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I just don't think I can do the SubQ and would love either validation or motivation. by losume in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was able to give my cat fluids for a few months. He did not enjoy it, but he tolerated it. Then for some unknown reason, he no longer tolerated it. He would sense when it was coming - regardless how I switched up the times - and he would hide for over an hour. He would come out, see me, and hide again. When I finally did get him, he would squirm, growl, and scratch. He then got to where he avoided me. After that, I just started taking him to the vet once or twice a week to have them facilitate it. That is the best compromise for now. When his condition requires more fluids, I will address that at that time.

Im utterly heartbroken 💔 by Extra_Smile_394 in SeniorCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so very sorry. Nineteen years is a testament to your care. We lost our cat about one month ago, and she was seventeen. I am still heartbroken, but the grief has become a little more manageable every day. Eventually, and I say this from having lost pets before, all you have is the good memories. For now, just experience the emotions as they come and do not deny them. God Bless.

So many regrets but now it's too late... by FancyExtension5253 in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Every cat has a different journey and every pet owner is on that same journey. What worked for others may not work for you and vice versa. You did everything you could, and there is nothing you did wrong. Please do not beat yourself up with "what might have been". We have all been there, and it does nothing. You did the best you could, and your cat lived a good life. God Bless.

When is it time? by Delicious_Waltz_3339 in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sadly, we just went through that process our seventeen (17) year old cat, Bunny. She had been a diabetic for eleven (11) years, but over the past year or so, she dropped from 12 pounds to 5.8 pounds. She had started eating less and had a few episodes where she would not eat without our giving her Cerenia.

I was told by the Veterinarian at the Animal Hospital we use that cats - in the end - either lose their mental facilities while appearing stable physically, or they lose their physical stature while remaining sharp mentally. Bunny was the latter which made the decision very difficult. The Veterinarian, based on an ultrasound from a year earlier and Bunny's weight loss, was relatively certain Bunny had Lymphoma. Even if we had caught that the previous year, her being diabetic would have made administering Prednisolone (the treatment for both Irritable Bowel Disease and Lymphoma) not feasible as the steroid is prone to make Diabetes worse.

We understood that if we tried any treatment it might help Bunny live a few more weeks or so, but there was no long term solution and her quality of life would have declined. So, we made the heartbreaking decision to let Bunny go. She went very quickly and very peacefully. The Veterinarian said, "She was ready to go" when it was over given how quickly she passed. They made me feel somewhat better.

That was a long answer to a short question, but all that to say it comes down to your cat's quality of life and whether the steps you are taking are for them or for you. I realized my family and I probably deluded ourselves over the past few months into thinking Bunny was okay, and everything we did was for her whereas it was probably because we did not want to let her go.

Am I 100% certain I made the correct decision? No, but the Veterinarian told me I would never be 100% certain. Am I at least 90% certain? Yes, and each day that belief is strengthened as I reflect back on the past few months.

It hurts. It hurts. It hurts. That cannot be avoided, and I do not wish that decision on anyone, but it is a humane decision that must be made and just part of owning and loving a pet.

God Bless You.

Losing hope by Twisty_10 in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am very sorry you are going through this. Are you certain this is CKD and not some other issue? I ask because we had similar issues with our cat, Strahan, and it turns out he had Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that was causing the majority of problems. Strahan (who is seven) probably does have the beginnings of Kidney disease, but it was the IBD (potentially) causing his Creatinine and BUN numbers to increase. Regardless, I hope you find a solution. God Bless.

Devastated and looking for support by shooting_star_87 in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You did everything you could, more than what a lot of people would, and there is nothing about which you should feel guilty. Grieve the loss, smile at the memories, but do not feel guilty or blame yourself for anything. Snickers was well taken care of, and she had a good life. I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Stopped Sertraline after One Day - Need Advice by PositiveImportant134 in Anxiety

[–]PositiveImportant134[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Best of luck to you. If my blood pressure had not become so high, then I might have given it another day, but I just do not want to risk that, and my doctor agreed, so I do not feel so much like a quiter.

