I realized the other day that it’s been nine months since I last updated you on Allegra’s health – and that’s a really good thing, because there’s not much to update you on! My precious girl has been doing really well with her multiple health issues.
Allegra’s hyperthyroidism is well controlled with methimazole. Her thyroid values at her last labs three months ago were perfect.
Her GI issues are virtually non-existent at this point. Animal Biome’s Gut Maintain for Cats has been a game changer for us. The low dose of prednisolone she’s been on for several years has also made a big difference. Most days, Allegra’s stools are beautifully formed. Every once in a while she has some loose stools, but that’s been transient and always resolves very quickly.
Best of all, she has gained back most of the weight she lost when we were dealing with chronic diarrhea. She was down to a very worrisome 8 pounds in April of last year. At our last monthly weigh in, she was back up to 10 pounds, which is her normal weight.
She spends most of her days napping, either in her beloved blanket basket, or in a sun puddle. She spends a lot of time on my lap, too. Sometimes I think that if she had her way, she’d be in my lap all the time – not that I mind at all!
When she’s not napping, she checks out the birds in the tree outside our living room window. She still occasionally plays a little. Play time is much shorter than it used to be, but sometimes, I still see the kitten she was during those play sessions.
She’ll be 17 in August. I didn’t get to experience these precious “super senior” years with either Ruby, who died when she was nine years old, or Amber, who died at age twelve. There is something bittersweet about the extra care these old cats require that is very special. Our connection and the love we share has deepened with each passing year. Unlike Allegra, who lives in the moment, I can’t help but think about a time when she will no longer be with me, but I don’t let myself dwell with those thoughts for very long. Instead, I treasure every moment we have together.
So happy to hear Allegra is doing so well. 17 years is a wonderful time to be together. She is so lucky to have such a wonderful mom. Treasure the time and the time she sleeps in your lap. It is a special gift from her.
So wonderful to hear, and thanks to you for the love and excellent care.
May you both be well.
Ellen
Such good new about Allegra, and some thing to remember for future reference!
Those later years are special. You thought you were close all your lives and you grow closer yet, with a deeper understanding. But I’ve found that happens even if the kitty didn’t come to me as a kitten or even an adult, but as a senior, and it’s made me believe that cats are more aware and introspective than we give them credit for.
so happy to hear she is doing well! it’s amazing what lots of love, patience and good care can do! i have 2 14 yr old cats that have all kinds of health issues (similar to allegra ) and a 10 yr old w diabetes! such fun! they bring us so much love too and i cherish every day we have together
Yippee for Allegra! Was a team effort, for Allegra & you.
Both take care.
Hamish, Moca & Nan
So glad to hear she is doing much better, please take extra care of you as well!
This update makes me happy. I am so glad she is doing better now.
Beautiful Allegra- so glad she is doing reasonably well!
Take care furbaby. You are loved.