View Full Version : My cat, Bibs.
GoldCoastGirl
12-03-2006, 11:21 PM
I've always had a PayPal account due to eBay
[email protected] is the email address to use (the only downside is I would require $100 in donations before PayPal will allow me to transfer it to my bank account). I also have StormPay and AlertPay accounts if anyone wants to send money via them.
I've already mentioned earlier in this thread and elsewhere if anyone can help me out with any of the costs it would be VERY highly valued and appreciated. It will take some of the pressure and stress off me. Some people have donated in other ways to help me afford to give her the best and try to fight this....
I will be setting up an "event" on myspace later today which I will "spam" everyone on my friends list with in the hopes others will send some christmas cheer my way (hopefully).
Every cent helps. Literally.
Sweetie I lost my baby Scrounge on august 15th let me know how I can help you both.
:'( May I ask what eventually "got" Scrounge ??
Krissy Kennedy
12-03-2006, 11:55 PM
Feel free to send me a friend request when you get everyhting up and running!
myspace.com/krissykennedy
GoldCoastGirl
12-04-2006, 01:16 AM
^^ Done. Anyone on my MySpace friends list will be getting the "event" message from me ... you'll probably get it multiple times this month so I apologise in advance if this caused you any inconvienance however I find it a great way to contact all those on my friends list esp. when I have to pay for internet time (whenever I'm at an internet cafe thus have limited time). It is the most easiest way to do so.
GoldCoastGirl
12-04-2006, 04:45 PM
I can't help but feel like I am betraying her by going away to Darwin later today. Damn this feeling. Damnit I want to be home when she comes home from the vet on Thursday after her first treatment tomorrow (Wednesday - she's staying overnight so they can monitor her).
*sigh* :'(
anyone got a spare $3000 lying around? then I can stay home this month and use any money I make to go towards Bibs... as that is all I need to be comfortable/cover all my expenses (and a little emergency money).... just my little secret wish right now
GoldCoastGirl
12-08-2006, 02:02 AM
UPDATE!
Thank you KittenKat ;D ;D Many kudos to you! A pleasant surprise.
As for Bibs, the good news is that she took to the chemo treatment well and supposedly isn't suffering much side effects ! :dance: Which means she may have the Will I was hoping she has to fight this and live and survive.
I still don't like being in Darwin so far away from her however I'm happy that she seems to be doing good with it all for now. The Collidial Silver and Bach Flower Remedy (Rescue Remedy) arrived the same day she was to be collected from the vet after her overnight stay (after her first chemo treatment).
I've got my flatmate adding two drops of each into the water bowls (there is three in total around the house) and each time he refills them he is to add the drops. Plus she is on increased dosage for the tablets she is taking now.
Fight it Bibs. I love you my Queen!
Victoryx0x0
12-08-2006, 08:01 AM
Im sorry hunny this sucks- but Im glad to hear Bibs is taking well to the chemo...
I cannot stop crying right now...
I lost my Lucky to lung cancer and heart disease- He was 12, And the sweetest luvbug siamese in the world. I miss him so bad. I made the terrible decision to have him put down, he was on pain killers and getting terribly skinny and his eyes were glazed over and he was so weak. He died in my arms and a peice of my heart died that day too. I had him cremated and buried him under a weeping willow tree next to a river. I now regret that and wish i would have kept the ashes and buried him with me when i pass... =*(
I seriously cannot stop crying.. Im mother nature a HUGE softy with animals. They all have a special place in my heart
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/xovictoryxo/Untitled-8.jpg
GoldCoastGirl
12-09-2006, 11:51 PM
Another update.... she has finally started to show signs of the chemo. She was lethargic the other day and yesterday she threw up ... these are all expected minor side effects. At least she continues to eat and drink which is the main concern because if she doesn't eat and drink she (naturally) won't have the strength to fight this....
It is when I hear how she is having the side effects (even if they are minor/temporary) that I get the guilts and really wanna be home. Ah well.
Lysondra
12-11-2006, 05:16 PM
D: Your buddy told me to fix his computer yesterday and I want to just so I can pat Bibs to health.
