Palliative Care Update: A Medication Request | BilliSpeaks
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- We’re over 4 months since Billi progressed to stage 4 (end stage) kidney failure, which is beyond the median life expectancy of cats in this stage. I’m thrilled Billi has been stable overall for these last months, but I knew eventually that would change. It certainly didn’t make it easier to see her appetite that poor though!
I’m hoping with the adjustments she’ll continue to be stable for a bit longer, but ultimately I’m looking out for her quality of life (much more important than just extension of life)! I’m so lucky Billi works with me for her care, it makes this palliative stage much easier on both of us 🥰
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I work as a zoo relief veterinarian (think travel nurse, but for veterinarians) which means I travel for extended periods. Billi is a great little traveler, and is very comfortable in the car and new places! Dad will pop in to visit as he can, but we won’t be back home for a bit.
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
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A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
What a relief, that she can understand and ask for medication when she feels badly. Those button are such a blessing.
I wish every animal had access to those... I'm positive this would improve our understanding of their awareness drastically and, as a consequence, we'd probably be able to fight for animal rights with more ease... 😢
It's amazing that she understands that medicine makes her feel better, as cats are not always cooperative when it comes to taking medication.
My diabetic dog, years ago, before talking pet buttons were a thing, knew his insulin shots made him feel better. He'd lead us to where the insulin was kept, then where we usually gave him shots if he wasn't feeling well and paw at us until we understood. Animals know a routine and what makes them feel better. I do wish we'd had this kind of communication, but I'm glad to see we've progressed to being able to do things like this for them.
It such a blessing she can still use them and express her need for medication. I nursed my cat through her last days a few weeks back and I think and hope I was able to understand her needs when she was in discomfort. She literally held my hand the whole way to the vets on her last day. All I could do as we said goodbye was thank her for being such a wonderful member of our family. I just hope she understood.
Sending much love to you and Billi, I hope her ability to communicate allows her a pain-free, dignified, and supportive end-of-life journey ❤️
@@RathdrgnknightI had a diabetic kitty who understood that the shot made him feel better. When he saw us with the needle, he would come running.
The whole button thing repaid in that single moment that she can ask for relief in the form of medication. 💛
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Wow... She understands *and can articulate* that SHE'S a cat. At first, I thought she was thinking of Guppy
Lol good one 😂
Yeah, if I recall correctly I think she was calling other cats Billi and then Kendra had to make the distinction that Billi was Billi and other cats were cats
And now she seems to understand the difference between names for individuals and species, which is neat.
She has other words for what she considers Guppy to be.
@@cogitatorcat2306 - "Darned nuisance" are some of the 'polite' ones... 😹
She's a clever Billy, knowing cat medicine, not her Mum. Impressive to this day.
Even on a sick day Billi be ready with the sass! 👑
@@alisons9740I didn’t sense her being sassy. She was answering Kendra’s question. 🥰
She's so smart... I'm sorry, I started to cry watching this. She's so bright, and though we've never met, I'll miss her so much. Thank you for taking such good care of her.
ugh, me too
I think we all cry, as we smile in our hearts.
You are not alone in this
crying, same
Me too.
So glad she can still make biscuits 🥺🐾
Nothing like a good cuddle on a soft blanket.
How many calories in the average cat biscuit??
@@richardjensen2769 Zero! Cat biscuits are better than a cheat day.
The fact that she can articulate that she doesn't feel well, understand that medicine can help her feel better, and can request medicine accordingly, must be such a relief to Billi. Most of the time cat owners have to basically guess at what their cat is telling them, not to mention cats tend to hide their discomfort, so having Billi be able to tell you she doesn't feel great regardless of how okay she looks on the outside must be a huge help to both of you
Wishing you the best
The fact that Billi still has the rear end strength to jump onto your lap is a great sign!
yes
True. I grew up with a cat that lived to the ripe old age of 19 years. It was only in his last weeks that he began to stagger and had to climb onto the sofa, because he couldn't jump anymore. As long as Billi can do cat stuff without too much effort, she's comfortable and that's what counts.
