I feel like I’m on a roller coaster right now . . .
My cat Sketch will be eleven years old in April. I’ve had him since he was five weeks old.
Friday night, I came home from ACME, and he was acting strangely: he was in the hallway (not on my bed where he usually is) breathing very heavily and rapidly. There was something clearly wrong with him.
Saturday morning, I took him to the vet, and she took some Xrays. They showed that his lungs were about 1/2 full of fluid, and none of the vets could figure out why. They think it may be something with his heart.
He spent the weekend at this 24 hour emergency vet, where they gave him some oxygen and some other medication, to help clear out his lungs. They took more Xrays yesterday evening, and there wasn’t any significant change.
This afternoon, the vet told me that he hasn’t responded to any of the medication, so tomorrow morning I’m taking him to get a cardiac ultrasound. The vet told me and Anne that he should be okay to stay with us overnight, so Anne brought him home, where he can sleep on our bed with us, and be close to his brother, Biko.
I just got back from ACME (the running joke is that I secretly live under the stage there now) and Sketch is in my bedroom with Anne.He’s really struggling. He hasn’t gotten worse (if he does, I will take him right back to the emergency vet), but he’s not getting better, either. If the ultrasound shows that he’s got some heart thing that I can’t remember the name of right now, he’ll get on medication right away, and it should clear out his lungs and put him back together.
But if it’s inconclusive, or shows something worse, I’m not going to let him suffer because I can’t say goodbye. I hope I don’t have to make that decision, and I’ve been appealing to The Universe all day to give Sketch a natural 20 on his saving throw. Please?
He’s such a tough little guy, I never thought that he would get sick like this, and so suddenly. Biko is the runt of their litter, and Felix has been in and out of the vet so many times, they’re naming a boat after him . . . but I love Sketch so much, I don’t want him to go. It would mean a lot to me if anyone who reads this would take a moment and send Sketch some kitty mojo, especially to his heart and lungs.
You can call him “Tubby,” or “Fatty,” or “Fat Boy,” or “Chunk,” too, because he responds to all those names. He’s my tubby little guy.
Thanks.
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Cats are like babies. For 12 years my cat Samantha has been my baby and still is, even though I now have a non-furry (human) one as well. I’ve been where you are, to some extent–Sam was diagnosed with a lifelong condition at age 10 (much traumatic and expensive testing, specialists, etc) and it was very difficult to function while my thoughts were running around screaming “Is it cancer? Will I have to put her to sleep??” She is now able to live a relatively normal life with daily meds, thankfully. But I still worry about her and I understand that horrible feeling in your gut one gets when you are helpless to do more. You are doing everything you can to give your kitty the best life and care possible, and that’s what counts! Best mojo wishes to Sketch and to you. You’re doing your best, and that’s all any cat can ask.
My Cat, Pippa, had what sounds like a similar condition for the last couple of years of her life (15 -17), with medication she was able to lead a happy and comfortable life until one day after my Mum gave her a saucer of milk before bed she just fell asleep and passed away sometime during the night. We still miss her now, but we know that she was happy and comfortable and her condition wasn’t affecting her day to day life – we had to feed her richer food to get the nutrients she needed from a smaller quantity, but as far as she was concerned this was a GOOD thing. She was our wee cat with the great big heart and we loved her and she was content.
I hope that Sketch responds just as well to his meds – Cats are fairly resilient and we’ve had very good experiences with our two responding like magic to meds for really serious conditions – Love him and spoil him and enjoy him and know that we are thinking of you all and hoping that he gets better very soon.
Much mojo coming from my direction dude! 🙂
I’m so sorry about your cat. My own cat, Fred, died a month ago from kidney failure, so I know the pain you are going through. I hope he gets better!
Wil,
On hearing the “tubby” comments, my cat (Hummer, short for Humbucker, also known as Booty Girl) immediately asked if we could send some valuable kitty mojo Sketch’s way. Moe, my witchy girlfriend’s black cat familiar, also lends his magickal talents. Sophia (a.k.a. Little Butt), being a kitten, was running around too fast for us to get her attention, but I’m sure she will contribute as well as soon as she slows down to rest.