The one and only Raven
12-12-2006, 12:08 AM
GCG, I am so sorry for Bibs and I will be thinking about her. I know how important cats are to their owners as I feel like mine are my 2nd, 3rd and 4th children. I pray that the chemo does it's job and gets rid of that nasty tumor. Please keep us all updated.. ((hugs for you and Bibs))
Krystal
GoldCoastGirl
12-19-2006, 03:49 AM
I've been up and down personally over this whole thing. I really really can't wait to get home so I can pat her (no matter how skin and bones she is) and show her that I love her. I just can't handle being away from her. I'm having a really hard time "keeping it together".
I am/was having a hard time of it today. I really needed someone... anyone.. to give me a call or a text message earlier today (now is too late) to tell me how much they care about me... how much I matter... to be my ear to listen. No one.
On top of that my cat was having a bad day too... she couldn't hold down her tablets and food yet was drinking (the up-side) still.
She's pretty much like me. She has her good days and her bad days. Naturally her bad days are out-numbering her good days due to the side-effect of nausea/vomitting from the chemo.
The latest vet bill cost me just over $300 so even tho' I was lucky this past week and made some damn good money up here in Darwin... the financial strain of having to have good money to cover her expenses.. cover my own expenses and TRYING (ever so desparately) to save up enough $$ so I can move out of the shithole of a unit we are all within currently is getting to me not just the fact that I feel awfully guilty about not being there for her at her time of need.
Lilith, he did need the computer help and coming down to just spend time with Bibs (as lethargic, weak and skinny as she is) is welcome. You are welcome to come down or by (even late at night - just give my flatmate a call/text to see if he is still up which he most likely is as he is a night creature) if you are near-by ;D
This is NOT doing me any good psychologically. I'm fucked. I'm more sad than happy these days..... I didn't realise I drew so much happiness from her.
Well.. it isn't so much happiness... companionship.
I'm REALLY REALLY feeling how lonely I am right now because of how ill she is ... why can't I have a special someone in my life who will call me to tell me I am loved... I am wanted... I am cared for... I am liked.... she did all that for me. By being alive and well, she did all that for me... and now she can't so much... damnit!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have I mentioned how much all this sucks?
ps on top of all this my flatmate took his cat to the vet recently to have him checked out only to find out that HIS cat is diabetic. It definately explains all the pee-ing and the enormous appetite. Whilst his cat isn't near death's door... he is going to now start to feel some of my financial pain due to the constant vet visits his cat is now going to have to have....
PookaShell
12-19-2006, 03:56 AM
I'm still praying for Bibs!!! I wish I could do more than that. :(
GoldCoastGirl
12-19-2006, 05:29 AM
I'm still praying for Bibs!!! I wish I could do more than that. :(
Help with the veterinary bills is a great way to be of exceptional help as I really really don't want to go into debt so I can move house ... I want to save up the money however am finding it difficult to do it all: pay for vet, pay for myself, cost of working and trying to save up money to move out. :(
Lysondra
12-23-2006, 08:13 PM
I'm starting to make a little money... and I just found out that Kevin Rudd agreed to fund my immigration (loooong story) so I don't need to be saving as much.
I'll see you soon and see what I can do. :)
MishaBliss
12-23-2006, 08:19 PM
My sister has an ongoing account with vet where she just pays $20 a week, to ensure that her animals have care whenever it's needed (she owes them a bit). Maybe you could talk to your vet about doing something like that too?
I hope she's feeling ok :)
Pinups4DotCom
12-24-2006, 03:24 AM
Wife and I have five cats. Count em 8 over the years ...more than 2 dozen including our "grow up" cats. Now we "specialize" in special needs cats. Been down the vet route (our "million dollar kitty" crossed the $5,000 lifetime mark, not including regular checkups...$4k in one sitting)
Every cat is a lesson....has a lesson. One of our cats (the million dollar kitty) was a "guru" who taught pure love and acceptance...even as his body failed him, he was at total peace and happy with the world. dear Jasper.