Yeah. I have had several cats and lately adopted an elderly cat: The moment they can't/won't jump on the sofa/chair anymore, I know the end is very close, and it is time to have one final doctor visit to see if there is something that can be fixed, and if not, it is rainbow time.
I waited two weeks too long with my first cat, and I will never again make that mistake. My poor cat just sat on the floor in the corner, behind a curtain. I had to hand feed him because his appetite was gone.
Once the cat can't jump on a chair anymore, get ready. Don't make my mistake.
@@SienisotaI totally sympathize. A bit of nuance, though: sometimes cats get arthritis and struggle to jump/climb, and might need smaller steps to get them up on the couch/bed/chair, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're dying! My beloved cat made it to 22 and was affected by arthritis for about her last six years, but with a little adaptation and treatment, she was very happy and comfortable.
@@AgentLane13 Yes! My current cat has this, and I have made him stairs to the window sill. When cat has joint problems, we should give them pain relief and ways to get to places. My first cat didn't have joint problems, and his strength went away fast. But still, old cats often need pain relief, and as long as that is working and the cat plays, eats and poops all without assistance, there is still hope.
But once cat starts getting filthy after every toilet use, needs assistance eating, and never plays anymore? It is time to vet check if something can be done, and if nothing fixable is found?Then let go . And usually (excluding treated joint problems) when jumping on chairs stops, you need to start looking your cat extra carefully, to see if there is pain.
Cats are so good at hiding pain unless you are specifically looking for it, and sometimes even then. That's why once the jumps stop happening you need to start actively looking.
Also, nowadays you can get a vet to visit you at home to give your cat their final shot. That way, cat can move on without stress or fear, sitting on their favorite spot with their favourite human.
Thank you, Kendra, for helping Billi...she's still trying, and we're all grateful for you sharing her with us. ❤
I know she’s smart, but the medicine request is on a completely different level! You have a self aware cat! A lot of hearts beat for Billi and her family. ❤❤
Well, she once learned that the medicine is making the ouch go bye. She did not forget that fact.
For real! The fact that she can make that connection blows my mind bc I’m sure the medicine doesn’t kick in instantaneously.
Kendra is not just furniture, she is Billi’s favorite piece of furniture. ❤
True dat! 😻
Asking for medicine, understanding that even though it's probably unpleasant to take it will help her feel better... And underlining *cat* medicine, really shows her understanding of the whole thing. She never ceases to amaze me🥺🥰 incredibly smart girl
My aging cat Spoon (age 16) was recently diagnosed with mast cell cancer in her spleen, liver and intestines. Watching the grace with which Billie and you handle her palliative care makes me feel much calmer and more ready to deal with my own cat's journey through her final days. Thank you for sharing all of this with us.
Love and best wishes to you and to Spoon on this journey!
Sending love to you and Spoon 💜
My Fergus, who is also 16, is going through something similar. Sending love to you and Spoon from Fergus and me. ❤
I second what you've said... seeing how Kendra and Billi interact, communicate, and adapt during palliative care so gracefully... has changed the way I do things with my cat and how I adjust my actions and reactions to what's happening daily. My 10yo cat... Lilu... is currently in stage 3 kidney disease, and experiencing a relapse. We're heading to the vet tomorrow. I'm trying not to panic, and remain mindful and present for Lilu. My thoughts and love goes out to both Spoon and Furgus and their compassionate caregivers.❤😻❤
The hardest journey to take with your loved ones. My thoughts are with you. 😢❤
Billi is a gift. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us.
She really is! Got me to start button training with my 17 year old cat! As the sounds scared her, I transitioned to verbal signals to my girl, while she utilizes a more effective signal than she used to for hunger.
She used to sit in front of me with her back towards me, took me 17 years to figure out that no, she wasn't being the *most excellent guard kitty* she was in fact, hungry! Now she taps my arm, and when we cuddle she'll lick my nose just once (to differentiate from grooming me).