And for you, good vibes from a fellow pseudo-blogger, musician, and writer. Know that whatever decision you make, you are doing so in the best interests of your beloved furry friend.
all the mojo i can muster headed toward Sketch. our cats have corona, which we found out b/c one of their siblings (in another house) came down with FIP. i know how messed up i was over that, and my little cat was perfectly healthy at the time. best wishes to Chunk.
Cats are like babies. For 12 years my cat Samantha has been my baby and still is, even though I now have a non-furry (human) one as well. I’ve been where you are, to some extent–Sam was diagnosed with a lifelong condition at age 10 (much traumatic and expensive testing, specialists, etc) and it was very difficult to function while my thoughts were running around screaming “Is it cancer? Will I have to put her to sleep??” She is now able to live a relatively normal life with daily meds, thankfully. But I still worry about her and I understand that horrible feeling in your gut one gets when you are helpless to do more. You are doing everything you can to give your kitty the best life and care possible, and that’s what counts! Best mojo wishes to Sketch and to you. You’re doing your best, and that’s all any cat can ask.
A kitten that’s a member of our family (named Azrael) may have a life-threatening disease, so I (sort of) know what your going through. Copious quality mojo to you and Sketch.
I’m sending out lots of mojo to Sketch. I hope he’s back on his feet soon. My cats, Trixie and Bailey, both send their love to him.
Tons of mojo to Sketch. I can’t know how tough it must be for you right now but I don’t know what I would do if my cat (Monkey) would get sick.
I’ll make sure to have Monkey give some long distance mojo to a fellow cat when I get home tonight.
Cardiomyopathy, more than likely, is what they’re concerned about. It’s an enlargement of the heart, which the heart is not designed for. It can cause congestive heart failure, which is what the fluid sounds like. (I’m a survivor of the human version of it.)
Good luck to you guys. All the mojo I have to spare is his.
You got it, bro. Mojo is flowing…
I really understand how you are feeling atm. I really do. My kitty who I have had since I was eleven (I am now 30) is failing.
She has seen me through so much I just cannot imagine life without her. And I always promised myself if she was ever in pain or did not have a quality of life that was decent I wouldn’t make her live with it just to make me feel better. So everyday I send a little kitty mojo myself to her and thank the Universe everyday when I come home from work to find I have been given one more day with her.
So today, I will double the dose and include Sketch in my thoughts for you and your family so maybe you can thank the Universe for that one more day.
I really understand how you are feeling atm. I really do. My kitty who I have had since I was eleven (I am now 30) is failing.
She has seen me through so much I just cannot imagine life without her. And I always promised myself if she was ever in pain or did not have a quality of life that was decent I wouldn’t make her live with it just to make me feel better. So everyday I send a little kitty mojo myself to her and thank the Universe everyday when I come home from work to find I have been given one more day with her.
So today, I will double the dose and include Sketch in my thoughts for you and your family so maybe you can thank the Universe for that one more day.
Your little furry guy will be getting all the mojo I can gather up. Hope all goes well.
That sucks… I hope for the best for Sketch. I will *try* to hug my cat for you 😀
Wil,
My heart goes out to you and Sketch and the family. As it happens, we are going through the same thing right now with our cat Tide, who is 10. Unfortunately, Tide has cancer, so the prognosis is not so good. But I know what you mean about being so surprised when he got sick! Tide has never been sick either, and now this! We’re not ready to let him go, but, like you, we don’t want him to suffer. It’s heartbreaking.
Good luck with Sketch. It sounds like there’s a good chance that he’ll be OK soon!!
Lots of hugs to Sketch and you. I had to put my 15 year old “old man” (cat) down about this time last year and it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I really hope you don’t have to make that decision this week and that there is medicine to fix Sketch. It is the worst feeling in the world to be unable to help your beloved pet. (By the way, my 2 year old daughter was standing next to me as I was reading your entry and she saw the “Fear” level with Bert and got all excited. Just thought that might make you smile.) Waiting on pins and needles to hear how he is.
Hi wil, I sure hope Mojo doesn’t get weaker over distance, seeing as this is coming all the way from the UK! Much much much mojo for Sketch! i’ll be thinking of him…miao.
take care, love rach
All the mojo I have is going to Sketch right now. I grew around pets and I know how it feels to be worried and scared from them. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
All my spare mojo is heading your way. Keep on keepin on, Sketch!
