Leo's Story

Posted by Cecil the Cougar: at 9:53 AM

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Hi everycat!

As you know, I will be making my Thursday 13 tomorrow, and I is very very excited! A special guest will also be making a Thursday 13 on my bloggie tomorrow... I cannot tell you who it is just yet!

I wanted to make this special post because Mommie has been feeling a little bit sad this past week. See this Saturday, May 3rd, would be Leo the Lion's 10th purrthday. I fink many of you know that Leo is the Great Kitty who Came Before Me. She was looking through some old pictures last night and also came across Leo's story that she wrote so that she would never, ever forget.


Leo had Chronic Renal Failure. Everyone who is signed up for the Mewsletter will be able to read all about this common disease in the issue that comes out at Midnight tonight.

But Mommie wants to post Leo's story. She wonders if anyone else has dealt with a kitty who has CRF and what kind of treatments they were/are on. If you have time, you can read Leo's story here. Mommie finally feels ready to talk about it, but she doesn't know anyone else who has experienced this before. She figured the blogosphere was the best place to find someone to talk to.

Fanks,

Cecil

20 opinions:

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oh, we understand about missing one who is gone. Jan wants the computer back, so we'll read the story soon.

We were surprised our scary eye picture scared you - Cecil the Cougar. You give us hope for the contest. :)

We can't wait to read your post tomorrow and see who your special guest is.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We miss our older cats. We had our older cats on a Standard Process supplement from our naturopathic vet. The first time they were a little high in the values it was recommended. When we went to the regular vet they recommended more blood work about a year later and they were amazed the the BUN and Creatine values had DROPPED and were within normal ranges.

Babs (Beetle) said...

I have just read 'Leo's story' and it was as if I had written it about our beautiful Sheba. Every detail the same. Sheba was seventeen and suffered kidney failure, just last year. It was the most difficult decision ever and I too was saying No! no! you can't do it. But in the end knew it had to be done.

We got Sukie a Sheba look-a-like, in her memory. Sometimes I believe she is Sheba!

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

Mommy also lost Vincent Who Came Before to CRF. If they had caught it earlier he might have done well with subQ fluids. Mommy & the vets were so focused on his cancer that they missed the CRF until it was too late. Vincent looked a lot like a bigger Leo, so your story makes her eyes extra leaky.

Mommy has regrets as well, but you do the best you can with the knowledge available and you learn from mistakes. Our food is of higher quality. We don't eat wheat gluten, soy, or corn (the only wheat is in our treats). We get wet food several times a week. We have a fountain. That is what Mommy is doing for now.

We are sending purrs to your Mommie.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Momma's eyes are leaking badly for what youre Momma had to go through with Leo. She has read the kidney failure is a very common problem with older cats and she watches all of us like hawks for any slight changes...

Our purrs for your Momma we know that must've been so awfully difficult...so difficult..

Purrs
Abby

Mr. Hendrix said...

I am mommy's first kitty so we haven't experienced CRF. Leo must've been a brave and sweet little boy. puuuuuurrrrrrsssssss

Mr. Hendrix said...

I am mommy's first kitty so we haven't experienced CRF. Leo must've been a brave and sweet little boy. puuuuuurrrrrrsssssss

Daisy said...

The story of Leo brought a tear to my eye. I am sorry that your first vet missed the diagnosis. Leo sounds like he was a very special cat.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

hi cecil, be real nice to mommie today honey okay? i will be back tomorrow to see your tt post...

smiles, auntie bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Mickey's Musings said...

I was so sorry to read about Leo. Sadly,not every Vet is a good one. Years ago pets lived and died.
Now,there are more choices with Vets and much bettertools for the Vets to work with. Go with your gut feeling,If you do not like a Vet,find another.If your pet is not getting better,get another opinion. Finding the right VET is so important!
I hope Cecil will live a long ,happy life :)
Purrs Mickey

Unknown said...

