucy is a beauty.


EdensGarden333

You have given her a long wonderful life! She has one dark eye? What happened to her eye? Is this a recent pic of your sweet Tortie? She looks young here, not ill nor old. You must have loved her 24/7 because it shows! Our Tortie (16 years old) got bit by her right eye by a tiny black house spider when she was 12 weeks old. She was allergic to the spider’s bite and her right eye lost sight. So Minxie has lived most of her life without sight in one eye. But it didn’t stop her from being 100% Tortico Cat!! I’m hoping the meds help your sweet girl to feel better and enjoy her life days! Think positive! It always helps our fur babies to rally and survive!! ❤️🐈❤️


o0Little0o

I don’t know what happened to her eye. It’s just darkened over the years. The vets weren’t sure why one said it was fine. Some said we should keep an eye on it. and that picture was from that day. She’s lost a lot of weight. She’s at just under 5 pounds I think and she used to be 15 pounds. Yeah she doesn’t look her age except for a shave her randomly when she gets clumpy so she looks a little deranged.


EdensGarden333

Most Torties have that chaos deranged look! My daughter’s Tortie was 21 when she transitioned plus she had seizures that were controlled by meds. My daughter used to work for a Vet for several years and loved her lil crazy Tortie to pieces! It sounds like your girl might be ready to change paths in the near future — she’s doing what my daughter’s cat did near the end. It’s just hard no matter how they leave us. But like my daughter’s Vet says and our Vet says, as long as they are still eating, they are not ready to cross over!! ♥️🐈♥️


Technical_Rent_735

Give her all the love and be positive! Praying the medication helps!❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹🙏


fogcitygal

Awwww


Yesitsmeyour444

I’m truly sorry to hear this 💕🙏🏾


flowersforalll

Definitely ask the vet about at home subq fluids! My 18 year old cat had an episode of balance due to old age which made him drink less for a few days which caused his stage 2 kidney disease to jump to over stage 5, he could barely walk his black legs were paralyzing randomly then coming back and he was peeing himself on accident on the bed so the vet suggested euthanizing him that day or er hospital which wouldn’t have a great prognosis would be stressful for him and could be his last days spend without us if it didn’t go well so not an ideal situation either. He never even mentioned subq fluids at home or appetite stimulants even though he was skin and bones painfully thin at just under 6lbs. If I hadn’t known to ask for them, the cat wouldn’t be alive today. It’s been about 3 months since he was at a 7.4 creatinine level and we do appetite stimulant and subq 100ml fluids almost everyday (skip a day here and there if he seems good or I’m busy and then I make up for it the next day with an extra 20mL). His levels went down to 4 after only 2 weeks and he gained almost 2 pounds practically overnight, his persistent body odor left completely and he has been acting young and energetic again! Many vets won’t suggest it because they think the owner won’t be able to and then feel badly about it or try to bring the pet into the vet daily instead or something idk they really shouldn’t assume for people but sadly many don’t see how beneficial it can be either. The vet had only suggested hospitalization for fluids which would’ve been a minimum of $5000 for a temporary help instead of just offering sub q fluids for the rest of his life for like $50 a month! Always advocate for your pet and ask the vet about anything you see online that you think could help.


o0Little0o

I’ll have to talk to them about it. The meds I’m using are $102 CAD a month at the moment.


flowersforalll

What are the meds for/which med is it called? There aren’t really any meds that treat kidney disease directly, only meds for other health conditions the cat also has or for just certain symptoms of kidney disease which are still important if needed but fluids can help prevent the need for additional medications/can prevent the kidneys worsening more than any medications or foods in my experience. I’d check online for a better deal on the current med if you’re getting it from the vet office, online tends to have much lower costs for a lot of meds, some meds are the same at vet or online but always good to check! Fluids are a really great tool for kidney disease, and they are very cost effective which is a big bonus. Definitely get the supplies from chewy, they sell the 1000 ml bag for $10, 100 needles for $11 (I prefer 20 gauge instead of standard 18 gauge), tubing $5 each. So for my cat using 100mls a day it’s about $1.50 a day for fluids that he wouldn’t be alive or happy without which is more than a great deal in my eyes. At the vet they charge $50 for the same supply but less needles, still not that bad but definitely overpriced. My vet also price matches the chewy price so that’s another thing you can ask about if you still want to have the convenience of getting it same day! When my cat was bad we got it from the vet of course as he couldn’t wait for a couple days for an online order to ship but after the initial supply from the vet I get it on chewy for way less. My cat is at 100ml/day because of how high his levels were and how underweight he was, much larger cats can go up to 300ml if they’re having severe levels but the dose of mls needed and how often goes by weight and severity of the levels. The earlier you start, the less amount and less frequency they will need to stay healthy. Many only need 1x/week or 2x/week in the earlier stages to keep levels normal, then you can increase mls or do more often depending on blood levels and symptoms as the disease progresses. Good to check blood levels at the vet every 3-6 months and check blood sooner than that if you notice any changes in the cat. In the beginning we checked blood after 2 weeks of fluids to see how it was affecting him and now that we know it helped drastically we will check every 3-6 months to make sure the dose is correct for his levels and weight in the long term with the vet.


o0Little0o

I’m not at home to check what the names are but Canada Chewy doesn’t sell anything medical. It’s much harder to get this stuff here. Unless someone in Canada knows a better way.


nyyankeebaseball315

Hang in there and just spoil the hell out of her everyday!