Wil –
I’ve never posted before but this grabbed my attention because I went through something similar with one of my little ones several years ago.
Please ask your Vet to investigate FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), Sketch’s symptoms sound very much like it. It often goes undiagnosed for a long time and unfortunately it has no cure. But they can do things that can make him more comfortable. The biggest problem could be if you have other cats. It is infectious and can spread to them so you’ll need to have them checked out as well to make sure it hasn’t spread.
Good luck and I hope all turns out well for all of you.
-K
Thank you, everyone. We’re about to take Sketch to get the ultrasound. I’m trying to remain optimistic, but he had a rough night. When he purrs, it sounds really rough and squeeky in his neck and he refuses to eat.
I hope that we can get him on medication right away that will help him out, but since he won’t eat, I can’t get him to take the pills they gave Anne at the vet yesterday.
We all appreciate your thoughts, prayers, mojo, and other stuff. Thank you.
Wil, please know that Sketch and you, and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers! I so understand what you are going through. It is very difficult to see him suffer, yet you hate to just give up on him. I agree that you must do all you can. Then, if the vet can not make him better, then it’s time to consider the options. Not easy, I know. We had to make that decision for our Sheba last year. We got her when she was only 3 months old, and she was a big part of our family for twelve years. This is our heart-wrenching tribute to Sheba: http://mycatranch.textamerica.com/?r=1302798 I pray that Sketch will recover and you won’t have to make that decision. I also pray that if it is his time, that you and your family will be comforted and at peace about it. Big hugs to you all! *Wil* *Anne* *Sketch* *Felix* *Biko*
The name Sketch reminds me of a 3-foot high cow with one eyebrow, so I’ll have to send the mojo straight to you lest it get misdirected. Hope you don’t mind, Wil. *~*~* *~*~* *~*~* *~*~* *~*~* *~*~*
Wil, Please check your e-mail for the phone number of someone who can help you with this most painful situation. Also sending kitty mojo.
All right, I just turned into a weepy little chimp now… Even though I’m deathly allergic to cats, and my house is in desperate need of a good mouser right now, super mojonation towards Sketch and his extended family.
that really bites….my cat had that same thing and we couldnt do anything for him and had to put him to sleep and the sad part is he was only 4 when it happened…..hope your cat gets better wil i really do
Dear Sketch,
Here’s sending you mucho mojo for you to feel better really soon. My cats Attitude (“Tudie” or “Tude Monster”) and Ace (“Acey”) Ventura are sending the extra-special-feel-better *KITTY MOJO*, so you’ll be feeling the love before too long.
XOXOXOXOXO
Goddyss
My heart is aching for you guys-since I went through this with Trooper just last year…
Kitty mojo really does help make you feel better-I hope Anne, you and Tubby feel it too.
I hope everything works out for the best, but I am so glad you got a great cat and he has terrific owners that care so much.
Sketch – Much much much mojo to you and your family (staff) from Ping, Copper, Mr. Bojangles, Domino, Tim & Diane (the staff) from Nor Cal.
Nothing but good mojo here. Really hope sketch pulls though.
All our good mojo coming Sketch’s way, get well soon Sketch!
Signed up for TypeKey just to send good vibes your way. I won’t send Mojo (though I’m sure you’d love having a pudgy black cat with a pin head and a cool name ;-), but I will send good vibes. We faced the decision of having to put our oooold cat down on 12/30/2003. My wife had him when I met her in 1989, and he had been a fixture of the household since. It was not an easy decision, and it was painful. Unfortunately, as the vet told us, old cats have a way of not dying on their own, at least without a lot of suffering along the way, as one by one their systems start failing them. I hope things go well for you and that you don’t have to face that decision…
*heart pangs* I just experienced the loss of my cat Pandora recently. I totally feel your pain.
I hope that Sketch gets better, here’s some *mojo*. And if the worst does happen, I give you and your family *mojo* too.
Hey Wil. So sorry about Sketch. I’m sending Mojo your way. I’m also going to “talk” to my youngest daughter’s angels and see if one can go down and visit your cat. She had lots of lung and heart problems, too, due to her extreme prematurity, but now only a year later she’s almost the picture of perfect health. As a tiny baby, she laughed and cooed at a space in the distance for no reason at all. We said it was her angels come to play with her. Perhaps they will help cats, too.
