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- Jan 31, 2021
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Well, folks, I guess it's one of those things that happens to cats as they get older.
Sassy, who I pulled off the street a few years back, is 14 on the low end - testimony from neighbors suggests that she could be closer to 17 or 18, but the vet's guess based on dental health is 14. At her check-up this past weekend, we noted that she had lost about half a pound and did her usual blood work. She's been on very low dose felimazole (2.5mg) for a few years for hyperthyroidism. Her thyroid values have continued to increase - right now I think she's at 6.2mcg, whereas optimum is between 1 and 4.7 (this time last year she was at 4.8). She also has very early stage, very mild kidney disease, which he says is likely related to the hyperthyroidism. Right now we are upping her dosage of felimazole to 3.75mg a day - the vet says that right now it's a balancing act, as lowering thyroid levels too much too quickly can make the kidney damage worse due to the change in blood flow - and going back for more blood work next month.
He does not believe we need to modify her diet as she is already getting high quality senior cat food (Tiki Cat "Silver," grain free, low phosphorus, high omega-3s) and drinking plenty of water.
She is otherwise very healthy - her teeth are clean and sharp, her vision, hearing, and cognition are all perfect, her coat is soft and smooth, she eats normally and drinks plenty of water, blood pressure is great, all other blood work looks "perfect" per the vet, and she remains playful, active, and curious - she has recently learned how to open cabinets and drawers, and she's almost got the hang of light switches.
The vet says she's probably still got a few years left as long as we get everything sorted with the thyroid, but I am, of course, aware that this is the beginning of the end for Sassy. She's my first cat, so I had just kind of planned on her living forever and I'm not thrilled about confronting reality.
Does anyone have any other insight, tips, etc on keeping her happy, healthy, and comfortable for as long as we can? Supplements, general advice, etc?
Thanks!
Sassy, who I pulled off the street a few years back, is 14 on the low end - testimony from neighbors suggests that she could be closer to 17 or 18, but the vet's guess based on dental health is 14. At her check-up this past weekend, we noted that she had lost about half a pound and did her usual blood work. She's been on very low dose felimazole (2.5mg) for a few years for hyperthyroidism. Her thyroid values have continued to increase - right now I think she's at 6.2mcg, whereas optimum is between 1 and 4.7 (this time last year she was at 4.8). She also has very early stage, very mild kidney disease, which he says is likely related to the hyperthyroidism. Right now we are upping her dosage of felimazole to 3.75mg a day - the vet says that right now it's a balancing act, as lowering thyroid levels too much too quickly can make the kidney damage worse due to the change in blood flow - and going back for more blood work next month.
He does not believe we need to modify her diet as she is already getting high quality senior cat food (Tiki Cat "Silver," grain free, low phosphorus, high omega-3s) and drinking plenty of water.
She is otherwise very healthy - her teeth are clean and sharp, her vision, hearing, and cognition are all perfect, her coat is soft and smooth, she eats normally and drinks plenty of water, blood pressure is great, all other blood work looks "perfect" per the vet, and she remains playful, active, and curious - she has recently learned how to open cabinets and drawers, and she's almost got the hang of light switches.
The vet says she's probably still got a few years left as long as we get everything sorted with the thyroid, but I am, of course, aware that this is the beginning of the end for Sassy. She's my first cat, so I had just kind of planned on her living forever and I'm not thrilled about confronting reality.
Does anyone have any other insight, tips, etc on keeping her happy, healthy, and comfortable for as long as we can? Supplements, general advice, etc?
Thanks!