Is Today the Day?
I know that many of you are following the saga of my little kitty, Caramel who has been ill since last December.
Despite a nasty rare tumor and thyroid removal and many trips to the vet, we–including you, dear reader, have been on a rollercoaster. She initially was doing well after that big surgery, was eating, was social, and then after about 2 weeks something changed and I could tell something strange was happening.
We are not doing any more biopsies or big procedures, she may be 16, 17 years old. She often cries and gags when eating. I couldn’t get her to actually eat enough until a few days ago when I began feeding her in the carrier. She was receptive but she lets out shrieks and it is terrible.
She is deaf, now, she has no teeth, and has a tumor in her jaw and likely in her mouth and throat.
This morning I got her into the carrier, gave her the transdermal thyroid meds and readied her for some spoon-fed offerings. Yes, if you can get them to a place to feed and they are receptive, most of the battle is won. On a few days I got her to eat, over 3 meals, a whole can.
But, today is different. She was not receptive. No food=no cortisone meds mixed in. All she had was some water. Then back to her book shelf sanctuary.
Trying to be realistic. Will try again later and see if she will eat.
And that’s life so far today, with my apologies for any sadness.
It is a communication guessing game with a poor little sentient creature. I am going to try the feeding again.
That’s it: will she make it through another day? And then what? The vet will be closed Sunday and Monday. Bring her in again? Leave her there? Pull the plug? get pain pills? It’s as touchy as taking care of a person, young or old, a big lesson here. Love=Love.
PS Spoke to the vet who told me that “well, maybe she was bored with that food. (She’s been eating a formula for post surgery) I have heard that before and what the heck, I pulled out a can of stinky, fishy Fancy Feast, mixed 1/4 with some water to soften it and put the dish in the cage. She showed interest. I left the dish, no spoon feeding and went on with my business. When I came back, it has been eaten. I refilled the dish and left. Returned, it was eaten. Let her out f the carrier, she had some water and went back to her spot.
I am going to try to withdraw from this emotional chaos and trust that for now, for this moment, all is well in the land of the new normal. That because a sick pet didn’t eat a meal or two she won’t die, but may eat later. As long as she isn’t in pain…
How do we know when it’s time to let go? If she isn’t in pain, I say continue what you’re doing. Much love and wish you luck. 😘
Argh…. I feel this anxiety. Same has happened with us… hang in there!!
Sending more love <3