My Cat Tidbit

[Teallaura]

She has dreadful sinus issues and is showing her seventeen years. It's normal for her to become dehydrated but this morning I found her barely responsive. I honestly thought this was it but I had to try so I gave her fluids (she could swallow). After about a half hour she showed definite improvement and was responsive and able to lift her head by the time I left for church (by which time her tummy couldn't hold more liquid!).

She had moved only slightly from where I left her when I got home. More fluids (yay, pedialite!) which she began to reject and some vitamin stuff I use for ailing cats. That she really responded to so I tried feeding her - she was chowing down and on her feet when I left for lunch.

She took her time finishing - more than an hour after I returned but she ate a normal amount. More fluids (milk and pedialite) which she didn't want (not surprising considering how bloated she gets after eating). I gave her more vitamin stuff and fluids over the afternoon. She did a little walking around - when she thought she needed to potty - but otherwise is a lump (pretty normal for her).

Anyway, I have to be gone most of the evening. I expect her to be fine - she wasn't nearly as dehydrated as she normally is - but still... And then there's work tomorrow...

Whatever happens, I'm glad God gave me a little more time with her. Most of you have seen her pic from when she was young. She's still sweet (unless being bathed or given water she doesn't want) and a heck of a fighter - few people would be as cheery as she is if they had half her sinus issues!

Thanks, everyone!

[LostSheep]

[Kind Debater]

I was very concerned about one of my cats last week, so I empathize with you.

[Teallaura]

Thanks, LS and KD.

She was okay last night and finished most of her dinner (normal for her). I gave her liquids and breakfast this morning before leaving but she hadn't finished her food this afternoon (odd, she sure seemed intent on eating when I gave it to her). She seemed a little weaker but she had goo on her paws (sinus') and I'd just washed it off so I'm not sure if she was weak and having trouble walking or it was just too slippery. I gave her more fluids, some vitamin stuff and laid her on her towel on the couch.

If she doesn't improve I'll run her to the vet.


But, she is still very much alive and kicking for now!

[LostSheep]

[Cerebrum123]

[Teallaura]

Tidbit died sometime yesterday evening. She was by the couch when I got home. It looked like she'd left it for some reason and was coming back - or perhaps she fell off that way. She was seventeen years old.

She slept with me night before last, something she hadn't been doing often in recent months. I had some quiet time with her I probably wouldn't have had she not been ill. She really didn't seem that sick, even eating that morning. I think God just gave us enough time for good-bye and I'm grateful for that.

It really hit this morning when she wasn't waiting for me in the bathroom (it's the only room I can isolate for special feedings). I've had her almost all of her seventeen years and it feels strange that she isn't here. The marks on my hand where she bit me a few weeks ago (baths are bad things sometimes) are gone now. Just a few pictures and a hole where she used to be remain.

Tidbit was a good cat. Only in later years, after much medication, did she get feisty about bathing and meds but even then, it wasn't often. She was slim before her sinus issues then she became the only fat cat I ever had. The last couple years she had lost that and she weighed only a fraction of what she should have but she ate like a horse. She really did well up until the very last day or so - I'm glad for that.

I miss her. She was a pain to care for (sinus' do bad things when your nose runs and you have fur) but I didn't mind - she was my girl, after all.

Thanks everyone...

[mossrose]

[Cerebrum123]

[Kind Debater]

So sorry, Teallaura.

[Teallaura]

Thanks, everyone.

[Jedidiah]

Thanks, everyone.

Well you are family, kid.

[Teallaura]

Thanks...

[One Bad Pig]

The name lives on in my sister's cat, who is clearly related to her first foundling Tiny (now a 3-year old Maine Coon). Tidbit got abandoned at 4 weeks by mom in my sister's window well. He's about a year old now, and is already Tiny's size (though not as filled out, obviously).

[Teallaura]

Thanks.

My Tidbit was tiny when I first found her - hence the name. I'd often tell her she was just a 'tidbit of kitty'. She seemed to appreciate it - although that might have been the ear scratching that accompanied it...