Now it's my turn to cry on everyone's shoulder. One of my cats, Boomer, will be taking his last ride in the morning. He's been losing weight for a while and has evidenced a slow loss of appetite and general lethargy. This afternoon he took a rapid downturn. It's time.
His symtomology is identical to my other cat, Minnie, who I nursed back to health a couple of months ago. We never figured out why it happened, just that it did. Exact same thing - significant slow weight loss over the course of 6-8 weeks (Minnie went from 6 lbs down to 3lbs 12 oz. Boomer from 18 lbs down to 10 lbs 14 oz). In Minnie's case a simple treatment of antibiotic, a round of steroid and B12 to increase her appetite, and regular feedings with high-calorie food put the weight back on in a matter of weeks. She is now back to full health, tearing around the house like she did as a kitten.
Unfortunately Boomer hasn't responded. I had to resort to force-feeding him every few hours yesterday and today. This afternoon he began throwing up everything I fed him and is so weak he can barely stand. As I type this he's asleep in my recliner. He's quite and still, but I can see he's in distress. It's not right for him to suffer so I'm going keep him as comfortable as possible, then take him in at 8 when the vet opens.
He's not all that old as he just turned 11 a few weeks ago (Minnie is going on 15). I got him as a 3-month old rescue so he's never known any home but this one. He's never been the big-time snuggler that Minnie is, but he's always there... usually sitting in the middle of the kitchen screaming for another treat or an extra bowl food. The boy definitely had a set of lungs!
I know it's the way of things but it still hurts to lose "Big Turd" (his knickname, for obvious reasons).
Boomer, in his favorite spot next to me on the recliner. That's Minnie lounging in my arm.
Thanks for listening.
Brad
