We found out today that our cat Chava has a heart murmur. :( The vet detected it today during the visit. He's older than we thought. He's between 8 to 10 years old. The vet said that Chava is heathy. The vet said we are taking very good care of him and are doing everything right. It makes me sad to know that our cat has a heart murmur. There isn't anything we can do about the heart murmur. Unlike dogs, you can't give cats Aspirin because it can be toxic to them. He weighs 16.8 pounds. Last year he was around 20 pounds, so his weight is good. His temperature was fine, no fever. I am hoping that he will be around for at least a few more years. It will break my heart whenever he pases away.

I'm sorry, Jenny. :(

I'm sorry to hear about your cat's heart murmur but the vet said he was healthy. I'm sure you'll still have quite a few more years with your sweet, precious cat.

Was he a stray because you mentioned he was older than you thought.

Thanks.

He was originally, yes. He was hit by a car in early 2002. A co-worker of my mother's, told her about a cat that had been hit by a car very close to their work. Her co-worker told her how she needed to go see the poor thing. He was taken to a vet and they fixed, as much as they could, his back right leg that was crushed by the car that hit him. If someone had not seen him get hit by a car and get him out of the road, several more cars could have hit him and it would have been a totally different story. He probably wouldn't have survived then. He was named after the vet who helped fix him. My mother went to see him at the vet and decided that he would fit in well at our house. The vet considered putting him down, but it wasn't necessary because he wasn't suffering after being cared for. Our cat gets around remarkably well considering his leg. He is a very sweet cat.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Jenny. It sounds serious, but the vet did say that he's healthy, so that's a good sign. That's too bad that Chava is older than you thought. I can imagine how that makes you feel. Our time is so limited with them to begin with. I'm happy to hear that you and your Mom are taking good care of him, and that the vet noticed. That's the nurse in your mother, and you're a very nuturing and loving pet owner. It could have been a whole lot worse. Please keep us posted. :)

Thanks Janice. :)

Yeah Jen, a murmur is different from heart failure remember. Lots of animals and humans (my aunt has one since birth and she's 86) are born with them and live fairly normal lives.

You're doing it right - just keep his weight down and he should be fine. He just can't be super active, but since most indoor cats aren't anyway, it shouldn't be much of a problem - I wouldn't let him be an outdoor cat again even tho he'll protest at first, he'll get used to it eventually.

I have a dog with several conditions (Cushing's Disease, Epilepsy, Colitis and her half brother has back and joint issues). It's more work on your part, but they can live full, long and happy lives. There's lots of info about all these conditions on the internet - just educate yourself about it so you and your family know how to care for him the best.

Glad he has you as an owner - he's in good hands and maybe there's even more of a reason you found each other!

Thanks Janice. :)

Thank you. He's is an indoor cat so that is good. He's usually very mellow for a cat. He's been more mellow the last few days, but we are hoping that he will perk up soon. One of the hardest things is that he isn't drinking and eating nearly as much as normal. He has drank/ate very little today. I'm trying not to worry, but it's hard not to. I'm going to look up cat heart murmurs online and see what comes up.

Oh Jenny, my heart is sad to hear of this. I am sorry. I hope God gives you so much time with your beloved cat. At least you know what is ailing your pet and you can take care him and he can live a great life. How many times some people don't even know what is ailing their pets and they don't get the care they need? Sounds like your cat is in the best hands and things will go well. Give him a hug from me. :bighug:

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. He is in my thoughts ;)

:( I'm really sorry to hear this. Hopefully she can stay healthy.

Jenny, I just read your signature. I had no idea that Chava passed away. If I missed a post or thread of yours, I'm so sorry. My deepest condolences on your loss of Chava. I know it's difficult to deal with, and I'm a good listener if you want to discuss it. I know how much you loved him, and he got the best of love and care from you and your family. Again, I'm so sorry.

:bighug:

I am so sorry Jenny. I hope you are holding up well. It's never easy when we lose a pet. They're like family. :(

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and words. It's been difficult this week for me.

Oh Jenny. What can I say? I know it is hard. I too lost a cat a few years ago. It was so hard and I cried for the longest time. I have video footage of my beloved cat and when I watch that video I still feel sad. :( Hang in there sweetie. :bighug:

Thanks Irene. It's hard not to cry. I had to go the post office Thursday to mail two things back that I ordered. The lady at the counter gave me a hard time because of the address label. She told me it would have to be readdressed and Ihad to get out of line. I asked for a piece of paper and she told me that they don't supply paper or tape. She said I could buy a label for 49 cents. She told me that I should have known that. She was so rude abou it. She told me to get out of line, go get a label, fill it out, then get back in line and pay for it. I asked her if there was anyone who could assist me with the small print on the label (since I had to copy down the address). She told me that was my problem. I was really frustrated because she refused to help me and had an attitude. Between the cat related stress and that I just started crying in the post office. I felt bad for crying, but it just became too much to deal with. I told her and she didn't care. She doesn't seem like a people person.

I asked for a piece of paper and she told me that they don't supply paper or tape.

BS. I've seen plenty of clerks tape things up for customers or they gave the tape dispenser to them.

I'd report this worthless bitch. She's the reason people are upset with the post office and stamps are going up. People like this make me sick. :mad: AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE COUNTER CLERKS. I don't care what postal test they took; she should be sitting or her worthless fat ass in the back sorting or something.

I didn't think it was true, but she said it was and the attitude she had was uncalled for, imo. Unforunately I don't know what her name is so I don't think I can report her.