Pet story 1
He always had trouble walking...from about age 5 on. Fell over routinely, would simply decide where he fell was good for now and try later. His sister would bring him halfdead animals from the outside to "hunt" since he couldn't catch 'em on his own - he humored her, as I don't think killing was in his nature. We always wondered if we dropped him, I even had the memory of one time I tossed him from the room and he landed hard- lots of guilt....turned out it was never our fault, he was deformed from birth (including a bb the vet saw on CatScan - the vet things it entered through Mom's womb. Sick bastard human).
When he got older, we found him having trouble breathing. No poop for days (we knew 'cause he had long since stopped making it all the way to litter box) and now the front paws werent' working (it had been the back paws were a bit weird, now he snowplowed) - and we took him to vet -- he was totally at peace! 3 weeks in the hospital locally - oxygen tent isolation, then 2 weeks at University Medical Center - they sent him home- telling us he'd never walk again. Over the weeks he re-wired himself (even disconnected his wonderful purr for a month 'till he got systems working again, then re-connected it) and we started giving him a prescription Olive Oil to soften the stools.
THREE YEARS after we were told he had no chance, the cancer he also had finally took over his body (his sister has lost an eye to cancer as well - she's doing fine). It was time to let him go. We opted for the 2-shot method (one is a painkiller/sleeper and the other is "it") and he went peacefully. He had never had a shot in the paw, so that confused him, but as the minutes passed his guru state returned and he understood.
My point is....
she knows the lessons need to be learned - more for you than for her. Take one day at a time and know we're here for you. Anytime you need to, you can reach out to me.
If it's treatable...remember to ask the vet (and others if you can, like VetCentral.com or the yahoo group Handicats) if the medicine is not more life-altering than the disease. My vet is not in favor (as a rule, sometimes he is) of Chemo for Cats- he believes they suffer more than we know from the side effects....but that's opinion not fact, so don't go 100% by it
Also remember to trust the information they give you (if you trust them). When my FELV cat Tiger (sweet super-bitch tiger...my special kitten) finally got to the cancer stage of the disease, my (close friend) personal vet didn't have the heart to tell me what he suspected - he hoped it was a slipped disc making her not walk. But the specialist he sent me to (for an MRI) took one look at her, gave her a painkiller shot and sent me home...said we needed to let her go in the morning. Wouldn't do the MRI and wouldn't charge me a dime (knew me or my vet not one bit). The doctors have seen thousands of cases, they can guide you alot in this time of trouble...assuming they're good people like most animal caregivers are.
Remember Bibs loves you, and you love her. She trusts you to make the best decision...and I know you will. If it is better to lose her than make her suffer
Here's a prayer from petloss.com
And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.
Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.
But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.
Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.
jaizaine
12-24-2006, 03:58 AM
my thoughts are with you and Bibs GCG. Bibs knows how much u love and care for her. I recently lost Zaine my beautiful dog to an illness. It is beyond painful having a sick pet. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, just be there for eachother, she knows u are suffering too. Animals are so special and so in tune with us emotionally. As sick as he was, Zaine still showed concern for me when he saw me crying over him as he always got upset when I cried.
*big hugs*
GoldCoastGirl
12-24-2006, 09:19 AM
My point is....
she knows the lessons need to be learned - more for you than for her. Take one day at a time and know we're here for you. Anytime you need to, you can reach out to me.
The crisis I've been "suffering" as such whilst I was in Darwin mixed with reading a book (God's Callgirl - very highly reccommend!!) I felt I was meant to read at the time (man the universe knows what it is doing) has helped me come to a few realisations. Has helped me re-learn a few lessons I have and had forgotten:
Come what may, I love and accept myself, my choices and my life (thus the results of all my decisions).
There is no "should" and "should not" ... I do what I do until I don't. I've come to a new understanding about my life and thus her life.
Plus she showed me today whilst I am home (thank the God/dess and Universe) that she is at peace with whatever is happening to her. She may not like it and she is suffering from the chemo however she is wanting to live. She is still acting (at various points) that she is healthy and fine. I feel my presence today (being home) has given her new strength to deal with all this..... the good news is that there is only one more treatment this Wednesday before it is every three weeks.
I will give her that one more treatment of Chemo. If she is still rather weak after her three week "break" as such before her next treatment.... then yes, I am willing to accept her decision to not fight the cancer and let her go yet still try to provide her a good quality of life until her last moments.
