I've had a CRF cat for a few years now. This is just my opinion...

In your shoes, I would go ahead and try the fluids just to see what the results are. It is not likely to cause her any negative side effects. You might be surprised at how she feels with a little extra hydration. If she and you are both happy with the results of added fluid, and you feel her quality of life seems good at that point, then you will have that answer.

If you give her fluids and her quality of life seems to be lacking at that point, then you will have that answer.

I see no real downside to trying the fluids. You will know very quickly how she does with them. Mine was a changed cat in 3 hours.

Good luck. There are others here with much better medical knowledge than what I have, so you will get a lot of good advice.

So sorry to hear about your old girl - but congratulations for helping her to live such a long life.

It's always wrenching to put any beloved pet to sleep, but in my experience the endings that I still remember with pain are the ones when I waited too long because I wanted to have a few more days/weeks/whatever, things took a terrible turn for the worse, and the animal was consumed by fear and pain (me too), or worse, was barely conscious.

The endings I look back on with a bittersweet but peaceful feeling of love and pride were the planned ones, where I knew it was coming, and decided to do it "my way".

My beloved 16-year-old Jack Russell female developed severe hypoglycemic seizures likely caused by pancreatic cancer. Things deteriorated for months, but she was still my sweet girl. After a particularly vicious seizure, I let her rest and recover for a few days -- but I knew what was coming. One day she woke up from a nap, looked at me from across the room, and gave me "the look"... I just knew it was time. I made the appointment at the vet, but gave us all a couple of final days together, and we spoiled her rotten. On her last day, my husband and I took the day off from work. We cooked her a filet mignon on the grill, took her for a ride in the car with her head hanging out in the breeze, and spent some time noodling around at one of her favorite parks. Plus lots of hugs and kisses and tears. She trotted into the vet's office (which she liked to visit) under her own steam and in good spirits. I miss her every day, but I know I did her right.

Shower your kitty with love and treats in the time you have left, and do the subcutaneous fluids to make her feel better. Give her a hug from me too :o)

Hope this helps.
Susan

That's such a hard question. I had a 17 year old cat that was diagnosed with renal failure - which I didn't know much about at the time. I thought that was the end - he was very sick - but I found about the subcutaneous fluids and decided to give that a try. He had another two good years before his quality of life really deteriorated and I decided not to put him through any heroic medical care. If you think your cat has a good quality of life then giving him the subcutaneous fluids might help him continue a while longer. My cat was very good with the fluids and it became a very straightforward routine. I think you really have to ask yourself honestly if your cat is still enjoying life. I knew mine was and I also clearly knew when that was no longer the case.

I would try the fluids and see if she responds to them.

If she really hates taking the fluids and it causes too musch stress to her, then I'd opt NOT to give them to her.

Are her symptoms severe? Are the fluids for early-stage CRF?

My only concern would be, is she in pain.

If she's not in pain, I'd let her live out her life as is.

I would try the fluids first. At least you would then know you tried.

The RF itself could be the cause of her diminished quality of life more than the blindness & deafness, but you'll know fairly quickly if she benefits from the fluids.

I'm sorry that you are going through this. I went through this two years ago. My kitty was 18 and had CRF, cardiomyopathy, etc. It's so difficult.

Our deal was that if she was willing to put up with treatments, then, so will I. The SubQ fluids made her feel soooo much better. It became a routine for her and she eventually tolerated it just fine.

If you decide to do it, learn everything you can about the process. The key to making it easy and enjoyable is warming the fluids to the cats body temp.

Good luck!

I just lost a 17 y.o. cat that lived with CRF for 1.5 years. I was able to administer the fluids at home even though he was never quite happy about it - at best he would stay still and tolerate it. I didn't learn about warming the fluids and shifting to a smaller needle until the last months. I wish I'd known sooner. Usually 18 or 20 gauge is a good size needle, and it will just depend on whether your cat can tolerate the larger size or not; the fluid flows more quickly with the larger needle. As for warming, I learned that the fluid should feel warm when you do the wrist test b/c a cat's body temp is slightly warmer than a human. As my last vet told me, it should like very warm bathwater that makes you go "aahhhh."

Good luck.

I am so sorry to hear this, but I agree with the posters who say to go ahead with the fluids. She shouldn't be too stressed out by them, and if you are sure she isn't in pain (I know they can hide it!) keep her as healthy as you can. Only she can tell you if she is a fighter or when it is time to go.

Give the fluids a try, many blind and deaf cats live great lives with a wonderful parent like yourself, they just need a little extra attention when it comes to their health.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

I agree...give the Sub-qs a chance. My last CRF cat actually looked forward to them. When Max heard me preparing the bag, he would jump onto the chair where we did the procedure...three times a day at the end.

If your cat doesn't mind, they will make him much more comfortable for what ever time he has left.

And yes, I used a narrower guaged needle...there is a model with a wider tunnel (something that started with a 'T'???maybe someone else on this board remembers the brand name). It took a little longer, but Max didn't budge when I put it in.

