Basil the Cat's Page

I adopted Basil in 1992 from Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society. He was about nine months old at the time. His estimated birth date is spring, 1991. Basil may look cute, but don't be fooled, he's a Feline Terrorist.

In May, 2005, Basil was diagnosed with Chronic Renal (kidney) Failure or CRF. He's lost about two pounds in a year but otherwise still seems to be a happy cat. We'll try to control the disease with diet and see how it goes. As long as he's happy then I'm happy.

As of November, 2005, Basil is still doing ok. He's lost about a pound. However, Molly tends to harass and annoy him.

As of February, 2006, Basil still seems healthy. He's regained some of the weight he lost. The Eukanuba Multi-Stage Renal canned food seems to be doing the job. Molly appears to be the alpha-cat now. Basil growls and hisses when she bothers him. Basil used to bother Baldric the same way. I guess it's Kitty Karma.

As of March, 2006, Basil still seems healthy but his BUN and CREA levels have increased and the vet wants me to give Basil subcutaneous fluids. He gets about 100 ML of Ringer's Lactate daily.

As of May, 2006, Basil is still healthy. His weight is up to 6.4 pounds and his blood pressure is normal. His BUN and CREA levels are down a bit due to the sub-Q fluids. He has cataracts forming in his eyes (at his age, this is not unusual) and he has no retinal hemorrhages. Basil had started using Ringer's Lactate as his sub-Q fluid and the vet gave him saline instead as that was supposed to be gentler to his system. However, Basil did not like the saline and reacted as if he was feeling discomfort. So we went back to Ringer's and Basil is happy. I discovered that Basil loves the Lean Treats brand of cat treats, so I bought a case. He knows "snack" means time for a treat.

As of October, 2006, Basil is still healthy and weight is 6.8 pounds. His condition is stable.

As of February, 2007, ditto.

As of April, 2007, Basil's CRF state is stable but he has an elevated thyroid level and will need medication. He also has developed an acne-like condition around his mouth which is to be treated with Witch-Hazel.

May, 2007. Basil is receiving 0.1 ML of a transdermal thyroid gel in his ear (in the hairless area) daily. I alternate ears depending upon the date (even right; odd left). Lab test showed that it's working.

Since Basil has been on the thyroid medication, he has developed some scab-like things aroung his nose and mouth. They fall off after a while. They don't seem to bother him. Vet suggests I use Witch-Hazel on them.

Basil eats Eukanuba Multi-Stage Renal (canned) usually mixed with the Royal Canin Waltham Renal LP (pouch), water and Omega-3 fish oil. I usually crush the Waltham and call the result "gooshy food." Basil loves it.

Basil had been bored with cat toys but lately he has sudden bursts of interest in them. He plays with them for a few minutes and then gets bored again. Maybe he sees Molly playing with toys and remembers his "youth."

September, 2007, Basil is mostly stable and healthy, but he's becoming anemic - a common problem for CRF cats. His weight is about 6.5 pounds. His CBC is down to about 26%. He's getting about 0.65 CCs of Pet-Tinic twice a day and we'll recheck his CBC next month.

November, 2007, Basil had his follow-up CBC test and it is at 25%. Still a bit low.

March, 2008: Basil had his semi-annual checkup with blood-work and X-ray. The vet said he was fine for a 17 year-old CRF cat. Most of his lab results are within an acceptable range. Weight was 5.9 pounds (down from 6.5 last fall). His BUN was 32 and CREA was 2.3. In CBC, his Neutrophil Seg was high at 85%; his Lymphocytes were low at 8%. Auto Platelets were low at 79 (clumped). Absolute Lymphocyte was low at 736. His x-ray shows stones in both kidneys. He has some blood in his urine due to the stones. He has developed high blood pressure and has a heart murmur and is getting Enalapril twice daily. He still gets Sub-Q daily: 100 ML LRS. He continues to get 0.1 CC Methimazole (transdermal) in his ear daily for thyroid issues. He's become somewhat finicky over his food but he loves his crunchy treats. If I sit down for any length of time, he'll be in my lap snoozing. Now that we're getting some decent sun beams in the morning and afternoon, he'll snooze in the sun.

Some pictures have links to larger images:		Basil's Catster link.
Basil looking cute.	"Your cat toys... Give them to me. Now!"	Cute cat.
Cat-napping.	Almost time for another cat-nap.	See what I mean?
A bag full of Basil.	"Hi,there. I'm cute."	"Is it time to nap yet?"
Basil Carpal Tunnel Syndrome	Carpal Basil Syndrome	Cute Carpal Basil Syndrome
Basil in Dec., 2006	Basil in July, 2007	Basil in Nov, 2007 with nose crud
Apple TV As Feline Butt-Warmer

Visitor # . Last update: July 21, 2008.