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.