Do you have a gas oven? If so, try putting the bag in the un-lit (obviously) oven for about 20 minutes. That will warm the bag up just enough.

You can do the fluids, but just as important is whether she is eating. If she is not eating, she'll go downhill pretty fast. IMHO force feeding at this point would not be kind, but there are appetite stimulants (cipro or something) if you want to do that.

We've been through this. Because of DH we extended our dear kitty's life longer than it should have been, and it's not a real happy memory.

Your kitty must be a dearly loved pet, and I know how hard this is for you. She lived a very long life and is lucky to have such loving care in the end. Best wishes and keep us posted.

I took my 19 year old kidney-failure cat to the vet on Sat. thinking she would need to be put down, but reluctantly agreed to let them do a few things for her. The next day she was so much better, I am glad I didn't pull the plug.

what erica said.

Quasifish posted the same good experience I had giving the fluids. I was able to order fluids, needles, etc., at a lower cost from the compounding pharmacy.

We kept two cats alive and comfortable for an extra year or so with the subcutaneous fluids, and gave a little reward treat after each treatment.

The kitties learned to tolerate it, knowing the treat would follow.

I wonder how OP and cat are doing...

I've been through this too -- same age. The whole situation is very individual to the owner and the kitty. In my case, I felt that I should at least try giving her the fluids so that I would never have any regrets about not having tried it. All cats react differently. I remember when I did it, that an analogy was made between the feeling you have when you're hungover, due to dehydration, and the feeling that a CRF cat has, which is why the fluids are so important and helpful. I did end up getting a smaller needle than the vet gave me (sorry, I can't remember the exact size; this was several years ago), which made it so much easier, so scope that out before you start. And definitely warm the fluids. There are many, many good sites on the net that give info on this, as well as forums for those going through it, with great tips on food, vitamins, etc. I'm attaching a link to one I used, but it may be outdated, I didn't ck to see when recent activity was. My heart goes out to you; it's hard to go through this stuff. When I eventually had to put my kitty, Ethel, to sleep, I had to sit down and write a 2-column list of why and why not, bc I was so conflicted about it. Even after that, I had my regrets. Only you know when it's time. I have lots of animals and for me, most of the time, when the animal stops eating, it's time. In my estimation, blind and deaf don't necessarily make for a miserable life, and CRF is very common and treatable, at least for awhile. Again, it varies from cat to cat. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: TANYA'S FELINE CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE INFORMATION CENTRE

Hi dmb, I am so sorry to hear about your predicament with your 19 year old cat but I have to say that I thought I was reading about my 18 year old female cat when reading your cat's symptoms. I am at the same place you are - what to do now? However I have gone one step further than you and thought this migh thelp you.

I have been giving my cat the Sub Q fluids for her renal failure for the last 2 years now and she really rallied once I started to that. Also at the same time I have been giving her renal support probiotics (2 kinds) to support her kidneys

and that plus the fluids gave her back a couple of years for sure.

However about 2 weeks ago she started to bang into things and I realized she had gone blind and that my stupid Vet hadn't ever mentioned blood pressure taking especially if the cat has thyroid or kidney issues and my cat has both. She had the radioactive iodine treatment about 3 years ago so I was expecting the kidney issues but after I reached out to a different Vet they told me that her blood pressure probably caused the blindness together with the renal or the thyroid issues. Her thyroid might have gotten worse despite the iodine treatments. Sigh.

The new Vet said that she probably had a stroke during the night that I didnt know of and that she was totally blind. I was so upset. Also she has gone

totally deaf before this stroke so now she is deaf and blind and last week she took a step backwards and seemed to be acting confused like she did when she had the first stroke. She was starting to adapt to being blind and had figured out where to jump and where not to and I was so excited then she took a backslide. Another stroke? Who knows.

I really think you should try the Sub Q and the 2 renal support powders that you just mix into your cats meals (wet is best in food for this) and you will notice a big difference in her health. However the deafness and blindness is another thing. I am trying to decide if her quality of life is worth keeping her going. Now she is so blind that she just seems to be giving up and laying down wherever she is and just goes back to sleep and this is so unlike her. Also she is getting grouchy (Himalyan) and never was like that before.

Now she only responds to touch and when I touch her she knows it's either to put a needle behind her neck for the sub q fluids or to stick a pill down her throat for high blood pressure or to move her to the litter box so when I just pick her up to pat her she growls. I mean what kind of life is this now? I don't know.

She has been the best cat ever, always gentle and loving and she appears okay in other ways. She is still grooming herself, eating well, pooping well etc but I know her kidneys won't last forever and with the blindness and with no hearing I just don't know.

I am giving her a blood pressure med ever since a new med took her blood pressure 2 weeks ago but like I said since that she has slipped.

I don't envy your situation because it's mine too but maybe try the sub q and renal support and the blood pressure meds and see what you think.

The best of luck with whatever your decision is. I know you will make the decision with love and respect for the cat no matter what. My prayers are with you and your pet.