I have chosen to stay home this month and next month... not just because I plan to move house (I will do everything in my power to try to make the transition to her new home not too traumatic / stressful for her considering she is ill yet I have to move... it is time... I can't not move)... because I want to cherish every moment in case she does decide in the new year and coming months to transition.
You know what is the most interesting ... something I observed today that has really touched me.... the other cat in the household, Puddy... is kinda wanting to "be there" for her. There were moments today when he would lye near her in case she needed him as such... and one moment when he came over to see if she was "alright" (I swear!)... naturally she told him to fuck off (by hissing at him - she has never really liked him yet he has always had a soft spot for her as she is the older cat)... yet... man... I can't believe how he is reacting! He cares! WOW!
So... yes... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME !!! I got my present which was to spend time with Bibs... to have happy moments... to have her well enough (she managed to keep her nausea tablets down eventually and kept all her food which I had to unfortunately force feed her as she won't eat by her own violition down as well)... so far so good!!!
Pinups4DotCom
12-24-2006, 12:36 PM
DON'T be surprised (if she does transition) that some of her traits are "gifted" to the other cats in the neighborhood/area. Our FELV cat Vinny is now the Guru (Jasper's replacement), and many of his other traits live on in other animals. Vnny even played over Jaspers grave right after we buried him (cotton pillowcase) - which our vet said is common...the cats are "communing" (odd to hear a fundamentalist Christian speak of cat afterlife
aussiepunkshocker
12-24-2006, 08:21 PM
Aww, thats so sweet about Puddy! I have seen simular with Craigs cats (he has 4 which I think may grow to 6 soon... he also has a ghost cat that still hangs around - it wakes me up sometimes!), cats are just such wondeful creatures! Hugs!
GoldCoastGirl
12-25-2006, 08:53 AM
WoW! I only have one with the other one added in for fun (as such) lol ....and that is enough for me to handle! ;D 6 cats!!! Woha!
She is still weak IMO. She isn't eating by her own violition yet still... I still have to force feed her. Used my brain and realised I should puree her food... so I got some tuna and her meat .. add some water, collidial silver and some BFR... mixed in the blender and give it to her via an eye dropper as such (it's a decent one tho' I wish I had a syringe or something that held more).
I also have made a special mix of water, collidial silver, BFR, goji juice and some tuna juice (from the tin when I opened it) as I put her tablet(s) in the eye dropper, suck some of this little mixture in.. dissolve the tablets.. and feed it to her.
She really really dislikes the tablets. Tends to throw up (or at least do the action as sometimes nothing has "come up" as such) almost within 5 mins of me giving her the tablet(s).
She really has to eat and drink more. She really doesn't eat or drink enough by her own self without my intervention.
This is how I spent my Christmas Day. Tending to her. Giving her some love. I don't think she is up to the final chemo treatment this Wednesday. I wish I could delay it however it is the last one before the treatments are every three weeks.
I'm hoping the three weeks between treatments after this next treatment will be of immense help ... and that she may get her apetite back.. and start eating and drinking by her self ... and put on some weight... she really really looks like skin and bones and weighs something like 3.5 kgs :(
This is actually the first Christmas I have spent at home ever in my whole entire life. *sigh* I wish I could go celebrate like everyone else however who do I celebrate with ? My family wasn't near by this time ... my younger bro is in Melbourne... my flatmate isn't the "christmas" type of person ... ah well.
kittenkat
12-25-2006, 09:46 AM
I have 6 cats and 3 dogs. Yeah, it's a full house.
GoldCoastGirl
12-25-2006, 10:53 AM
I have 6 cats and 3 dogs. Yeah, it's a full house.
I hope to get to that point and have more animals (mainly native ones I would be rehabilitating) eventually in my life. Have a property that has plenty of space for all the animals as I don't need alot of space myself... I would give the rest of the land to them (as such).
Update on Bibs --- Come Wednesday I am going to tell the vet that I really don't want her to go thru another chemo treatment. I am going to now op for pallative care. It is not the cost, it is because today (and yesterday) there is no real improvement in her. Whilst I can understand her lack of apetite... it is her not being able to drink water by her own volition that has me the most concerned. She is holding down the pureed food however not drinking is not good. I think she has given up and realises it is time to transition.... so I may as well just try to make the time as comfortable for her until the day I return home with her "life-less body" .... she isn't happy... she is so weak... she is making me so fucking sad.
