Well, it’s been about 3 weeks since we last posted. We apologize for being MIA both on our blog and social media channels. It’s been a hectic few weeks, but we are working on getting back into the swing of things. In case you’re wondering, here is what’s been going on the last few weeks…
Caster has been pretty sick. He has been to the vet 5 times in the last couple of weeks, both to our regular vet and an ophthalmologist. He has been losing his vision, which at almost 6-years-old is not normal. Though we got a diagnosis of chorioretinitis for his eyes from the ophthalmologist, this is a condition that is caused by some other underlying issue – could be a bacterial or viral infection, an auto-immune or genetic disorder, or it could just be idiopathic (meaning the cause is unknown). After blood work, X-rays, and multiple eye tests, we are still without a diagnosis for whatever the underlying issue could be.
Our vet originally decided to treat by process of elimination and gave us antibiotics to treat for toxoplasmosis. After a few days of the medicine, Caster actually seemed to improve some. However, two days later he plummeted again. We have been left with a bunch of random symptoms and no idea as to the cause. He has been sensitive to the touch and doesn’t want to be petted or touched at all, except for on the top of his head. He has been lethargic, and his body temperature has been consistently between 96-98 degrees (normal is at least 100). He is still eating, but not very well. He’s also been eating cat litter and throwing up. In the mean time, his vision has continued to worsen.
Over the weekend, he actually seemed to improve some. We have kept him secluded in our bedroom with a space heater and have been warming his food up in the microwave. Making sure that he stays warm seems to have helped him to stabilize. However, I just dropped him off at the vet again this morning because I noticed he is having trouble pooping. I don’t know if he’s constipated or if there might be a blockage of some sort. I’m hoping and praying and choosing to believe that the vet will figure out what’s going on while he’s there today and that this will be the end of all of this.
I can’t take this feeling of helplessness and guilt much longer, as I watch my sweet Caster boy feeling so miserable.
In more positive news, we recently celebrated both Delilah and Sassy’s 7th birthdays (Delilah on Nov. 8th, and Sassy on the 15th). I use the term “celebrate” loosely, as I’ve been so preoccupied with Caster that we haven’t really had the chance to do much for the girls. Hopefully Bobby and I will be able to make up for it with a new cat tree for everyone for Christmas.
Happy Birthday, Deli and Sassy! We love you both and are grateful for the comfort and love you’ve brought us over the past few weeks, and always.
Thanks to our furiends Pipo and Dalton for the beautiful birthday cards <3
We promise we are going to be around more. In fact, this Friday we will be sharing our Holiday Gift Guide for Adventure Cats, so be sure to check back from some super fun gift ideas for the adventure kitty in your life!
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Random Felines says
Happy Birthday to Delilah and Sassy!
We are sorry to hear about Caster. It is so hard when they don’t feel well and no one seems to be able to fix it. We hope the vet can find some answers
Roberta Diamond says
Emily, I’m so sorry to hear about Caster. You feel so helpless when one of your “fur-kids” gets sick. We all know that feeling! But you’re doing everything possible for him, and we have fingers and paws crossed that he’ll soon be well. Please keep us posted.
Allison says
I’m sorry to hear Caster isn’t doing well. I understand your tiredness and fears. I hope you’ll receive a diagnosis soon on Caster and that he’ll have a full recovery.
Happy birthday Deli and Sassy! I hope that you can soon celebrate good times with all your feline family members.
Hugs to all of you!
Stephanie says
Having a sick kitty and not knowing what is going on is so stressful. Hoping for the best for Caster.
Dalton/Angel-MrJackFreckles/Pipo & Angel-Minko says
Oh, Poor little Caster.
We are purring and pawyering for him to feel much better, and that you will be able to find the right things to help him. I hope the vet(s) will be able to find a solution to the puzzle of what is happening. It all sounds so scary.
Happy Belated greetings for Delilah and Sassy for their birthdays.
Purrs and hugs!
Summer says
I’m so sorry Caster is going through this. 🙁 I hate when the vet can’t pinpoint the cause of an illness, or prescribe a satisfactory treatment. Idiopathic is really a four-letter word.
Carol A. Gegner says
I’m so sorry. Prayers the vet finds you some answers.
Teddy says
So sorry to hear about Caster……I’m sure he’s totally confused and I know you have unanswered questions too. Very hard isn’t it. Teddy had (we have assumed) a bad reaction to getting TWO innoculations at the same time about the first of this year. He was so very sick for about six weeks or a bit longer……the vet did everything he could to eliminate EVERY possibility and we were left with a reaction to his shots – he will no longer get TWO shots together of any kind. He slowly recovered but it was very scary and absolutely terrible. So I truly do know how awful it is NOT TO KNOW. I hope Caster recovers on his own – it’s very hard to watch them struggle. We are sending tons of hugs and POTP though…..hope it helps!
Love, Pam and Teddy too
The Swiss Cats says
We’re so sorry to hear about Caster. We cross our paws and hope the vets finally find what’s going on and can help him to feel better.
Happy Birthday to Deli and Sassy ! Purrs
Eastside Cats says
Oh noes, Caster! Here’s hoping everything…and I mean EVERYTHING…comes out alright!
Happy Days to Delilah and Sassy!
Brian Frum says
Oh my, all our best purrs and prayers to dear Caster and we sure hope there is more improvement soon. Hey, Happy Birthday sweeties.
Mary McNeil says
So sorry to hear about sweet Catster ! Purrayerss & POTP for him and all his caretakers.
Happy Purrthday to Delilah & Sassy – and many more !
The Island Cats says
Happy Birthdays to Delilah and Sassy!
We’re sorry about Caster. We send a ton of purrs and hope the vets can figure out what is going on with him.
Hasara says
So sorry to hear how Caster is feeling. Sending you all so many good vibes for him.
And Happy Birthday dear Delilah & Sassy!
Ellen Pilch says
Happy Birthday to Delilah and Sassy. I will be praying for Caster. XO
mommakatandherbearcat says
I am so sorry Caster is struggling so much. I can’t imagine the toll on you – not being able to do more than get him the best care and provide comfort. We’re praying and hoping he’ll be back to himself soon.
Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats says
Happy birthday to your sweeties, and sending lots of purrs and healing thoughts for Catster. It is so frustrating to see our loved ones suffer and not be able to find answers that help make them better.
—Purrs (and wags) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Timmy Tomcat says
We send Happy Birthday Wishes to Delilah and Sassy!
We send Purrs and Prayers to Caster and support to you during this difficult time. Things will turn to the better we are sure
Timmy, Dad and Family
Sandy says
Sending healing wishes for Caster!
caren gittleman says
Sending purrs and prayers for sweet Caster, I can imagine just how scared and nervous you have to be. Sending (((hugs))) Belated happy birthday to Delilah and Sassy!
Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens says
sending purrs that you find an answer soon, and short of that you at least get some relief from the symptoms.