Astor update

[sciumi]

Hello, friends!

Sorry it's been so long.

Astor and I are doing well. His mini-crash (when I wrote last) helped put things in perspective for me. I have now accepted that he does indeed have a chronic, degenerative disease, that will likely end his life very prematurely.

That being said, every day I spend with him is a blessing. He may never be the same spunky kitty, but he is very happy and comfortable, and I enjoy seeing him enjoying his life.

He's a little more of a cuddle bug now--it's nice that he finds it so comforting to snuggle, because I can very happily spend hours with him curled up and purring on my chest.


I contacted the breeder and I'll be getting a little friend for Astor at no charge. I plan on choosing a girl and naming her Lenox ("Lexie" for short). The two lion statues in front of the New York Public Library are unofficially named Astor and Lenox.


Astor's been eating well, thanks to Fancy Feast, and I'm going to start taking him to the vet three times a week for subcutaneous fluids (vet's office is a five minute walk and I can't administer them by myself). We're going to check his stats again in about a month.

 

[susi794]

Prayers for little Astor.....hope he continues to be comfortable and enjoying his life with you by his side. Hugs to you both.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Thanks for the update. Happy you are celebrating life rather than waiting for the negative. These babies deserve the positive thoughts and they feel that energy Happy he is a cuddler and you are loving it. Also ove the story behind your soon to be addition and love the name and reason behind it Happy you are staying in touch and continue to share.

 

[assibassi]

Huggs to you and Astor! I am glad you are giving him a very comfortable Life! That you love him unconditionally like he loves you. I keep you both in my thoughts.

 

[PrimateLove]

Hugs to you both and enjoy every minute you have! Please keep us posted!

 

[NinaGato]

Dose he have kidney disease? And do they know what kind it is? I am also dealing with kidney failure with my Peterbald, Loki. If you need someone to talk to aboit this please feel free to contact me. My vet want me o start subq fluids also and I am wondering what the right decision is for him? I lost both my persians to 2 different kinds of kidney disease.
I hope you have some extra time with your boy and I'm sure he knows you love him a alot. My heart goes out to you and Astor

 

[sciumi]

Dose he have kidney disease? And do they know what kind it is? I am also dealing with kidney failure with my Peterbald, Loki. If you need someone to talk to aboit this please feel free to contact me. My vet want me o start subq fluids also and I am wondering what the right decision is for him? I lost both my persians to 2 different kinds of kidney disease.
I hope you have some extra time with your boy and I'm sure he knows you love him a alot. My heart goes out to you and Astor

Thank you all so much

NinaGato, Astor has a congenital form of kidney disease--it's something he was born with. His kidneys are actually normal-sized (you'd expect them to be small), but we've ruled out every other possibility.

Astor is an unusual case because he's so young--he was diagnosed a couple months before turning two years old. And by the time he was diagnosed, he had already lost upwards of 70% of his kidney function.

If you haven't yet, you absolutely MUST check out this website http://www.felinecrf.org/
It is the best source of information about feline kidney disease available--thoroughly comprehensive, extraordinarily well researched, and very easy to read. There is also a support group that is very active and has lots of helpful members (like SphynxLair!)

I will keep you all updated!

 

[sciumi]

I should add that this website has TONS of info about subq's!

 

[Sphynx Happy]

I'm so sorry about Astor but glad you get a chance to say goodbye. (((hugs)))

 

[Franksmom]

I'm so sad at his news, when something happens to a kitty on the Lair I feel like it is happening to one of our own. We are here for you

 

[Emily0404]

So sorry to hear your sad news but he will have the rest of his beautiful life with you - however long that may be. I'm sure he knows how much you love him x

 

[Inflamed]

Thanks for the update on Astor! I'm happy to hear he is comfortable and such a snuggle beast and that you are just dealing with this in the best possible way. You're both in my thoughts ::hugs::

 

[shunterx]

I'm so sorry to hear about all of this You are all in my prayers. Please keep up updated.

 

[MyJezebel]

I'm glad you posted again and that you are hanging in there. Dealing with a chronic illness is a roller coaster ride and tough decisions have to be made along the way, but you have the right mind set for sure. Enjoying every single day that you have together with Astor and ensuring his happiness and comfort is the priority. Love on him lots and enjoy welcoming your new little girl into your home too!

 

[sciumi]

I really hope the breeder doesn't put up a fight about "replacing" Astor.

He put up a little fight initially, but then agreed once I gave him more details. I don't trust him to stick to it, though. Technically the contract says they will replace the kitten if it shows signs of congenital life-threatening illness before age one or if he ever dies of a defect. I just don't want to have to wait until he's gone.

Also, he did have a severe case of intestinal inflammation that nearly killed him and required five days in the hospital at age seven months, and while there's no clear link, I can HARDLY believe it's a pure coincidence...


It makes me sad to think about getting another kitten, but I just know it would be so much harder to think about getting a new kitten after Astor passes--and when my Roman died, having Astor was to keep me company was so good for me. Plus, I think it would be good for Astor, too--he still has enough energy that I don't think a kitten would annoy him, and he seems to want companionship even more when he doesn't feel good.

 

[TsumePaws]

I am sorry you and Astor are going through this I am glad you have such a positive outlook and a wonderful plan to keep him comfortable! I hope the breeder won't give you any problems with getting the kitten and I hope a buddy keeps Astor perked up!

 

[alex617]

Astor is a lucky boy to have you! I wish you both the best!

 

[Graddydani]

I'm sorry about this heart breaking news. Astor is in my thoughts and he couldn't be with a better family to show him real unconditional love.. Huge hugs and kisses to him

 

[NinaGato]

You know Catzzzmeow gave me some great advice because I was on the fence about getting a new kitty. With Loki and Danser's illnesses processing I dodnt know of it was a good idea. But Patti said the new kit will give me something positive to look forward to amd not be a "Replacement " bit an addition to my family. It really made sense to me after that and I just know Merlin will love having someone his own speed.
So I know you love Astor and this illness is hard on you but the kit will bring both of you joy.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Astor and you will be in my prayers. Congrats on your little
girl, I pray she will bring Astor and you much love and happiness.