Today we want to follow up on our recent Joey’s story and share the latest update regarding his health. A couple of months ago, we received devastating news about Joey having cancer. Joey went to a local oncologist for a consultation. After additional testing, the doctors haven’t confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Joey has some inflammatory processes related to autoimmune disease, and we’re exploring options to manage the inflammation.
In today’s article, we would like to discuss our experiences with Joey and help our readers cope with difficult situations related to your cat’s health.
Reach out for help.
Talk to people you trust, your family, friends, colleagues, and reach out to animal welfare organizations. It is hard to think clearly and make the right decisions under stress. Other people may help you to navigate the resources and direct your efforts. When we received news about Joey’s illness a couple of months ago, we had difficulty finding a specialist. The clinics we found on the internet were far away. A couple of weeks before Christmas, no appointments were available weeks ahead.
Thankfully to our friends from SNAP cats, we scheduled an appointment with a local clinic within a few days. One of the SNAP cats volunteers shared her veterinary doctor information, and we contacted the hospital right away. The doctor presented us with a treatment plan and explained the diagnostic procedures. It was a great comfort to know what to expect.
Explore your options.
Always explore all your options and never give up. Receiving bad news about your furry friend’s health is devastating. You may feel hopeless and helpless. The journey ahead of you is overwhelming. But remember that you are in this together, and your cat needs you more than ever.
Avoid blaming yourself for the situation and focus on the immediate moment. Ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist. Having a referral from a veterinary clinic may help your cat be seen sooner rather than later. Specialty clinicians have the experience and resources to address the problem. A specialist will explain to you a treatment plan and explore options.
Our family was devastated to hear about Joey having cancer. After further research, our oncologist hasn’t confirmed the diagnosis of cancer. It was worth it to consult with the specialist and undergo additional testing.
Always research your cat’s treatment options. Never assume that you can’t afford the cost of treatment without consulting with the veterinarian. The clinics may guide you regarding financing and additional resources. From our past experiences, we’re surprised and pleased to find out that the required treatments were affordable and within our budget.
Ask your family and friends for help.
Your cat veterinary visits may require you to bring the cat in multiple times. If your work schedules are not flexible, ask a family member or friend to help with the hospital appointments. You will need a lot of support and encouragement. Your loved ones can bring you meals, run errands and help with household tasks.
If your cat requires a high level of care, talk to your veterinarian and reach out to animal rescue organizations. Sometimes volunteers may be able to help. When we found Sunny, he was a ten days old tiny kitten. Sunny needed around-the-clock care and bottle feeding every couple of hours. I worked 12-hour shifts at a hospital and couldn’t be with Sunny during the day. Fortunately, a community volunteer accepted Sunny under her care and raised our kitten to health.
The importance of self-care.
When you take care of your cat, it is imperative to take care of yourself. Make sure that you have enough time to sleep. Have adequate hydration and nutrition. Talk to people you trust about your emotions and feelings. If you need more help, reach out to a professional. Many companies have Employee Assistance Programs. Your employer may help you to connect with the resources.
Talk to your supervisor about your pet’s care needs. Do not assume that taking care of cats, dogs, and other animals is not significant. Many supervisors may support your effort of caring for a sick animal. If you are a college student, reach out to your campus resources. Psychological counseling for students is usually available in person or via a phone call or other media, such as zoom mode.
In Conclusion.
Receiving a devastating diagnosis for your cat is overwhelming. You may feel hopeless and helpless. It is imperative to reach out for help as soon as possible. Talk to your loved ones right away. Your family and friends will support you in a difficult situation and guide your efforts. Contact veterinarians and animal welfare organizations for extra resources to help manage your cat.
Never give up and explore all the treatment options and costs. The clinics will guide you through the financing process and the optimal treatment choices. Remember to take good self-care. Maintain adequate sleep, food intake, and hydration. Address your emotional health as early as possible. And never, never give up. Your cat needs you more than ever. You are in this together.