People who don’t have pets may not understand the relationship one can have with an animal. I lost my cat Smokey 2 years ago with heart failure and fluid in his lung. I berried him in my house at the back yard in his favorite spot close to the pink roses and the apple tree in Okotoks, Alberta, He was 13 years old. Smokey was beautiful mix cat with green eye. He died in my car in the way to the vet hospital, so I still say hi to him every morning I get into my car and send blessing for his soul.

Mahera my dying cat

Pets are more than just a creature that you care for. They embody a time of your life, they are a connection to home. They have witnessed you more than any other human being. Today I just received the bad news from my vet that my second cat Mahera, the white American tabby is having a renal failure, she stopped eating and her iron is way low. The vet gave her a month or so and then I have to put her to sleep.

Ashley my gray cat.

Mahera was born on July 29, 2008 in High level -Alberta, she is a 14 years old beautiful white tabby, so gentle and loving. I am trying everything possible to extend her life and spend the last month with her. Mahera was Smokey girlfriend and she loved him dearly , when Smokey died she stopped eating for 2 days and only drank water and slept beside his grave because she saw me when I prepared him and berried him .

Smokey and Mahera.

But now I am in a different city of Alberta. I made an arrangement with the person I sold my house to in Okotoks, to bring my cat body back here, so Smokey can berried together with Mahera . They were insuperable and they loved each other so much they are always together, play and sleep together. I promised them that I will berried them together when they pass away and I will keep my promise.

Mahera with Smokey.

you become so attached to them . They always listen to your rants and never interrupt, so when you lose them it’s more than just a physical loss. The loss of a pet is an emotional, painful and excruciating hardship that can be sometimes as strong as the loss of a human being. It took me 2 years to slowly let Smokey go, and now here I am going again with my beloved Mahera. All I can do is to ask God to bless their soul, he gave me those cats and he took them and between this time I spend wonderful memories with them .

Mahera and Ashley , now Ashley will be alone after Mahera passing

They came with me to USA, Holland, Saudi Arabia, and other Canadian provinces on travel. I still have one more cat she is also 14 years old and her name is Ashley. so at least I have her and still in process of taken care of mahera injections, and feeding.

My beloved Mahera

The first day I met Mahera, it was a beautiful humid and sticky summer day in high level Alberta. Smokey and Mahera were so small and almost blind , I resided them and took care of them , and a year later Ashley joined us. Mahera is an Arabic name and it means the clever girl, the smart and skillful, and she really is. I am still crying and she is not dead yet so I am preparing my self to that moment.

Mahera and Ashley at young age.

Ashley the gray cat knows that mahera is going as she knew when Smokey passed away, cats know and trey have way to predicts something is wrong, from the way they smell each other, look at each other eyes and energy, or the way the sound and move. The cat usually hide away when she is about to die , she want peaceful place , quiet away from stress and voices. I can see that already in Mahera.

Mahera.

When i get them they were so frightened they dug thier nails into my skin, leaving a small scar on my collarbone. I fed them using an eye dropper to feed them cat milk. And now I am using the same dropper to give mahera the medication she needs before she depart from this world. I have such a great memories with them when I took them with me to travel. I have great stories and memories with each cat, they are like children.

Smokey

I was slowly losing you mahera as I lost Smokey before you . I would yell at you when you wouldn’t let me near you or feed you ,didn’t know that you were sick , “What’s wrong God damn it?” I thought the world was playing one nasty game with me. I’m sorry I got so angry ay you , I gave you wonderful 14 years and you were and always be part of my life and memories .I love you mahera, as I loved Smokey before you. May God will bring you and Smokey together and I believe that 100%.

Mahera with Smokey day before he passed away.

Those pets are kind, pure energy with pure love, and they are God creatures and gifts to human and this world .I pray to god that he will keep them together in the spirit world happy always. I know now I have to start preparing the grave yard in my garden and make extra place for Smokey body to be with you Mahera.

My Cat Ashley

You were dying. You were dying, and there was nothing I could do about it. I spend 9000 dollars for Smokey operation but only to die one week after his operation, and now I will do anything to expand your life with medication, but when the lord want you there is nothing I can do to save you , I hope I can give you the best few weeks of your life until I join you in the spirit world.

Smokey my beloved cat.

I love you Smokey, the vet told me there was nothing else I can do. Your little heart was being crushed by the muscles and the fluid surrounding it. The only way to keep you from suffering was to put you down. But I didn’t, and I choice the operation to save your life , but doctors can do so much. Your heart was being crushed, I thought, it’s all my fault. I never gave you enough love and because of it you were dying. I love you Smokey. And now i am dealing with your beautiful girl Mahera, and I will do my best to help her.

