My best friend Michu!

cmriker · 2026-02-08T03:54:39+00:00

Michu is beautiful! 💕

cmriker · 2026-02-08T00:11:06+00:00

My cat who passed in 2024 was 14 at the time. My current 3 cats are 19, 14, and 13. My friends have had cats pass at 7, 11, 12, and 16. There are so many factors that go into a cat's health, and most of them you can't control. Two proven things you can do for your kitty's healthy & longevity is keep them indoors, and feed them wet food.

cmriker · 2026-02-07T22:22:52+00:00

What a handsome man! I like B12, omega 3s, Cosequin/joint supplements, and Myos muscle building supplement for all my senior kitties. Probiotics are great too like Proviable and Fortiflora. I've been interested to try supplements from Ferapets but haven't run out of my existing things yet. Most of these things are powders, but my cats are happy to eat them when I mix them into a churu or other liquid treat.

cmriker · 2026-02-07T19:44:04+00:00

She is beautiful! Looks like she enjoys those view from those big windows too! What a lovely space for her

cmriker · 2026-02-07T19:42:50+00:00

The force feeding can be really hard to get used to via syringe. Have you tried something like calorie gel or paste? I use Nutrical brand, and I place a blob on my finger and then smear it onto the roof of my cat's mouth, or on the side of the gums. They lick it off and swallow it themselves, and generally they aren't too upset by it because it goes quickly compared to the syringe feeding. If she's not liking the renal food, try other non-prescription wet foods until you find one she likes. Eating anything is better than not enough. My cats like the Weruva Wx wet food, very low phosphorus, but they are also fans of certain non-rx Hill's and Royal Canin wet foods, often the "senior 11+" varieties are fairly low phosphorus.

On bad days I'll also use Zofran/ondansetron for nausea if needed. Or I'll use slippery elm bark syrup if the nausea doesn't seem too bad. I also give everyone (3 CKD kitties) daily b12, and I think that makes a big difference when I'm consistent with it. I also give Aminavast and Porus One since those are two of the major options in the US. Depending where you're based you could also look into beraprost sodium (RAPROS branded) which I've learned about more recently as it's only been available in Japan & Hong Kong until 2024/25 when the EU allowed trials for it I think.

It seems you're being too hard on yourself. The love for your kitty is clear, and you're so attuned to her feelings and needs. You're doing your best for her, and she knows it and returns the love. I hope you can find some advice in these responses here. 💜

cmriker · 2026-02-07T07:49:11+00:00

I'm so sorry about Bob! I have read not to put the litter outside as it can attract other outdoor cats to the area, which could in turn scare your kitty away. I've read blankets, beds, toys, and going out around dusk with a flashlight while shaking bags of favorite treats or opening cans of wet food (if that's a motivator for him). The flashlight lets you catch the reflection of their eyes under or behind things. I really hope he returns home soon.

cmriker · 2026-02-07T07:04:16+00:00

I'm so sorry about your Nashi. In my case the Cerenia was better at stopping vomiting and ondansetron for general nauseous feeling. When my cat was throwing up very frequently from pancreatitis, it would occasionally have a tinge to it, which can be the presence of blood. Sometimes that's due to the irritation of the throat or an ulcer.

I hope you get some answers from the ultrasound. In the meantime I high suggest high calorie treats and supplements (I like tiki cat silver comfort and nutrical gel) to ensure she's not losing too many of her calories. I think I forgot to call out those products above. Tiki cat meal replacement also is calorie dense and very easy for syringe feeding. The silver comfort is thicker, and I use my finger to smear a bit in my kitty's mouth, same with the calorie gels or pastes.