I now have a library of ~70 words and groups of words I can communicate to her! Plus, I can trim her mats, cut her nails, get sleepies out of her eyes, and let her know the loud noises aren't harmful without my baby freaking out like she used to!
Billi, and Mom, too, of course! have not only touched countless lives, they've helped bring the incredible gift of communication to so many families.
We couldn't be more grateful. 💖
I’m so grateful to see someone training their cat to communicate their needs. So many cats can differentiate not only our words but can differentiate their communications. My kitty knows so many words. But she also communicates with me with specific behaviors and cries. When she wants me to stop scratching or petting or brushing her etc, she either pushes my hand away or taps my hand twice. I have to ask permission to pet or brush her. And she lets me know if it’s ok or not. Usually if I ask, she lets me. If she doesn’t want it, she taps my hand twice. Or pushes my hand down and holds it down. Or if I ask her if she wants a treat, she lets me know which one she wants with a MEAH after I list off her options. Same with toys. We have developed this communication process and it started the day I got her and when I understood her, she would get so excited. Recently she has learned a few new cries that I’m still trying to understand what she means by it but it’s fascinating to see her not only understand new words I teach her but her coming up with new words for me
@@kellyjohnson3617 Oh, wow, that is fantastic! It's such a a gift we get to experience this communication with our babies. Thank you for sharing. 💖
My favorite cat on the internet, now resting forever in peace 😢 Thank you Billie, have as much catnip as you want wherever it is you go
I never thought I would be crying in the middle of the night over a stranger’s cat on the internet, but I just can’t help it. She was such a special girl that taught us that we completely underestimate the intelligence of animals. I haven’t felt such sadness since Cooter the cat and Pipkin the bunny passed…. I think I might have to take a break from animals on the internet for a while.
"Ugh. Mom, I want *cat* medicine! Someone needs more training..." Billi, probably. 😂
Billi, mom, dad, you're all loved very much here.
Palestine will be free InshAllah. Thank you for putting that flag in your profile.
RIP Billi....you lived a good life. You have no more pain now
She still alive i do believe
@@niskamelchionne1942 no. She passed day before yesterday
I burst into tears when I see Billy asking for his medicine. She taught us so much about cats: I hope your videos will be watched for a long time to come. What to say ? ... Courage to you to give Billy the best possible days.
Billi has the most beautiful face!
indeed!
Those bright green eyes! 💚💚😻
I am so sorry to hear that Billi has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. What a joy she has been to you and to all of her followers! She's no longer in pain or in need of cat medicine. And she can forever play with her favorite toys and eat all she wants without being sick. My prayers are with you and Dad as you miss your precious companion!
You're more than furniture, you're also a food dispenser, fan-toy repairer, catnip placer... 😂❤
massage therapist, cat box cleaner, door opener...
Poor Billie, it’s nice to see her being able to ask for relief, so many pets can’t tell us when they are in pain. 😢.
Happy to see her enjoying being outside and cuddling with you . Hang in there Billie🥰🙋🏼♀️
I'm teary eyed watching this. Thank you Kendra for taking care of Billi. Wish she'll fully recover
Kidney failure is terminal, there is no recovery.
@@patricialong3492 I only wished that. RIP Billi, she has crossed the rainbow bridge
To help with Billi's care. Thank you, Kendra.
Though we will never meet, I love you, Billi. You are a beautiful soul.
Imagine what cats could tell us if only they possessed the language skills to do so. This tiny glimpse into the mind of a cat is truly extraordinary.
I am happy to see that outside is such an incentive to Billi that you were able to move to pilling her.
May she have many, many, many more outsides and cuddles.
