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Thread: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    To make a long story short, my beloved cat of seven years went into heart failure after running outside in a brutal snow storm. It was 13 degrees, and she is an indoor cat, so needless to say, by the time she came home she was in TERRIBLE shape. She collapsed in the doorway, and was SO weak!! My first impression was that she was experiencing hypothermia, so I blow dried her fur, warmed up several towels, warmed up a heating blanket and wrapped her in all of it. Well, she came in the house at 7am and even with all of the warmth she still was terribly weak by 2'oclock in the afternoon.

    I called the vet, they told me to check her gums. If they are pink, than she was getting enough oxygen, but white gums is a terrible sign. So I ran to check her gums, and yep, they were white as a ghost. The vet told me to get her to a hospital ASAP! So, with all the snow and ice piled up by the time we made it to the vet, she had her mouth opened gasping for breath. She was put on oxygen all day long. And they didn't believe she would make it through the night. I prayed my heart out, and instructed everyone around me to please do the same.

    Fast forward to today..... she's right beside me. She's very sleepy, and she's on meds. She was dying from heart failure, and she has pnumenioa (sp), but she looks so content, even though this just happened two days ago. The vet said she has an underlying heart condition, and the cold weather put her into a state of shock, thats why she was going into heart failure. Now he's suggesting that I take her to a cat heart specialist, which will cost alot, but that's not my main concern. If your cat has heart problems, is their hope? Is your cat okay? Please, please share your cats near death experiences followed by treatment, and/or recovery. I just feel so alone, and scared.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Their aren't many cat owners on here, but I will bump until I get at least one
    ( besides Miss_Luscious lol)
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    God/dess virgoamm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Sweety, I'm so sorry... I have cats and I know how you're feeling. A couple of years ago my cat Maxi died from kidney failure. It was one of the hardest things I've ever been through. I cried and cried and cried. You get so attached to them they're like members of your family. I hope you and your kitty feel better soon.

  4. #4
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    I've had cats my whole life, but I don't know anything about heart conditions in cats. I'm sorry. But I'm glad your baby made it through! Poor gal, I bet she never runs out in the snow again! Give her a big nuzzle for me.

    Cats are really tough. When they get sick, usually they either die quickly or they heal quickly.

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Awww, thanks ya'll! I needed a hug *sniffles*. She's feeling better, but I'm so nervous that I check to make sure she's breathing every hour! I'm afraid to leave her alone. Cats can be so darn fragile! Until I take her to the specialist, I have to make sure she's quiet, and not disturbed. That's easier said than done, I have two other cats and a dog, so I will have to keep her seperated from the gang so they won't over excite her. That has been tough. But again, thank you so much for the support ladies!! I need all of the reassurance that I can get, everyone around me dismisses my pain with "it's just a cat" attitude.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Veteran Member Cherie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by layka View Post
    Awww, thanks ya'll! I needed a hug *sniffles*. She's feeling better, but I'm so nervous that I check to make sure she's breathing every hour! I'm afraid to leave her alone. Cats can be so darn fragile! Until I take her to the specialist, I have to make sure she's quiet, and not disturbed. That's easier said than done, I have two other cats and a dog, so I will have to keep her seperated from the gang so they won't over excite her. That has been tough. But again, thank you so much for the support ladies!! I need all of the reassurance that I can get, everyone around me dismisses my pain with "it's just a cat" attitude.
    Dont let the attitude of "its just a cat" get to you. Just remember its your baby...not anyone elses. Cats are a lot tougher than they look.

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    Featured Member Sinder's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    I have ALOT of cats, but I have never had anyone of my cats need seriuos medical treatment*knocks on wood*
    I would definately try and do whatever it took to save my cats lives if they needed it. You'll never really know if she'll pull through if she doesn't get the treatment she needs. I have a feeling she will be fine if taken to the speacialist. Cats are strong willed creatures.

