First Post Ever: What Is Happening to My Cat?

JULY 2009

[This is my first entry on my first ever blog!  I'm definitely meandering through an unknown sea in hyperspace, but, while holding my virtual nose, I'm diving in.]

In July 2009, my best feline friend and companion, Simone, was diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF).  She was 18 and a half years old at the time and had never been seriously sick in her life.  I knew for several months that something wasn't right with her.  Her behavior had slowly changed until she wasn't the cat I had once known.  She went from being very social, chatty, and affectionate to being quiet and withdrawn.  She often sat and slept like a Sphinx, instead of curled up on her side.  There was a sour odor about her and she had lost weight.  She seemed unhappy and often hid in dark areas.  What had happened to my best feline friend of 18+ years?  I missed her greeting me at the door, crying for attention and affection, curling next to me at night, and snarling at the other pets in the house.

After returning from a vacation in July 2009, it was clear that Simone was doing badly.  I took her to the vet as soon as possible.  After the blood tests came back (more about blood tests later), the vet told me she had chronic renal failure.  I didn't know what the hell that was.  I could tell in the vet's voice that the prognosis wasn't good.  Simone had a pretty advanced case of the disease.  Later I learned that CRF is a progressive disease and a silent killer.  Kidney cells lose function slowly but there may not be any outward signs of the disease until maybe 70% of the cells are gone.  By then it may be too late to save the cat.  In her most optimistic voice, the vet told me that CRF was treatable and recommended starting treatment immediately.  Of course, I agreed ... whatever it took!  But later she told me that she didn't think Simone would live very long.

The reason for this blog is first to tell the story of Simone and how she deals with her illness, but, even more importantly, I want to convey a sense of hope and optimism to cat owners that face a similar situation.  Yes, CRF can be deadly, but, if the cat is properly treated and cared for, a decent quality of life can be maintained.  Simply put, if you arm yourself with knowledge, patience, persistence and some money, the disease can be kept in check.

Future entries of this blog will present Simone's history, CRF resources, vitals, Simone's personal treatment, selection of veterinarians, info on medicines and supplements, treatment costs, and whatever else comes up.  Stay tuned and purr on!

Simone & Me

"In exchange for not killing and eating animals, they, in turn, will not kill you from heart disease, stroke, cancer, and so on."
>< MW