Billi is so lucky she has you to take care of her. Not only do you love her (& she loves you), but you are skilled enough to know how to help her. ♥️
So beautiful that this was her last video. To know, beyond a doubt, that she comprehended what she was saying *and* that medicine helps the icks...and that she was able to fully communicate all of this. She was a very special lady, and she will be missed. Hugs to you and Dad ❤
Rest in peace, little angel 😢😢
Dear Kendra, if you were “just furniture”, she wouldn’t have been waiting for you, she would have settled on something else. She loves her cuddle time. The buttons have taught me just how smart she is because she can explain things to you in details we never knew cats could understand! Fluent Pets should award you a Certificate for being their flagship customer! ❤️🥰🇦🇺
Been watching her for as long as I remember. Rest in paradise sweet girl. I’m heartbroken ❤️🕊️
Billi and you have been amazing in how together you’ve shown us how much communication is possible, and inspired others to follow. She’s also just the cutest!
“Mom medicine?”
“Cat.”
(Mind blown.)
Thank you for the update and for the tender and meticulous care you give her. All my best to you both.
Me, crying on June 22nd of 2024. Rest in peace, babygirl. We will all miss you very much.
Rest in peace Billi, we'll miss you
So glad she can ask for medicine when she isn’t feeling well! I love you, Billi
What an amazing little soul she is.
RIP Billi, we'll miss you.
Billi biscuits are my favorite thing to watch. Feel better girl 🐈
I love seeing Billi feel well enough to talk to you, cuddle, and make the biscuits🤗❤️
And still find time to correct you- CAT medicine😂
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RIP Billi. We love you and will never forget you..
Sigh...everytime I watch these I get reminded of how smart she truly is, she really was such a sassy angel, I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'm glad shes doing ok, and thankful she is smart enough to ask for medicine to help her feel better...I'm even more happy to see that the sassy girl can still appear occasionally when she clarified WHO the medicine was for..U go Billi...Lots of love and hugs for u all, but especially cute miss Billi
I can't...knowing she is gone..it's so hard to catch up on videos. I have snot running down my face and my eyes are blurry with tears...they are for you and Billi, Kendra. I had become so attached...and I know she was your everything. She's hiking while on her palanquin for eternity, soaking every sunbeam, watching every critter. I know this pain and I wish I could take it from you. Billi is otherworldly. Such a special furbabe, with a special mom who could foster her learning. Her life was incredible and she gave back to you by allowing you to play fantoy with her. She is on another adventure right now, mom. It's an incredible one at that!
How many of us went to 'pet' her when she hopped into your lap.
All of us sending her hugs and cuddles❤️❤️❤️🤗
She so smart and I wish my Rascal had these buttons to tell me what he wanted. She is beautiful, enjoy every moment.
I just heard the news that little Billi has passed. God bless that sweet, smart little cat. My prayers for your family in this loss, Kendra.
Wait a minute how did you find out that this cat died . the own didnt put anything up like that in her video yet this is the recent video
@@niskamelchionne1942 I saw it on a video posted on another channel for pets using buttons.
@@dianaholberg2300 What video/channel?
@@niskamelchionne1942 it's in the shorts videos
She's so smart & your connection is so touching. Wishing Billi well❤
I just lost my beautiful Charlie cat a few weeks ago to kidney disease due to FIV(contracted when he was feral). I'm absolutely devastated, as he was doing really well and you wouldn't have known he was sick. Then took a bad turn and we just couldn't pull him out of it😢
I'm delighted for you and Billie that you've been able to maintain her and keep her comfortable as well and as long as you have. And that you gave Billie the ability to communicate with you so clearly. I had intended to teach Charlie after what I saw you and Billie accomplish, but ran out of time years sooner than expected:(
Someday when my hurt has dulled a bit, I will get another cat, and not waste time giving them better communication skills.
Hugs to you and Billie and dad!
I'm so sorry. I lost 3 cats over the past few years of renal failure. That's what you get when you adopt older cats. I didn't learn my lesson either - my newest has just turned 15.
