Update: Monday, Oct. 9: Step Forward, Step Back, Step Forward

Bud had a rough Sunday but he’s okay now.

Apologies for the lack of updates.

Buddy was improving for two days. Although he still wasn’t eating much, there were really encouraging signs: he was trilling and meowing more, he was more active and he even gave me a light warning bite while I was tossing and turning in my sleep, sort of a “Dude, don’t forget I’m here! Careful with those feet!”

On Sunday he ate a little more, then got sick again and was crying, vocalizing loudly in distress. I gave him some catnip and he settled down after a while.

Hopefully this is just a blip. He’s on my desk right now, rubbing his head against my hands as I type this. He seems fine. Although cats are creatures of habit, I’m going to try to give him smaller meals more frequently for at least a few days.

Also, Bud’s gotten wise to the meds and is trying to eat around them but I think he’s gotten most of the medication because it’s mixed pretty well in there. Another positive sign: He’s been drinking quite a bit.

I apologize for the intervening radio silence. I wasn’t sure what to write and it’s frustrating not having control over the situation. Obviously it was upsetting to see him hurting again and there’s a feeling of helplessness when that happens, but he seems better now.

31 thoughts on “Update: Monday, Oct. 9: Step Forward, Step Back, Step Forward”

    1. The best they could do was rule out some causes. That was the emergency vet, who did an examination and blood work. I could have gotten x-rays but that would probably raise the cost to $2,000+ for one visit and no guarantee that they’d find the problem.

      Unfortunately the local vet is booked two weeks out and the next closest vet doesn’t have appointments either. When I needed to bring Bud in, they said I could wait until the next day to see if they had any cancelations, but I couldn’t leave him in pain and distress.

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      1. Fiddlesticks! Maybe they will have a cancelation that doesn’t require leaving him for hours, which no cat person in their right mind would want to do when kitty’s ailing. You’re doing all you can and loving him, so that might just be enough.

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      2. You’re right, there’s no way I will leave him by himself at the vet. He was so out of it that he wasn’t responding when we went to the emergency vet, but I’m sure it helped that I was there the whole time, talking to him, rubbing his head, reassuring him. Thanks for your concern, Molly.

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    1. I will read through the stuff they sent me again, but basically it’s just eliminating potential causes, treating his upset stomach with meds, appetite stimulants and making sure he stays hydrated. From what I understand it’s not uncommon for the underlying cause to elude veterinarians, as much as I would like go know exactly what the problem is.

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  6. It does sound like Buddy is basically on the mend. But OTOH I also sort of wonder about an ultrasound and/or a stool sample (?). You being there for Buddy is the most important thing now. So no worries about updates, how often, etc. More purrs from us for his complete recovery.

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    1. Thanks, Leah, for the well wishes and the suggestions.

      The best thing would be that he stabilizes and then I can bring him in to the regular vet and get a full checkup done. The stool sample is a good idea.

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  7. Thanks for updating us. Cats and Meds is always tricky, they work it out very quickly. prayers are still strong for the little guy and you are the best thing in his life and he will definitely know that. Stay strong

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  8. I’m so sorry. It’s sometimes more painful to just watch the ones we love heal & have ups & downs, especially when they can’t speak to us & tell us what to do or how they’re doing. They say patience is a virtue but it’s also arduous when we just want better. Remember that Buddy is doing better & you have a huge supportive community behind you. I know that doesn’t fix much but dwelling on the negative side will just hurt you both.

    At some point they’ll be more ups & less downs until Buddy is being a full time (Himself) kinda Buddy. Both Oreo & I get it. Our cats are the same age & I’ve been through it with Oreo & I was a mess. You’re doing great. Way better than I was & now Oreo is better & Buddy will be there soon too. Take your time with updates. It’s about the Budmeister now… we’ll be here for you when you’re ready to write… Best wishes for a healing Buddy & wish for strength & patience for you as well 👣🐾🐾 Debi & Oreo Boy

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    1. Thanks, Debi. I’m very happy that Bud is back to most of his routines and he’s mostly acting like himself with a few exceptions. He’s been okay for almost 48 hours now except for not having as big an appetite as usual, but he is eating.

      I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes, and I’m glad Oreo got through a similar scare. It gives me hope that this will be over soon.

      I’m dealing with it by not thinking about the alternative but I did have to clamp down on emotions when Bud was at his worst and I saw that family in the “goodbye room” at the vet.

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      1. Loving and caring for an animal can be really hard and rough sometimes. I know from experience how it can go. But there’s no way I’d not have a cat or any other kind of pet.
        Best wishes for you and little Buddy. Sounds like he’s coming around!

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      2. It’s been three days now since his last episode so I hope I don’t jinx anything but he seems much better now. He’s back to his old self and doing all the Buddy things that make him Buddy.

        I’m extremely grateful.

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      4. He’s recovered now, I’m happy to report. There are follow up posts on the site if you want to know the details, but he’s been good since that “relapse” the previous Sunday. I still don’t know exactly what happened, but bringing him in was the right call. Yowling in distress is bad enough, but when he went totally silent, stopped eating and drinking and stopped responding, that was scary. I’m very grateful he’s okay.

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  12. Big Buddy, I can so relate to how hard it is to know what’s wrong & what to do! I have been praying for you & Little Buddy & hope to hear all-good news soon.

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    1. Thank you, Sheila. It’s been 72 hours or so now since he had his last episode so I’m hopeful he’s over it now. He’s back to his normal self, thank God. Thanks for keeping the little guy in your prayers.

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  13. I’m really glad Buddy’s condition has greatly improved. I can almost feel you exhale! Your strength has probably inspired Buddy & I do hope you find the route cause or this awfulness just goes away never to return. Trust me when I tell you I don’t blame you for feeling emotionally challenged by the “Good Bye Room”. I’ve been in there many times & as a former healthcare & home hospice care worker, I’ve always felt at peace with the good byes of my people. They spoke, we talked for hours & sometimes all night long without a wink of sleep. There was love & dignity & my tears were those of relief for them.

    Whereas, my furry kids were unable to speak or give me that solace that what I was doing was right or wrong. I was making decisions for my babies & even though I know I did everything in my power that was right & probably more than I should have, it always had an impact on me that was devastating. I carry so many of those losses in my heart to this day.

    Today is a good day for Buddy & he & his follower (My Oreo) are no where near that place. They have many, many, many moons left to be here with us. So let’s toast to good days, treats, trills, scritches & certainly to a future of good health & love for these furry adventurers. They enter our lives as little fur balls all cute & full of wonder & imagination & as soon as we fall in love with them, they own us… And I wouldn’t want it any other way! Cheers 🥂 🐾🐾👣✨️

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