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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    i love my 4 cats so much they are my babies.i freak out if they go outside.one time joon excaped and was outside all night long early in the morning i woke up 2 a noise,i went 2 the door and his huge head was stuck in some lattice that was attached 2 the door.he was lying there half dead i had 2 break the door when i freed his head he took a big gasp 4 air .that day he stayed right by my side i end up calling in sick 4 work and we cuddled all night

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Thanks again ladies *smiles*

    I agree, cats are strong willed creatures. It amazes me that despite the snow, sleet, wind, 13 degree weather, and failing heart she had enough energy to make it home and meow loudly to be let in. She's an indoor cat, hasn't been outside in at least a year alone. The thought that she made it through those conditions while experiencing heart failure demonstrated her will to live. The vet didn't think she would make it through the night at her office without oxygen ( my regular vet isn't an 24hour office) so I decided then that if she made it she deserved treatment b/c apparently she wants to live. She's a lil weak at the moment, but I hope she approves with treatment. Thank you so much ladies, your support is EXTREMELY appreciated.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    God/dess sxybrat07's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    I've always had cats, never had one with a heart condition though. However, my kitty now got REALLY sick when I first got her, she lost a ton of weight, and wouldn't even move. They thought she had AIDS or leukemia. Come to find out it was neither, the pet place had just spayed her when she was sick, which caused her to get sicker So, they put her on an IV for a couple days and she was much better. Hopefully your kitty is as stubborn and will recover easily!
    I believe you Dottie and you have my support

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    yeah, lol, she's stubborn as hell. I think her will to live comes from not only the good lovin I give her, but her anticipation for another "good" meal....she's greedy lol.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Sinder View Post
    I have ALOT of cats, but I have never had anyone of my cats need seriuos medical treatment*knocks on wood*
    I would definately try and do whatever it took to save my cats lives if they needed it. You'll never really know if she'll pull through if she doesn't get the treatment she needs. I have a feeling she will be fine if taken to the speacialist. Cats are strong willed creatures.
    ^^^ I needed to hear that especially because people around me are unnerved b/c of the price ( $2,000). But like you said, I'll never know unless I try. And I wouldn't forgive myself if I don't.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    I've never had a cat with a heart problem, but my grandfather had a Chihuahua with one. She was on medication, 1 pill a day, about $60/month. She lived for 5-6 years after she was diagnosed. Don't give up hope, initial evaluation is always the most expensive.

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    ^^^ Wow, that's so refreshing to hear. I was worried that it would be a temporary fix ( like six months) despite the vets encouragement. I figured that yes, true, they have a passion for animals, BUT this is a business, so of course they would recommend treatment. It's great to hear that his life was extended significantly!!!
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    I have a kitty who had hypERthyroid, now he has hypOthyroid and a dislocated hip (he's 11) so he has daily pills, antioxidants, suppliments and special food. (We just found out he won't need surgery for the hip, thank god.)
    I have a kitten (9 months) who has seizures for no apparent reason (no meds needed).
    I have another kitty (2 years) whose pupils are constantly dialated because she was kept in a dark basement for the first year of her life.

    Our healthy cat is the odd one out! XDD

    They're all fine and happy and we're expecting LOTS more time with them.

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    Kaylinn
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    I have 2 cats. They are twin sisters. one of them is very ill, it's an ongoing thing that we can't seem to cure. We have spent over 2grand on her now, and it isnt over yet. She is not so bad that she needs to be put down, but we just caant cure her. Thoes cats are our babies. We will keep trying to fix her until I decide she would be better off dead, and then I will put her down, but it hasn't come to that yet.

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by idreamofaislin View Post
    I have a kitty who had hypERthyroid, now he has hypOthyroid and a dislocated hip (he's 11) so he has daily pills, antioxidants, suppliments and special food. (We just found out he won't need surgery for the hip, thank god.)
    I have a kitten (9 months) who has seizures for no apparent reason (no meds needed).
    I have another kitty (2 years) whose pupils are constantly dialated because she was kept in a dark basement for the first year of her life.

    Our healthy cat is the odd one out! XDD

    They're all fine and happy and we're expecting LOTS more time with them.
    Thanks for sharing your story, my cats have always been relatively healthy, so it's so good to hear that their is a possible healthy future for her once I get her treated for her condition.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaylinn View Post
    I have 2 cats. They are twin sisters. one of them is very ill, it's an ongoing thing that we can't seem to cure. We have spent over 2grand on her now, and it isnt over yet. She is not so bad that she needs to be put down, but we just caant cure her. Thoes cats are our babies. We will keep trying to fix her until I decide she would be better off dead, and then I will put her down, but it hasn't come to that yet.
    I knew I would hear from you sooner or later, thanks babe It's so ironic, because about a week ago I was telling you to give your kitty a hug for me. Now, the tables have turned and I'm SO thankful for the support and stories that you ladies are sharing with me. Is your cat's condition heart related?
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah View Post
    I've had cats my whole life, but I don't know anything about heart conditions in cats. I'm sorry. But I'm glad your baby made it through! Poor gal, I bet she never runs out in the snow again! Give her a big nuzzle for me.

