Monte Update

The last week has been kind of a nervous time for us. Since we switched Monte's food two weeks ago, we found that he had a problem... well, let's say there wasn't much in the litter box.

Over a few days, he had no appetite and he wasn't drinking water. Poor kitty. So, we brought him to the vet again. After getting x-rays and going over various possibilities of what was happening, the vet decided to go the simple route first and just give him an enema.

That helped A LOT. Monte was pretty much back to normal after a few days of cleansing. He's got his appetite back, drinking water, and so now he's regular again. WHEW!!!

Yes, I'm happy to report that the litter box is in use again. I never thought I'd ever write words like that, but I'm happy. You feel so helpless when you see your furry baby so uncomfortable.

During the vet visit, we asked the question... does Monte really have kidney failure? And the sad answer is yes. It's at the very beginning phase of it, so we really won't see anything different in kitty - but over time, and we don't know how fast or slow this will progress, this will become something we'll have to do our best to make Monte's time with us as happy and as comfortable as possible.

On a less grim note, I'm currently in the middle of Earth Hour. I've got my laptop on battery mode, candles all around, no TV or radio or lights. It's actually very peaceful. The windows are open and I can hear the whoosh of the city around me. If something this simple can help the city save 10% worth of energy - I'm willing to do this again.

I've been going through a marathon of movies the past two weekends. I wanted to watch Resident Evil 3, but totally forgot what had been going on - so I re watched parts 1 and 2 again. Looks like they've left the door open for a part 4. I also watched Georgia Rule - only because Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman are in it. I don't like Lindsay Lohan, but I do admit she can be a good actress. I've enjoyed some of her previous films. Anyway, Georgia Rules, don't bother. It was boring and except for Jane Fonda's character, I didn't like anyone else.

Tonight, I started watching The Maltese Falcon, with Humphrey Bogart. I've only gotten through an hour and then I shut it off for Earth Hour. I'll get back to it later tonight.

Reality check

This is a story difficult to tell, so I've had to give myself a chance to absorb it before saying anything. About two weeks ago, Monte had a visit to the vet - at the time, after a urine test, the vet said that Monte could be at the beginning stage of kidney disease. WHAT!?!

I looked it up on the internet and my heart just fell. Apparently, kidney disease in older cats is very common - but it's also what will eventually take my little Monte kitty away from us. Could be a few months, could be a few years. Monte about 14 or 15 years old (we got him as a stray). I know he's had a very good life with us in the past 11+ years - he couldn't be a more spoiled cat. But this news really brought me down to reality that there is an end to our bliss together - and it's closer rather than farther away.

It took me a few days to realize that I was upset like he was already at death's door. I cried almost every time I saw him, and he really tolerated a lot of hugs and kisses from his mama. What a good kitty. I've now accepted that, he's OK right now. The doctor said his test showed that he 'could' have it, but it's so faint that it's barely begun. But it's there. This week, we switched Monte's wet food to a formula that doesn't require his kidney to do a lot of work. I guess they leave something out that normal cat food usually contains. He seems to like it. The vet also put him on an antibiotic for a month prevent infection. We think that's what's making him hyper. We cut that dosage in half last night.

Let me define hyper - waking us up several times at night by standing on the bed and yowling at us. Meowing at us several times a day and then leading us to his favorite toy so that we can play together (he never used to do that). He's just got a lot of energy suddenly - which is good, but he's very demanding. When he wants attention, he meows loudly for it. One thing that's pretty nice... he purrs a lot now. I mean, a lot! I've never heard his motor running like that when he's playing - but there it is.

So, all in all, there have been some changes in the house. Hopefully, we'll get down to a routine again (meaning, no more 5am wake up meows). He seems happy and is very loving. He won't eat any of his pills (stuffed into treats) anymore, so we have to do the kitty cocoon and stuff them in his mouth - but aside from that moment of unpleasantness, we're still a happy little family.


Latest update: The vet just told us to stop giving him the antibiotics for the next two days and see if he calms down a little. We'll see what happens.

Playful Kitty

Monte was in a really playful mood this morning. He NEVER does this - I'm so glad I caught it on video. It was so hard not to laugh and hold the camera steady.

And just in case you're wondering, we only use that pink blanket to protect our comforter from little sharp claws. It's from my baby days. I love pink but...