:'( :cry:
aussiepunkshocker
12-25-2006, 09:01 PM
Oh thats so sad. Hugs to you! I agree about the water thing, oh thats so hard for you.
madmaxine
12-25-2006, 09:14 PM
You know what is the most interesting ... something I observed today that has really touched me.... the other cat in the household, Puddy... is kinda wanting to "be there" for her. There were moments today when he would lye near her in case she needed him as such... and one moment when he came over to see if she was "alright" (I swear!)... naturally she told him to fuck off (by hissing at him - she has never really liked him yet he has always had a soft spot for her as she is the older cat)... yet... man... I can't believe how he is reacting! He cares! WOW!
Animals are sensitive to that in humans also. Lady Gwen was telling me that while her grandmother was dying from cancer & the effects of chemotheraphy, her grandmother said the family pets were trying to "help pull her into Heaven." The dogs & cats would come keep her company, lay by the bed, the cats would sit next to her on the bed...
When pets died, we noticed the cats & dogs would come by the body before burial & sniff..naturally they were able to understand the animal was "gone" by scent.
Above all, be glad you were able to give Bibs such a good life. Most animals on planet earth have hardscrabble lives. You gave her a life of comfort and love.
kikiwiki
12-25-2006, 09:22 PM
I hope Bibs will make a speedy recovery and you both will enjoy playtime again!
GoldCoastGirl
12-25-2006, 09:34 PM
I hope Bibs will make a speedy recovery and you both will enjoy playtime again!
Unfortunately, this is not sane thinking. That's false hope as she is getting worse and looking just plain awful. If she was going to make a "speedy recovery" she would have done so by now.. as her last chemo treatment was last week (Wednesday) and it is nearly time for her next treatment.
Long gone is the hope that she will recover from this for me. She isn't drinking by her own volition. She isn't eating without me forcing it down her throat. She is really weak and really really scrawny looking (she usually is very fastitious (sp?) and washes herself alot... she hardly even does this nowdays).
Instead I will concentrate on trying to make her short time left comfortable. I am NOT going to put her thru the chemo treatment one more time. It is not what she wants. She is now to weak and tired and seems to want to just "give up" so I will respect that...
When I do have to "put her to sleep" I am going to get her cremated, buy a pot and mix her ashes with the soil and plant a seed within the pot...
anyone got any good suggestions as to a plant that does well in sunlight and doesn't require alot of attention (is hardy as such) ??? It doesn't have to flower.. just grow.
Bella21
12-25-2006, 09:46 PM
She's lucky to have such a wonderful and caring mommy. :)
Sorry that I can't give you advice on the plant... I do NOT have a green thumb. :( I seriously kill every plant.
MishaBliss
12-26-2006, 05:10 PM
I'm so sorry. My heart aches for you right now. You are a wonderful mum :hug:
A cactus plant is about as sturdy as they come, and some flower beautifully. Flowering gingers are beautiful and strong plants too (though direct sunlight is not so good)
:hug:
GoldCoastGirl
12-26-2006, 07:20 PM
Thanks Misha ;D
I have to start thinking about what I will do when the time comes as she is 3.38 kg as of today. If she doesn't put on any more weight nor start to drink and/or eat by her own volition then the cancer may be winning this battle.
Even if the cancer does win the battle. I will never see the money I spent on her in re: chemo as wasted money as I was only trying to give her the best opportunity to fight it if she so wanted to do so.
Just came back from the vet (hence the reason I know her exact weight) ... no more chemo is actually planned to be given her as we both (the vet and myself) will "play it by ear" as such... so I will just give her the highly nutritious food that I bought from the vet and her tablets... and if she gets stronger... ** celebration ** however at the same time the reality is that she may not....
I even picked up a few pet insurance brochures.... one being https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/
Whilst I was thinking of purchasing a different type of animal (mice) as a pet once Bibs transitions .... I will face facts... I will most likely welcome another cat into my life as it is kinda a weird tradition I've had since I was really young (whenever one of my cats died my mother would always find another within a month of the other cat's death).