Those last few hours are so hard to go through. Try to not think about the very end, but the time before, and know that you did everything you could to give your little friend the best possible life. 🌈
So sorry for your loss of Charlie. May his memory be always a blessing.
@@ck2d, you are a wonderful person to adopt older cats. It is always hard to lose them, but they are such a joy to have had with us, while they allow us to do the best we can for them!
So sorry. Sending love to you. 😢
Your love for each other is so palpable💞
Rest in peace billi. One of a kind cat
How do you know she passed away I don't see any videos of the owner saying that
I'm in awe of her intelligence. Truly. Billi is such a special girl. ❤
Rest in Peace Billi, you were loved and still always will be ❤
Lovely girl, so glad to see her, thankyou! I'm with you on the quality of life being prioritized over length. Still praying for all of you everyday.
How great that she has transitioned to taking the pill before going outside! And yes, we are just furniture to our animals. Food dispensers and furniture. :-) Wouldn't have it any other way.
Or maybe "fur-niture" ...
Not gonna cry. Not gonna cry. Thank you so very much for sharing Billi and your journey together. I wish there was a way to let her know how much she is loved.
Much love from Nashville. These touching moments are so precious, the fact that you've been able to gain another level of understanding with her. I hope she remains as comfortable as possible.
Rest easy now, Your Madjesty, and wherever you are, stay mad! We adored you, and we always will. Good journey, little love.
This touches my heart, thank you so much for sharing Billi updates. And especially thanks for all the loving care you take of this beautiful smart amazing Kitty Cat. Hugs to you both from my family.
I really loved Billi showing how smart she is by responding with ‘Cat’
We will never forget you Billi ❤
Blown away by her pressing the CAT button to clarify 😂
Intelligent princess
Thank you for the updates
Sending love & good energy to the 3 of you 🤍
Smart girl 🧡😺 Im so happy to see shes feeling a little better, & using her buttons❣️.
I know its inevitable, but when I saw the notification, I just said, " Please don't be bad news, Please don't be bad news.". Sending Billi as well as you guys lots of love, hugs, healing vibes & 🙏 🤗😘🧡
I hope Billi knows how very loved she is by all of us. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Exactly how I react now, every time that I see a new post: “Please let Billie still be alive.” I realize that the day will come, but even as a mere spectator, I’m just not ready for that yet…
Me too.
So relatable..
Thank you for sharing the Billi updates from time to time even though it must be hard ❤. It's a privilege for us to be there with you from afar.
One of my cats died 3 days ago suddenly but not unexpectedly while I was away for work (16 years old, stage 3 ckd and probable meningioma that had previously caused seizures)
Somehow seeing Billi and you navigating the journey of palliative care has given me some comfort and strength at a difficult time ❤
Much love to you, Billi and Dad ❤❤❤
I love her! Thanks Kendra for sharing this!❤
I don't know why but i have a deep connection with cats,even cats I've never met in my life.
Every time a cat that I've ger to know passes away my heart just goes to pieces.
Billi was and is a special cat and will never be forgotten.
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Billi loves you so much!❤ The trust she has in you is amazing! Give her a gentle hug from Minnesota for me!
It's always so hard to see kitties lose their appetites, so I'm so glad she's doing a little better. Her fur is also looking surprisingly nice and smoother in this video!
Hang in there Billy, hope you keep living your best life as long as possible. :) You too Kendra, while I imagine it's more of a roller coaster than if she were fully healthy, I'm so happy you can enjoy this time with her. And thanks for the update, I always love seeing her Madjesty!
Thank you for the update. I'm very happy she's showing improvement with her eating and taking medicines.
RIP Billi we will all miss you so much but we can dip into your stock of videos and you can show us all once again what a special girl you are. Hugs and love to your Mum and Dad for sharing you with us xxx ❤
This is so sad. She will be missed by so many. Billi was so special. She was the closest we ever got to understanding how a cats think and understand their environment. I knew cats were smart but she really made me reconsider their self awareness.
