Update on Karen the Shelter Cat

[GoldHazel]

I give coconut oil to my dogs daily and had been using it to clean Karen's ears and such. She LOVES it and goes crazy when she smells it so I started putting a dab on her food to entice her eating during our rough times. I wasn't really familiar with using for a cat so did a little reading and it's known to be a huge benefit in oral health with their gums and tissue, not to mention the positive effects it has on their skin and coat (even though she's mostly hairless), plus its kind of fattening and she needs the calories. If nothing else, she thinks it's a treat and I reward her with it after she sits for her morning meds.

@Carmen Lucia EXCELLENT idea of using the coconut oil for Karen.

 

[NinaGato]

That is awesome to hear how good she is doing. She reminds me so much of my very first beloved sphynx. A diamond in the rough.
Yes, coconut oil has good antimicrobial properties and helps prevent plaque buildup on teeth as well as other documented health benifits. Glad it is helping.

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Well today is day 4 of Karen only getting steroids once a day and she's not doing well. Her tumor is large in her neck and she didn't eat last night or this morning. I'm going to put her back on twice a day until her vet appointment on Tuesday and go from there. This was exactly what I was afraid of and the future is looking mighty bleak for our girl

I gave her some kitty morphine today and that seemed to make her feel better. Hopefully the steroid twice a day helps her along for a bit longer❤️

 

[Nicolemorgan]

Awh, I am sorry to hear that @Carmen Lucia
Sending you both many hugs, and healing thoughts. Good idea putting her back up to two a day until you can see the vet.
HUGS

 

[GoldHazel]

Well today is day 4 of Karen only getting steroids once a day and she's not doing well. Her tumor is large in her neck and she didn't eat last night or this morning. I'm going to put her back on twice a day until her vet appointment on Tuesday and go from there. This was exactly what I was afraid of and the future is looking mighty bleak for our girl

I gave her some kitty morphine today and that seemed to make her feel better. Hopefully the steroid twice a day helps her along for a bit longer❤️

@Carmen Lucia I didn't want to read that kind of news in this thread. Come on, Karen, we all love you, Baby. HUGS to you, Carmen and your family. I pray that the increased dose gets her feeling better.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I think you are right in keeping the steroids doubled until her appointment. You are giving this girl the quality of life she deserves. Lair Prayers will never stop going her way or your's.

Patti

 

[NinaGato]

I know you are doing the best for Karen. Thank you so much for giving her quality time. I am still rooting for her and you. Hugs.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

@Carmen Lucia
I'm sorry, this, has happened. Maybe, when, you see your
Vet, there, can be more options. Even, if, she, has to stay, on
Steroids, to have a better quality of life. I know, Steroids, aren't
good for long term use.
But, if, that's the only, way, to, keep her from, suffering.
I would give it to her as long as she was alive.
Prayers, for her and you. Keep us updated.

 

[Toa and Ross]

So heartbreaking to read this news. Hope going back to twice a day will help her feel better again so you can have some more time with her. Karen honey come on, we all love you so much!

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , ((hugs))) n head kisses to Karen
Sending positve thoughts n prayers -
Please keep us updated on Tueday vet follow up
All paws crossed for team Krem -
She is such a good girl - Karen has the best of love and care with you -
She knows that ((((squeeze)))

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Karen slept most of the day yesterday, I gave her an extra dose of steroid last night and this morning she seems to be feeling better. She ate almost all her breakfast but is still moving a bit slow and not feeling 100%.

My in laws were in town and we had a bunch of family over yesterday. Everyone asked about Karen, it cracks me up how much people are drawn to this special little gal. She loves kids so much that even though she didn't feel well she came out for pets when she saw all the kids.

I'll keep you guys all posted on how she's doing. I need to remember that Karen has a large tumor in her neck and mouth, this is more hospice care than anything. If steroids and morphine keep her comfortable and happy than that's what I'll do for her. I just want her to have the best quality of life during the time she has left.

Hugs to all of you!!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Your are doing a great job...she knows your love and kindness. What a lucky girl.

 

[Toa and Ross]

Glad to hear Karen is already doing a bit better now you have her steroid twice a day. You're a wonderful mommy!

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia how is Karen doing since you increased the medicine dose?

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , thinking of you ((hugs)))

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Meh, she's kind of been the same. We're at the vet right now. I'll update you all after her recheck❤️

 

[Carmen Lucia]

Well I don't have great news to share, Karen's cancer has spread to her lymph nodes. Her mouth looks better than ever and she's up to 6.7lbs (she was 5.9 at her last appointment) but her neck is visibly swollen. I don't have much of a game plan or any improvement milestones to expect. We're at the end of our journey and I'll just keep her on pred twice a day and pain meds as needed. She's now officially in kitty hospice care.

Funny story about today, I was running late for Karen's vet appointment and couldn't find her anywhere. My husband and I were ripping the house apart. I was convinced she got outside somehow and was totally panicking. Turns out she had found an opening in a container filled with our daughters retired dance costumes. I had to take her to the vet COVERED in glitter. It was hilarious.

I love this little cat so much, the house sure won't be the same without her❤️

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Karen is so lucky to be loved so much. Every day is truly a blessing. I know it was not the news you wanted, but you are making every day count and I give you kudos for that. The glitter story was hilarious! Lair prayers go to sweet Karen.

Patti

 

[Hairless Blessing]

So sad to hear this. You have done all you can.
She has had the best of life, since, you got her.
She's had the greatest love, she could. It's so sad
people, mistreat, abuse, all animals, in so many was.
I would love to see this end. But, unfortunately, I don't
think we will. Prayer's for her and you. So sorry.

 

[NinaGato]

@Carmen Lucia
I'm so glad you got to bring this girl into your life. You will never forget the love of a naked. I'm sorry this has to be a short period but I give you A LOT of credit for giving this girl some quality time. Thank you. My best to you because I know how hard it is to be loosing a precious kit. Take each day for its gifts and glitter.

 

[GoldHazel]

@Carmen Lucia, Karen was meant to be yours and be loved and cared for by you and your family. There is no doubt in my mind. You have probably given her the most happiness she's ever had living anywhere else prior to you two meeting at the shelter. I would tell you to make each moment count, but you already are. HUGS

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia , (((squeeze ))) We all love Karen -
Share glitter moments each day - I can just see her in all that glitter - silly girl -we all luv ya!
I know you and yours are spoiling her and loving her like she never knew before in her life .
That's all she ever wanted - to be loved ... she found that forever love in the hearts of your family.
(((Hugs))))) and gentle head kisses sent to one amazing girl -

 

[Yoda mom]

@Carmen Lucia (((((( hugs))))) think of you every day

 

[Carmen Lucia]

I wish I had a better update. I've been in Chicago for a few days, we fly home this afternoon. Our house sitter sent me a photo of Karen and I'm so sad to see that the lump on her throat has doubled in size since we left. I knew this was all borrowed time, I just didn't think it would be so aggressive since we'd had such good luck thus far

I'll update you guys once I get home.

Hugs to you all, I feel all your love and prayers.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Oh man. Safe travels and continued Lair Prayers keep going Karen's way.

Patti