My cat has chronic renal failure - world's most awesome pet may be on his way out

Feb 10, 2000
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Ugh - what a sad day.

My awesome polydactyl tomcat, Don Vito Corleone (he had the name before I started using it online, about 14 years ago) was just diagnosed with chronic renal (i.e., kidney) failure. Now I know why he has been losing so much weight (he is the tallest pure domestic cat I've ever seen, and topped out at a lean 16 pounds - now he is only about 8 1/2) and getting a little listless. He is 15, and everything has to die of something, but it's still a real bummer. I am advised that with the right diet he could still live for months or even years, and I will do my best to make that happen.

Vito is the sweetest, cleverest cat I've ever met - he not only fetches but has invented his own, surprisingly sophisticated games over the years. It's like having a very clean, sweet-tempered monkey.

Here is a little pictorial tribute to the King of All Tabbies:

vitosnug.jpg


Vito.jpg


Vito3.JPG


Vito_and_dad.JPG


vitosnug2.jpg


I love you, boy.
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
6,115
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What a cute cat, actually reminds me of a cat we used to have, looks kinda similar. Best of luck to you.
 

rcpratt

Lifer
Jul 2, 2009
10,433
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That's too bad...good luck.

He's huuuge. I have a polydactyl kitten as well :D

0310001857a.jpg
 
Feb 10, 2000
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wow that is a tall cat. do take care of it!

Believe it or not I'm 6'4". There is some barrel distortion in those pics that makes him look thicker than he was when the pics were taken (in about 2003), but he really is ginormous. The first and last pics are from within the last year.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,243
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www.anyf.ca
Sucks to hear. :(

And wow, that is a long cat!

I don't like to think about it, but my cat will eventually go as well... she's still young and full of energy though, but time goes by fast. She's always around me, and follows me around all the time. It would not be the same without her.
 

Gibsons

Lifer
Aug 14, 2001
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My cat has had kidney problems for a while now. He's on the kidney diet food and does pretty well. Pees a lot. But still just sleeps a lot, plays when he's awake. He's batting a little foil ball around now. :)
 

jhu

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Have him get a renal transplant. If you don't, then you don't actually love your cat.
 

CrimsonWolf

Senior member
Oct 28, 2000
867
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He's a cute kitteh. Hope he pulls through for a while longer at least.

We recently lost an 18 year old cat to renal failure. She was the biggest sweetie and acted like a kitten even until her last year (nobody would believe how old she was). It sucks, but it's much better when they have a long and happy life before they go.
 

Perknose

Forum Director & Omnipotent Overlord
Forum Director
Oct 9, 1999
46,805
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Tough news, Jerry. :(

Ever notice how good people have great pets? No coincidence there, methinks.
 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
72,405
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For our cats, we use wet, grain free cat food (we use Wellness brand).

Also ask your vet if Epakitin is appropriate for the type of renal failure your cat is experiencing. This is a phosphate binder that can help control kidney problems.
 

MJinZ

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 2009
8,192
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OMG he is huge but still cute.

Why not kidney transplants for kitties?
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
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91
OMG he is huge but still cute.

Why not kidney transplants for kitties?

IMO it's hard to make a case for it, even disregarding the cost, which is substantial (as in, several thousand dollars, plus the need for extremely costly anti-rejection medications post-surgery). It requires about a month in recovery following surgery (which would cost him incredible stress in terms of his quality of life), and it's not clear it would actually prolong Vito's life compared to just giving him kidney diet food and, if necessary, fluid injections. I love Vito like a son but I don't think I would take him for surgery.
 

Schadenfroh

Elite Member
Mar 8, 2003
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0
Sorry to hear that, man. The cat I grew up with (she was about 2 years older than me) died when I was about 16 or 17. It messed me up so bad that I never wanted to own a pet again. My mother accidentally ran her over and I held her in my arms as we drove her to the vet. She was wheezing and fluids were spilling out due to a collapse lung and shattered rib cage (the damage was obvious). I watched as they put her down:(

Hope your cat does not suffer long when he does go:(
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
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Cool kitty. But yeah it's his time and that's how they go. He even looks like a boy kitty.
 

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
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That's a big fucken cat no wonder he's named that. Sorry to hear:(
 

bctbct

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2005
4,868
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Poor kitty, I just lost my 14 yo dog to the same thing. I kept him going for about 6 wks with subQ injections at home.

Unfortunateky it wasnt enough and if came time to consider quality of life.

I held him until they put the band on his leg, started bawling like a baby and jetted from the room. :( RIP Tucker

Hope your guy has a better result.
 

StevenYoo

Diamond Member
Jul 4, 2001
8,628
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My dog Casper might also have chronic renal failure.

We're going to pick him up from our vet tomorrow and get the assessment.

Hope all the best for you and Don Vito.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
59,551
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I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. It's too bad they don't live longer. I'm gonna miss my 2 when they're gone :^(
 

Perknose

Forum Director & Omnipotent Overlord
Forum Director
Oct 9, 1999
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Just to be clear, I'm Tony, Dave. In any case I appreciate your kind words.

Sorry, Tony. I knew that and simply spazzed. No excuse. Don Vito Corleone Cat is a legend here, and so, for the grace and depth and intelligence of your threads, are you.