Deceased cat

[Kazius]

The reason for this post is for me to find out more information about why my cat passed away. To make a long story short, I will explain what has been going on in the past few days with my male DHS.

Approximately 2-3 weeks ago, Malysh has been sitting at his litter box for quite some time. It seemed as if he couldn't "let it out." He has been wandering around the apartment, as if it seemed unfamiliar to him. He has been urinating excessively, on the carpet, floor, bed, and anything you can think of. He couldn't go potty on his litter box for some akward reason. After a few days has passed, his pupils were enlarged regardless of what he looked at. He seemed to be scared with everything, and unfamiliar with everything and everyone around him. He has also been periodically vomitting. In the beggining he vomited food, but later on he coughed up a *wet* hair ball. And after a few days considering his lose of appetite, he either vomites some kind of yellow foamy substanse or just a unusual foam. He has also lost strength in his both hind legs and colapses while trying to drink some water. He has also been making noises, something like a dog would do when he washes himself, as if something is bothering him internally. But unfortunately on March 28th, we finally decided we should send him to the vet, and so we did, but he seemed to have had something stuck in either his intestine, lung, stomach, or something. He also seemed to have had a very weak heart, so he had to be put down.

I hope I get more information on the cause of Malysh's death. I'm interested in finding out if something could have been prevented.

Thanks for all the support.
-Ryan

[sasvermont]

I didn't read all of your message very thoroughly, but can say that whenever a male cat has trouble urinating, you should call the Vet and take him there ASAP. So my message is: cat in trouble=vet visit=ASAP!

SAS

[Former User]

I don't have any advices for you, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss

[Kazius]

He urinated just fine, but not in the appropriate places, and extensively. I still remember the last time I saw him alive, its very depressing.

[Pam]

I may be too late in suggesting this, but your vet could do an autopsy. My Whitney (standard poodle) died one day when we were all at work and had been in excellent health. The vet said it was most likely a heart attack but that he could do an autopsy to find out for certain. We didn't have the heart for that so said no. It might help to shed some light on what happened to your kitty, but it is also a very horrible thing to have to consider doing to a beloved pet.

[Kazius]

I'm very sorry for the lose of Whitney, Pam. I know exactly how you feel. I don't know how I'll live through this tragedy.

But.. I must comment, That Trevor is one purty kitty.
I just bought a kitty just like that from the clinic that lost her mother.

[wolflady]

First, I want to say that I'm so sorry for your loss It's always hard to lose a beloved pet. **hugs**

From the description, I gather that he must have had some sort of advanced UTI disorder. Unfortunately it's pretty common in males cats, so anytime they seem to have difficulty at the litterbox, or start eliminating outside of the litterbox (basically anything out of the norm having to do with your cat mis-using the litterbox, straining or excessively eliminating)...a trip to the vet is an absolute MUST! The reason being, is the UTIs can kill cats when left untreated in just a matter of days. My Scooter suffers from UTI, but it is possible to keep it under control. He is on a special diet for urinary tracts by Science Diet...which is prescribed by the vet and my cat has to be on it for the rest of his life. As long as the cat is taken to the vet at the first sign of any kind of problem, it can be treated successfully.
I thought I would include this informational article about urinary problems in cats, what to look for, and how to treat it so maybe it can help answer some questions you might have.
Again, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Malysh, and you and your family are in my thoughts. **hugs** I hope you find this article helpful.
**hugs**

Conquering kitty's urinary problems

by Sandra L. Toney

If you're a Pet Parent who has ever personally experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI), you can certainly sympathize with felines who suffer from this painful disorder. As with ALL illnesses that affect our cats, however, we have to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections in our furry friends before we can even begin to help them overcome it! It isn't always easy to note the signs, but it's imperative to take immediate action when you do, as your cat could become seriously ill and even die if no measures are taken!


"Call it whatever you want...just help me get rid of it!"

Naming the condition
FUS?

LUTD?

UTI?

FLUTD?

