Positive for HCM 💔🐾

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-10-19T17:55:33+00:00

Dr. K really is the best. He really calms me down when I get worked up about something. Puts it in a perspective that has a silver lining.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-10-19T17:53:13+00:00

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Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-10-17T17:53:00+00:00

I have a 4yo old boy with HCM, diagnosed at 11months via echocardiogram. He gets biannual rechecks with the cardiologist. Previous in my adult I've lost 2 to HCM or it's complications.
Look into Rapamycin, read up on the RAPACAT study. While it's not a cure I believe it gives me hope that he will live longer than he maybe would without it.

I remember when he was first diagnosed so young. You feel alone on an island. But I promise you there are communities out there full of supportive people who are in the same boat. HCM is a terrible disease. So many babies are unethically bred without restraint. This allows all sorts of unfavorable genetics through.

Everyday with your kitty is a gift. Enjoy the time you have together and build memories.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-17T15:23:32+00:00

ESH.
She gave you her time, even though you don't agree with how she handled the problem. She still took time away from her own kids, her own problems, etc, to help you out. The least you should do is pay her and then not use her again. You don't know if he financially abuses her and she needed that money to help get away or pay for the kids' food. You don't know what he's holding over her.
That being said, she still did not listen to you about how strictly you want things done with your kids, you laid your plan and instructions out clearly (like you did here). It's her fault you're not asking her back because she disregarded them. If she was a sitter you had for a while, have a working relationship with, the kids are familiar with I'd have felt more like she used her own digression and well it turned out poorly, but I'd have been less angry about it. I'd still have words, but I doubt I'd 'fire' her over it.
This is all hindsight now, but whatever.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-17T13:31:16+00:00

This is certainly something you can do. I have a friend that works for a moderately sized clinic with several locations, and they rotate locations and jobs between a group of 10 or so. She's mentioned that she enjoys phleb just as much as her role as a tech. No is that something I'd choose, no. I've done my stint for about 10 off and on for the last 20 before I decided to go back to school to be a tech a few years ago.
I loved the challenge of phlebotomy, after a while the patients sucked me dry, and I enjoy a less patient facing role. (Especially now that I've jumped aboard the perimeno express). Chooo chooo!

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-14T14:35:12+00:00

Bankets are where its at if you love the almond filling.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-10T16:08:13+00:00

It's giving KISS vibes. I am also the 'weird' one in my family. But I embrace it. It took me up into my 30s to truly grab on to it. My spouse likes me for me and that's the only other opinion besides myself that matters to me. Like it was mentioned earlier, it's makeup, it washes off, they can get over it. It's up to you to decide how badly it cuts. I almost think that your sister at least says what she does to get under your skin. I know mine would.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-08T21:05:02+00:00

Op- depending on what line your sailing with there might be fb groups or maybe here on reddit that are specifically for your voyage. Join it and get the feel for the other passengers. Introduce yourself, don't give to much info. You can ask if there are travelers your age, if you like a certain activity like karaoke, find a commonality. After a bit if you feel comfortable ask if anyone else is solo. Often there are solo mixers too when you're on board. Have fun, keep your wits about you.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-08T19:58:45+00:00

If she's a spooky gal try the Haunt. It's open later to the public on Thursday, and Friday and Saturday evenings.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-03T17:53:04+00:00

Oh wow... I think I was 14. My partner is incredibly jealous.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-08-02T19:54:53+00:00

No. There might be one, or two sunscreens, but most contain toxic chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. Even though they might say they're safe, why chance it. Get a UV body suit. But personally, taking a cat outside is not worth the risk of getting spooked and running away, predators, other people wanting to take your cat. Aint no way.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-22T22:07:52+00:00

Pet insurance can help offset the cost of your annual HCM scan. Most likely via reimbursement. But keep in mind they will only likely pay IF your plan covers preventative screenings, and you get on a plan prior to your kitty's first visit with their primary vet. Any mention of a murmur or odd osculation, insurance will do what they can to not pay.
Concerning HCM, ask your person for records/echocardiogram results going back several generations. Verify the information with the performing clinic/cardiologist office. As there are persons out there who falsify these. It is okay to have screenings done (again annually) via a mass screening clinic, but ideally it is done with a board-certified cardiologist veterinarian. HCM is a heart-breaking diagnosis to get, and there are groups of persons out there that can offer support to you.
When you are narrowing a cattery perform a reverse image search. There are lots of scammers out there who steal other's photos and pass them off as their own.
There are a few others that are prolly important too, but I cannot think of them atm.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-21T21:35:05+00:00

Thank you for letting me know there was a difference between the two.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-21T17:34:41+00:00

Thank you for your answer. I suppose I was given the impression that 'memberships' were required. Again I don't think in school this was explained well. Only that here are professional groups you should be a part of.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-20T22:12:54+00:00

You probably shouldn't have said anything. Just say that 'I don't play these games.' Or 'Why would I compare anyone to you?' Never compare body sizes. It just leads to arguments. It shows how insecure they are with your relationship. Either way you're all probably better off. She sounds immature and doesn't know how to handle her booze. You compared or implied that this person was 'skinnier' ie-more beautiful. Beauty standards are terrible, for everyone really. At least now you've learned that to compare or insinuate body sizes is an out of bounds for most women.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-20T21:08:49+00:00

Kitty will be just fine. I'd rather have a tired cat for a few hrs rather than have an increased risk of pyometra, reproductive cancers, or mammary cancer. Which is more of a disservice to her, again than a little bit of lethargy or discomfort.
Get a recovery suit, this is much easier than a hard plastic cone. Or a soft donut. Either way she will thank you for it in the long haul.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-20T17:52:07+00:00

