“It’s time to go home to the Spirit Realm.”

When I got my first horse, I learned the important of observing animals and noticing their behaviors, and particularly any changes in them over time.  These can be important signals of shifts in physical and emotional health.

Last August, I observed Violet drinking water.  Since my cats eat a totally raw food diet, it’s very unusual for them to drink much water, although the water bowls are always available.  Still, it was August and rather hot, so I just made a mental note of this and carried on with life.

All fall and into the winter, Violet continued to drink at the water bowl every day.  A few months ago, a chronic constipation issue became worse, and I tried every natural approach I could discover to shift it, but still nothing seemed to work.  Her overall food consumption was down, too.

Finally, we did some AAT (Advanced Allergy Therapeutics) and cleared up a serious allergy in just one session.   This made Violet more comfortable when petted and her energy seemed better, but the underlying issues and behaviors were unchanged.

TAKING THE PLUNGE:  SPEAKING OUT LOUD.

It was during a vet visit to check her anal glands that I finally put voice to my suspicion that Violet’s kidneys are in the process of shutting down.  Saying this out loud helped me shift into a place of acceptance.

Although the veterinarian would not officially diagnose anything without a blood test, the symptoms were clearly pointing to kidneys shutting down.  Violet had lost weight, was drinking more and more water, and was eating less.  Even the constipation issue could be related to the change in kidney function.

Violet hates giving blood.  Furthermore, I have learned that I can usually trust my instincts – intuition – telepathic communication – psychic connection – when it comes to Violet.  So we didn’t do a blood test that day.  Maybe down the road, but not yet.

For now, well, I’m really not sure it would make much difference.  Violet will be 16 this coming August.  She’s the most strong-minded cat I’ve ever known.  So when the vet started suggesting things we could do to assist her kidneys, Violet glared at me with her powerful eyes.

All ideas suggested by the vet were firmly rejected by Violet.  She doesn’t want drugs.  She doesn’t want subcutaneous fluids.  She isn’t even willing to eat 1 little herbal supplement (Standard Process’s Feline Renal Support).

Beautiful Sakhara.

Sakhara, Violet’s lifelong friend and companion who is 17 or so, also is in renal failure.   Due to the herbal supplement, her barely functioning kidneys have been going strong for 2 years now.  Sakhara eats the herbal pill as if it were a treat.

So there in the vet’s office I looked into Violet’s lovely eyes, and asked, “Are you getting ready to leave?”

“Yes,” she replied, without any hesitation at all.  “I’m preparing.  I don’t want you to fuss over me.  I don’t want to take anything to slow or interfere in my path.”

Her request was so firm, so gentle, so clear.  How could I reject it?

So I agreed.  And once I agreed, I felt sad, but also a deep inner certainty that this was the best thing to do for Violet and for myself.

And once I agreed, Violet gave a big sigh of relief and totally relaxed.  She became radiant and serene.  She began to glow even more strongly.  Even the veterinarian could see the change come over her.

The first step in the grieving process is denial, and I guess I’ve completed that step.

HELPING VIOLET PREPARE

To assist her on her chosen path, Violet has agreed to this dietary plan:

1. She can have whatever she wants to eat and as much as she wants.  For now this seems to be mostly pureed raw chicken liver spread over the top of her serving of whatever the other cats are getting as their main muscle meat.
2. She will take two tiny pills to help her bowels keep functioning.  (Psyllium for bulk, and l-carnitine, which was recommended by the veterinarian.)
3. She will take by dropper extra fats (Salmon Oil + the cat oil blend I make from Cod Liver Oil, Borage Oil, Olive Oil, and vitamin E).
4. To assist with maintaining electrolyte balance, she takes a home-made electrolyte solution made with raw honey, sea salt, and potassium salt.
5. To prevent kidney infection, she’s also getting some D-Mannose in the electrolyte solution.

This is quite a lot of “stuff” for Violet to be willing to take by dropper and in capsule form.  I suspect it’s because she knows that these things are for her comfort and not to prolong her stay that she’s not giving me a hard time.  She’s being extraordinarily cooperative.

Violet is still going strong, although continuing to lose weight.  Her bowels seem to be functioning a bit better, and she’s totally contented as long as her cat cave is warm enough.  She even comes out to eat and to drink and to sit in my lap all on her own.  She still goes up and down the stairs and at times will come to bed with me.

Saying goodbye is a process that can take months and months.  That’s OK.  I’m in no hurry.  And Violet remains serene and contented, purring when I pet her or stick my head into her cave to see how she’s doing.

Violet’s warm and cozy cave!