Palliative Care With Billi: Changes To Our Routine | BilliSpeaks

For a more comprehensive overview of Billi’s health, check out the Medical Playlist.

FAQs:

1. What about Feline AIM (apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage)/the research out of University of Tokyo/check out Claire LuvCat?

This is a great question, and there’s a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is this is VERY new research, we don’t understand the full impact yet, it’s not available in the United States.

The longer answer (not as in depth as the long answer) is the current publications on feline AIM are focused on ACUTE kidney injury, and while results are promising in regards to protecting kidney function, it’s a far cry from extrapolating to this being a cure all for chronic kidney disease in cats (especially polycystic kidney disease which is congenital). I’m excited to see where the research goes, but the reality is research takes time.

2. Is Billi on [insert medication here]?

One good thing about being my cat’s vet is that I can adjust her medications as needed! It’s handy during the end stages when she can have good and bad days. Rest assured between myself, Squirrel friend (also a vet), and Billi’s internist we have Billi’s medication down! Not all cats need the same cocktail, so what Billi is on may not be the same as another cat with CKD.

3. How long does she have left?

I don’t know! Progression of renal failure is individual, and based on so many factors. Based on the most recent retrospective analysis the majority of cats in stage 4 did not live beyond ~100 days. Most does not mean all though, and some cats had less or more time depending on their individual factors. I’m focused on quality of life over extension of life, so as long as Billi feels ok we’ll keep going 💜

4. We haven’t seen any updates! Is she ok?

In general, no news is probably good news. Or at the very least static news! I’m focused on Billi over content creation right now, so it doesn’t necessarily mean she isn’t doing well if I don’t post for a bit.

Again, thank you all for the overwhelming show of love and support. It means more than words can adequately express!

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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).

LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨Instagram
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:

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

[phillipsiviter]

As a human with end stage CKD I can really feel what Billi is going through on a day to day basis. Kudos to her for carrying on - all too easy for a cat to shut down when things start to go wrong.

[benjie]

While there are many channels of animals communicating with buttons, there is only one Billi. Each moment is so precious.

[K_B_H_]

If I was Billi I can't think of anything better than hanging out in the safety of my porch, letting the sun warm my bones, breathing in the smells of the outdoors, and the excitement of birds and rustling leaves, and wind. ❤

[evilcrow]

Never thought I’d be tearing up over a stranger’s cat, but here I am. I’m glad that she’s spending her last days happy, though

[Luckyforus]

Billi laying in the sun, chatting at birds, surrounded by the endless love of her family. Billi seems to be at peace ❤

[kaedetakami]

The shock of the news about Billi's end-stage CKD diagnosis hit me hard. My heart broke, and I can only imagine the agony you are living with every waking moment. Please know that you are not alone. I am crying with you, and my heart goes out to you, your family, and Billi. I hope that knowing how much you all mean to so many people around the world brings you some comfort in this excruciating time.

[Morgan]

I want to thank you for putting the @BilliSpeaks channel up as it helped me get through some of the most difficult times of my life. There were weeks when the only thing that made me smile was a new Billi video that had landed in my feed. My only request is that you leave the channel up permanently so we can all remember and appreciate Billi. 😢

[abbyb]

Didn’t expect to be bawling my eyes out at 2 am over a cat I’ve never met but here I am

[cayenigma]

I am crying knowing Billi is on her way... *hugs* Kendra, be with her while you can.

[Hannah-hxsp]

Have been through the palliative stages with a couple of my cats, its really not easy. At the same time you take strength from being able to make their last days, months, years comfortable. My heart goes out to Billi's mom and all immediate family.

[merrydaye]

Been so many years of watching, realize I love a cat I've never met. I thank your family for the joy, fascination and learning 💕 I love you Billi❣️

[lisae]

Life is so unfair. God bless her little soul. She's brought so much joy to hundreds of thousands of people. She's so precious.

[rb]

It doesn’t get said enough, Billi is a beautiful cat. Beauty, brains, and personality. She’s the whole package. ☺️

[elizabethkelley]

Billi looks happy and comfortable in spite of her medical issues. Thank you for sharing the journey and for giving Billi such great care.

[TheWendybird]

So glad you are giving Billi plenty of outdoor time. When my kitty was declining fast due to renal failure, she wanted to go out a lot, and we both treasured the time together, enjoying sun, fresh air, and of course watching birdies. My kitty was so thankful, she climbed into my lap as we sat on the ground enjoying the grass and nature. I will treasure that memory!

[IrisGlowingBlue]

Caring for a cat through their palliative stages is really hard. She's had a wonderful home with you, thank you for sharing her antics with us
💜💜💜💜💜

[taymosa]

I am so utterly brokenhearted over Billy's health decline. I know you give her the best care, lots of time, love and attention. I love how she goes outside and enjoys the sun and the birds and how she talks to them. ❤❤❤❤❤

[eric]

I am so heartbroken that Billi suffers from CKD. Ive watched your videos and marveled at her intelligence. I have lost 2 elderly cats to renal failure, and my heart just aches reliving that in my mind as I watched Billi wobble about. My thoughts are with all of you. Billi brings me such joy, i frequently watch her videos after a hard night of work. Even after a night working with sick human patients, watching Billi this morning learning about her CKD has brought on some serious tears...

[medicaoctavia]

I am so sorry for this. Billi knows she’s loved and is so lucky to have you.

[barbaradagg]

Thank you so much, Kendra, for this comprehensive update on Billi. It’s a relief to see her again, and to know that she’s still enjoying life to the extent that she currently can. It can’t be easy to coordinate it with your working hours, but you’re still giving Billi the best life a cat can have, and I’m certain that’s what keeps her motivated. Love the low stool, the spring toy and the outdoor space for asserting her authority over passing birds! That’s one happy cat, and of course that’s what matters most.