Too Long A Wait For Crossing Over??

[Lrabbitt]

Greetings Friends. I took my year and a half old TNR adopted feral to the cat hospital today after 7 months in my home. L'il Mouser was always frail, intermittently fecal incontinent, but she really made progress. Until last week.

Mouser became acutely ill about a week ago - vomiting and pooping outside the litterbox more than normal. The Mobile vet came out and said Mouser had a serious case of inflammatory bowel disease with no parasites, but serious bacterial infection. I tried the antibiotic sprinkled on her food but Mouser would not eat it. She got a steroid shot, but it went downhill from there.

Months, weeks, days and hours of trying to comfort her, tweaking diets, cleaning up pools of poop all over the house. Getting her to eat and drink. I lost her trust when getting her to multiple vet appointments. I finally took her to the cat hospital today, knowing how stressful that would be for her.

My mother says I have been cruel by letting Mouser suffer all these months and not euthanizing her. My daughter pointed out that Mouser needed medical intervention probably months ago and I am negligent. However, I made a commitment to Mouser that I would not lead her where I would not keep her - I have tried to give her stability and a low-stress life. She has had regular veterinary care, but none of the vets seemed to want to intervene in a radical manner that would cure her.

Now, if the hospital vet says her condition is incompatible with comfort and a reasonable life, I am prepared to let Mouser go. The thought I may have been negligent by letting Mouser live this long is a deep sadness. Your thoughts are appreciated...

 

[lavishsqualor]

I think your vet is the person to ask. If Mouser can be helped with reasonable medical treatment then I would certainly go that route. If your cat won't take her medication on her food then you've got to find another way to administer it. IBD is generally a very manageable affliction. My cat Thirteen has it and after putting her on a balanced raw diet she has done exceptionally well. Understand that I'm not at all saying you'd have to put your cat on a raw diet to help her. On the contrary, I think there are many viable options. Please get her to a vet and pose these questions to him or her. GOOD LUCK!

 

[jd333]

I had the same situation, but mine was about 17 years old. Only you who spends the most time with Mouser should be the one to decide. I dealt with my cat leaving poop all over the house for a long time, but to me it was just a quick cleanup. It was only when mine could no longer rest much at all, lost too much weight, and began becoming unbalanced while walking is when I made that final call. Mouser is so young, don't give up. IBD seems to be the kind of thing there is no single answer to, it will just take some patience with some trial and error to find a way to relieve it as much as you can.

Does Mouser still sleep with you? Is she able to sleep for a decent amount of time? If yes to both, definitely keep trying. If you haven't yet, switch to grain-free cat food. My cat loved "Nutro soft loaf pate" cans. Mind you, it did not cure it. I don't know much about the raw diet thing, but I would probably try it if I were you.

 

[di and bob]

Definitely try a change in diet first, research it on the internet or this site. Antibiotics are never fun to give, I get a liquid one and mix it with tuna juice which is stinky enough to disguise the smell. You go through a lot of tuna, but it has to be done. I have one cat that you just can't medicate. Even the vet had a time. For him i have to get hold of the loose skin on the back of his neck, hoist his front legs off the ground, which instantly quiets him, and administer the antibiotic with the syringe into the side of his mouth. It really works, and less traumatic then him struggling so hard.
There are also antibiotic injections the vet can give, one injection lasts a week. Call your vet and ask. You should inform them that the cat is not getting better and what else do they advise. Tell them you cannot get the cat to take the antibiotic and is there a better way.
Your mom is most likely from the times when 'putting down' animals for almost any reason was acceptable. Especially cats. They were raised in a time when people were not emotionally involved with their pets, any pet except a dog. Many had to be this way because they were farm people and most animals equaled food.
You are trying, you have given much to that sweet little girl and I'm sure she loves you very much. A home and your love is all she needs in her world. You have given her that. Keep trying until you can see she has quit living and is existing. Not moving much, hiding away, not eating, or doing anything enjoyable. As long as she interacts with you, there is a chance.
Finally, find a vet you can trust and who truly loves animals, including cats. Many vets are dog people and concentrate more on helping them. Call or stop in and talk with them about this, a caring one will help. They will advise you when and if help is advisable and when it is time to let go. Sometimes we are too emotionally involved to make good decisions at a time like this. I'll pray for her to get better, and to give you strength no matter what has to be done. Bless you for loving her so much.....

 

[Mamanyt1953]

My heart with yours. Her semi-feral state so complicates things for you. SIGH...no matter what the outcome, no matter what the time frame, you are not alone on this journey. We are with you.

 

[les26]

Wow, this is a tough situation, you are doing what you think is right, I don't think you are being cruel or unfair you are just looking for answers and the right answers. Is there a good animal hospital near you? Nothing against regular vets, but when Sugar had that horrible allergic reaction about 6 weeks ago they had to take her to a 24 hour animal hospital an hour away and let's just say that I could definitely tell the difference, they were specialists who have seen MANY strange things and maybe they would have a better insight into your kittie's issue, it is worth a try! Heck the local vet who took Sugar down to the hospital takes her own cats there, that's how much she trusts them!

Keep the faith, keep trying, you just might hit on the right vet who knows how to handle it.

Good luck, God Bless.....

