Ratman

The last three weeks have definately been interesting. About 4 weeks ago one of my cats wasn't feeling so good. He was throwing up as though he had a hairball for a couple of days. It didn't resolve itself, so I took him to the vet. They thought hairball as well and gave me some Laxatone to grease up the system, as well as a shot to stop the vomitting and one to ease the inflamation in his stomach. Two days later he was crashing. He would drink water and throw it right back up, couldn't eat, fitfull sleep. I took him to the vet again and we ran a blood screen. Several points were way out of line and indicated renal (kidney) failure. They immediately inserted an IV and a catheter and put him in a kennel with warm packs around him to bring his temp up and jump start his system. He stayed for 4 days. I visited him twice a day, as did some of my friends, so he had a lot of support and love to get him through.

On the third day he was looking much better. He could drink and not vomit and they started to feed him with a big syringe loaded with food. On the 4th day, he was eating and pooping like normal. The blood test was totally clear. I brought him home and thanked God.

He was still a bit under the weather for a few days. Eating a bit and drinking, but not so energetic. I was worried about the not eating enough. I was trying to give him some meds orally, which were in a fairly big capsule. The vet recommended mixing the contents with food, but he wasnt eating enough to get the all the medicine, and I have another cat that eats everything. I didn't want to medicate both of them. We went back to the vet for a blood check and there was a slight elevation at a couple of points. They suggested assisted feeding. No problem, says I. Give me one of those big syringes and I'll be on my merry way! UH...... We can't give you a syringe. Oh, no problem, I'll pay for it. Uh.... we can't sell you one either.

Turns out that in Japan, syringes and the general public shall never meet. No heroin problem here, and they are detrmined to keep it that way. So how do I feed this cat? I tried by hand for a couple of days. He got enough food to get by, but it took 5-6 sessions a day. He wasn't so happy to have me stuffing my fingers in his mouth either. What to do? He was nervous everytime I came near him.

Desparation is the mother of innovation. I remebered that when you buy whipping cream in Japan (the liquid kind that you make yourself) it comes with a small plastic pastry bag and nozzle so you can decorate stuff. I took one of the unused ones I have and tested it with really well mashed up cat food. It was strong enough to do the job! I loaded in about 50g of food and gave it a try. Bingo! It worked like magic. I could get the food in the cat without a hassle, and he didn't seem to mind so much. In fact, after he ate he had a lot more energy.

I feed him this way once a day for now, because he is eating on his own as well, just not enough. I can also mix his meds with the food, so I know he is getting them and not the other cat. I can't tell you how releived I am.

CRF (chronic renal failure) is much scarier than it sounds. A change in diet is necessary. So is closer monitoring of food and water in and out. CRF cats can lose their sense of smell somewhat, and lose interest in eating. If a cat doesn't eat for a couple of days, it can lead to fatal liver failure in a short time. I was lucky that I got him to the vet early enough to prevent serious damage. The special Kidney-friendly foods are pretty stinky, so even a cat with reduced smell is gonna be interested. It's not much more expensive than regular food, but even at twice the price would be worth it.

Some vets will recommend euthenasia for CRF cats in early stages. Get a second opinion! My cat was into the danger zone, but can now look forward to many more years of sleeping 18 hours a day. Don't give up! And if you can't get the equipment you need, stop, think, improvise.

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