California Cat Grab

Our 14 year old cat stopped eating and we took it to the vet. It had lost one pound, temperature normal, blood work taken, and appetite stimulant prescribed.

The vet palpated the animal and stated that the kidneys felt hard but he would know more after the bloodwork returned. The vet stated kidney disease was the number one cat killer.

He instructed us on the `California Cat Grab` (It originated in California) in which you grab the cat behind the ears, tilt the cat backwards until its mouth pops open via gravity, and push the pill (in this case an appetite stimulant) into the cat`s gaping mouth. Then offer the animal food in about five minutes. Do this three times a day. Vet bill: $204.27

The vet called later in the day with the lab results and it was as he feared, the beginning of kidney disease. We brought the cat in the next day and were instructed on how to administer an I.V. and given a 1000 ml bag of fluid with directions to administer 100 ml a day.

The vet said there was a 50-50 chance that the cat would recover. We should know within 6-10 days. He provided us with some medicine to sprinkle on the cat's food which would help bind phosphates which the cat would excrete. Vet bill: $101.27

Needless to say, the cat was more cooperative in the vet's office than at home. It was a struggle getting the appetite stimulant down, and the cat fought against the I.V. as well. We are going to have to take the cat in for the I.V. each day.

I'm reminded that people spend more on health care in their last two years of life than the rest of their life combined. It must be the same for our animals too.

We think that our pets are going to live forever. When they don't, it serves to remind us of our own mortality.