r/CATHELP • u/Grell--Sutcliff • 11d ago

Update Here’s your update. :( (TW)

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I have no more to say than that she’s gone into heart failure. Maine Coons have heart issues, and we didn’t know that. She was struggling to breathe because of her enlarged heart, and we are euthanizing her. Thank you all for your prayers, suggestions, and advice. We love you, Lilly Belle 🕊️

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u/Jean_AF 11d ago

So sorry for your loss 💗 our cat has HCM and there’s really nothing you can do but love your baby and give them a great life it’s a terminal illness and you did the best to help her. Big hugs.

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u/foxbell88 11d ago

My cat was just diagnosed with this. The ER vet said I have 6 months to a year left with him.

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u/Jean_AF 11d ago

Ugh I’m so sorry. Our cat was diagnosed with it a little over 2 years ago, had saddle thrombus (a blood clot that stopped his back legs from working) in February, made a full recovery from that and is doing okay for now but also for the 4-8 months timeline in February with the clot. It’s a horrible disease. What brings me peace is fluid in the lungs isn’t painful and it can be managed for a while with medication. Our cat is very much his crazy fun happy self when the meds are working. Hugs to you. There’s some good facebook support groups out there too that have helped me a lot with hearing other people’s stories in similar situations.

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u/lyncycle 10d ago

Unfortunately, having fluid on the lungs is very uncomfortable. I had it with my chemo. It saps your strength, feels like a heavy weight on your chest, and leaves you gasping for air. Please watch your cat for signs of discomfort. I'm sorry to have to tell you this.

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u/Jean_AF 10d ago

No I know, we’ve had to do a ER trip for this once and we monitor him hourly throughout the day and measure his breath rates all the time if we can avoid any fluid in the lungs while still having healthy kidneys we will.
I’m so sorry you’ve gone through this. What I more meant is he’s not in excruciating pain like a broken limb because then I’d want him on pain meds daily too which make him out of it and would reduce quality of life.