- CAT*astrophe averted (for now anyway) -

"WE HAVE FIRM POO!!!!"    

That's what my neighbours heard me yelling through my windows (in my elation, I forgot they were open).  Yup, I'm pretty sure my neighbours are now totally convinced I'm a loon, if they hadn't already thought that before.  What can I say?  I was excited, relieved and thrilled beyond belief to see a lovely log of poo.  What's more, when I yelled it to hubby and the kids who were downstairs... I heard happy, excited woohoo's and yays back... so we're all weird.  LOL

What I'd love to explain to each of my neighbours (especially the two who were sitting out having their dinner on their back patio when I yelled this tasty tidbit of information)...  is that my wonderful 16 year old kitty has been terribly sick for the last 2 months and seeing firm poo in her litter for the first time in 2 months was the most wonderful sight in the world.   The fact that her stool is firming up is a strong indication we're on the right path.  This last week her energy has increased little by little, she's been living in our bedroom the last two months, rarely leaving it.  I had to place food and water bowls right near her bed so that she'd eat and drink.  The last week she's been coming downstairs more and more, she actually came outside yesterday for a bit and is back to trying to kill me when I come down the stairs.  I love it.  I'm waking up with her sitting on my back, waiting for me to feed her (something that used to annoy me but now puts a huge smile on my face); and the last two weeks, each time I've brought her to the vet, she's gained a wee bit more weight.  All really good signs. 

Two months ago I was preparing the kids of her upcoming demise, and that we weren't sure if she'd be with us another 2 weeks...  the vets thought cancer, she was loosing weight (she's already under weight, so losing any weight is scary), she wasn't eating, she was throwing up any food she did eat and had constant diarrhea.  She was terribly lethargic and her hind legs would give out at times.  She stayed in her bed constantly, only to come out to throw up or use her litter box.  I've been worried beyond belief.  Unfortunately, not long after all of this started, I had to travel to Montreal for 5 days.  It was really hard to leave her home, though fortunately my wonderful friend came twice a day to look after her and give her some company and make sure she took her pills.  I had to put a hiatus on the different tests and things the vet wanted to try and I was desperate to get moving on it, obviously the sooner the better.  I was also bringing her in for subcutaneous injections because she was constantly dehydrated, so it was a constant worry for me.  When we got back, I immediately brought her to the vet and we started trying different things and did tests (it now looks like it's not cancer, though we're still not certain, but we're not going to sink more money into more tests to confirm something we wouldn't be able to help anyway, so the vet and I have moved forward to try other things). 

The vet suggested we try Vitamin B12 shots, once a week, to see if it might help her.  We're on week 5 of the B12 shots and low and behold...  WE HAVE FIRM POO!!!  and a more energetic cat, and with a bigger appetite and a much happier, relaxed face.  I went into the vet's office today for Kira's next B12 shot, and when the vet asked me how Kira was doing, I replied "We have firm poo!!!" and the vet let out a whoop and two of the assistants woohoo'd and clapped.  LOL  I absolutely love this vet, she's new to the office and she's just awesome.

Kira sitting in the passenger seat, arriving at the vet, looking SO much healthier!

I'm learning to give Kira her B12 shot myself.  I currently go in the office for guidance and reassurance while I administer the shot, the vet holds Kira.  I'm getting much better and more confident each time.  The vet is only charging me for the needles and B12, not for the time she's giving me to hold Kira and walk me through learning to administer shots.  She also weighs Kira each time to see how she's doing, no charge for any of it.  I can continue doing the shots with the vet for as long as I want, until I feel comfortable to start doing them at home.  The vet could easily get one of the techs to come in and hold Kira while I do the shot, but no, she comes in every time to hold Kira (Kira's come to trust her) and talks with me and celebrates any small improvements with me.  I couldn't ask for a better vet.  I'm thinking another 2 or 3 times giving Kira her shot with the vet and I'll be fine to do it at home.  Today Kira didn't feel a thing, and I did it much quicker, so I know I'm getting better at it.  :O)

For now, my fur baby is doing better and better.  Right now she's happily curled up in hubby's arms, on the couch, purring and content.  Hubby had missed Kira laying with him on the couch every night and was delighted tonight when she waltzed into the living room, hopped on the couch and worked her way into his arms, another thing back on track.  Hubby's now all stuffed up and wheezing, but as he says, that's ok, this is how it's supposed to be.  :O)  Both look very content.