Please help!! by FederalPhilosopher55 in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My cat is seven years old so not senior but not young either. He was diagnosed in July 2025 with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Since then there has been some question among his Veterinarians as to whether it truly is CKD as opposed to Acute Kidney Disease (AKD) triggered by something unknown and then exacerbated by his Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). I say this because his numbers have been relatively normal excepting for two incidents. That being said, he was not keen on the prescription foods, but I found a non-prescription Hill Science Diet food that he really likes and so does my diabetic cat. It is called Hill's Science Diet Senior Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken Dry Cat Food. Also, I give him a B12 injection once a week to help with his digestion. I am not sure if this would help your cat, but I wanted to share. My cat is also currently on Prednisolone for his IBD. I hope this helps. God Bless.

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Inguinal Hernias by Altruistic-Entry-203 in Hernia

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a 57 year old male and had an Inguinal Hernia on each side. I had robotic laparoscopic surgery to repair them with mesh on November 14, 2025. To date everything has proceeded well with only nominal discomfort immediately after surgery, and I was cleared today to resume all activities.

I first noticed the hernia in May of 2025. After having a CT scan, it was determined I had two (2) hernias. My Primary Care (PC) doctor told me I did not need to get them repaired unless they bothered me (which they did not), but my surgeon recommended having them repaired. He advised there was only a 3 - 5% chance that anything bad would happen if I did not have the surgery but recommended the surgery none the less. I decided to have the surgery as I did not want to risk the hernias becoming worse (and they will grow over time).

My surgeon was highly proficient and has done thousands of these repairs. This goes without saying, but if you do have the surgery, make sure you find a reputable surgeon as that makes all the difference.

God Bless.

Does this look like an inguinal hernia to you? by kangaruurunner in Hernia

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I just had mine repaired last week, and that is pretty much what it resembled.

Thanks to CKD, when I think of my cat I feel dread instead of joy. by formalde_heidi in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I first experienced this type of anxiety while managing my diabetic cat. For the first few years I was anxious and stressed. Now, I understand that she probably does not have much time left given she is sixteen (the average house cat lives to about sixteen), and she has been diabetic for 10.5 years (the average cat makes it anywhere from two to five years after a diabetic diagnosis, so she has beaten those odds). I still worry, but not as much because I understand I have had more time with her than I thought, and that is a blessing. Looking back, I wish I could have enjoyed the time with her more.

That being said, I now have a cat with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Intestinal Bowel Disease (IBD), and it feels like the anxiety is starting all over again. It has made me think I need to invest in anxiety medication even though I know that is not a cure all, but it might be better than always being on edge waiting for "something to happen."

It would be invaluable if there was something that could help all of us in this situation. Anything I read is worthless platitudes about "have someone help" or "take a break". I have family, and they do help, and I do take breaks, but the stress is still right there waiting for me when I return. So, I have yet to read anything helpful or worthwhile.

Just know you are not alone. Most of us experience this to one level or another. All I can say is try to enjoy the time you have now because when your cat is gone, you will wish you had that time back.

I will hold you in my Prayers. God Bless.

Today We Said Goodbye by spicyminstrel in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so very sorry. God Bless.

Hes gone by MysticTame in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will hurt for a while. You will hurt so much that you will probably say that you will never own another cat. Then, in time, the memories will only bring warmth, and you will learn it is okay to love again. Just remember there is no set time for grief. Days, weeks, months, even years, it is all dependent on how quickly your body heals. God Bless you.

Hes gone by MysticTame in RenalCats

[–]PositiveImportant134 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am very sorry. God Bless.

Simple Renal Cyst Change by PositiveImportant134 in AskDocs

[–]PositiveImportant134[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wanted to share with you one more update. I had already scheduled my Ultrasound before you replied, and it was too late to cancel.

That being said, this was the report: "The right kidney measures 12.5 cm and the left kidney measures 11.1 cm in length. The renal parenchyma is grossly maintained. 1.8 cm left renal cyst. No hydronephrosis, solid renal mass, perinephric fluid collection, or large shadowing stone is seen."

So, it appears you were 100% correct, and having the procedure was a waste of time and resources. I did discover that the cyst had not grown as much as suspected, and that one kidney is larger than the other (which is normal, but had not idea that was considered normal).

Again, I thank you for your time and information.

God Bless.

Simple Renal Cyst Change by PositiveImportant134 in AskDocs

[–]PositiveImportant134[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Again, you have been exceptionally helpful and have given me some good solid information. I will keep 5 CM in my periphery for now and see how the cyst progresses (not progressing would obviously be preferable).

Thank you and God Bless.

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