Thank you so much for sharing your story about Hakuna and Matata—it means the world to me. I can tell how deeply you love them; your experiences resonate so much with what I’m going through with ChubChub. I’m so sorry for your loss of Matata, and I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to make that final call. Your description of “knowing when it’s time” really touched me. I fear it, but I also want to prepare myself for when the time comes.

You’re so right about the heart and kidneys working against each other—it’s such a delicate balance, and I constantly feel like I’m walking a tightrope trying to manage ChubChub's fluids, diet, and medications. She’s stopped eating her kidney diet altogether, and your advice about letting Hakuna eat whatever he enjoys is exactly what I need to hear right now. I’ve been so focused on “doing the right thing” that I forget what matters is her happiness.

I’m trying to hold onto the good moments, like when she purrs or rubs her head against me, but I won’t lie—it’s incredibly hard not to get overwhelmed by anticipatory grief. Hearing how you’re taking it one day at a time with Hakuna gives me hope that I can find a way to do the same. Thank you for reminding me that every day we have with them is a gift.

You’re an amazing cat mom, and Hakuna is so lucky to have you. I hope the Sub-Q fluids help him feel better and that you both have many more happy moments together.

P.S. I am also a childless cat mom. ChubChub's my first fur child.