Annie and Molly (food, dogs, litter, excessive)

[Ketabcha]

I adopted Annie and Molly at the same time from the grown son of a friend. He was getting married and his girl friend was allergic to cats. Annie was 3 and Molly was 2. That was 4 years ago. I had dogs all my life and had never owned a cat. But, I couldn't stand the thought of these girls not having a home. So, I took them both and they have brought me such joy.

Gee, I can hardly type this. I am so sad. I've read so many of your posts in this forum and cried with you when you lost a pet. I'm crying even harder now.

Molly had to be PTS in August. Right before she became sick (like the week before) I volunteered to adopt Stella....the 13 year old cat of one of my friends. She was moving across country and did not think that Stella could make the trip. Molly died of liver failure. Totally unexpected. Three days later Stella moved in with Annie and me.

Molly was jet black and looked like a little panther. She was so gentle and loving. I miss her so much.

Annie is a Ragdoll. She is black and white and very, very smart. I love her to death.

Stella is a Maine Coon mix and is a very lively 13 year old.

Today I took Annie to the vet because she had been drinking huge amounts of water over the last few days and peeing a lot (in her litter box). I just got home.....without her. The vet found that she has severe diabetes and they are going to try to save her. If I had waited even 2 more days she would probably have died. There were no signs except for a few days of excessive water drinking.

Now, she will be in the ICU at the vet's for 3 days. They have to check her blood/ketones every hour. She is not in pain. I can visit any time I want to....24/7.

I guess I just need to tell this in order to ease my heart. I thank God for Stella. If I had had to come home to an empty house, it would have been just horrible.

Annie is my baby. It took me a few days to win her over when I first adopted her but after that she stuck to me like glue. I feel like I'm missing an arm or a leg without her.

I know that all of you understand this. Thanks so much for "listening" to me.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I had a diabetic cat for several years before he finally died of old age (maybe 15?). It's no trouble to give them insulin shots (I am also diabetic). The needles are so fine that neither people nor pets feel them. Sorry your baby is sick and hope they make her all better. Hugs...

[ShelbyGirl1]

I can only offer some ((hugs)) and if you would like to "talk" feel fee to PM me. I am terribly sorry for the pain you are going through. It's like losing alittle bit of your heart. I know...I've been there as well.

[Hartwell Girl]

Ketabcha--our fur babies & I are sending you prayers. I know having a sick one breaks our hearts but even through all these sad stories I read, I always think how lucky these cats are to have such wonderful and caring people to care for them. You opened you home and your heart to them, how lucky they are to have you. I love people like you and wish I could give you a big hug.

[ouijeewoman]

I understand how you feel. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Annie. I joined CD when my cat Titi came down with diabetes and a wonderful person directed me to this web site www.YourDiabeticCat.com There is tons on info on this site that will come in handy for you and Annie. It is very possible for a cat with diabetes to go into remission with the proper diet. My Titi went into remission after 6 weeks. They call it off the juice(no more insulin shots). Please check out the web site...the members will help you every step of the way.

Good luck to you and Annie. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[Ketabcha]

Thank you all very much. I just needed to vent the emotions. I'm more under control now. : )

[Hanna B.]

{{{Ketabcha}}}

I'm so sorry to hear about Molly. I had a diabetic dog and giving insulin was no big deal. It was worse for me, I think, than it was for him. Getting him regulated was a little hard, but I quickly picked up on how he was feeling by how he ate and of course, testing at the vet's. And like Ouijeewoman points out, there are some excellent resources out there online. I also believe diet plays a huge part in how controllable it can be.

Good luck, and keep us posted to Annie's progress!

[moved]

I'm sure that she'll be ok.

[kshe95girl]

My furbabies and I send you love, prayers, and hugs!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

BTW, my DD had a diabetic cat and she switched his food after reading something on the 'net and he got off insulin and lived a longlife.