Leo looks and sounds like a very special cat. I don't know anycat that has/had renal failure, but my Mum's kidneys are failing, so we know it is rough.

Anonymous said...

The Mom: I am very sorry you lost Leo. As pet owners, this is something we all usually face at least once. It is heart breaking.

Most recently, right before Gandalf & Grayson, I had to put down my precious Sha Na, a Pekingese. She was 15 and at the end-stages of 2 life-threatening diseases. No matter how much time you have to prepare, you're never ready. I still miss her terribly, and I miss every pet I have ever had before her. They are all individuals and special in their own unique ways. It's a part of the cycle of life. Unfortunately, most pets have much shorter cycles than us and we lose them all too soon.

Cecil is a delight! I know you're enjoying him to the fullest, as I adore my Gandalf & Grayson!

Thanks for sharing Leo's story with us.

L. Alida said...

Oh sweetie, your Leo's story broke my heart. When Tookie was around 11,(and I'm guessing her age as we never really knew.) She began to suffer from kidney failure. She had to go on IV fluids at the Vets, staying overnight. I was miserable with worry and prayed and begged for her life. The Vet sent her home with meds and said I might need to make the choice to let her pass. I refused to believe it. She was thin and had lost a lot of fur. I set up a spare bedroom for her, slept with her, hand fed her constantly and made sure she drank water. I prayed, sang to her held her and told her I wasn't ready for her to go. I told her I loved her so much.
By Christmas Tookie had made a turn for the better, she gained weight and grew fur. She went in for fluids and checkups until the Vet gave her the ok to not have to. Her kidneys would always be weak, but she had made it. She lived for 11 more years, passing away when she was 22 or 23 years old. Her kidneys shut down and she had a series of strokes. I miss her so much! Like your Leo she passed over in my arms. I wanted to go with her. I really understand how you feel. Leo is a beautiful cat and Cecil is adorable. You will always be their mommie. Please know you did your very best. We all understand, we really do.
Gentle Hugs,
Lorianna

SophieKitty said...

Aww Leo! That was a sad story. Fanks for sharing it with us, I'm sure it was difficult.

Emma's Kat said...

So many kitties w/kidney failure! Although I did not lose my 1st furrkitty to CRF, I totally understand what you've been thru too. I lost my Danny Boy to a horrible and aggressive cancerous tumor. Just thinking about him, I miss him so and would give anything to have him back for even just a few minutes. He was my first baby and we knew each other like the back of our hand! I miss u Danny! Rest in peace my sweet boy and rest in peace sweet Leo and all the others that have also crossed the Bridge. Hugs sent your way Cecil's meowmie! Can't wait to read your T13, which I see is posted now. I will have to comment 2morrow as it is getting late here in VA!

-Kat

MaoMao said...

My momma's sendin huge, huge, huge huggies to yur momma. Thanks fur sharin the story of Leo. It made Momma bawl. What a preshus boy and what a wunnerful love you shared. And what a superduper li'l feller Cecil is! There's nothin inna wurld quite like the love of kitties.

Love and kittyhugs and purrs frum MaoMao.

Louche Tabby said...

......Leo.....that story made my stomach flip.......and you had great FB's.........

Anonymous said...

your story made our Lady leak lots. she couldn't imagine being without us either. purrrrrrrs to your mommie.

The Cat Realm said...

We don't personally know anyone with CRF but we know your pain of losing a loved one as our Anastasia went into the desert and never came back out last August 21. We still cry.
Thank you for sharing the story of Leo.
Karl

Poppy Q said...

Hi Lovely Cecil and mommy,
Puss the cat who came before me had CRF too. She got diagnosed and lasted about 9 months after the original problem. We did sub q fluids, and mum did lots of syringes of water and spoonfulls of yoghurt to keep Puss happy.

You know though, mum says lots of love is the important thing. And having enough love to know when to let go.

We is thinking of your mom and of Leo - what a nice story.

Poppy and mum Q