Just wanted to get a some feedback to help with my guilt of putting my 20 year old cat down this week......at the time the vet and I believed it was the right thing, and I still do but am stuck with the "what ifs" for a while. He was was in progressive renal failure for 2-3 years now and I started giving him fluids approx 6 weeks ago .....he bounced back but seemed mostly interested in table food....bolonga, cheeses, chicken.....he'd eat a little fancy feast sometimes.....I also have a rambunctious 5 year old tabby who plays rough and I keep them seperated, although they do love eachother. Last week, the Tabby had a scuffle with him and he let out a cry and couldn't scuffle back. The next day the vet checked him over and said he seemed ok, just weak from his illness....nothing broken but his tail was sore.....no obvious cuts or wounds. He was just deteriorating. He said it may be a sign the Tabby sensed he was declining since he ganged up on him for a scuffle but the TAbby can be aggressive at times, however, on better days, the older cat would be the aggresser. About 5 days later, I went to get him out of his room in the morning and he was lying flat on the ground. The fluids from the evening before we're still in a pouch in his belly and he let out a painful cry when I picked him up. He sat in the meatloaf position for over and hour and then I encouraged him to drink and walk. He did drink a little but could only walk a few steps and sit back down. Haden't eaten much exempt some cheese and a bit of bologna for a few days. He cried so loud when I touched his belly so it was hard to pick him up. He was definitely in pain........so I took him to the vet to see if we could do anything more for him the vet said even if an iv helped, he'd be back here in pain again in a few days. I know 20 years old is a testiment to our life together but I just want to be sure I did the right thing. People always say that they aren't going to let their pets suffer but it's so hard to follow through.......I followed through but it was so difficult. Words of encouragement from others who didn't let their pets suffer too long would be helpful to me. Thanks for listening.........mojo

I'm so sorry you've lost your beloved cat.

Really, you do know the answer;

it's right there in your own words.

You did the right thing, the only thing a decent human being could have done, for your cat.

He was 20 years old & his life had become a string of lulls between crises, with pain the main experiences of his days.

Have a talk with yourself & say, out loud if need be, "I did the responsible, compassionate thing. I gave my beloved companion an easy transition."

& bless you for caring.

My cat Jasper, is 17. He has been my best friend. He's lived indoors with me since he was about 8 weeks old. He became very sick a couple of weeks ago. Took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with kidney failure. He also had an abscess tooth. He was hospitalized for 5 days. His blood work after that was great. He came home and that same day, wouldn't eat or drink. Took him back to vet the next day and they told me to do Sub-Q fluids. I have been doing that for a week. He won't eat or drink. I feed him through a syringe/dropper. The sub-Q doesn't really make him feel much better. He is stumbling around. I help him walk to and from the litter box. He'll take a couple of steps and lay down. He's quit trying to go to the litter and has a couple of times, just pee'd where he laid down. He has tried to get up on the couch with me once or twice (he use to be like an extra appendage - always on me). It's killing me to see him this way. I thought about putting him down, and then he started acting a little better. But just a little. So, I didn't. He is again going down hill. He doesn't want the food I try to give him, or the water. He just lays there and barely meows. As I type this, I know what I should do; however, there is the nagging question in the back of my mind: What if he could get better and I end it? I don't know what to do. I am sooo sad. My heart is breaking. I can't eat, or sleep. I just hold him.

terri, I'm so sorry.

Your beloved kitty is miserable & in pain;

Please take him back to the vet.

maybe it's something that the vet can treat, but if not, please help him out.

I wish both of you the very best.

I think it depends on the situation and how you feel about it. My cat was 10 when this happened to him and after talking with the vet, we felt it was the best choice to put him down. Our vet said he'd love to see the guy have a chance, but then he couldn't guarantee that we wouldn't be at the same point 6 months later. My aunt also went through a similar thing with her cat and chose to have the fluids. Unfortunately she still lost her cat a month later. Trust your feelings and I hope that you find peace with whichever choice you make.

I can relate to all of your pain. I lost my sweet cat a few years ago. He was 17 and just failed for weeks. I had him at the vet many times and it wasn't one clear issue, his organs were shutting down. I would stay up all night and just hold him and cry. Hell, it's 2 years ago and I'm crying typing this.

He wouldn't eat anything. I took him to the vet for the last time on a Friday, thinking we were putting him to sleep. But the vet wanted to observe him overnight and see if there was anything they could do. They called me in the morning and said he was not doing well and it was time. I went up and was able to hold him for a while before and while he was put down.

My only regret is that he spent his last night at the vet. I am so glad he was able to wait until I could be there with him. But I'm sad he went thru that last night.

I have had the same feelings as many, "could we do anything else?" "Could we have had a few more days?"

But I've learned one thing in all my years with animals, having seen some rough "natural" deaths. That is,

BETTER A DAY TOO EARLY THAN A DAY TOO LATE.

(((hugs)))