Tabs passed away very peacefully at 9.00pm tonight with husband and I both beside her.
She has indeed been a PKD (polycystic kidney disease) warrior for so long, having been born with this genetic predisposition. Even after it was discovered more than two years ago, she continued living a normal and happy life, with very good appetite. The only tell-tale sign was her very diluted urine because her kidneys were already failing rapidly. Even with a hardened kidney, she showed no signs of slowing down, and was still able to jump up to table tops.
When Tabs suddenly stopped eating on 9th November, she became very weak, but after two days, she started eating small amounts again. She remained in good spirits throughout.
Despite her weak hind legs, she still insisted on jumping up to accompany me, something which she has always done.
She wanted to sit in the sun too.
Last week, I was still able to feed her some food. But finally, she totally stopped eating on the 21st. I continued giving her the daily subcut fluids.
In the past few days, her hind legs became very weak, but she still insisted on using the litter box, so I made sure I was around to help her.
On Monday, we took Tabs to the vet to ask if there was anything else we could do for her comfort. There had been a growth in her right eye as well and it was pushing her third eyelid out. The vet said it could be a tumour growing behind that eye as that part of the face was swollen. She prescribed an eye gel for it. Surprisingly, the eye gel worked and the growth really subsided, which was good. The vet also prescribed Omeprazole and Sucralfate to manage any gastric problems Tabs may have since she was no longer eating. Transdermal Tramadol was given as a second painkiller. Tabs was already on Gabapentin and true enough, after reducing the dosage to one-third, she did regain strength in her hind legs and was able to walk better.
This photo was taken yesterday. This is a classic Tabs pose, with her famous crossed legs. She always sat this way.
This morning I found Tabs laterally recumbent. She could not move anymore. I stayed with her all day, as I had done for the past 18 days since she suddenly first stopped eating. She did not move the whole day, but I turned her every few hours.
Just before 9pm, I observed a few rapid breaths, so I knew the end was near. At 9pm, with husband and I both beside her, Tabs took a few more rapid breaths and passed away very peacefully. I am comforted that there was no struggle at all.
Tabs is the last cat from our first clan, from our old neighbourhood: Cow Mau, Bunny, Pole, Cleo, Tiger, Indy and Tabs. Plus, the legendary Uncle Bobby, of course! Mac passed away in our old house. They are now all together in spirit and in memory and most importantly, in our hearts.
From stardust to stardust, until the next Big Bang…
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