Happy Tail: The cat needed subcutaneous fluids to survive

by Joan, staff writer

Twelve-year-old Poptart had been a resident at Seattle Humane Society for almost a year when at long last a family adopted her. Unfortunately, they brought her back after a month because she was “kidney challenged,” as Lu Lockwood of Kenmore, WA, puts it.

Read Princess Poptart’s story in her adopter Lu Lockwood’s own words.

Lu and her husband, Rocky, had been thinking about adopting a white cat because they had lost their beloved one to a rare blood disease five years earlier.
Poptart’s story, posted on Petfinder, touched them, and the idea of giving her subcutaneous fluids to help her kidneys function didn’t daunt the couple. They’d done the same for an elderly toy Poodle before they lost him to kidney disease.

Poptart came to her new home on Memorial Day 2011. She “integrated beautifully with all of her new family members,” Lu says. Those included two kitties and a senior dog. “There was some hissing and chasing, but all of that settled down. Her new name is Princess Poptart, for she is truly a princess. Her
personality continues to shine through and she is more loving each day.”

After the jump: How Poptart’s health
condition changed.

Remarkably, special cat food has restored Princess Poptart’s health, and
she has been weaned off of the subcutaneous fluids. Her kidney function
levels are completely normal. Her veterinarian will, of course,
continue to monitor the numbers.

Lu offers a moral to the story: “With love and care and good food, older kitties can flourish and become
wonderful family members! Poptart has stolen our hearts! We are so
blessed to have her in our family. So, please consider older pets for
adoption. They are so worth it and will give you unconditional love and
appreciation!”

The princess has found her realm.

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