Poor Peppy's terrible week

My dear boy, Peppy, ended up hospitalised yesterday in what proved to be a very stressful day for us all. Throughout his life, Peppy has experienced recurrent episodes of cystitis and threatened urinary blockages. Often these have been brought on by stress, but sometimes they also come out of the blue. He tends to fall ill with this at the change of season, when the cool weather begins. I've been told this is quite common, although it is no less unexpected when it happens again.

He has been diagnosed with Feline Idiopathic Urinary Tract Disease and for a long time was on a special diet to help with these issues. However, he has also developed some pancreatitis, which seemed to worsen on the diet for his urinary issues, so instead he was switched to another special diet to cater for his sensitivity. Over the last few years it has been a fine balance of getting his diet right, and making sure he stayed at a good weight so that the chance of his body undergoing any stress was lessened.

Since Sebastian arrived Peppy has not really been that stressed, but he has gotten fat. Unless we are constantly around to monitor the two of them they insist on wolfing down each other's food. This is not so bad for Sebastian, as Peppy's diet can't hurt him, but Sebastian's food is a kitten growth formula that is very high in fat, and also very tasty (apparently). We can't help but think that this episode of cystitis has been brought on by his increase in weight, and are at our wit's end in terms of figuring out how to deal with the constant food stealing issue!

Peppy had lots of blood and urine tests in the hospital and they also found that he had elevated blood sugar levels, indicative that he might be developing diabetes. This was very scary to hear, as Peppy's brother, PK, had diabetes from the time he was a very small kitten and it proved impossible to manage or stabilise. Tragically PK was euthanised after over two years of sickness, and I have never forgiven myself for saying goodbye to him. When I heard that Peppy might have the condition I was understandably upset and frightened for his future.

The vet undertook a fructosamine test, which is designed to show the pattern of his blood sugar levels over the preceding three weeks. The preliminary results of this test are good. His blood sugar levels are elevated, but are not at the point where he needs to be treated with insulin. The vet is hoping that he has had a transitory diabetic response as a result of the underlying urinary condition, or that his blood sugars were spiked by the stress of being hospitalised. We have to collect a urine sample from home to do some more tests, but I have my fingers crossed this will resolve now that he is happy at home.

Peppy is on some pain relief and anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmotic medication and seems much more comfortable than he was yesterday or the day before when he was feeling unwell and straining to go to the toilet.

I am very proud of him as he made sure to tell us that something was not right. He used Sebastian's litter tray in the living area, which he never does, so that we could see he was struggling to go to the toilet. He also followed us to the laundry to show us in his litter tray, also. He is such a clever boy for being able to communicate with us so well. Peppy and I have always been able to understand each other in this way, which is why I've always been lucky enough to catch his cystitis early enough to be treated. Untreated, cats can experience blockages of the urethra which can kill them in a very short period of time.

As usual, Peppy was in the very capable hands of The Cat Clinic, this time with Dr Sally Coggins, who is gorgeous and warm and very clever. Peppy loves her and was happy to stay with her for the day.

Dr Sally from The Cat Clinic

He is now safely home and receiving lots of love and affection to aid his recovery. He has to go back to the vet on Monday to check how he is going, and I am keeping everything crossed that the cystitis improves and that his blood sugar problems resolve.

Please keep my little Peppy in your thoughts and send him lots of loving get well vibes!