Stitches the (former) stray cat

[gemini60]

Eileen on 31/10/09
This afternoon I collected a lovely cat from a local vet and have called him Stitches.

Stitches has been a stray for at least 10 years living around a number of houses where he has been fed but never owned.

He seemed to be having trouble so was taken to the vets and he has very high blood pressure which has caused him to lose his sight.

He could not go back to the life he had so it was PTS or come here, so here he is.

We need a sort term or permanent foster place for him as a matter of urgency. He is on meds now for his blood pressure and may regain a little sight in time. He is a friendly, loving cat and all he needs now is a chance.

On 1/11 Stitches travelled down to Plymouth to stay with Marcelle and her family

Marcelle 1/11
Little Stitches is around 10 - 12 years old and was picked up as a stray.
He was thought to be blind but I think although his sight is very limited, he's not totally blind.
He is so very friendly and gorgeous to boot
He arrived a couple of hours ago and is camped out in Robert's bedroom, he's already eaten, drank and been in his tray

When we first let him out of the cat carrier, he rubbed himself all over us and was padding with all 4 paws, doing a fantastic little dance

Here's the gorgeous young man himself

Marcelle 3/11
Mr. Stitches is still doing very well, he's decided that he'd like to have the run of the hall, stairs and landing AND Robert's bedroom please, thank you very much if you don't mind!
When you go upstairs all you can see is the tips of his ears at the top of the stairs, he can hear you approaching but it's not until you get really close that he realises exactly where you are and makes a sweet little Prrrrt noise
He also forgets to put his tongue back in sometimes

[yummy]

Hello

Stitches foster mum here ....

Yesterday I took Stitches to the vet as we were concerned about the amount of water "he" was drinking.

Firstly it turns out that Mr. Stitches is in fact MRS. Stitches

A blood sample was taken and the vet rang me earlier with the results...
Her glucose level is low.
Her thyroid levels were borderline on the high side.
Her kidney values were high.

The vet wants us to take Stitches back next week to take a urine sample from her to determine exactly what is going on, he's reluctant to prescribe any tablets without this urine test as it will give him a "specific value" and give us a more definite answer as to what the problem is.

Stitches is still the most loving little girl and is taking everything in her stride

[eileenjones]

I take no responsibility for sexing this cat, I was told by the vets he she came from he she was a neutered tom.

Sorry I missed your call Marcelle, please go ahead with tests.

[yummy]

Thanks Eileen, I've booked her in at 5.30 on Monday for a urine sample.

[kay17]

haha good job it is a unisex name!

xxx

[doufus]

Any news on the tests?

Love to know how Mrs Stitches is now

[eileenjones]

It's renal failure
ave copied this from Marcelle's post on DP


I have anti-biotics to give her to stop any infection, and also have Fortekor which, although it's a heart drug for dogs, it's used as a kidney treatment in cats.

EVERY single one of the vet nurses fell in love with Stitches and were truly sad that it's not something we can cure completely.

I'm really sad for her because after straying for so many years, she's now got a comfy bed, a full tum and a family who all think she's the bees knees and she's poorly Ufffff. I'm sure those who have been in this situation will understand exactly what I mean.

and


Stitches has now been on Fortekor for a week and yesterday we took her back to the vets for a progress report.

Her initial urine test last week showed red and white blood cells in her urine which could have meant infection so along with the Fortekor she was also given a strong course of anti biotics.

Yesterday the vet managed to get a urine sample whilst we were there and tested it straight away, it's still exactly the same Still red and white blood cells so the ab's haven't really done much. The vet did say it may be a deeper infection in her urethra because she is weeing so much so has given her a longer lasting anti biotic injection.

The vet recommended we change Stitches food to a low protein diet and obviously recommended Hills prescription diet, is there an alternative to this or is this the best thing to feed? Low protein will help her kidneys as it means they won't have to work quite so hard so I think it's a good idea.

Although there was no change in any of her test results I am pleased to say that I didn't have to fill her water bowl this morning usually it's filled right before we go to bed and is bone dry first thing in the morning but this morning there was some left so hopefully the Fortekor are starting to kick in and make a little difference

[kay17]

Poor Stitches

xxx

[yummy]

Stitches is still doing well despite everything. She's got full run of the upstairs now and at first loved sleeping on the window ledge in my bedroom, right above the radiator, but now she's discovered my daughters bed and is in 7th heaven
I've done careful introductions with one of my cats and although they're not bosom buddies, they are at least calm and accepting of each other and the other night were both curled up in the same bedroom fast asleep.
We've got another vet appointment on Friday and I have been give special cat litter to use on Friday morning so I can attempt to get a urine sample for them to test. There is no change on the drinking front really, I think it was a one off that I didn't have to fill her water bowl that particular morning.
I don't know how long this little girl has left, it could be months it could be years, no-one knows but she's got a roof over her head for as long as she needs it and good food in her tummy

I really must try and get a video of her, when you stroke her she rubs her whole body along you and where most cats pad with just their front paws, Stitches pads with her back paws too and does a funny, very cute little dance.

I'll update again after our vet visit on Friday

[gemini60]

Glad to hear she's doing OK and enjoying her life with you ;D

[misterbisto]

no matter how long she has left, she is in the best retirement home she could wish for.

[yummy]

Mrs Stitches was back at the vets today to have some blood taken to check her kidney function and to also have her blood pressure taken.

The vet has just rang with the results and i'm just quoting what he said parrot fashion....

Her blood pressure was 190-200 and the normal pressure is 130 so it's considerably higher than it should be, she's now got to start taking the Amlodopine she was originally on again, the vet told me to stop giving it to her for the time being whilst the Fortekor kicked in.

Her kidney function was 11 last time which is borderline high, this time it was 16 so even after 3 weeks on the Fortekor tablets it's still deteriorating

We have to go back in 6 weeks time to recheck her blood pressure as it's very dangerous to be left untreated, this is why she's losing her sight and without careful monitoring her retinas could become fully detached very quickly causing her to be completely blind.

She was yet again a very good girl in the vets, I luffs this little cat I do ;D

[yummy]

Just thought I would give you all an update on how Mrs. Stitches is doing.

7 months on and she's still going strong ;D

She is still taking Fortekor for her kidneys and Amplodopine for her blood pressure daily but looks well, eats very well and is still the most loving cat i've ever met.
We've got a check up at the vets tomorrow and i'm presuming that as she's doing so well they will just keep her on the same medication as it definitely seems to suit her.

[redgypsy]

Awwww, bless her, good Luck at the vets, she is a lovely cat.

Glenice.

[kay17]

Such a pretty girl
Glad she is doing well

xxx