    Cats are really tough. When they get sick, usually they either die quickly or they heal quickly.
    Lmao... she definately just used one of her nine lives. She probably won't want to leave the house ever again! Cats can be so damn hard headed! I'll give her a nuzzle just for you.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Featured Member Paintbaby's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    My cats, Tiger and Sunny, told me to tell you not to worry. They said " We don't have 9 lives for nothin' , ya know!"
    Last edited by Paintbaby; 03-29-2014 at 11:29 AM.

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Paintbaby View Post
    My cats, Toonces Tigerlily and Bobcat Corduroy, told me to tell you not to worry. They said " We don't have 9 lives for nothin' , ya know!"
    Awwww.... *wipes tear* thanks girlie. I needed that lil chuckle. I told Cleo and she is purring and kneading from all of the love and support from ya'll. Oh yeah, Cleo and I think that Bobcat Corduroy is a kick ass name.

    Cat owners are the coolest fuckin people.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Kaylinn
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    awww...give your kitty hugs from me to. They are such a pain in the ass, and yet, we can't seem to live without them, ya know?

    My cat's issues aren't heart related. The vet seems to think she has calcivirus, but we can't seem to cure it. We go on rounds of meds, and she is better when she's on them, but as soon as she comes off, she gets sick again. Well, the problem is you cant keep her on antibiotics forever, because she will eventually get immune, so we have to come up with another way to treat her. Im working with a few vets online, and Ive had second and third opinions from vets out here trying to figure out the best course of action for her, but mostly, its trial and error, seeing what works.

    I would just tell you to love her, give her all the attention she wants, and know when it's time to let her go, if it comes down to that. I don't know abotu kitty heart problems, but I kow if it was my cat, I would do everything I could to help her.

    Good luck hun. You have your kitty are in my thoughts.

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    Featured Member Paintbaby's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Oh yeah--they also told me to tell you that Cleo needs TREATS--lots and lots of TREATS.

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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    i have four. one i spent over 1200 (at least) on last year with "sand" in his urinary tract that had him completly blocked so he couldnt pee. it took two hospital stays at 5oo a shot. the vet asked if i wanted to go ahead again. i was like well will he live a normal life? she said yes so i said of course go ahead with treatment. i've had him almost 9 years. i wasnt turning my back on him. he's on prescription food but no meds. he's fine!
    my other cat dislocated his leg, we still have no idea how that could have happened. that was a 550 operation several years back

    unless the animal has no quality of life, i feel it is my responsibilty and commitment to treat my animals without regard to cost

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    Veteran Member layka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cat Owners, please share your advice. HELP!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaylinn View Post
    awww...give your kitty hugs from me to. They are such a pain in the ass, and yet, we can't seem to live without them, ya know?

    My cat's issues aren't heart related. The vet seems to think she has calcivirus, but we can't seem to cure it. We go on rounds of meds, and she is better when she's on them, but as soon as she comes off, she gets sick again. Well, the problem is you cant keep her on antibiotics forever, because she will eventually get immune, so we have to come up with another way to treat her. Im working with a few vets online, and Ive had second and third opinions from vets out here trying to figure out the best course of action for her, but mostly, its trial and error, seeing what works.

    I would just tell you to love her, give her all the attention she wants, and know when it's time to let her go, if it comes down to that. I don't know abotu kitty heart problems, but I kow if it was my cat, I would do everything I could to help her.

    Good luck hun. You have your kitty are in my thoughts.

    My prayers have included your baby as soon as you told me about her. I can't wait to find out the results of the treatments. I gave her a hug for you as well, I've given her hugs everytime you guys tell me to, lmao, so right now she's purring but irritated that I keep waking her up with kisses. All well, that's a cat for ya. But she says thank you for the love everyone.
    If you don't stand for something, you fall for ANYTHING.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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