Mahera is sun tanning

If I have to euthanize Mahera, I will ask the vet to do it in the car , where Smokey passed away so Mahera spirit can joying him too in the same car. When I get into my car I used to cry for Smokey, now I just greet him daily, and when Mahera time to join him ,I will greet them every day in the same car.

Smokey few days after his operation.

 I cried so much my eyes were swollen and sore. My chest felt congested, and I felt the pressure of something crushing me, I felt like the hall world were gone . Smokey used to be my alarm and he used to wake me up to work before the Alarm , after his death, Mahera took over the duty of waking me to work every day, she also waking me up on weekend , she dont know it is a week end. I will miss that. Ashely is other hand is a spoil lovely cat and don’t wake me up.

Good bye, Smokey, and now Good bye Mahera, I know you are still a life but I am trying to prepare myself here.

I love you Smokey

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What is kidney failure in cats?

When your cat’s kidneys are healthy they work to remove toxins, manage blood pressure, maintain a normal electrolyte balance, regulate hydration and calcium, and produce hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells. 

If your cat is diagnosed with kidney failure – also known as renal failure – the kidneys are no longer functioning efficiently. This can be caused by a number of factors and conditions, such as infections, tumors or ingesting something toxic.  

The immediate risk of failing kidneys in cats is that they cannot clear the blood of dangerous toxins.

There are two types of kidney failure in cats. Each type differs in causes, treatment options and prognosis.

Acute Renal Failure

If your cat is suffering from acute kidney failure, it means that their kidneys are suddenly unable to function properly. This type of kidney failure occurs suddenly, within days or weeks. If diagnosed in time, acute renal failure can often be reversed.

It can happen in cats of any age and typically results from poisons, trauma, infection, organ failure, urethral blockages, dehydration and other causes. Poisons, such as toxic plants, pesticides, cleaning fluids and human medications, are the most common cause of acute renal failure.

Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney failure in cats is a gradual condition that typically develops over several months or even years. This type of kidney failure is typically caused by autoimmune diseases, cysts in the kidneys, and genetics. 

My cat Mahera, I am going to miss her.

Chronic kidney failure is a progressive illness that can lead to total kidney failure, where the kidneys gradually stop working as they lose the ability to filter toxins out of the blood. 

If your cat’s kidneys aren’t removing waste from his or her body, you may notice that your cat is drinking more water and attempting to urinate more. Because the toxins build up in the cat’s body, they may feel nauseous and stop eating their food. In general, your cat will appear to be lethargic and not very happy. 

General symptoms of kidney failure in cats can include:

·        Dehydration

·        Excess thirst

·        Weakness

·        Weight loss

·        Lack of appetite

·        Diarrhea (may contain blood)

·        Vomiting (may contain blood)

·        Depression

·        Bad breath

If your cat is suffering from acute kidney failure you may also notice an arched back or stiff-legged gait, symptoms that your cat’s kidneys are causing pain. Chronic kidney failure gradually progresses over years, and the signs may not be noticeable. By the time you do see symptoms, the disease may already be leading to total kidney failure. 

While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, if it’s detected and treated early your cat’s longevity and quality of life can be improved.

Symptoms of end stage kidney failure in cats include dull sunken eyes, inability to walk, body odour, incontinence in bladder or bowels, refusal to eat or drink, seizures, confusion, pacing and restlessness, withdrawing, hiding and running away.

Though more than one of these symptoms will be present, you may not see all of them in your cat. With kidney failure, there are no easy answers, as different symptoms may be present at different times. 

These symptoms can also be signs of other illnesses, which is why early diagnosis, disease management and communication with your vet is critical. 

How is Kidney Failure in Cats is Diagnosed & Treated

Your vet will do a comprehensive examination of your cat, including blood and urine tests, X-rays, and possibly an ultrasound. A kidney biopsy might also be required. 

If kidney disease is found, treatments could include intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, vitamin injections, supplements, medications, and possibly surgery to remove blockages. When treating kidney failure the goal is to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. 

You can support your cat’s treatment with a carefully managed diet and plenty of clean fresh water. Your vet will recommend that you gradually transition your cat to a kidney diet that is low in both phosphorus and protein and is enriched with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.  

For cats with end stage kidney failure palliative care will be required in their final days. This will include keeping them warm and comfortable, with food, water and a litter box nearby, as well as lots of loving human companionship.