Himalayn and PKD

Question
Hello,

I have a himalayn cat, age 18, with PKD.  Her right kidney has enflammed to the size of a baseball.  She use to use the restroom and drink/eat a lot.  However, recently she has not been using the restroom as much.  She cries at night some times more than others and I know she has sight problems.  I know she is old and not sure if I should let nature run its course or if I should try to do something for her.  Thoughts?  
She is still herself in many ways and purrs with me all the time.  Does this mean she is still happy? I guess I'm curious as to when I will know it is time.  How do you know?  People tell me that you will just know, but I'm not sure if I will.  This is my first kitty and to me she is just getting really old, but seems to love being with me and eats and drinks still.   My main concern is her not using the restroom as much and the size of her kidney.  What are the typical stages in PKD and how will I know when her kidney quits all together?  How will I know if she needs to be put down?  Help, I'm clueless!

Thanks!

Answer
HI Cheryl,

I am sorry your older kitty has started to show signs of her age. But if she is purring, eating pretty well, and generally seeming to enjoy life it is not time yet for her to go. She is probably going deaf - many cats when they go deaf meow more especially at night, because they can't hear themselves "talking".

If your cat stops eating or drinking or starts to hide all the time, check with he vet to see if there is anything acutely wrong - but generally when a cat has decided it is time for them to die they will hide and refuse to eat. Then you will know she is asking you to let her go.

For now, enjoy her company and keep her comfortable by making sure she can get in and out of the litterbox easily (put steps there using old books or something if necessary), can she get up to her favorite spots like on your bed or by the window? If not, you can build little stairs or ramps or buy them online so she can still enjoy her favorite spots. Many old cats feel cold and love a heated bed.

i assume you consult regularly with your vet about the kidney disease, is she on medication? If she is not already on sub-Q fluids, ask your vet about that - extra fluids make cats with kidney disease much more comfortable! You can also ask the vet to check her to make sure she is not constipated - if she gets fluids that will help prevent this problem too.

The 2 cats who I grew up with lived to be 19 and 20, and so 18 is a very good age but not quite the end yet. Himalayans and Siamese cats are known for living a long time and my grandmother's Siamese lives to be 24. SO you may have some good years left together yet! Whatever happens, she is lucky to have had a long loving life and I know you will treasure your last time with her however long that is.