The past few years of veterinary medicine have found differing names for basically any condition concerning the urinary tract. Unfortunately, this can lead to some confusion on the part of Pet Parents. If you are trying to locate information on the Internet or in a kitty health care book, the name of this condition is probably going to vary. For years, veterinary professionals referred to urinary tract problems as Feline Urologic Syndrome or FUS. Recent years, however, have found that a more suitable name (and the name know being used by most veterinarians and specialists) is Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD). Or, if you put the word FELINE front of it, it becomes known as FLUTD. But whatever name it goes by, it is a serious and uncomfortable condition.

Recognizing the symptoms
"The most common things cat owners will see is that the cat makes frequent attempts to urinate, straining in the litterbox with little or no urine produced, excessive licking of the genitals (UTI is more common in the male, but occurs in females too), blood in the urine, vomiting, depression and dehydration," explains Lori Renda-Francis, BS, LVT, a Professor at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, Michigan.

"I have heard many times the owner explain that they think the cat is constipated," says Francis, a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) as well as the Director of the Veterinary Technician Program at the college. "When they see them straining in the litterbox, they have a hard time telling if the animal is attempting to urinate or defecate. So I always teach my students to continue to ask questions of the owners. A big key to diagnosing is the history of the animal, and because they can't talk we need to rely on the owners."

Diagnosing the illness
Once a Pet Parent notices that something is wrong with kitty, the first step should be an IMMEDIATE visit to the veterinarian. In male cats, a blockage in their narrow urethra (females' urethras are not quite so restricting) can be life-threatening. This is because an obstruction--such as a stone crystal buildup--will prevent the cat from being able to urinate, leading to a quick build-up of toxins (or poisons) in the bloodstream and kidneys. Death often follows within hours.

Once at the veterinarian, a physical exam will be performed and the size and feel of the abdomen will be the doctor's first concern. A urinalysis will also be necessary and a culture may be needed to properly diagnose just exactly where the infection or blockage is occurring. "Collecting the urine can be done in several ways," says Francis, who is currently the President of the North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA), "The easiest and most important way to obtain a culture is by cystocentesis. This is when a needle is inserted into the abdomen and into the bladder and the urine is aspirated. It is very quick and easy to do."

Treating the disease
The treatment of any FLUTD usually involves antibiotics. Pet food manufacturers are now making special formulas for cats who suffer recurring episodes of urinary tract problems (lowering the magnesium in the food as well as formulating it to reduce the pH levels in kitty's urine--both supposed causes for FLUTD). Of course, before feeding your cat any new food or diet, you should check with your veterinarian to see if it's suitable for your particular feline (and if you have more than one cat, check to see if it's suitable for them as well. Otherwise, the food bowls may have to be isolated). Plenty of cool, fresh water is also a necessity for cats suffering from FLUTD. The same, of course, is true for all animals--even those who aren't suffering from a urinary tract condition.

So, if you are the Pet Parent of a cat who suffers from FLUTD, it doesn't have to mean a lower quality of life or even a certain "death sentence" for your cherished companion. And, even if your cat has never had such problems in the past, make sure you know what to look out for, as it can occur at any time. If you watch out for the signs and symptoms, get kitty treated by a veterinarian immediately, and learn to maintain your cat's maximum level of urinary tract health, deciding on which term to use--FUS, FLUDT, UTI, or LUTD-- really won't matter because your favorite feline will be on the road to a happy and healthy urinary existence.

[purrley]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I've had cats all my life and my motto has always been "cat acts out of the ordinary in any way" it's time to visit the vet. These creatures have a tendancy to go down hill so very fast when a problem arises so whenever I detect something, I always have to ease my mind by going to the vet. I'd still be really interested in knowing exactly what happened to your kitty though, but it definately sounds like UTI.
Again - so sorry about your loss, it hurts so much to lose a baby

[Randi]

Ryan!

I'm very sorry to hear that you lost your precious kitty. How old was he?

Reading the symptoms, I can't help but worry about my own kitty, he's on the edge of having trouble peeing again after being treated for bladder stones. We have to keep him on a strict diet - it seems forever.

It's so sad, but try to think that he's not suffering anymore! When you're feeling up to it, go and have a chat with the vet, he can probably tell you what was the reason. Think of the good times you had with him!

