Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Sox needs some good vibes
Sox had his yearly checkup yesterday and they also did follow-up "senior" bloodwork (last fall the results told us he was in the very early stages of chronic renal failure). We don't know the results of yesterday's bloodwork yet (hopefully Monday), but I just don't have a good feeling and am expecting not great news. In the last 6ish months, he's lost 3 pounds (rapid weightloss is not good!) and just in the last couple of days, he's basically stopped using the litterbox (which means he's using other areas of the house - luckily it seems to be limited to the room we don't care about right now).
I doubt the litter box issue is behavioral - nothing has changed in his life that I can think would cause him, after 14 years, to stop using the litter box. I'm going to try putting the box on the main floor (it's currently in the basement) and hope that it will help.
His appetite is also out of control, which especially with the weightloss, doesn't make sense. Signs point to either his renal failure progressing, or hyperthyroidism - neither of which are all that promising for elderly cats, especially one who is diabetic.
I knew this day would come, he is old (he'll be 14 in August) and I hope if this is it, that he just lets me know when it's time and that I can hopefully make the right decision for him. He's my baby and I am just so upset right now. I have this fear that I'll just wake up to him being gone one morning - so of course I woke up countless times last night and would wake him up, just to make sure I still could. Ugh. This is the part of pet ownership that sucks.
Thanks ladies
Re: Sox needs some good vibes
((hugs)) I've been thinking about him this week. I'm keeping him (and you) in my thoughts and hope the blood work results gives you some answers. I hope everything is okay!!
2012 Reading Challenge
Oh Kara, I'm so sorry. The part of being a "responsible" pet owner is so hard. They're our babies and so much a part of our lives. I'll be thinking nothing but good thoughts for Sox.
On a different note, sort of, I've heard of a lot of behavior changes in pets when the owner becomes pregnant. My friend's pug was the one that basically notified her she was pregnant for the second time because of the behavior the dog was exhibiting was the same as her first pregnancy (bathroom issues in their master bathroom).
Maybe Sox is reacting to your changes?
Planning bio My DIY blog The Maine Bio
2012 Reading Challenge
Jaime - that's an interesting idea, I hadn't thought of that. I guess it could be, although it seems late for his behavior to be changing since this litter box stuff is all within the last couple of days. He's acted no different until now.
Tim said last night when he had an accident it was almost as though he couldn't hold it anymore. So I went and got a smaller box and put it in the main floor bathroom to see if that helps.
We'll see.
Thanks for your vibes
What about the kitchen makeover? Could that be upsetting him? Although that has been going on for a while now.
Either way, I'll be thinking of him. I know how pets are part of the family.
Oh, and I didn't know he was 14. Wow,
Blog
CRAFTY ME
my read shelf:
oh Kara. This breaks my heart. I am so sorry to hear this.
Let's hope that his tests come back with good results. I will be thinking of you an sending get well vibes to Sox.
It does suck...my older cat is 16 yrs old and I am dreading the day she passes.
hugs to you.