Another option is something you add to...
July 2nd, 2009
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Four years ago, our cat Schmeckie (unique name, I know) suddenly became paralyzed in her back legs. She started screaming, obviously very much in pain. There was no known trauma – she had been healthy moments before. It turned out Schmeckie had Saddle Thrombosis. In S.T., a blood clot sticks at the split in the aorta by the hind legs. Sometimes, if immediately rushed into surgery, the cat can be saved but paralysis will probably remain. About 1/3 of cats with S.T. die. Schmeckie was one of them.
There is no certain prevention for S.T. but having your cat checked for heart disease on a regular basis may help. If it does strike, don’t blame yourself. It is known as the “silent killer in cats” for a reason. |
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Almost one year ago, while we were on vacation, we got a horrible phone call from the cat sitter. Our beloved Skippy was dead. We never saw her again as we had the sitter take her to the vet and when we returned home a few days later had her cremated. We never knew what happened and this has always haunted me. I always felt that somehow I had let her down. After reading this article I feel somewhat better in knowing that although during her last hours she was in pain and alone, we would probably not have been able to save her even if we had been here. Thank you for shedding some light on the possible cause of her death, which has always been a mystery.
Karen:
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think it is the worst situation when you can’t say goodbye. I’m glad you feel a little better about it now.
About 11 years ago, my Tinker kitty had to be euthanized due to lack of the essential amino acid taurine. She suddenly quit eatting cat food, would only eat dog food, so I let her. I thought she would be fine. She needed to lose weight so when she starting losing I thought she would feel better until I realized she was losing too much. I took her to the vet and found out what it was. By then it was too late. Her kidneys were shutting down and her liver had quit functioning. Since then I have checked every can and bag of cat food that I buy for taurine. No matter how your beloved pet passes it is always traumatic. Unfortunately, we don’t always know the cause until it is too late.
With few exceptions, I have been blessed with laid back kitties. They just seem to be aware that we don’t have the same type of claws or teeth. Though I’ve had them playfully put teeth on my hand or other body part and look up as if to say ” I could have a bite, if I really wanted too. So watch out”!
I’m so sorry about your Schmeckie kitty. Thank you for a personal look at a confusing situation.
Jan: Thank you so much for the head up about Taurine. Do you find that most cat food does contain it now? I know exactly what you mean about the “play bite” – I love the way they look at you as if they Could maul you.
Little Doll: Thank you so much for the empathy.
It hard for a long time, as anyone knows who has loved and lost a cat.
Kelly, I’ve found that all of the better name brands, IAMS, Purina, etc have Taurine as does their wet food. Cricket will only eat “gourmet” wet food ie: Fancy Feast Florentine Collection. She doesn’t just think she is a Princess, she KNOWS she is! (She’s just a tad spoiled. Or so I’m told!) I guess that is why mother cats are called “Queens”.