u/Key_Payment_7543

I’m writing this as I have 2 minutes more on my lunch break. I burned out of my career and am now in a meaningless but heavy work load job with a toxic environment — I want to leave but don’t think it’s possible right now; there doesn’t seem to be anything out there. I feel incredibly trapped. I just want to do a good job at work and then leave and still have energy. I went from human services to literally give me anything but working with people, or very minimal. I’m really having a hard time.

I really like my vet - super informative & works with me and both of my cats. Fear-free certified, and spends almost an hour with us at each appt. I feel I can trust him and his knowledge, as he also takes time to answer all questions.

I’m trying not to go down an anxiety spiral or borrow grief from the future — my vet hasn’t used any CKD terms or stages; I want to be grateful for this fact but not naive. My cat is on Hills K/D kidney care after he has elevated creatinine, urine that is more dilute than they’d like it, and an ultrasound that shows mild changes to kidneys.

Part of me wants to ask for the exact results (which he has offered to send) but the other part of me doesn’t want to anticipate too much; I get so anxious and overwhelmed and right now I think my positivity and relative calm as we are following the vets directions has been helpful.

We have only just started our journey with renal food - the trial package just arrived today - and our boy haaates mixed foods usually, so we offered the science diet pate side by side with his usual dinner. He sniffed it but didn’t touch it … so I scooped some up on my finger and he ate half the can that way 🥹 I am so, so pleasantly surprised and wanted to share this little glimmer. I’m hoping if we continue to go slow, he’ll grow familiar with this food and continue to enjoy it. I am so grateful for this win and for this community - I’ve genuinely been able to be so much more calm and productive after reading these stories.

Mild elevation in creatinine and lower urine concentration led to us to getting an ultrasound on our 4 year old boy’s kidneys. they shared that he has some “concerning kidney changes“ and “mild bilateral change in kidneys”. No other change to kidneys.

Our vet is exceptional and extremely thorough, so I do trust them. they are advising a renal diet and we have a sample kit ordered. Follow up bloodwork and urine test in about 4-6 months.

He is acting normal, but has always been pretty picky about food. I’m just a little bit in shock that this is happening and can’t help but replay all of these horrible worst case scenarios in my head. Trying to prioritize health, happiness, and gratitude that we caught this early. Trying not to think about “what ifs” or if I’ve somehow did something wrong that contributed to this.

I’d love any advice on how you got your cats to take to the renal prescription foods. Do you have any favorite drinking fountains?

thank for letting me talk this out 💛