As I was working on my breakfast yesterday morning Gator was having some litter box trouble. It’s not the first time I have noticed this albeit infrequently. I got concerned about it because I could tell that she was in some discomfort and struggling. Eventually as they say, things worked themselves out and she was doing much better.
Needless to say I worried about her all day long. I did some research and learned that dehydration can cause the issue she was having. So can changes in environment , stress and not getting enough fiber. I gave her a full dose of fluids last night, after looking at her. It appeared to me that she had some mild dehydration. She wasn’t terribly happy about that and really doesn’t like to be poked with a needle and neither do I.
A full dose of fluid should take a few hours to be absorbed but her body gobbled it up pretty quickly, which is also not a great sign. She is still doing all of the normal things like eating, drinking, asking for attention and bathing.
My fear that I am trying to block out is that her kidney issue has gotten worse and were on the down hill slide or that there is some other major issue going on that hasn’t fully manifested it’s self. I really don’t want to dig into this further because of the fear of bad news. Conversely it might be something that if its’ in its infancy we might be able to get ahead of. Regardless of what I want or don’t want if it’s obvious she is in pain or discomfort that doesn’t pass quickly then she will get medical help. The last thing I want is for her to be in any kind of agony. I think the world of all of my pets and never have wanted any of them to suffer, even if it means we have to part ways.
At the end of the day she is 17 years old and that is a wonderful ripe old age for an indoor cat to live to. She has had a wonderful life and like it or not we all have expiration dates. My problem is that I don’t want her to expire at least not for a couple more years if possible.
Right now I am monitoring her and keeping a watch on her behavior. If things improve that’s great and I can relax my worry but still remain guarded. If things continue or get worse then like it or not I will have to dig into the issue. Getting a vet appointment I expect to be difficult to get to see a vet that I like & trust. However, I know that I could always bring her over for blood work as a visit would likely include that and that is where they would gather a conclusion from.
The only real thing that has changed for Gator is the fact that I am not spending all day with her. I am in the basement for the bulk of the day during the week, except for Tuesday’s when I venture off to the office. During the week she can always cry out for a snack or attention and I will give in. As for Tuesday’s I set out 3 cans of food for her so that she has the opportunity to snack throughout the day since I am not here to open food for her. I also think about the small fights we have had when I worked on the stupid ceiling fan. I’ve given her extra attention and let her know as much as I possibly can communicate that I love her. I hope that this isn’t occurring because of me.
It seems like when I have a hunch like this that more often than not I am right. I mean I live with her and I know when something is not right or abnormal. I kind of feel like when I vocalize my suspicions that makes them come true or that I am willing something into existence. That’s probably not true but the mind plays tricks (not good one’s either) on all of us from time to time.
I hope that this all turns out well and that her life doesn’t come to a rapid and abrupt end. I really need her and lean on her more than she knows. Fingers crossed for the best outcome. I will keep you posted. I am headed up to see if she is interested in a snack. She hasn’t said anything but it’s about that time. She did wake me up this morning and ask for food, which is annoying but for sure a good sign.
Talk again soon!
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