It’s been almost a month since I’ve featured Renn on my blog. The interval has been taken up by Minuet’s issues – her recovery is still satisfactory – and Hector’s antics, with a couple of guest appearances by Neville.
The fact is that my big boy is doing well, with little to report, which, in the case of the latter, is probably good. Renn has off-days, when he won’t eat breakfast. That almost always means that he will throw up some time during the day, and be off his food till the morrow. This happens once every ten days or so. I’ve taken him to the doctor more than once to investigate it but nothing untoward has been found in his blood or urine, or in x-rays or physical examinations.
Irritable bowel syndrome has been hypothesized; among its symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea (Renn’s bad days usually give him watery poop). Few other symptoms coincide, however, and the management of the syndrome involves steroids and/or dietary change. I am hesitant to give Renn drugs, and he is very fussy about what he eats.
The fact is that the episodes are, in my opinion, too few and infrequent to demand remedies that may affect him more adversely. For quite a while, Renn has been enjoying two kinds of hard-food (of which he has his choice whenever he asks for them) and a small variety of soft-food; none of these are bad for him. He doesn’t like any additives, such as pro-biotics, and will refuse food that has been so diluted. I feel that his life, despite the odd bad day, is proceeding too well to tamper with. And, as he is fifteen, I don’t like the idea of messing with what is, for the most part, working. This may be a miscalculation on my part, but if he has just a few years remaining, which seems likely, I would prefer them to be mostly filled with his easily-purring attitude.
Thus, my big boy’s life is largely uneventful. At our ages – his and mine – I think we both prefer that. Our existences are prone to sudden changes, so this may all be rendered immaterial tomorrow, or next week. But for today, Renn is doing well, with little to report.
As long as it's mostly working, momma would keep on keepin' on too.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Renn is doing well. He is happy and comfortable and that's most important.
ReplyDeleteNever fix what isn't broken!!
ReplyDeleteGlad Renn is stable and enjoying life in the Cozy Apartment.
Little to report is good. He looks happy lying on the bed.
ReplyDeleteNone or no news they say is good news John..!
ReplyDeleteNice to read that at least most things are up and
running..!
Renn certainly loves the bed..and his photo took...
Bless him..!x
Aww, Renn...what a handsome!
ReplyDeleteBe well.
I would leave well enough alone, too. It's nice to read that there's little to report; I'm sure it's a welcome relief.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update on this lovely boy!
ReplyDeleteGood new you are a caring cat dad and Renn is hanging in just fine for now. He's a handsome relaxed fellow.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, little to report is always great news.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the opinion, rightly or wrongly, that our aging fur babies, are to be made as comfortable as possible. We can't fight against the aging process, and to make them take medicines that may do more harm than good and make their lives miserable is not something I wish to push on them. Renn is doing well for his age and your treatment of him is as a well pampered feline. I'd say he is grateful for all the love and comfort he receives.
ReplyDelete"And, as he is fifteen, I don’t like the idea of messing with what is, for the most part, working. This may be a miscalculation on my part, but if he has just a few years remaining, which seems likely, I would prefer them to be mostly filled with his easily-purring attitude."
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I fully agree. From what you have said in the past, it sounds like Renn may be particularly sensitive to medication. May his life stay happy and uneventful for a good long time!
Renn is a dear boy...a favorite always of mine and Katie's. I am so glad he is going along with little to bother him. Renn has the best Daddy; and you know by great experience how to pamper and care for these farbabies.
ReplyDeleteWe have mostly older kitties now (10 years +) so we agress with your approach - why stress tham more. And our vet says be sure they eat - even if they won't touch the special prescription diet. It is more important that they keep eating.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Renn is "purring" along. Saku is a vomiter (is that even a word?) and has been since he was a kitten. I've learned over time some of the things that bring it on but sometimes it just happens out of the blue. I agree with your stance, let him live his happy life.
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