For those of you who remember my “please do a wee” thread for my cat Flynn, who has FIV and went through an awful time last year with stress related bladder issues (in which we are now experts…)…. well Flynn has a big brother.
Ian was adopted 3 years ago, 2 years after we got Flynn as he was desperately in need of feline company. Both cats have FIV and finding an FIV positive cat that a rescue were happy to home with another cat was a huge challenge (generally they won’t test FIV cats for socialisation). It took us 6 months to find Ian, in a rescue 4 hours away and the rehomer cried when she read our email as he’d been waiting for 6 months- no one wants an FIV positive 10 year old cat, let alone one that needs an FIV positive friend…
We know nothing about his background except that he likely spent a very long time on the streets as they thought he was feral when they took him in. Over time in the rescue he mellowed and by the time we found him, they told us what a cuddly boy he is!
Turns out he was the final piece to our family. He very very slowly introduced himself to Flynn, took all his swipes and hisses in his stride, never tried to usurp Flynn as top cat and gently created an allegiance. He did however claim the top spot in our bed as he has a seemingly endless appetite for cuddles. He is the cleverest cat I’ve ever met- when I’m sad or unwell, he glues himself to me and even paws at my tears.
A couple of months ago he completely lost his appetite. Our vets (who are amazing and saved Flynn’s life) diagnosed him with early stage CKD and tried absolutely everything they could think of to get him eating. Ultimately they were baffled because the loss of appetite didn’t match the clinical results that his kidneys were very very early stage.
Eventually they recommended a referral to a specialist so today we drove for several hours to the best specialist we could find and he has had every test under the sun. I’ve been convinced that he’s got some serious problem based on the fact that nothing gets him to eat apart from a really strong appetite stimulant that also makes him super wired. Unbelievably they have ruled out cancer, lymphoma (which was a high likelihood due to the FIV), IBD and all the other scaries!!! He’s come away with another referral to the dentist of all places! Turns out he has some awful gum and teeth problems further back in his mouth than could be seen without putting him under. We also need to get his calcium levels in check, which is about getting his diet right for the stage of kidney disease he had. I am amazed amazed amazed that both problems are solvable!
I really thought we’d be going home with instructions on how to “manage” a serious condition until it was time to let him go. Instead we’re going to the dentist! I can’t quite believe I’m not crying because I need to plan the end of his life but because I get to snuggle in bed with my soul cat tonight not terrified for what’s coming next. We’ve had a shitty year as a family and I just can’t get my head round the fact that this situation is turning out in our favour!
He was also the goodest boy and charmed all the vet nurses with his big opinions and willingness to give nose boops to absolutely everyone!
Sorry for the essay but here’s to vets and the magical things they do for the little buggers that worm their way into our hearts!