And mojo for your family, too.
Sending some serious mojo to your kitty. Sending more to you and your family. My dogs are both getting very old and sick, so I know how hard it is & I signed up for Typekey just so I could do this.
*hugs and mojo* to all of you.
(And some extra for all the commenters also going through this with their pets. There’ve been a few of you, I noticed. Good luck.)
massive kitty mojo to sketch, and to you and your family too!
Eeep! Major mojo from Molly, Muggles, Pixel, Nellie and the two humans in this house. Oh, throw in the fish too, any little drop of mojo may help! How ever the die lands we’re thinking of you – and hopefully Sketch has some modifiers to add to the roll!
–kriss in Seattle
Much kitty mojo to Fat Boy Sketch.
Hey Wil:
Before you make any decision go check out the collective wisdom to be found online. There are many Yahoo Groups for people who have cats with various health ailments.
Here’s one specifically about cats with heart ailments:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/feline-heart/
I have used these groups for my cat that had lymphoma and now for my cat with kidney disease.
They are a great resource and may give you some good treatment ideas and info to ask your vet about.
Hey Wil, Sending some serious mojo to Sketch…prayers that everything works out and he is back to his happy and healthy self soon.
Best wishes 🙂
Hey Dude!
MAJOR MOJO!!
MOJO!MOJO!
Give the little Guy a squcih for me- that’s a hugandkiss all in one!
Hope that he feels better soon,I know what it feels like to have a pet who like a part of the family– I have a cat who has been with me for over 8 yrs now–thats a record—and a big dog who is 7 yrs old this year.
Sketch is in my prayers and your family
About 4 years ago when I joined the Air Force I knew my dog Molly was sick. I had her since I was in the second grade. Molly had tumors all over her body. I came home on leave at Christmas time to see all of my family. I went back to Mississippi and back to training. About a month later I got a call from my mom saying that they had put Molly down. She had a tumor growing in the back of her head into her brain. I cried so much and I loved her so deeply.
What has stuck with me ever since that phone call was what my mom said. The day after I left Molly was sitting on the back porch looking like she was stairing off to nothing. I have always thought that moment was the straw that broke the camels back. She got really depressed after I left and I think she just gave up on life.
To this day its a thought that has haunted me and at times I blame myself even thought I know that there was nothing I could do and and nothing I did.
What I am trying to get at is, I know we all love out animals. Everyone says love like you have never loved before and that feeling should go twards are animals to. My 3 cats are a big part of my life and I cant imagin anything happening to them, but I know one day I will have to face that fact. It scares me that something will happen to them while I am deployed and I dont think I could ever handel that.
My love and my prayers go out to you and your familiy. I will be thinking about ya’ll and checking up on your web sight to keep up dated. I wish only the best
Much love
Sketch mojo on da way! I’ve had my first cat since June 1995 and can’t imagine life without her.
Damn…this sounds almost exactly like what we went through with our last cat, Dusty. The breathing odd, the wheezing, lungs half filled with fluid. A chest x-ray revealed an enlarged heart and a following cardiac ultrasound showed the left atrium 5 times normal size.
But the good news…they immediately got her on heart medication to improve its function, put her on lasix to push the fluid out, and she did very well for another year. Her quality of life for that year was *very* good, right up until the last day. She was more quiet than she had been in the past and we couldn’t let intentionally get her running or chasing things, but she was happy enough and still had all the other things she enjoyed.
I’ll keep a couple of fingers crossed that your kitty does as well as (or even better than) Dusty did.
I have no mojo to give (mine typically debilitates things), but I wish your cat the best. I lost two cats within a year, and it was quite painful. I’m glad you’ve decided to not have your cat suffer if there is no treatment for him. In addition to your saving throw, I give your cat the old Final Fantasy Strong-Against-[insert aliment here].
Concentrating… Concentrating… Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch, Kitty Mojo for Sketch…
*sends kitty mojo for sketch*
I’m so sorry Wil.
I put down my 19-year-old cat and haven’t been the same since. Seriously.
Do everything you can, of course, but then also consider what you’ve given him in his life so far. He’s already lucky.
Sending him good and peaceful thoughts, whichever way this goes….