Elmo is a big, handsome, grey tabby who bears no resemblance to the Muppet sharing his name. Aside from his much more dignified appearance, our Elmo is the kind of cat who knows the way he likes things – and who isn’t afraid to make sure you know it, too! You’ve got to respect a cat who knows his own mind.

Elmo, who is about 12 years old, first arrived at Tabby’s Place in 2005, and he was adopted into a loving family. He was well-loved there, but because of changes in the family, he was returned to us in 2011. While in his home and after his return to Tabby’s Place, he was eating a prescription diet to keep his urinary tract in good shape (he had a history of getting crystals in his urine.)

While we were sad for Elmo that he’d had to leave his home, we were glad to be able to welcome him back. Elmo was not so happy, however. He was placed in a suite, where he didn’t get along with some of the other cats, and he stopped eating. When we examined him to see if anything more than a personality conflict was bothering him, we found his liver values were elevated, so we took him to see a specialist, who diagnosed Elmo with early renal disease. While kidney failure is nothing to sneeze at, cats in the early stages of renal disease can live for months or even years without the condition progressing, and we are hopeful that Elmo will be one of these cats.

Elmo’s thrown a few more curveballs our way since his diagnosis: he loses his appetite at times and has had bouts of gastrointestinal discomfort, and we’ve also discovered cysts in his liver and a dilated renal pelvis (possibly a result of a urinary tract infection). We have to be sure to keep a close eye on him, because keeping him healthy is a careful balance. Along with monitoring and treating him for any changes in his condition or behavior, we give Elmo fluid therapy daily to support his kidney function. He also has regular blood testing to monitor his kidney values; frequent visits with our veterinary team and specialists; and medications to encourage a healthy appetite and reduce stomach acid.

Elmo is currently a resident of our lobby, where he has been noticeably happier than he was in the suites. He has lots of room to roam, and it’s a tossup whether the sofa cushions or sunny spots around the lobby are his favorite place to lounge. It took Elmo a little while to feel like he’s at home at Tabby’s Place, but he’s found his niche now. Will you consider making a home in your heart for Elmo as his sponsor?