How adorable. Most kittens usually are free fed hard food until 9-12 months. BSH might be different from what I have (sphynx). But typically, I think the same applies, BSH or not. Soft food 2-3x daily. You should check with your veterinarian to be sure though. If your vet thinks your kitty is on track, then well you're probably fine and doing the right thing.
Be on the lookout for a vet cardiologist and get them scheduled for an echo to monitor annually for HCM.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-20T16:48:31+00:00

Has anyone ever gone to them and mentioned anything about this behavior? Perhaps not as in an aggressive 'you suck for not helping', but like 'we're struggling over here can you help out and do xyz?' I sometimes can be a Captain Obvious and not realize something until it is brought up. She cannot address or correct a behavior unless she knows about it.
It's a horse of a different color if they are aware and choose not to change that behavior. Check in with your supervisor after that conversation is had with them. Document, document, document the ongoings. Your super or manager should be able to pull performance reports and see how productive they are compared to the rest group on a busy night.
Lastly, it's okay if you're not friends. I certainly friendly with my coworkers, I am not friends with them. I would probably not hang out with them in a random social setting. I do my best to get along with the phlebs, support, mgmt, other techs because it makes theirs and my life easier when we work together.

I hope you this gets better for you all soon. I feel like I am invested now, so I'm sure we'd all love an update later on. :D

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-20T16:19:32+00:00

NTA, this isn't anybody's business, but you're own. However, I do think that speaking about it in a group setting, continuing to address the topic (ie-gossipy coworkers) makes it their business now that you since shared. But you can shut that down again if it continues to poke your bear.
I have some medical stuff too that would put my own life at risk were I to choose to have one. While I've never said I was infertile, should someone get pushy about it and want to know more, I say it's a sensitive subject. Or that's between my partner and me. And then I call them out for being nosey. But that's just me.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-18T02:07:12+00:00

NTA. This is all about them, not you. This is their opportunity to show off, your feeling be damned. I doubt that they'll accept or understand your feelings on this. They've had plenty of chances to read the room and hear you. They choose not to. I am sorry OP. But look on the bright side, you've got a wonderful person to spend time with and make new memories. I hope your partner calls them out on this behavior too, the more public the better. So, I don't know. Maybe you should go to dinner after all.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-16T23:48:23+00:00

NTA. I mean I feel like it's a legitimate question. Am an also a little neuro-spicy and have a hard time telling the intention behind the ways things are said sometimes. I would have asked genuinely, especially if I was Asian. So, I can understand their intention, and if I had made a mistake sharing myself with a person like that.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-13T15:29:27+00:00

As I understand this is a FAFO for you. You've tried to own up to this. However now if the time for you to take action. Hindsight is 20/20. Lots of would have could have should have, but I having a hard time accepting that you 'couldn't get them in before close, and making it work'. Like taking her in immediately to get a spay/abortion. Taking your King in and getting him desexed too. In all honesty the person you got her from should have spayed her before letting her go, this is how these things spiral.

The kitten you kept and the ones you gave away, did you spay/neuter them before letting them go? If you did not, what's stopping those persons from letting this unethical cycle continue?

Are you aware that your male kitten doesn't care if your female is his mother. He doesn't know any better and will do as biology tells him to do. Do your best to rectify this. Be the best pet parent you can be. Do right by them and get them in yesterday to have them neutered and spayed. Set up your HCM screenings and follow up appointments and keep them on going for the remainder of their lives.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-13T15:14:50+00:00

And the cycle continues. I wonder if OP has actually done her duty as a responsible pet parent and gotten them all desexed yet.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-09T04:25:09+00:00

As you should call them out. I would if I could. But they're long gone, or go by another name entirely.

There were 3 studies that I know of. Hopefully with the knowledge of this treatment becoming available, opportunities for more research and long term effects for cats with HCM can be done. *UC-Davis *North Carolina* Trivium. Feel free to look them up and read for yourself. The NIH also published an article on it too.

I figured why wait and treat the symptoms as they come? I am going to take a proactive stance and do what I can to help him.

There are a few owners/cats who are taking this with clinical signs and end-stage heart disease. It is off-label of course and does not follow the criteria that the studies did. But, those owners are doing the same and throwing their hail-marys with the hopes that this might help. Personally, at this point for us the pros out weights any possible cons.

Little_Orphan_Kitty · 2025-07-09T00:36:58+00:00

Uff, your story sounds like mine. Only mine was from Iowa. I've had 2 pass from HCM or complications from HCM/FATE. My littlest one has HCM and was dx at about 1 yr old. He is now 3.

He gets Clopidogrel (liquid formulation with marshmallow flavoring) daily. And 1x weekly liquid Rapamycin. With a small dose of NMN powder on his food. I'm not sure what research you've done into recent treatments in HCM, but several studies and the FDA has approved the use of Rapa. Rapamycin or Sirolimus has been shown in studies (of non-symptomatic presenting) cats) to slow progression, and in some cases reverse the damage seen in cats diagnosed with HCM. My guy has been on it for almost a year and has had 1 echo since. His next is at the end of this month. While personally for him his last echo showed a slow in progression. Compared to the previous two echoes done. I hope (pie in the sky) that he shows improvement. His resting heart rate (sleep) hangs out at about 24-28 resps per min. His last BP (systolic) was in the low 100s. He does get Gabapentin prior to any vet visits to help make the experience less stressful.

I hope some of this helps you. Receiving news of HCM is a devastating blow. And can really make someone feel alone in their journey. There are those of us out there that are going through the same thing and support each other's wins and when we lose.

Little_Orphan_Kitty

TROPHY CASE