she will be fine WOB - you on the other hand is another story... now move it, Queen Sheba wants some nice soft salmon and cream when she comes home.....

My Sammy cat has a lot of health issues and absolutely needs to take in as much water as possible. To get this to happen, I bought 2 different cat water fountains (in 2 different rooms away from the food dish). He takes in 25% more as a result.

We live in FL so the water is pretty terrible here so I do have to make sure I clean the fountains every few days so based on that, if you decide to go that route, get a stainless steel one that can be run thru the dishwasher.

We also keep out a stationary water bowl.

NO cheese?? Poopie!!!

I had a kitty that had renal failure. I was able to do the subcutaneous fluids (under the skin) at home. If they will allow it, I have faith you can do it. xoxo

I have a girlfriend who used to hydrate her kitty ( same kidney issues) twice a week. It wasn't so bad to do and she lived a couple more years with a special diet and doing that. I think she was 21 when she passed.

My cat has this issue even though she drinks a lot of water. She has been on a special diet for about 5 or 6 years now. She has put on a lot of weight....LOL. Vet tried 2 times to change her over to a weight loss diet. Each time she was on a weight reduction diet, she lost a lot of weight but she would start to have issues with UTD again. I refuse to change her diet again. I'd rather have a plump Kitty than no Kitty.

Awwweee, I'm so sorry to have just read about Queen Sheba. I'm also very embarrassed to say that I cried a bit too, even though it's been nine years since I lost my kitty to renal failure.

It was a very difficult time for me because I was living alone with just her and her brother for company, so they were my babies. Nikki was only 8 at the time...weird.

She made it very clear when she was ready to go, I mean so clear that it was like she was telling me that it will be o.k.

Sheba is very lucky to have you as her mommy and I know you'll take good care of her!!

Lots of water and hugs for Sheba.

Sheba will tell you when it's time. ((Hugs)) you're both in our thoughts.

The vet can show you how to administer sub-cutaneous fluids so you don't have to drag her up there every time she needs them. They'll actually walk you through the process there so they're sure you can do it. They'll probably give you a schedule. My little buddy is getting them every 48 - 72 hours right now. Perks him right up. I've heard that with food and supportive fluids, it's not unusual for them to live an additional two years.

I'm so sorry to hear about Sheba. I currently have a cat who is in the beginning stages of kidney failure. I have been through it twice before. This is a great website with lots of information on the condition http://www.felinecrf.org/

As you already know, liquids are the key to fighting the condition. An easy way to add more water to her diet is to add some warm water to her canned food. You will have to experiment to see how mushy she will eat it. I store the left over canned food in the fridge. When I feed it next, I put some in a bowl with a bit of warm water and heat it in the microwave to room temperature - that makes it more palatable.

Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet both make canned and dry foods for kidney disease. Royal Canin has several different types that are based on whether a cat is motivated by taste or smell or texture. I think Science Diet has at least two different flavors. You can get them from your vet or the vet can write a prescription and you can get them at Petsmart. If Sheba refuses any of the special brands, you can still give her a canned food that is low in protein. Look at the high end brands like Nutro and Wellness.

If she gets to the point where she needs subcutaneous fluids, you can do it yourself at home. I did it with a cat for about a year and it was not that difficult. (Having said that, I do have a numb spot in one finger because I stabbed myself with the needle and it did some nerve damage.)

In my personal experience the time from initial diagnoses to the end is about two years. You are already ahead of the game because you caught it early. With your motivation and Sheba's spirit I predict you still have a lot of time together.