An update on Kate-cat

[selenay]

Kate had her blood test on Friday, which showed up some wonky things in her liver and a bit of anaemia and jaundice, but no kidney or thyroid issues. So we decided to do an abdominal ultrasound to work out what is going on in there, which happened today.

I guess I've been half-expecting the worst all weekend, because liver problems don't tend to be curable in my experience. So the news today from the scan wasn't entirely unexpected, but that doesn't mean it's been easy.

Kate has a tumour near her kidney that is a couple of centimetres long. She's also got what look like metastases on her liver.

I talked over the options with the vet. We could refer her to a specialist centre for biopsies to type the tumour and see what treatments are available, but that would involve chemo and it would only be life-extending, not curative. And it would involve a fair bit of travel and time in vet hospitals to get treatment. Kate doesn't like travel and she really hates vets. She's also quite fragile and chemo wouldn't improve her quality of life.

As much as I love her and I'm not ready to say goodbye yet, I'm also not willing to put her through that.

So we've decided to bring her home and start palliative care. She's had a dose of steroids and we'll see how she does with those. They may shrink the tumours temporarily. More importantly, they may perk her up and bring her appetite back. If she stops losing weight and seems comfortable, then I may get a bit more time with her and she'll get a steroid injection every couple of weeks.

And if she doesn't, if she keeps losing weight, then it's likely she'll be going to sleep very soon. I'm very aware that I may only get a few more days with her and I'm trying not to be selfish and hang onto her past the point where she's happy. Right now, she's a bit woozy from the sedatives, but she'd been perkier over the weekend (thanks to appetite stimulants) and she's still got cattitude, so hopefully the steroids will do their thing and she'll be comfortable for a little while longer.

She's been a really great cat, comforting me when I was ill and entertaining me when I was down. We've had twelve years together and I'm not ready, but I don't think I was ever going to be ready.

Annie can tell something is wrong, but that hasn't stopped her hissing at Kate's vet smell. I'm not sure what she'll be like after Kate goes. I joke that she'll put out the party bunting at finally being a solo cat, but I think she'll notice Kate is gone.

Thanks for all the good wishes for Kate, and I'm sorry the news isn't more positive.

Comments

[sweet_exile]

I'm so sorry.

[rmc28]

Ah damn, I'm sorry. I hope you at least get a good few days with her now.

[green_knight]

Argh. It's always too soon and it's never easy, but you are an excellent pet mom in putting _her_ comfort first, however hard that may be. Sending best vibes for both of you.

[writerlibrarian]

So sorry. I went through this last August.

I had a week with my Grisette and I let her go . Her kineys were shutting down. Her litter sister as of last week kept looking for her in the basement and closets. I miss her. Still I got the word out I would welcome a kitten any colour any sex. Artemis arrived a week ago last Thursday. It took Two days for Paloma to adopt her and she's stopped looking for Grisette. It helps that Artemis is very social and charming 5 months old kitten.

You spent as much time with Kate-cat as you can. We love them and they love us back.

Hugs

[umadoshi]

I'm so sorry. *hugs quietly*

[thisbluespirit]

Aw, I am sorry. ♥

[havocthecat]

I'm sorry that she's sick, but I think you're doing the right thing at thinking of what's best for her. /hugs

[netgirl_y2k]

I'm so sorry. But Kate's so lucky to have an owner who even now is thinking only of what's best for her. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the steroids work, and that you enjoy every second you've got with her for so long as she's happy.

[white_hart]

I'm so sorry.

[bookmonster]

I'm so sorry. Kate cat is lucky to have you looking after her and keeping her best interest at heart. I hope you get more time with her but if not I hope the good times and companionship she's given you help.

[moriann]

Oh no, I’m so sorry! Hoping she reacts well to the steroids and you’ll still have some time left with her. ❤️

[starandrea]

:( ♥

[katlinel]

I'm so sorry the news isn't better. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the steroids help her. And it's entirely understandable that you aren't ready to say goodbye and won't be, but I hope that you both can enjoy whatever time you have together.

[lilacsigil]

I'm really sorry it's bad news. I hope the steroids make her more comfortable (and hungry!) and she has some good time left.

[kore]

Oh no, oh no. Poor sweetie. It sounds like you are being a great caretaker and thinking of her, but I remember that choice, and it just rips you up. Love to you and Kate.

[hils]

Oh no I'm so sorry. Huge for you and Kate.

[paranoidangel]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope the steroids work and Kate perks up.

[nic]

so sorry to hear this. :( *hugs*