[Kazius]

Thanks for everyones informative replies. I appreciate your help. I feel very guilty not thinking about bringing Malysh to the vet when I recognized the symptoms. But I'm only 13, and I tried convincing my mom to send him to the animal hospital yet she didn't want to go to extreme measures in order to get rid of the issue. My mom thought that it would cost a ton and thought it would be best to see what happens next and see if we can treat him on our own. I guess when we decided to quickly take him to the vet, it was too late. My Malysh always used to bite plastic bags and chew on them, he loved to LICK banana peels and the bags. I was sleeping when my mom had to take him to the clinic. Last time I saw him was the day before when we were all ready to go to bed. He looked as if he was completely paralyzed, he couldn't move ANYTHING but wiggle his tail. It looked as if he knew what was going to happen next. His stomach looked like it was all puffy and stuff.

So, its hard to find out what was the exact cause. Mom said he was going to be cremated, I feel quite bad about that. My Mom was hysterical throughout the night, dad was astonished to find out what happened. I hope the cause wasn't the plastic bags that he always chewed on, cuz then its all because we mishandled the things we left around the house. Perhaps if we would of taken him to the vet early, this could of all have been prevented. Yet the vet told me mom his heart wasn't strong enough to handle the operation. I just wish we could of all went back in time and change everything.

Once again, thanks for everyones support.
-Ryan

[Kazius]

Originally posted by Randi
Ryan!

I'm very sorry to hear that you lost your precious kitty. How old was he?

Reading the symptoms, I can't help but worry about my own kitty, he's on the edge of having trouble peeing again after being treated for bladder stones. We have to keep him on a strict diet - it seems forever.

It's so sad, but try to think that he's not suffering anymore! When you're feeling up to it, go and have a chat with the vet, he can probably tell you what was the reason. Think of the good times you had with him!

Unfortunately Malysh was only 2 years old. We bought him at a animal shop when he was very young, I think around 2 weeks.

[wolflady]

Originally posted by Kazius
Thanks for everyones informative replies. I appreciate your help. I feel very guilty not thinking about bringing Malysh to the vet when I recognized the symptoms. But I'm only 13, and I tried convincing my mom to send him to the animal hospital yet she didn't want to go to extreme measures in order to get rid of the issue....
-Ryan

Oh Ryan, sweetie pie...please don't feel guilty about this! Like you said, you expressed concern to your mom and she chose to wait. Just know that you tried to help him, and that's a good thing.
**hugs**
It breaks my heart to hear that you're feeling guilty. Please know that Malysh is happy and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge. All of us at Pet Talk are here for you, and like Spencer said, you can talk to us all as much as you need to to get through this.

[LoudLou]

I am DEEPLY saddend by your loss. I know that there is nothing I can say to take the pain away. Please know that it was not your fault. We are here for you should you want to talk.

[yorkster]

I am so sorry for you Ryan. I know how you feel too. My kitty, Liza (RB) died of kidney failure due to cancer. I think she had not felt well for awhile, but I did not notice in time. She was getting a little older, and I just thought she was slowing down. I was wrong.
Everyone told me that it was not my fault, and they were right.
Believe me, it's not your fault........you just did not know. Live and learn, right?

Again, I am sorry for your loss. Hang in there.

Aslo: recently when my other kitty was sick, I found a web site that had a list of different syptoms and what they could possibly be a sign of. I'll see if I can find it again, and post the link.

[Pam]

Ryan (my son's name is also Ryan ) thank you for your condolences about Whitney and your nice compliment about Trevor. I know after Whitney died I had a tremendous amount of guilt for not being with her that day. Of course it was due to circumstances beyond my control (I had to work) but nevertheless I felt awful that she died all alone. I have second guessed over and over what may have taken her life but I will just have to rest with the vet's best suggestion that it was a heart attack. I can still bring myself to tears if I think about her and it's been 6 years. I find that thinking of her at the Rainbow Bridge and the hope of seeing her again one day helps quite a bit! She knew I loved her and your Malysh knew that too. Hope this helps.