I didn't think it was true, but she said it was and the attitude she had was uncalled for, imo. Unforunately I don't know what her name is so I don't think I can report her.
I think some people think they can push certain people around. What she did to you was uncalled for. She should have her ass fired. :ohno:

I didn't think it was true, but she said it was and the attitude she had was uncalled for, imo. Unforunately I don't know what her name is so I don't think I can report her.


Remember the approx. time you were there and what day. Give them a physical description of her - she should be at least repremanded for that.
I don't know if workers in the U.S. post office are unionized, but they are up here and can be the biggest a$$holes on earth (luckily my local one has fantastic ladies working there - always ready to help but we're in a small village so everyone knows each other).

I agree - there was absolutely no reason she couldn't give you a piece of paper, tape and even help with copying something. Good thing for her I wasn't with you - I'm at the point in life I say exactly what I'm feeling and I know I would have turned it around and embarrassed the crap right out of her.

Stand up for yourself and report her - it'll make you feel a LOT better.

Aww - and I didn't realize Chava had passed. Jenny I'm so sorry. I hope it gives you some sort of comfort to know that Chava had a great family and care for the while you had her and she didn't die alone as a stray. The world needs more wonderful people who'll take these animals in need into their homes and let them live out there time (whatever that may be) and love them. When the time is right, let the legacy of Chava live on by adopting another stray. I'm sure he'd like that.

Sorry to hear about your cat. Sucks when pets pass on.

Thanks.

We had our first holiday without our cat Chava. It was hard. It would have been harder though without our new cat Cuddles. The loss finally sank in for my sister on Easter. She started crying in church.

I am so very sorry Jenny

We had our first holiday without our cat Chava. It was hard. It would have been harder though without our new cat Cuddles. The loss finally sank in for my sister on Easter. She started crying in church.
:( I'm so sorry.

We had our first holiday without our cat Chava. It was hard. It would have been harder though without our new cat Cuddles. The loss finally sank in for my sister on Easter. She started crying in church.

I'm sorry, Jenny. :( This was our first Easter without Duke and it was difficult for my entire family. Saturday night I even got a little teary-eyed.

Thank ou everyone.

I'm sorry Mike. The first holidays are always the hardest.

We had our first holiday without our cat Chava. It was hard. It would have been harder though without our new cat Cuddles. The loss finally sank in for my sister on Easter. She started crying in church.
I'm very sorry Jenny. :(

I'm sorry Jenny. I know all the 'firsts' are the hardest. Chava was in your heart, and that love didn't die with him. I'm glad you to have Cuddles to take the edge off, just a tiny bit. I feel bad for your sister. She's young, and it's harder for her to comprehend loss.

Mike, same to you. I know that Duke's passing has devastated you. Time's the only healer with death, and there are no shortcuts. I lost my 17-year old cat in November of 2005, and I'm just now starting getting through a week without crying. His passing leveled me emotionally.

I'm sorry Jenny. I know all the 'firsts' are the hardest. Chava was in your heart, and that love didn't die with him. I'm glad you to have Cuddles to take the edge off, just a tiny bit. I feel bad for your sister. She's young, and it's harder for her to comprehend loss.

Mike, same to you. I know that Duke's passing has devastated you. Time's the only healer with death, and there are no shortcuts. I lost my 17-year old cat in November of 2005, and I'm just now starting getting through a week without crying. His passing leveled me emotionally.

Janice, thank you for your words. I appreciate it. :)

Thanks Sonny.

Sorry, Jenny:(.

That's too bad Jenny but I hope Cuddles can bring you the joy and happiness that Chava brought you

Mike, same to you. I know that Duke's passing has devastated you. Time's the only healer with death, and there are no shortcuts. I lost my 17-year old cat in November of 2005, and I'm just now starting getting through a week without crying. His passing leveled me emotionally.

Thank you, Janice. As time has gone by it has gotten a little easier but the pain is always there. I am happy to hear that you are beginnig to feel better.

A year has gone by since Chava became sick and passed away. I still miss him. :( He was a great cat. :cat: I'm thankful for the two cats I have now, Cuddles and Romeo. :) :cat: :cat:

Thanks everyone for your kind words in this thread.

A year has gone by since Chava became sick and passed away. I still miss him. :( He was a great cat. :cat: I'm thankful for the two cats I have now, Cuddles and Romeo. :) :cat: :cat:

Thanks everyone for your kind words in this thread.
Another "first" for you, Jenny. :( You know that I feel your pain. You know from losing other animals, particularly your dog, that it does get better, in time. It's that time thing that's difficult with grief. We have to put our time in. Chava was a great cat, and you'll hold him again one day.

Thanks for your words Janice. I appreciate it. :) That's true, with time it gets easier. He had a good life.

Awwwww, Jenny...I know what it's like to lose kitties. Just know you are not alone. :bighug:

He had a great life and owner Jenny - couldn't ask for much more than that. It will get easier, but he'll ALWAYS be in your heart. He sure was beautiful.

As time goes on, he'll be a comfort to you and will bring a smile to your face everytime you think of him.

I'm glad you got new kitties. Great pet owners should always have a pet. It doesn't mean you didn't truly love the ones before, if anything, I get new ones to continue the legacy.

:bighug:

I know how you feel. It has been nearly two years since Duke passed away and I still miss him terribly. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. Remember, that Chava will live on in your heart. He will always be alive as long as you remember him.

I'm sorry about Chava. Losing a pet is always hard.

Thanks everyone.

I'm sorry to hear about Chava Jen!!! I know it's been over a year since he died, but I know that there probably isn't a single day that goes by that you don't think about him. I'm so glad that you have two other cats that are bringing joy to your life daily. I know that no cat will likely ever take Chava's place, but I'm sure he's happy to know that you have them in your life. RIP always Chava!!! :)