I'm feel so bad loosing her. There will never be another like her. RIP sweat Billi. I will never forget you. ❤😢
i pray for her every night
Ich auch,denke oft an Billi,die süsse schlaue Billi❤❤❤
Billi was my first introduction to a true talking cat. Through her, I gained a new way of looking at, and dealing with, my two floof-girls. Thank you Billi, for strengthening the bonds with them which improved my life and theirs. God speed over your Rainbow Bridge, Billi! Kendra and Dad, thanks for sharing your girl with us. My deepest sympathy and care to all as you adjust to this new life. Much love! ♥
You are so lucky that she can ask for her medicine and knows it helps her. So many animals cannot ask and have to be in pain before they get their dosage. She is so smart. I know it's hard watching a pet get old and sick. My last cat lived to be 19 1/2 years old. I waited over 10 years to get a kitten. My Sophie is 3 years old and she brings joy and laughter to my life. Sending healing thoughts and love.
RIP Billie. This hits harder than anything for me this year. She was beloved by so many of us. Much love to her and the family in this hard time.
What an excellent medicine-taker! I'm impressed that she's learned to be pilled.
You can teach them with pieces of food from kittenhood. I learned that recently. You have to keep at it for a lifetime, but honestly I would say it's worth it to have an easy cat to pill in their senior days as most older cats tend to get kidney disease.
Billi is such a darling. Treasure every moment
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Because of your video I used your method on my own cat, without buttons, to explain why medicine, showing what I did and rewarding with outside, and he took it without struggles. I learned so much from your interaction with Billy
OHHHH! SHE IS SO SMART! AND a smart MOM, too!
You take such excellent, thoughtful, responsive care of Billi. She's living her very best life with you, her wonderful minion/chair.
Billi is so smart. So sorry you both are going thru this. I have enjoyed your videos of Billi especially the Year of Mad. Many blessing to you and Billi.
You are so precious Billi! I'm happy to see you're still enjoying yourself. ❤
We love how you take care of Billie. She is so cute. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Crying for her situation...😭😭😭😭 Billi is so smart! Kendra your videos have been a tremendous revelation on teaching and communicating with cats. Thank you for showing us her intelligence and her beautiful face in this video. ❤️
I'm so glad she can ask for her medication when she is feeling poorly, but it makes me so sad too. Love you Billi 💗
RIP Sweet Billi 🩵🪽 Thank you Kendra for sharing her world with us. I will never forget her. 🐾🐾
We will all miss you. There are gardens and birds and lots of buttons where you have gone.
This is so heartwarming! Even those of us whose cats don’t use buttons have to learn to recognize our kitties changing signals as their disease / condition progresses. My Cleocatra’s needs, desires, appetite and food choices changed completely. I’m glad I took the time, with the help and advice of friends and professionals, to learn what she was trying to tell me so I could respond with cuddles, treats or taking her outside. Anything to reassure her and make her remaining time as comfortable as possible. Thank you for sharing Billi’s journey with us!
I am happy Billie is feeling a little bit better.
Yay Kendra & yay for Billi. What a precious girl & companion. Great job with her Kendra ❤
Cats are a true blessing.
What a sweet little cat... Billi, we'll miss you... 😢
Billi waiting for you on the patio brought a smile to my face and tears in my eyes. ❤
I love you, Billi. Thankful for you. We already miss you tons.
I'm always so struck by how smart she is. Much love and hugs to Billi, Mom and Dad ❤
Awww Billi. Glad you want to talk some again. ❤
You are such a wonderful kitty mom. The two of you have been a blessing. Thank you for sharing Billi
I remember the days when she thought all cats were Billi! Now she knows she's a cat. Billi is so smart, I'm so glad she has the ability and inclination to continue using her words with you on her own schedule.
We do not know that she ever thought that. She just had no "cat" button. So maybe she had to make do with the closest one.
Incredible that she's capable of telling you she needs medicine. Love seeing these Billi updates, thanks, Kendra!