Dear Critter Corner: My senior cat Titan was diagnosed with kidney disease last year that has progressed into hospice care. How can I help him live out the rest of his days in the best way possible?
I’m really sorry to hear that but glad that you’re able to provide him with care during this time. Hospice care for our pets has some of the same attributes as that of caring for other loved ones in similar situations. Whether it be care and comfort that is needed or on-going medical support, it can be a difficult process and one that you don’t need to travel alone.
If your vet has recommended that Titan’s care has reached that of hospice, try to maintain a level of open and regular communication with your vet regarding Titan’s health as it progresses. This will give you some peace of mind when different issues come up, whether it be with Titan’s appetite, pain management, general mood and behavior etc. Your vet can then continue tracking Titan’s progress and prescribe what may help in the short term versus the long term.
Financially, hospice care can become quite expensive, depending on the treatment options and if emergency vet visits are needed. Doing some research on veterinarians and veterinary schools that provide pro bono assistance can be helpful in obtaining lower cost specialty care and treatment.
Before Titan’s situation progresses, it will also be helpful to ensure that you have a strong support system during this journey. There are many online support groups, specific to an animal’s illness that can provide tips, veterinary clinic suggestions, and general care and comfort for you and Titan. The journey you’re taking at this time will be difficult nonetheless, but with an adequate support system you’ll be able to better navigate when quality of life for Titan is more important than continued medical treatment and how to healthily manage your own stress and emotional well-being.