I would also get a cat (over two years of age) as (honestly) I don't have it in me to have a kitten. I'm too damn used to "old" cats ! I like them. Kittens have too much damn energy and need too much damn attention (or else they will grow psycholigical problems when they are more grown).
I wouldn't be able to welcome another cat into my life straight away as the other cat, Puddy, is past 8 years of age for a cat and it would be hard for everyone (Puddy, my flatmate and myself) to adapt to a new cat at this stage... so I will just have to wait until Puddy decides to transition and/or my flatmate moves out (doubt it as he's a pretty good flatmate overall)
Pinups4DotCom
12-27-2006, 04:20 AM
I'm not a plant person...but the cactus sounds good. Or Catnip - it's a weed (if you're a pothead a weed plant would also work) and should also be easy to keep and Puddy would love it! I don't know how hardy they are though. Cacti can't be killed as they love to be dry
As the parent of five - with many "special needs" cats in my history and present, my heart aches for you. please try not to think of the money as wasted - any more than you would if the patient was your (human) daughter or father - you gave Bibs the best chance she could get.
Also (and please don't hate me for saying this) - if she's not eating, not drinking and not grooming, the time may be here for her to transition. Being forced to eat so she can wake up to another day of pain isn't good for her...ask the vet if he/she thinks it's "time". Again, my heart goes out to you darlin...you're in my prayers.
GoldCoastGirl
12-27-2006, 09:39 AM
FANTASTIC NEWS!
She groomed herself today. She stinks in a not so nice way because this is the first time she has done so since I have been back however she did it and she did most of her body! ;D Plus I found out her magic number (as such) for how much food she can have before her body says "enough" and vomits it up.. 15ml.
Yes it isn't a lot however the food I'm giving her is highly nutritious (bought from the vet) and has a high water content as well as I added water to it so I can syringe it (force feed her).
So the great news is that she groomed herself and hasn't thrown that up.....yet. The not so great news is that I still need to force feed her (and she still is weak and isn't drinking by her own volition).
I'm taking it day by day. She doesn't seem to be in pain. She still gets around the house. She also has moments where she thinks she is healthy herself when she isn't (like trying to jump off the couch to the floor.. she's not strong enough to land properly instead of slightly tumbling side-ways).
DylanAngel
12-27-2006, 09:42 AM
Well that is some great news! I think that's a good sign when they start to do the everyday things...means they're not so lethargic anymore.
I'm totally praying for the both of you that you get to have some more quality time with your baby.
kittenkat
12-27-2006, 03:15 PM
Have you thought about giving her sub-Q fluids? Have the vet show you how to do it. It can make them feel so much better!
GoldCoastGirl
12-28-2006, 08:26 AM
^^ No, I haven't thought about it nor has the vet shown me. Didn't occur to me. I'm giving her collidial silver and bach flower remedies mixed with her water which I give her every so often around her food.
Another piece of good news is she seemed to have a good day today. Still a little weak yet she is acting like she is fine and healthy... I don't think she even realises sometimes how weak she really is LOL
Still not eating and drinking by her own volition however I think me force feeding her as well as forcing her to drink (as such) using a syringe is working a little... she showed some positive signs today.
She hasn't washed herself since she last did it.
kittenkat
12-28-2006, 05:13 PM
Cats get dehydrated easily, and giving them sub-Q fluids does A LOT to help them feel better. Pinch her skin @ the back of her neck and lift. If the skin doesn't snap back, she's dehydrated. being dehydrated will cause serious heachaches and fatigue for cats. I would discuss this with your vet ASAP as it's one of the easiest ways to get your kitty feeling better and help her maintain her comfort /recover. The vet can also add some B12 and other b vitamins to the sub-Q to help her with her energy levels. Dehydration causes lack of appetite. Many cats that can eat on their own but will not due to dehydration will eat once they are properly hydrated. It's a good way to honestly check their appetite. A dehydrated cat will not eat, and often will not drink.
In fact, I always keep needles and a sub-Q fluids and setup @ my house for my cats. Just like people, hydration is paramount in animals.