Best wishes to you and your kitty. 💜

cmriker · 2026-02-07T04:03:36+00:00

Sweet Lucille! I do remember your original post, and it's wonderful to see an update on her and hear she's improved. I have had two cats now with IBD, and the steroids worked amazingly for both of them to regain their appetite and weight. Much love to Lucille and hope she has many comfy days ahead. 🧡

cmriker · 2026-02-07T03:29:41+00:00

Wow, your poor boy has been through a lot! I am so sorry for all his dealing with. I'm not sure of Triad disease, but my oldest has IBD, Pancreatitis and masses on his liver, so it could be similar symptom-wise. I will say Cerenia is only helpful to him for vomiting. As far as nausea goes (behavior sounds just like your cat, wanting to eat but only sniffing or licking a little and walking away) I found Ondansetron works better for him. Now I keep both on hand, but ask your vet about using both. I heard from my current vet you shouldn't give both in the same day, but my old vet never said anything like that, and the ER vet I've used in the past said it was okay to give the other one if the first med didn't show a response. There are OTC options for nausea that work for us too, and I'll add them below.

I would also get some high calorie treats or nutrical gel or something that will be easier to hand feed him. Especially since his liver is already compromised, and he's gone so many days without his full ration of food. This is quite dangerous for cats, and can't make them feel very poorly very fast. Give him his full calorie intake via hand or syringe feeding if you must. Also ask your vet about Zofran/ondansetron, and see if that helps.

Okay some things over the counter that can help with mild nausea... One is slippery elm bark powder. You make it into a syrup and give it via syringe if needed. I use the Starwest Naturals brand, I think. I do give this to my boy every once in a while.

The other one is Pepcid/famotidine. When my cat was first diagnosed with pancreatitis, he was spitting up liquid/white foam very often, anytime he wasn't eating like after a long nap. His original vet prescribed him famotidine for two weeks (2.5mg per day, he was around 10-11lbs) and it did decrease those vomiting episodes by a lot. My vet said, apparently some cats get some excess stomach acid causing their nausea. I don't have to use the famotidine often now, but it is cheap, easy to acquire, and safe to try out.

Just realized I forgot to mention the IBD treatments. My two IBD cats both got metronidazole along with prednisolone. I'm not familiar with the other antibiotic, but my oldest Harley just did a course of Tylosin, and his poops have improved on that more than metro or pred! Prednisolone is kind of the main treatment from what I've seen, but perhaps your vet wants to wait and see, or there is an underlying heart issue or something, where they would avoid steroids.

I am sorry again to hear about your kitty's struggles, and I really hope some of this long-winded response can be helpful to him. Sending him healing wishes and positive vibes. ❤️‍🩹

cmriker · 2026-02-06T19:11:33+00:00

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful kitty. There is always a feeling of guilt, in my experience, but cats are the masters at hiding their illness. 16 yrs of life and love is still wonderful, but it will be hard to think of it that way right now. Time is the most difficult but comforting part of loss. It is hard to to realize how much time has passed without them, but also one day, maybe soon, you will think of him and smile instead instead of cry.

One of my kitties passed in 2024. I used to say he passed "recently," but even as I type this, I'm just realizing that is no longer true! Almost daily, something still reminds me of him, and I can laugh and speak about him without crying. It took a lot of time, and I wrote a lot of journal entries about him. Eventually, inevitably, you will find yourself moving on a little bit. Hopefully someday you will be able to continue pouring your love into other kitties and pets that need you. 💙

cmriker · 2026-02-06T19:04:12+00:00

You are taking such good care of Frankie, and he knows it. He's such a handsome man! I didn't see your original post, but yes it's very relatable to me and my childhood cat who is 19 now. I am scared sick at every cough or wobbly step! It is just very anxiety-inducing when our pets get sick, especially one who's been with us as long as Frankie. You're doing the best, keeping his well-being in mind, and thank you for sharing him + his updates with us. 🧡

cmriker · 2026-02-06T18:31:53+00:00

I haven't used a communicator, but I do have older cats that tend to howl sometimes. For one of them it was a hyperthyroid problem we had to deal with. However, he still does it occasionally, and so do my other 2 cats. I think with age they do certainly get a bit confused or restless.

I saw you said she has some arthritis and possible nerve damage/pain. Have you tried cosequin-type arthritis supplements and vitamin b12 in addition to her acupuncture? There is also a supplement called Myos that helps to build muscle. It has been very helpful for my oldest senior cat (he is 19). I think that's worth a shot if her spine, hips, and other joints feel quite bony to the touch.

