My VERY old cat has been diagnosed with kidney failure after being visibly unwell for few days last week.
He was put on IV for two days and had some meds. The vet believes it’s too early to think about PTS, but he said it’s not often they see cats that old so it’s hard to say how long before he deteriorates again.
This whole ordeal costed us about £600.
He came home Saturday and was eating loads, drinking, was somewhat friendly with us like he used to, but kept to himself for the majority of the day.
This morning though he didn’t want to eat, I mange to get him to have about 1/4 of pouch. He spent majority of the morning sat in the garden in a hunched position. In those moments he looks so miserable, maybe not in pain but not feeling 100%. I hate to think he’s suffering and there’s nothing I can do.
But then he gets a bit better, comes over to me for some attention, purrs etc. At times he seems like his old self, cleaning himself, asking for attention, and then I can’t imagine taking him to the vet to be PTS. He’s my first cat, and we only adopted him 2 years ago. I don’t know what behaviours are due to his illness and what is the result of his age?
When I rang vet this morning after panicking he didn’t eat, they said to bring him in if I suspect he’s in pain. But then I know he hates the vet trip, and they probably will want to repeat his bloods etc. If I had unlimited budget then I would take him in each time I think somethings wrong, but I can’t afford another £400-500. Anyhow, the vet said the results wouldn’t change the management of his illness (renal diet and “wait and see”).
I know he’s old and I don’t want to prolong his life, just want him to be comfortable …
Should I try the renal fluid injections? Can anyone share their experience with doing this to very old cats?