Help Requested for Jewel

I met Jewel a little over three years ago.  At the time, she was a talkative, round (little chubby) 12-year-old kitty.  When I rented a room from a friend of mine (who was her dad), I became very attached to her.

Toward the end of my stay at the house, I noticed some small changes in Jewel.  She seemed to be drinking more than usual, for instance, but it was summer and it was very hot in the house, so I figured she was just thirsty!

After I moved into a new apartment, I didn't see Jewel for two months, but when she came for her first visit, I knew something was very wrong.  She was no longer the little chubby cat.  She was very thin.  I estimate she lost a good 3 or 4 pounds.

We ended up taking her to the vet which is when she was diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease.  A couple of months went by where I worked with Jewel while she continued to live with the friend, trying all the different kinds of prescription kidney food (she hated them all), a phosphorus binder, etc.  But Jewel continued to lose weight.  Eventually, the vet discovered that Jewel also has hypertension, which was speeding up the progression of her kidney disease.

At that time, the friend thought it was best if Jewel stayed with me, Carmine, and Milita because he thought the kitten in the house wasn't helping her blood pressure that much - and I agreed that that seemed like the best decision.

When I moved into my current place, I felt it might be time for Jewel to go back to live with the friend since he had moved into an apartment himself and no longer had a crazy, energetic kitten around.  I know that Jewel loved him very much and that he loved her.

However, it became evident that the friend's long work hours prevented him from giving Jewel all of the care she needs in this late stage of the disease, and we felt it was best if I care for her in her final months.  So, I adopted her from him as mine.

Graphic made by Ann of Zoolatry. Thank you, Ann!!

Unfortunately, green papers are in short supply around here for the time being, and Jewel is due for blood tests to check her kidney and hydration levels.

Ongoing costs of care for Jewel include: blood tests, benazepril, mirtazepine (as needed), and IV fluids for the time being.

Any donation made through the PayPal button on the sidebar or directly to Jewel's account at Cat Care Society will go towards these costs.  You can donate to "Jewel Koester" at Cat Care Society by calling 303-237-0914 and giving them your information over the phone.  They are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8am to 5pm Mountain Standard Time.

Any help you can give is so much appreciated.  I want to make Jewel as comfortable as possible in her final months here with me.

You are welcome to share her story if you like as well.