Complete Care for Your Aging Cat - Amy Shojai [47]
Dr. Barcevac explained that more frequent fluid treatments would be even more helpful. Cat owners often learn to administer subcutaneous fluids at home, which is often less stressful for the cat. However, it does require using a needle, which didn’t appeal to Karen. She learned that a new alternative to “needling” the cat was available. Dr. Barcevac suggested implanting a subcutaneous catheter so that Karen and Len could give Kricket fluids at home.
The couple debated long and hard about the catheter implant. They were apprehensive at the thought of anesthesia because of Kricket’s advanced age. “I think Len could do it with the needle, but the catheter would make it much easier on Kricket,” says Karen. “Dr. Barcevac showed us the catheter. It looked like a little soaker hose.” The doctor promised to make Kricket a little stretchy t-shirt to wear over the catheter to help protect it from cat claws until Kricket grew accustomed to it. Karen and Len decided to go ahead with the procedure.
The catheter was put in place in mid-January and Kricket came home that same day. She was to be given a liquid antibiotic (Clavamox) as a precaution against infection, and to receive fluids twice a week. “She came through everything, but was tremendously stressed,” says Karen. Before they left the clinic, the veterinarian demonstrated how to administer the fluids, though Kricket was not at all a cooperative patient.
Once home, the cat—now wearing a bright red kitty T-shirt to protect the catheter—settled down into her familiar bed. That evening, giving the Clavamox was a piece of cake, and Kricket made a couple of trips to nibble food during the night. Karen was greatly encouraged.
The next morning, Kricket again took her Clavamox without a fight—as if she knew it was making her better. “Usually medicating Kricket requires an army,” says Karen. The spark wasn’t yet back in her eyes, but the cat did bat a toy, and gave head butts and love nips to Karen. Surprisingly, Kricket resisted any idea of having the T-shirt removed. “She let me know that just because a girl is under the weather doesn’t make her less fashion conscious!”
Two days later, the first fluid session at home did not go well. Dr. Barcevac had suggested giving Kricket some Benadryl to slightly sedate her prior to the session, but the stress of being pilled made things even worse. “She screamed as if it was painful, tried to bite, scratch and escape,” says Karen. The experience made the Holdens dread future sessions—especially since the vet had recommended increasing therapy from twice to three times weekly.
In the meantime, Pumpkin began to play nursemaid to Kricket, keeping her company and refusing to leave her side. “It was as if he became her guardian,” says Karen. Always before he’d either ignored her, or seemed bent on aggravating her. Kricket usually put him in his place. “She is a growly, snarly, hissy, grumpy little old lady cat who swats any cat who gets within reach. Pumpkin has always given her a wide berth,” says Karen. She was amazed to see how solicitous Pumpkin became, and even more surprised Kricket accepted his watchful presence.
Meanwhile, Karen wasn’t at all happy about the innovative treatment. “I was really regretting having the catheter implanted, and wondered why we’d put her through this.” Karen says the vet must have sensed her feelings, and told her she would not remove the catheter before a two-week trial was done.
Before the next fluid session, Karen sought suggestions from other cat owners with fluid administration experience. “The fluids went so much better!” says Karen. Following advice, they warmed the fluids, slowed the rate of administration, and played a tape of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “Kricket was in her bed with Len massaging