Unless the vet has a specific reason against sub-Q, it's been my one major tool for convlaescing/dying cats to maintain their comfort. In fact, one of my criteria for euthanesia is when cats' bodies cannot absorb the sub-Q fluids anymore. You KNOW at that time that their bodies are honestly failing and it's time to go.
If you can, call your vet right now and discuss this. It can make a huge difference in comfort for your kitty. I would seriously seriously recommend this. In fact, unless your vet is able to give you specific reasons against keep kitty hydrated, either via IV or sub-Q when a cat is dehydrated, I would think about changing vets. Dehydration causes pain and discomfrot- for a vet not to care about such things is not a vet I'd care to consult. Sub-Q can comfortable prolong quality of life in so many cats.
I've been resucing cats and dealing with seriously ill cats for over a decade (when you do rescue from shelters and strays, you often wind up with cats in bad shape). I have many veterinary nurses and vets that I've worked with.
kittenkat
12-28-2006, 05:19 PM
Oh, and please feel free to pm me with questions. i've got lots of sites and tips regarding sub-q if you want them.
I'm adamant, and sorry for being really militant. It's just been such an important tool for me, and I know what a big difference it can make for the comfort of your kitty! Also, be adamant about the vet/tech showing you how to give sub-Q. some vets want you to come in for sub-Q because they can charge for it- I would be very firm. It's easy to do @ home, and will save you bundles while keeping kitty comfy!
Be sure to get good antiseptic and shave several patches of skin for easy disinfection @ the vets for your home care.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/cat_fluids.asp
Sinder
12-29-2006, 12:47 AM
Some nice plants (when the time comes) are Cactus, Aloe, or Snap Dragons. I can look up some more as I have an entire Book with different plants & herbs along with their elemental sign, powers, mythical lore...ect....quite interesting.
GoldCoastGirl
12-29-2006, 01:36 AM
Sinder: What plants are associated with animals esp. cats in mythical lore and are associated with the month of January ??
kittenkat: I posted on an Australian cat forum to ask where abouts I can get sub-Q in Australia as all the websites point to it being only available in America. As for doing it myself instead of the vet charging me, this is a decision I will make as it pains me enough to have to force feed her. I may end up just paying someone else to do it "to" her just like I pay someone else to wax me even tho' I could be perfectly capable to do it myself.
As much I as need to save money, there are just some things I cannot do personally and would rather someone else to do in the end. Just a personal preferance and it wouldn't cost that much....
how many times am I meant to get her injected ?
as for shaving fur for easy disinfection... i can use one of the many spots on her already! lol! She still hasn't grown her hair back from the exploratory surgery underneath her and there are "bald patches" on her legs...
Hello_Kitty27
12-29-2006, 05:20 PM
GCG, I think you should get Mom of the Year award! You are doing great things for your cat ....giving her the love and care that she deserves. Good luck with everything.
GoldCoastGirl
12-29-2006, 08:15 PM
hello_kitty21: I'm pretty much like this with any animal in my life it just happens to be Bibs at the moment. I'm very mis-understood by alot of people who don't know me about how my cat is not JUST a cat to me. She is a spiritual being just like me. I've always held animals in great esteem.... they are teachers and students of life just as much as me. Plus I love how "simple" (not in a bad way) that they are to a certain extent. It doesn't take much to understand them. They aren't that complicated and I love that about them.
She has given me so much joy in my life over the nearly 14 years she has graced this earth that i feel she only deserves the best hence the reason i'm trying to give her quality of life when she is so close to death.
I've always felt closer and had better "relationships" as such with animals than humans throughout my life. Just who I am.
Right now, due to the constant injections of food (which has water mixed in it so I can inject it via syringe into her mouth) I feel that she is showing some signs of improvement. She seems happier. The only time she vomits is when it comes time for me to syringe her tablets she has to have every night... otherwise she keeps everything else I give her down. She still doesn't eat nor drink by her own will however I figure she may eventually (or she could just be getting lazy/used to me feeding her that she can't be bothered??).
Return2theStage
12-29-2006, 09:32 PM
Glad to hear she is feelign a little better. :) I am thinking about her.
