MY CAT, CASSIUS, AFTER SOLSENSIA – DEAD
On November 16, 2023, I took my 14-year-old male Bengal, Cassius, to the vet for his routine vaccinations, bloodwork, and urine analysis. During the visit, I mentioned that he was favoring his front right paw and had a slight limp, a detail I would later regret sharing. The test results revealed the onset of kidney disease, prompting a dietary change for him. Additionally, the vet assessed his leg flexibility and noted signs of arthritis, introducing me to the term ‘Solensia’ for the first time—a term that would linger in my mind. Marketed as a miracle treatment for feline arthritis, I consented to Cassius receiving his first Solensia injection. However, when he returned on December 19, 2023, for his second shot, there was no noticeable improvement, despite the vet mentioning that some cats experience enhanced mobility within days, while others may see no change for up to three months.
On January 18, 2024, we returned to the vet, but Cassius showed no signs of improvement. The vet noted that since Cassius weighed 10 kg, he was considered a large cat and needed two doses of Solensia. I consented to this treatment due to the lack of progress and his weight. Shortly after receiving the double dose, I noticed some changes. One evening, while Cassius was resting on the ottoman, he woke up and started urinating as he attempted to jump down, which I attributed to his recent kidney disease diagnosis, little did I was wrong. Following this, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He isolated himself in the basement, stopped eating dry food, and only consumed small amounts of wet food. His favorite food which was chicken was no longer appealing to him, and I had to start giving him broth, which he eventually ignored. He was rapidly losing weight. He drank large amounts of water until the end, and his pupils became and stayed dilated and his fur was changing shortly after the Solensia treatment. Cassius preferred to sleep curled up in a chair with me during the day and would sleep with me at night.
On January 18, 2024, we returned to the vet, but Cassius showed no signs of improvement. The vet noted that since Cassius weighed 10 kg, he was considered a large cat and needed two doses of Solensia. I consented to this treatment due to the lack of progress and his weight. Shortly after receiving the double dose, I noticed some changes. One evening, while Cassius was resting on the ottoman, he woke up and started urinating as he attempted to jump down, which I attributed to his recent kidney disease diagnosis. Following this, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He isolated himself in the basement, stopped eating dry food, and only consumed small amounts of wet food. His favorite chicken was no longer appealing to him, and I had to start giving him broth, which he eventually ignored. He drank large amounts of water until the end, and his pupils became dilated shortly after the Solensia treatment. Cassius preferred to sleep curled up in a chair with me during the day and would join me at night.
On the morning of February 21, 2024, my daughter went downstairs to say good-bye to Cassius before school, a routine she had followed for 14 years. To our surprise, Cassius had somehow climbed the basement stairs, a feat he hadn’t attempted since his Solensia shot in January. He meowed, and she picked him up for a hug before setting him back down. Moments later, he let out one final meow, collapsed on his side, took a few last breaths, and passed away with us beside him. Our beloved companion was gone, and with his departure came the following:
- I regret trusting my veterinarian.
- I wish I had researched Solensia more in depth.
- I caused Cassius unnecessary suffering.
- I will always feel anger for consenting to the injection of Solensia in Cassius.
I became a member of the Solensia, Killed My Cat Facebook group to share Cassius’ experience with those contemplating Solensia or those whose cats are suffering from degenerative conditions and are curious about it. And then joined the Solensia:Adverse Effects Forum & Information. Solensia must be taken off the market. While it may benefit some cats, I believe the negative impact on too many others, leading to numerous deaths, outweighs any potential advantages.
