The cat in our lives for 9 years had his life span shortened by my ignorance.
Frisken (a.k.a. Boy) is part of our lives. He knows us better than we know him. He has a healthy appetite, drinks a lot of water, and is mentally alert.
Recently he seems to enjoy drinking more water, and eating more. It seems he is healthy and we were happy. But he was getting thinner.
The vet diagnosed renal failure, advanced stage.
When we got home, my wife cried, and I hated myself.
The pamphlet we picked up at the clinic had this highlighted in a red box:
IMPORTANT
The signs of kidney failure vary but an increase in thirst is always the first warning sign, and should not be ignored. If your pet seems to be drinking more, consult your vet immediately
I did not know it then.
Renal failure in cats is unavoidable. But with early detection kidney malfunction can be slowed down, thereby extending its life span.
Yearly check up of healthy pets is, now I realize, a sensible thing.
The last record at the clinic of our healthy Boy was 4 years ago.
Now, once a week he goes for fluid treatment, drug injection and is on a special diet.