I am worried about one of my two elderly Ocicats (female, 16 years old, renal) so I am posting here as I have from time to time since they were three months old.
Pherber is a delicate old lady who has lost a lot of weight, does not love her non-protein renal diet and now she is even refusing her brother's low-phosphorous non-medical wet cat food. Even though Pherber remains affectionate, mobile, sociable and seemingly pain-free with a high quality of life (indoors only), I am very worried; according to one vet, she should be eating 6.1 oz of food per day and she is nowhere near that at the moment. As well as antacids and blood pressure meds, I give her subcutaneous fluids every 72 hours. No vomiting, no diarrhea.
I am about to call the vet but have my usual reservations about putting Pherber through the ordeal of testing, poking and prodding when she seems not to be in discomfort. I am beginning to fear that she is starting her last lap and that this refusal to eat is a sign that she's at the end of her life. I was told that cats don't generally last more than a year after initial diagnosis of severe kidney issues.
As always, I would really appreciate some advice.
Pherber is a delicate old lady who has lost a lot of weight, does not love her non-protein renal diet and now she is even refusing her brother's low-phosphorous non-medical wet cat food. Even though Pherber remains affectionate, mobile, sociable and seemingly pain-free with a high quality of life (indoors only), I am very worried; according to one vet, she should be eating 6.1 oz of food per day and she is nowhere near that at the moment. As well as antacids and blood pressure meds, I give her subcutaneous fluids every 72 hours. No vomiting, no diarrhea.
I am about to call the vet but have my usual reservations about putting Pherber through the ordeal of testing, poking and prodding when she seems not to be in discomfort. I am beginning to fear that she is starting her last lap and that this refusal to eat is a sign that she's at the end of her life. I was told that cats don't generally last more than a year after initial diagnosis of severe kidney issues.
As always, I would really appreciate some advice.