Sunday, August 8, 2010

World Cat Day and Update

Mom says this is World Cat Day and it's an important day to celebrate cats around the world. Mostly, I just want to celebrate me.

So, I spent a little time on the deck this morning just watching things in the yard, until Mom made me come in when it started getting warm. She says it's supposed to get to near 90 today and she doesn't like me outside in the heat and humidity. I'd rather be outside, but I just get no where trying to argue with Mom. She's the Alpha Cat you know.

So, I crawled in my bed for a nice nap. Happy World Cat Day everyone!

Rusty's Mom: I want to give everyone an update on how Rusty's doing. A couple weeks ago I took him into the vet for a checkup and blood work. He wasn't really happy about it, but I just felt it was time, it had been a little more than six months since I took him in last.

He had lost some weight, nearly a pound from the last time he'd been in, but he just hasn't really been eating real well. The vet agreed with me, that if he doesn't like the k/d food anymore and really won't eat it unless he's desperate, I should just feed him other things. She said at this point in time quality of life and Rusty being happy is more important than trying to extend his time.

The blood work surprised us both. His kidney test showed improvement. He's in the top of normal range now. She remarked that he is one tough cookie. Yeah, don't I know it. But, he did have a result that caused a little concern. A liver enzyme called alkaline phosphatase was a little on the high side. I believe she said that normal was 30-60 and Rusty was at 90. Not an extreme concern at this time, but something that we should watch. I wonder if it became high because he wasn't eating well and had lost so much weight. I know that weight loss in cats can affect liver function. But, other than that he's doing well, he wasn't dehydrated and she gave me lactulose for his constipation and it seems to be working well. I think that most of his trouble is that he doesn't do much anymore and spends most of his day sleeping and I've read that cats need to move around and exercise in order to keep their body functions working well. Just like people, I guess.

Anyhow, he's eating a lot better now, nearly double what he was eating before. He's up to about 1/2 can of food a day now. I give him Fancy Feast twice a day with his lactulose and the rest of the time I feed him Science Diet Senior which isn't too high in phosphorus and he seems to like pretty well. I've got information on the Fancy Feast but the flavors that seem to be lower phosphorus all are gravy types with chunks of food, and I don't think he likes that as well as the ground up type of food. He'd more than likely lick the gravy and leave the rest. So, I'm still thinking on that.

But, he's nearly 19 1/2 now. He's lived far longer than I ever thought he would. So, I guess at this point in time, I agree with his vet. We'll keep him happy and comfortable and when his time comes to head to the Bridge we'll gently help him there as well. He's been a great little guy and has even been an inspiration for me on how to live and enjoy life.

Thanks everyone for your concerns. He's doing well now and we'll just take each day as it comes.

18 comments:

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

All any of can do is take one day at a time. We are glad he is comfortable and happy

SeaThreePeeO said...

We're so happy there there has been a little improvement in Rusty's bloood works.

Happy World Cat Day!

Katnip Lounge said...

Rusty, you enjoy every day...for you each day is a World Cat Day to celebrate.

MomKat here: I was wondering about Rusty, so glad he's eating again. {{hugs}} to you and your geriatric guy...Give him a scritch from me.

Kea said...

We're glad to read an update on Rusty. You are right, 19.5 is a good long life and he might as well enjoy quality of life, eat pretty much what he wants, and so forth. We are sending him (and you) lots of purrs and wishing him peaceful, happy days, for as long as he has.

Happy World Cat Day!

Rusty said...

Thanks, Kea. My thoughts as well.

Rusty's Mom

Brian's Home Blog said...

I'm proud of you Rusty, you really are one tough cookie!!! I hope you have a wonderful World Cat Day every single day!

Cat Street Boyz said...

You made our day Rusty, we are soooo happy that your are feeling good, GREAT BIG{{{{HUGGS}}}}=^Y^=

The Island Cats said...

Happy World Cat Day, Cousin Rusty! We're glad you are doing better. Mom remembers that she used to give Bogart lactulose because he got constipated in his old age too. And mom thinks that elevated liver enzyme may be do to the fact that you weren't eating much. We're glad that you get to eat what you want...that's what's important...that you are happy. Enjoy your time out on the deck too!!

The Creek Cats said...

Happy World Cat Day, Rusty!

We are happy to hear you are eating a little more. You sure are one tough cookie. Hang in there, pal!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Happy World Cat Day Rusty!

We sure are glad to hear about your recent Vet trip. We think you are doing great!

Purrin

xo
Abby

Jacqueline said...

Thanks for the update, we are so happy to hear you are doing well, sweet boy...Happy World Cat Day and today, we celebrate you, gorgeous Rusty=WE LOVE YOU!!...many kisses...Calle, Halle, Sukki

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

The mom speaks:

I couldn't agree more that quality of life is what counts. I'm so glad that Rusty is so loved and cared for and that's what is important. My own beloved Lilac point Siamese Henry (1985 ~ 2004) lived to be almost 20, so I understand what you are going through. It's not easy watching a pet you love age ~ but you are doing the right things. ((((hugs))))

Milo and Alfie are sending purrs.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

PS: Happy World Cat Day.

Parker said...

Quality is the most important thing.
We're so glad he's eating and feeling better.
Plese give Rusty a hug and a smooch from us!
xoxoxoxoxoxox

The Monkeys said...

We are so happy to hear that you're eating, Rusty! Our Mom agrees with your Mom about the food. She did the same with her cat Muddy when he was older. We are sending purrs to you, buddy!

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Rusty and Rusty's Mom! Happy Cat Day! We agree that you should just let him enjoy is old age and not worry too much (a little worry is good of course) on things like type of food (to a point of course!)

Mom here - it is good that you are trying to make it happy and good for him now - we were having a talk about just this issue at work - but about a human, not a cat, and we think that when it is this point in someone (or somecats) life they should enjoy it - not go through lots of unfun stuff like yucky food or things like that. And who knows - he could fool you and be arould a lot longer if he get to be super happy!

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Way to go Rusty! We know you are enjoying that Fancy Feast!

Cat with a Garden said...

Thank you for the update on Rusty. It is wonderful how well he's doing for his high age! We are purring that he will stay happy and comfortable much longer.
Siena & Chilli