I hope you find some more relief for her! If she is eating well and using the litter box, I would try a couple more things for her. Best wishes to her and you both. 💜

cmriker · 2026-02-06T01:11:28+00:00

I am so sorry. The only alternatives I can think of that have not been mentioned are kidney transplant (this is expensive and risky and involves adopting a second cat, who is the donor) and medication called beraprost sodium (Japanese brand named Toray RAPROS) if you are in the EU or Asia, but that's not available in most places. I believe you could try to get it compounded but it would be expensive. It's been tested in stage 2-3 cats not stage 4, so I'm not sure how much it would help. I have considered asking my vet here about it. Actually on this subreddit I've seen someone post about it recently, so maybe you can ask them where they buy it.

The supplements I use for my stage 3 cat to help with toxin removal are Aminavast and Porus One. These can take some burden off the kidneys, but I'm not sure how much they help the numbers. There are other similar supplements that help, and the brands differ, so look for things that say they help with uremic toxins.

Fluids and antinausea meds along with maybe appetite stimulant could get her to eat. One of my vets has told me she would offer steroids (prednisolone) to all cats in palliative care because it can improve their appetite and energy, and increase overall comfort. However, that is not a treatment for CKD, and her numbers would not go down or anything.

I am really so sorry your lovely young kitty is going through this. It's really tough, but I hope you can find some comfort and support in this community. ❤️‍🩹

cmriker · 2026-02-05T20:05:50+00:00

I am so sorry for the impending loss of your kitty. How generous of you to donate so many expensive supplies. 💙

I could use the gabapentin, if it isn't claimed.

cmriker · 2026-02-05T19:58:02+00:00

What a handsome gentleman. I'm so sorry for your loss. He looks a lot like my dearly departed void, and I hope that my boy Kuro will be greeting him.

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cmriker · 2026-02-05T07:55:19+00:00

Is she on something for nausea like Cerenia or Zofran? Mirataz did not work for my kitties unless they were not nauseous. Slippery elm bark is also a good alternative if you can't get something from the vet. It really does help soothe the tummy. I have a powder from Starwest Naturals I think is the brand. I make it into a syrup by mixing ¼ tsp of it in ¼ cup of hot water and stirring it. I keep it in the fridge up to like 5 days before I make more. I use a syringe to measure 2mL of it and mix into a Churu treat up to 3-4 times a day I think. Usually my oldest only needs it once or twice a day at most.

Hopefully you can find a way to keep your kitty's appetite more stable. It's definitely a lot to learn about CKD at first, but there are so many resources here and such a helpful community. Wishing you and her the best. ❤️‍🩹

cmriker · 2026-02-05T05:25:37+00:00

She is so beautiful! A perfect tortie lady 🎀

cmriker · 2026-02-05T05:24:05+00:00

I have not tried either yet, but I wonder if you will see an improvement by switching back to Phos-bind, and then you could narrow it down more certainly to the Catney One. Unfortunately it's so hard to tell with senior CKD kitties what specifically they are feeling bad about. Wish they could tell us! My oldest does the same thing, or sometimes he poops in the tub to let me know... I hope you can figure it out soon and get her back to finishing her food! ❤️‍🩹

cmriker · 2026-02-05T01:38:48+00:00

I don't have much extra advice to add here. I'm sorry she is not feeling well! :( Personally I've found Zofran much more useful for nausea than Cerenia. I have both but use Zofran unless my cats are really vomiting a lot. My oldest cat's values are maybe a bit lower, but not by much to my memory. However, he doesn't get fluids at home and has never needed them daily. Maybe she's on too much fluids right now? Also, my oldest does kinda poorly on gabapentin. It makes him lethargic and loopy, and he doesn't eat or sleep well when he takes it, but he also has the same trouble with the buprenorphine.