 

[Loving Mickey]

I can feel your sadness coming through your post. I sympathize with you , truly I do. No , you are not being cruel to your baby. You are doing everything you can to help her and make her life better. You took her in and gave her a safe warm home and all your love. Believe me , that is everything to a kitty. It is all she ever wanted , to feel safe and loved. You are giving that to her.
She definitely needs the medicine. Antiobiotics will make her feel so much better. I usually get the liquid form and squirt a little at a time in the side of their mouth , making sure the kitty swallows before squirting more. A pill I open their mouth and throw pill towards back , massaging the neck so they swallow.
Usually works , sometimes they spit it out.
I just try again a little later.
Maybe you can mix the medicine in a little food and see if she eats it. May work. You just never know what will work. I have tried different ways. Some days will be easier than others.
Just know that whatever may happen , you have improved your kitty's life greatly.
She is still so young though. I hope she will take her medicine and allow you to help her. I always ask , why can't a cat understand that all we want is to help them.
If only a cat could talk.
I will be praying for both you and your precious baby!

 

[Lrabbitt]

My heart with yours. Her semi-feral state so complicates things for you. SIGH...no matter what the outcome, no matter what the time frame, you are not alone on this journey. We are with you.

Thank you so much! It has been a bittersweet journey. Right now, Little Mouser is at the vet's being treated with steroids and boarding while I popped two states over to celebrate my Mom's 93rd birthday. Good news is it's a wonderful cat hospital and my good friend Teresa is visiting her every day. I miss my kitty so much - even all the cleaning up !! Again many thanks and may God bless you, Leslie

 

[Lrabbitt]

I can feel your sadness coming through your post. I sympathize with you , truly I do. No , you are not being cruel to your baby. You are doing everything you can to help her and make her life better. You took her in and gave her a safe warm home and all your love. Believe me , that is everything to a kitty. It is all she ever wanted , to feel safe and loved. You are giving that to her.
She definitely needs the medicine. Antiobiotics will make her feel so much better. I usually get the liquid form and squirt a little at a time in the side of their mouth , making sure the kitty swallows before squirting more. A pill I open their mouth and throw pill towards back , massaging the neck so they swallow.
Usually works , sometimes they spit it out.
I just try again a little later.
Maybe you can mix the medicine in a little food and see if she eats it. May work. You just never know what will work. I have tried different ways. Some days will be easier than others.
Just know that whatever may happen , you have improved your kitty's life greatly.
She is still so young though. I hope she will take her medicine and allow you to help her. I always ask , why can't a cat understand that all we want is to help them.
If only a cat could talk.
I will be praying for both you and your precious baby!

Thank you so much for your kind post! I am greatly encouraged by your words and by the team at Grants Mill Animal Hospital. When I took Mouser into my little apartment, I promised her and the good Lord that I would not lead her where I would not keep her. My 93 year old Mom had some words of wisdom today: "Leslie calm down - you are upsetting the cat with all your emotion. Have confidence in her instincts and relax with her." Mouser has been getting inpatient treatment and I pick her up from the hospital on Wednesday. I can't wait to have my kitteh home again!

Many thanks and may God bless you, Leslie

 

[Lrabbitt]

Wow, this is a tough situation, you are doing what you think is right, I don't think you are being cruel or unfair you are just looking for answers and the right answers. Is there a good animal hospital near you? Nothing against regular vets, but when Sugar had that horrible allergic reaction about 6 weeks ago they had to take her to a 24 hour animal hospital an hour away and let's just say that I could definitely tell the difference, they were specialists who have seen MANY strange things and maybe they would have a better insight into your kittie's issue, it is worth a try! Heck the local vet who took Sugar down to the hospital takes her own cats there, that's how much she trusts them!

Keep the faith, keep trying, you just might hit on the right vet who knows how to handle it.

Good luck, God Bless.....

Thank you - I think I found the right animal hospital with subspecialists who understand inborn errors of metabolism. They have pretty much narrowed Mouser's issue to an autoimmune issue (similar to a Kitteh Crohn's disease). It is is treatable. Will take patience (especially with a feral!) but there is hope.

Many thanks for your post and may God bless you, Leslie

 

[ArchyCat]

Lrabbitt --

Sounds like you and Mouser are making progress. As with humans, getting an accurate diagnosis is about 80% of the battle. Keep us upto date on Mouser's progress. Sounds likes was a very fortunate kitty to find you!

 

[Lrabbitt]

Thank you! We are not giving up!

 

[Royalty]

Thank you so much for your kind post! I am greatly encouraged by your words and by the team at Grants Mill Animal Hospital. When I took Mouser into my little apartment, I promised her and the good Lord that I would not lead her where I would not keep her. My 93 year old Mom had some words of wisdom today: "Leslie calm down - you are upsetting the cat with all your emotion. Have confidence in her instincts and relax with her." Mouser has been getting inpatient treatment and I pick her up from the hospital on Wednesday. I can't wait to have my kitteh home again!

Many thanks and may God bless you, Leslie

You are a wonderful mummy to your kitty I would be the exact same as you, you are trying everything no you are not being cruel, you are doing everything you can. I wish you and mouser good luck at the animal hospital, and hopefully mouser picks up very soon , take care

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Knowing the problem is halfway to fixing it. This is incredible news! GO MOUSER!

 

[les26]

Knowing the problem is halfway to fixing it. This is incredible news! GO MOUSER!

Absolutely!!! If she does half as good as Sugar did she will be doing great!!!! And like Sugar, with all the love and support from here pulling for you things HAVE to go well!!!!

"Come on Mouser, you got this!!!!!"