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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

[gulp] It may soon be time to say goodbye to SoupKitten

207 replies

SoupDragon · 29/05/2013 14:21

She has a fair amount of fluid on her abdomen - according to the vet there are a few possible causes and pretty much all of them are bad.

She was found in a gutter as a tiny kitten with cat flu, eye infections and mites which left her with a few problems but has spent nearly 5 happy years here with us and FatCat.

Waiting for the results of £250 worth of blood tests but have primed toe children that she is unlikely to be with us much longer.

[wail]

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MissStrawberry · 31/05/2013 10:28

How is SoupKitten today?

CajaDeLaMemoria · 31/05/2013 10:32

I hope she's okay.

I specialise in cardiac issues, but I've got some experience of cancer too.

Let me know if I can help at all, and I really hope she's improving.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 12:33

Still no news from the vet about her blood tests :(

She is clearly unwell though but has polished off a salmon fillet or two.

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Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 12:34

I don't think there were any good diagnoses available for the symptoms though.

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GetOrfMoiLand · 31/05/2013 12:37

What lovely pictures of a dear looking cat.

You did a wonderful thing taking her in and looking after her so well. I know it must be hard to lose her but you have given her 5 good years of kindness and affection.

cozietoesie · 31/05/2013 12:44

......but has polished off a salmon fillet or two......

That's the girl!

MissStrawberry · 31/05/2013 15:09

Hoping for good news.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 15:31

Still no phone call. Yes, I could phone but that would involve being proactive in finding out. As it stands, I can bury my head in the sand and simply spoil her (given she appears to be in no pain or real discomfort).

FatCat is pissed off about the salmon though and giving me the evil eye over his tin of Whiskas.

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Thumbwitch · 31/05/2013 15:42

Oh that pic of the two of them together is just gorgeous!
Hoping that the vet at least lets you know what the likely situation is, so you can make a decision, however heartrending.

So sad, I have enough troubles when my guineapigs die, I just can't have a cat because I'd be in bits if I lost it. :( plus DH hates cats and wants a dog, which I don't, so we compromise on guineapigs and birds

GetOrfMoiLand · 31/05/2013 15:45

I have got 4 cats, all the same age (well, near enough). God knows what state I am going to be in when they get older.

cozietoesie · 31/05/2013 16:24

The vet probably hasn't got the results in yet. Fingers crossed for you and her.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 16:32

They were done on Tuesday and he said he'd speak to me in "a few days" so I did expect to hear before the weekend. So long as Scout is happy enough I don't really mind.

Have not left the house for three days now! I bet he phones when I have to go and pick DS2 up from his sailing trip.

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cozietoesie · 31/05/2013 17:45

There's a certain inevitability to that, eh?

As long as she's happy enough and pottering along.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 18:06

Surprisingly, he didn't phone when I was out for 20 minutes not picking up DS2 who phoned en route to say he'd be late.

Ha has, however, just phoned. No FIV, No FLV, nothing to indicate FIP (which is not conclusive though). Blood tests unremarkable.

Looking at heart failure or a liver problem so booked in for an ultrasound on Monday.

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Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 18:09

So, whilst some bad stuff has been ruled out, some is still inconclusive and some is unknown :o Vet was apologetic about not being able to give me any answers and had been in long talks with the lab trying to interpret the results.

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cozietoesie · 31/05/2013 18:18

That's something, though, Soup. Good luck for Monday.

tedmundo · 31/05/2013 18:29

Soupdragon .. My 2 yr old British Shorthair swelled up with fluid and it was diagnosed as FIP. They did this from the blood results so I really hope that the fact your vet says it isn't conclusive is good news.

I will be thinking of you.

If it is any consolation, we just thought puss was getting fat and put him on diet food.

How awful did I feel?!

ClaraOswald · 31/05/2013 18:36

Soupy, I'm sorry you are having this happen to SoupKitten.

Only just seen this.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 18:38

Apparently the FIP test isn't a simple yes/no one. More a likely/not likely one. Even if it comes back clear, it doesn't mean that's not what it is (seems odd to me)

Luckily I knew she wasn't just fat as it happened virtually overnight and she'd been skinny before. She looks pregnant!

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Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 31/05/2013 18:38

Oh soup those pics are beautiful. What lovely cars you have. I hope they can get to the bottom of what's wrong with her. X

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 18:40

At least we have her for the weekend though. We can carry on spoiling her (and pissing off FatCat)

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CajaDeLaMemoria · 31/05/2013 18:40

Is she still Swollen?

If she is, she'll likely be given a diuretic to take a few times a day, and something vetmadin which treats heart failure. She could have a good few years left if the meds suit her, although she may not, so prepare yourself for the vet being a bit pessimistic. Mine was, four years after diagnosis!

Is she litter trained?

Keep the eating up. Her weight will be very valuable.

Give her a cuddle from me. I love cats. At 5, she has time on her side.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 18:40

You are all acting as my surrogate partner as I have to deal with this by myself. You're doing a great job :)

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TheHerringScreams · 31/05/2013 18:52

Your cats look lovely, and good luck for future results. We had our seven week kitten put down three weeks ago (he and three other litter mates were abandoned outside our house at two days old) due toa severe congenital heart defect. It's heartbreaking. Carry on spoiling her, Samba (our kitten) was living in pure luxury for the last few days. Good luck for Monday.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/05/2013 19:36

Yes, she's still very swollen but very bony... The weightloss may be a separate issue though as she may need dental work.
Yes she's litter trained.

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