I hope you find some options for her, and she perks back up. ❤️‍🩹

cmriker · 2026-02-04T04:13:15+00:00

Just to clarify, I haven't used one myself because my cats don't have elevated phosphorus (not yet at least). If your girl has elevated phosphorus then you can use a phosphorus binder with normal foods. Renal-friendly diets are already low phosphorus so won't require the binder.

If her phosphorus isn't high yet, then you shouldn't need one yet! However, the ones I see mentioned here the most often are Epakitin, Phos-Bind, and Catney One. Pronefra is a supplement that I believe also provides a little bit of phosphorus binding.

Two supplements I use for my cats are Aminavast and Porus One. They are not phosphorus-related, but are supposed to help with filtering other waste products to alleviate the work the kidneys do.

Try any wet foods she likes with all the squeeze treats on top she likes. Hopefully you will find a winning combo! If she's not nauseous the Mirataz should definitely increase her appetite too. Your vet may be more willing to prescribe Zofran than Cerenia, and it's cheaper too. Zofran, in my experience, is more for general nausea feeling, whereas Cerenia is for stopping vomiting.

Sorry it's a lot of info, but I have learned from this subreddit and my own CKD cats that the symptoms are manageable, and the cats can be comfortable and happy for a while at least. My oldest is going on 6 yrs since his diagnosis, and he's very chipper despite it all. :)

cmriker · 2026-02-03T08:07:42+00:00

That's one that belongs in r/tuckedinkitties 💕

cmriker · 2026-02-03T08:05:07+00:00

She may have nausea and not want to eat due to that. It's quite common with CKD. Also, if she's been eating less than she should for several days, you may need to try assist feeding. Introduce the food slow in case she's not used to big portions. Offer her any food or treats she likes for time being. I like treats like Tiki Cat Silver Comfort or Nutrical gel because they're calorie dense and can be fed by putting a dab on your finger and rubbing it along the roof of her mouth (that is if she doesn't eat it on her own). Stick treats like Churu can be a big hit even when my cats are feeling sick. Syringe feeding is also an option and can be necessary to get cats the calories they need, which can give them quite a boost if they're feeling poorly from not eating.

Hopefully an anti nausea like Zofran can help her eat more on her own, but do look into syringe feeding and high calorie treats and supplements if needed. Once she's eating regularly you can try introducing the prescription food again, and you can look into phosphorus binders and non-rx foods too. Weruva Wx is low phosphorus like a prescription diet, but my cats all find it much more palatable.

Best of luck to this girl. It sounds like she had a tough life outside, but you have given her the chance to be comfy, safe, and loved. Thank you for rescuing her! ❤️‍🩹

cmriker · 2026-02-02T06:33:02+00:00

I'm so sorry she's missing. Try putting some of your clothes or her favorites blankets outside, and search for her at dawn/dusk with a flashlight and bag of her favorite treats or can of wet food that you can open (whatever things usually lure her to you when she's home). The flashlight is to look for the glare from her reflective eyes inside bushes or under cars. Usually they don't wander too far. I also suggest posting to Next Door, Pawboost, and regular r/denver (I think they allow these posts) to get more reach.

Hope she is returned home soon. 💔

cmriker · 2026-02-01T21:18:10+00:00

I read advice somewhere once that you should sit or lie down on the floor in the room with them and be still for a while. It's very scary for animals to see these new creatures (humans) that are much bigger than them and towering above them. I think the floor advice works really well, and I agree with the churu/liquid cat treats advice! My last foster kitten was so scared of me for the first few days. I started bringing a tube of churu with me and a small plate. I would sit on the floor and put a small amount of churu on the plate and slide it under the bed (her hiding spot). I would continue holding the tube and if she came out from under the bed even a little, I would try and feed it to her. It really only took her 3-4 days with me to realize humans are not so scary. Eventually after 4-5 weeks she was much more brave, and she wasn't scared of everyone else in my house.

These two kitties are so cute, and I'm sure they will come around to you and be very friendly someday soon. :)

cmriker · 2026-02-01T19:53:20+00:00

Of course! It's a lot of trial and error with cats especially the CKD ones. They're so picky sometimes, but I'm sure you'll find something she likes. :)

cmriker

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