1. Grant in Texas - February 11, 2013

   So sorry to hear of your loss. I quickly lost my 23 lb “tuxedo” tabby, Boots, a couple years back at age 7. I was only out $160 after one vet visit, receiving the diagnosis of Hepatic lipidosis, feline fatty liver disease. It is becoming more common with a growing pet obesity problem in our nation. My vet said to be prepared to lose him soon so we just tried to make his last days as comfortable as possible with pain killers. A week before he died he was his normal energetic self, then suddenly started a lot of vomiting. My vet told me to quit feeding him and his sister, Smokey, dry food like Friskies, Cat Chow. Similar to today’s human food, many pet foods on the market are too full of carbs and calories. He recommended California Natural or Buffalo Blue foods. The latter foods are twice the price but Smokey is now 11 and never been sick a day in her life.

   I did have my boxer euthanized a few years back as he was diagnosed with colon cancer and the vet then wanted $3K for surgery. He was 14 years and getting very lame in his hips so his quality of life was quickly deteriorating. But I stayed with him to the very last. It was very disturbing to have his trusting eyes staring at me. Our pets love us unconditionally.

   Now, I have been in chemo and radiation these past couple of months. The chemo drugs brought about some cardiac events twice causing me two hospital stays of 9 days at St. Luke’s and Clear Lake Heart Hospital. I’ve had just about every test there is. Sometimes feel like I have “cash cow” written on my forehead because I have decent insurance. I’ve seen over 15 different physicians in the past few months. Seems like a lot of duplication of testing, especially blood testing since bone marrow has been compromised and blood cell/platelet counts have been low. I’m so tired of needle sticks. Even with Medicare and a supplemental policy, I am still paying thousands in co-pays.

2. Mugsy - February 11, 2013

   According to the report, “Lefty” also developed “lipidosis” (fat in his liver). Not surprising because of all the weight loss and his liver trying to draw energy by burning fat (which cats don’t do very well.) Sorry to hear about the loss of your own tabby. Your account sounds very familiar: an otherwise energetic cat up to the day he died. And my concern over his sister’s obesity leading me to focus more on low-carb “wet” food and less on dry food… I was on that same road.

   Also sorry to hear about your own health issues. I was misdiagnosed at the age of 20, and the doctors ignored my protests. Your body will tell you what you need and what is wrong or right. Listen to it and you’ll feel much better.

3. kfreed - February 11, 2013

   I’m so sorry about your poor cat:(

4. Ebon - February 13, 2013

   I have four of those tiny urns on top of my bookcase. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet and my heart goes out to you.

5. Rev.,Dr.,Capt. Erick V. Underhill - February 13, 2013

   So sorry to read about your and Lefty’s bloody ordeal. Kitties are meat eaters so feed ’em (bite sized portions of bird (chicken…livers, especially, turkey, etc); fish (freshwater or sea,shrimp,lobster,etc); beef; pork; rabbit; and etc Cook it lightly…season it with a little salt, etc. I’ve had cats that like cantalope and cheese (cream cheese, too.) They like and need greens (live growing…including catnip.) Supplement this real food with a variety of flavors of premium dry food (the best you can afford.)My kitties all love whole milk, half and half and cream…not too much but a little every day. Regular use of a bit of cod liver oil or salmon oil is recommended and appreciated.

   Fuzzhead is 16 and been to the Vet once. Wacky (Jack Kerowac) is 12 and been to the vet once.

   These are but 2 of our present and past long lived beloved little felines. In the long run, happy, well fed (but not over fed) cats need very little doctoring but when old age maladies like dementia, arthritis, cancer occur we must let go.

   Let them be put down with dignity and without suffering (and at home if possible.)

   I hope this advise serves you well. I very much enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work. Wishing you peace and prosperity, Erick

6. Mugsy - February 13, 2013

   Thanks Erick.

   I now feed my other two cats “wet” food daily instead of “every other day” (which was too expensive when I had three) and cut back dramatically on the high-carb dry food. That should help get their weight down.

   Luckily/Unluckily, they refuse to eat “people food”. I never gave them table scraps as kittens and now they are incredibly picky. Attempts to feed them boiled chicken and cow liver failed miserably. Even canned tuna and real milk get ignored. Quite amazing.

7. Mugsy - February 13, 2013

   Ebon,

   The hardest part is that he didn’t have to die.

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