Luckie Kitty's Tail

You learn as you go with this kind of experience. There are things that we did really well and there are things that, when we look back, we realize we would do them differently now. We’ve compiled a list of these hindsight helpful hints. These are things that we found helpful or wish that we had done. They are not in any way meant to be professional advice.

• Develop a good working relationship with your veterinarian. Communicate OFTEN. If your veterinarian cannot take the time to explain what is going on (in terms that you can understand) and what your options are, you need to think about getting a new vet.
• Consider joining an online support group –especially if you don’t have strong support at home. Renée and I were fortunate because we were there for each other and we were always on the same page. Some people are in relationships where this is not true. Reach out to others who share your experience.
• Be organized. Write down medication schedules and dosages. Keep supplies that you need on hand. If you will be traveling with your pet, create a travel kit. We had to do this when we took Luckie to my mother’s for Thanksgiving and when we were commuting between camp and home.
• Don’t avoid talking about euthanasia – especially if you have never had to make that decision for an animal. Ask questions ahead of time. What happens and how? What is your role? What are the options for your cats remains? It may seem morbid to bring it up, but it is better to receive that information when you are not in the middle of a medical crisis needing to make the decision
• Spend lots of time with your pet. Take lots of pictures
• Do not faint at the vet’s just to get out of administering subcutaneous fluids. I do not endorse or recommend that method. If you think you are going to have a problem with the needles, let them know in a less dramatic way.
• Develop a financial plan and be realistic about what level of debt you can incur. Research payment options like Care Credit or a 0% interest rate credit card that you can pay off before you lose that rate.
• Take care of yourself! You are no good to your pet when you aren’t taking care of yourself first. Your immune system takes a beating with every crisis. It became predictable that either Renée or I (or both!) would succumb to illness within a week or two of any major crisis.
  • Don’t stop doing things that you enjoy—find time for hobbies or activities that refresh you
  • Your nutrition is just as important as your cat’s. Too much comfort food isn’t really going to help you. Neither is skipping meals
    

If you opt for a feeding tube:

• Invest in a good blender.
  
• Make sure the syringe is attached to the tube when you push the food out.
  
• To make the previous task easier, get the syringes that screw onto the tube
  
• Stock up on carpet cleaner and stain remover. It is inevitable that there will be stains
  
• Stock up on patience. Initially we had to administer the food very slowly in order for Luckie to keep it down. Forty five minutes to an hour per feeding was not uncommon. (And even that wasn’t a guarantee that she’d keep it in her belly!)
  
• Always put the little stopper for the tube in a safe place. Thinking you’ve lost it is not a good feeling.
  
• Mixing medicine and food in the syringe is an art form. Good luck.