They lose their appetite because of all of the icky stuff in their blood that isn't getting filtered by the kidneys. If you are agressive about the fluid therapy (which shoves the blood through the kidneys and forces some of the ickies out) and can get the numbers to come down, often appetite will come back, and if you can keep the numbers stable, often they can do well for quite some time.

Good luck.

I just got back to read this thread now, since I was out for a bit. Thanks to everybody who posted for all your kind words and thoughts, I really appreciate it. You guys are the best!

To give you an update, I took Shadow to the vet today, and told the doctor about how Shadow was not eating or drinking anything. The vet weighed Shadow, and I learned that my beloved kitty had lost another pound! He was now 7 pounds, as opposed to his healthy weight of 14 pounds.

The vet then told me that Shadow's kidneys were shrinking, and were the size of a marble. He let me put his hand where Shadow's kidney was, and I could tell that the vet was absolutely correct. It wasn't too hard to tell that the kidneys were in bad shape, since Shadow was like a skeleton when he was at the vet's today, nothing but skin and bones.

I told the doctor that since Shadow was not eating or drinking, that I was not sure if there was anything more I could do for him, since he has not been eating since he returned from the vet's last week, and he has only been drinking a little bit of water. The doctor said that the kidney disease had progressed. He said that he could keep Shadow overnight, give him fluids, etc. that would perk him up, but that it would probably only last a few days before Shadow's condition would deteriorate again. I then told the doctor that it would be best to put Shadow to sleep, since the prognosis was very poor at this point. The vet told me that I had made the right decision.

I somehow got gutsy and decided to stay with Shadow while he was being put to sleep, and surprisingly, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. The doctor laid Shadow on a soft blanket and gave him something to sedate him, since sedating an animal before euthanizing it makes it easier on the animal. It took about 5 minutes before the sedative took effect (Shadow kept trying to jump off the table, and I had to keep holding him back), but finally it set in. Shadow got very calm and just kind of sat on the table with a dazed look on his face. The vet then moved the cat to the operating room, where he injected the medicine to euthanize him with. My mom was with me the whole time, and said that Shadow stopped breathing even before the doctor finished injecting him (it happens very fast). I didn't even realize that Shadow was already gone, and asked the vet how long it would take for the medicine to kick in, and he responded, "He's gone".

I was shocked at how quickly the cat passed, but I am glad that it was fast, and that Shadow was not suffering anymore. I know that I made the right decision, since Shadow was no longer eating and drinking, also because he was dehydrated, anemic, and he also had a dental infection (poor baby). It is kind of a relief too, because I no longer will have to watch Shadow look at his water dish, acting like he's all thirsty, but he will not drink (that used to really bother me a lot). I will no longer have to fight with Shadow to give him his meds (we all know how cats hate to get pills). or watch Shadow continue to go downhill. I know that he is in a better place, and that he is at peace and is no longer sick and suffering. I like to think that he is reunited with his brother Scooter (who I lost a few years back to cancer), and that they're playing together somewhere.

At least I still have my two other cats, Reebok and Fluffy, who need me, so I won't be totally cat-less. Of course, they will never take the place of Shadow, but at least they continue to make me smile and I enjoy their company. Plus I have the Prince concert coming up in just a week, the perfect solution for the sadness that I feel right now.

Again thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and kind words. They are definitely appreciated!
[This message was edited Sat Apr 10 20:20:41 2004 by psychodelicide]

oh dear...so sorry to hear this psycho.

don't deny your grief-time...it's important for your well-being.

take care of yourself.

nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

psychodelicide *hug*

oh Nancy poor Shadow
i know that you, fluffy, and Rebok will miss him

Nancy,I hope Shadow is OK. I know about losing pets. It's Terrible. I Feel for you. I hope all will be well for you.
[This message was edited Sat Apr 10 22:29:41 2004 by Zelaira]

I am so sorry about Shadow. I know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet and to make the decision to have them put to sleep, even when you know in your heart it is the most humane thing to do.

Shadow surely felt your love and was glad to have you there at the moment of his passing.

Hope the cat turns out okay. you did the right thing of having Shadow put to sleep. Take time to grieve.

My thoughts are with u Psych'


I draw a picture in my mind, a better place were Shadow enjoys being free from pain. I guess he's keeping an eye on you though so don't be sad.



This pic doesn't show exactly what I had in mind but it gives a general idea of what I'm dealing with...







[This message was edited Sun Apr 11 4:46:07 2004 by MarySharon]

Oh that's really too bad for Shadow. We had to do the same with our cat, but it was really for the best in the end because he was suffering so much.

I'm sorry. Take good care of yourself.

That's really sad. I'm glad you are bearing up.

Nan-y,

We have talked about Shadow before. You know that you are in my heart at this difficult time.

You gave Shadow such a wonderful home! I don't think a kitty could ask for a better pet He had a happy life and I bet he's happy now as well.

Hang in there Nan-y! What will stick with you are all the good things about Shadow.

chewymusic said:

ohh nancy but me and you and chewy!

to shadow from down here

take good care of yourself these next few weeks nancy
[This message was edited Sun Apr 11 10:41:38 2004 by violett]

Nancy -



This is a hard time, I know...pets are a part of our families. My thoughts are with you.

I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss psychodelicide...

Psycho...this was given to us when our Mittens passed, hope it helps.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors.
When beloved pets die, they go to this place.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so that they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends
are warm and comfortable. The animals are happy and content.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health
and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole
and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days
and times gone by.

Those Google adverts are very inappropriate at times.

Nancy ,I am sorry you had to put the cat to sleepbut it Probably was the best thing since he was sick and suffering. I feel sad for you and isn't it something how we sometimes lose loved ones around the Holidays?

aww...have one of these babe..

HEY NANCY I AM SO SO SORRY TOO HEAR ABOUT YOUR CAT .. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU :flower:

I so know what you are going through. I have a twelve year old Corgi, and he has been going through some troubles with arthritis. Fortunately, I've been able to treat him (with children's asprin, of all things), but it came real close at one point to me having to make that decision. It is so hard, because you really want to do what's best. I know eventually I will have to make that choice again, and its going to tear me up when I do. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Shadow now knows no more pain. Nancy, an animal can be a great friend. Cherish the one's you have now.

My best friend has a cat named Shadow-its lost right now sorry about ur cat

Nancy. My thoughts are with you. So are my kitty's.

I just wanted to again give my heartfelt thanks to everybody who posted. Didn't know that this thread would generate such a response, but I do appreciate it very much.

you did the right thing, you are strong !

Smelly Cat, Smelly cat what are they feeding you?
Smelly Cat, smelly cat it's not your fault...

They won't take you to the vet.
You're obviously not their favorite pet.
You may not be a bed of roses,
And you're no friend to those with noses.

Smelly cat, smelly cat what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat it's not your fault!






[This message was edited Tue Apr 13 3:36:07 2004 by FunnyWayOfStoppinTheJuice]