We have four cats. When my West had a blockage in his urunary tract I gave him sub-Q fluids myself. (My mom is a vet although she lives 1000 miles away. The vet we see here is a friend of hers and only charged me for the supplies.) It wasn;t hard or scary or painful for him in my opinion. Sometimes they feel alittle cold- lie ewe would getting fluids. But overall I think it improved him greatly. Good news- his first real sign of healing was grooming himself.
COme what may you are lucky to have such a special friend- and she is lucky to have you.
Pinups4DotCom
12-30-2006, 07:47 AM
Sub Q fluids ( great idea KK) have saved many of my cats too...they're basically bags of (usually) saline solution sometimes with added vitamins. "SubCutaneous" is the official term, in case your vet doesn't know the short name...
GoldCoastGirl
12-30-2006, 11:43 PM
I was told by a poster over at www.cat-world.com.au that it is supplied in Australia... I just have to ring around. I will give my vet a ring tomorrow (even tho' it is a public holiday he will be open) as I want to give him an update in re: Bibs as well as find out if HE has any or knows of any vets who have any (plus would be willing to show me how to use it). It isn't like Bibs doesn't have enough patches of shaved fur for me to disinfect and use :laughing:
Granted, she is still weak and not eating/drinking by her own will...... yet she is happy. She hasn't washed herself since the other day yet she has been purring alot more and seeming to be more happy.
She's my best new year's present at the moment... she is still kicking! LOL!
kittenkat
12-30-2006, 11:52 PM
^^ It's common practice here to have docs add vitamin Bs to the fluids. Since the B vit's are not antioxidants, I believe it is compatible with chemo. Ask if he can do that for you.
SOOOOO happy to hear Bibbs seem to be feeling better!
Lola Rose
12-31-2006, 12:34 AM
I've been following this thread, and am glad bibs seems more comfortable. You have both been in my prayers. :grouphug:
Minette
12-31-2006, 01:19 AM
Lots of sympathy and good wishes for both you and Bibs. Also, rosemary is a very hardy plant, and would probably do well in your climate.
GoldCoastGirl
12-31-2006, 04:03 AM
:thanx:
http://static.flickr.com/39/80921695_861accc029_m.jpg
Happy New Year !!!
Return2theStage
12-31-2006, 11:25 PM
Still thinking of Bibs. I think it's the name that is so endearing. Giving fluid is very, very simple. You just tent the skin between the shoulder and stick the needle in. Then twist the valve to open it and turn the fluid on. :) I didn't have to shave a spot or disinfect but I used a new needle every time.
kittenkat
01-01-2007, 06:08 AM
^^ The only reason to shave and disinfect is because Bibbs has gone through Chemo and as a result, she has a higher risk of developing infections. Good point, use a fresh needle each time, too.
GoldCoastGirl
01-01-2007, 09:45 AM
^^ As I have said before, I wouldn't need to shave too much as she has plenty of spots on her that are shaved and the hair hasn't grown back.
The latest on Bibs. I havn't rung the vet as it was a pubic holiday and Wednesday is when I usually had the chemo appointments for her so I'm giving him a ring tomorrow. None-the-less, I'm thinking that I will go another week without giving her chemo as she is showing signs of wanting to get stronger yet is far from "there".
She isn't too dehydrated as per the pinch test however she most likely is a little at the very least as she hasn't been drinking thru her own will yet. The great news is that she ate 6 pieces of dry food today by her own volition !! ;D
So I'm going to "invest" in buying some highly nutritious dry food (biscuits) for her and I'm hoping she may eat more and more over the coming week so that I don't have to force feed her too much longer ... not to mention I'm hoping the dry food will make her thirsty enough to WANT to drink water of her own will.
Whilst she is showing signs that she wants to stick around. The realistic picture atm is that she is still weak and I am still having to force feed her (and thus keep her hydrated as I make her can food watery so as to hydrate her not just feed her) so she has awhile to go yet before I can start having real hope for her "survival" as such.
I'm still just playing it by ear. Enjoying each day I have with her as she is obviously enjoying each day with me (she is purring a little more these-days... still has yet to wash herself again except for that time last week.. yet she is "getting around" a little more so her energy levels are somewhat higher not alot yet an improvement).