If you follow me on Instagram, then you know my cat Gemma recently turned 15! As happy as I am that my girl is celebrating another birthday, you may have also seen that Gemma was recently diagnosed with small cell lymphoma. It’s been…hard. To say the least. The oncologist is optimistic that we can get Gemma into remission (we caught it presumably early! And she’s still eating and doing well!), but obviously cancer treatment is a new beast that we’re both navigating. There’s clearly a ton of information out there – from the vet, to Google, to ChatGPT, to your friends, etc., but today I partnered with Chewy, because I wanted to share a few tips I’ve learned so far that might help you/someone you know if they’re dealing with a cat or dog undergoing cancer treatment.
Check Chewy for generic meds
My vet prescribed a steroid and Cerenia (to help with nausea) from their pharmacy and the prices were OUTRAGEOUS. Like $75 for a week’s worth of Cerenia? Um. No. I checked Chewy and they have a generic version for a fraction of the price. My regular vet approved the prescription and I saved a ton of money.
Use pet pillers
Gemma has always been really good about taking pills but, of course, now that she needs to take 2-4 pills a day, things have changed a bit. The vet techs at my regular vet (shoutout Let’s MoVet – love them) recommended these pet pillers and they have been a total game changer. I no longer get accidentally scratched and it also prevents Gemma from hiding the pill in the side of her mouth (to spit out later) – yes, she did that for a bit at the beginning!
Keep them hydrated and on a healthy food plan
A healthy diet and adequate hydration is also key. My vet was happy with the food I’ve been feeding Gemma, and I’ve been making sure to also add in extra Purina Hydra Care Hydration Packs so that Gemma is fully hydrated.
Create a calming environment
One of the hardest parts of this has been the fact that Gemma is now super anxious around me, constantly thinking that I’m about to try to give her medicine. It’s been really hard on me (and, yes, of course also for her!) to see this personality change. Gemma is the most affectionate, loving cat I’ve ever had and right now I’m trying to just make my home a calm space for her. She especially loves being brushed (this brush is the best).
Celebrate them
Treating your cat or dog while they have cancer is HARD. Like really, really hard. But I do think it’s important to also treat them “normal” and make sure to celebrate them as well. I got Gemma this cutie catnip birthday cupcake toy, as well as this birthday cat tracks toy and she loves them both <3
On a personal note, I have to say…I’m genuinely obsessed with Chewy (if that’s not already clear). There are so many reasons to love them, but it really comes down to a few key things: their competitive pricing, the convenience of features like auto-ship and fast 1–2 day delivery, their outstanding customer service, and most of all, their commitment to giving back. Through their Shelters and Rescues program, Chewy has donated over $183 million in products to pets in need, including more than 86 million pounds of food, which translates to over 130 million meals across 11,000 shelters nationwide. You really can’t ask for more from a company. It’s clear that Chewy loves animals just as much as we love ours.
SHOP
Thank you to Chewy for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own, as per usual.
Hi, Jamie: my baby Chloe had small cell lymphoma of the stomach wall. Her prognosis was 4 months. I got her another 3 years. Reach out if I can help at all. Xoxo Jayne
Jayne! OMG thank you so much for telling me this. I’m so glad she lived many years after <3
Happy belated, Gemma!!
Thank you! <3
“Loved reading this, Jamie! Your honesty and relatability make your posts so refreshing.”
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This is such a touching post. Celebrating Gemma’s 15th birthday while walking alongside her treatment journey shows such incredible strength and love. The essentials you’ve chosen reflect not just care, but also the joy of making this milestone special. Sending prayers and positivity her way.
Thank you so much! <3
I really admire the thoughtfulness behind this post—it’s heartwarming to see how much care goes into making Gemma’s birthday special despite the challenges. Your attention to both celebration and comfort is truly inspiring.
Wow, Jamie, reading about Gemmas 15th birthday and cancer journey is like a masterclass in modern cat parenting! Your dedication is inspiring, from the epic Chewy generic drug hunt to the hilarious pill evasion strategy (Gemma sounds like a tiny, furry rogue!). The vet tech shoutout is brilliant, and Im with you 100% on the hydration packs – hydration is basically cat superpower fuel. And lets be real, that catnip cupcake toy sounds like catnip on a stick, the ultimate prize. Congrats on the birthday, Gemma, and heres to surviving with style and a little help from Chewy (and maybe some strategically placed treats)! 3app đếm ngược giờ
OMG Jamie, reading about Gemmas birthday while shes battling cancer is like a masterclass in cat ownership with a side of keep calm and carry on. The piller shoutout is gold – seriously, a hero in the making for outsmarting Gemmas spit-tactics! And those hydration packs? Genius! Who knew sticky treats could be so life-saving? Plus, giving Gemma a birthday cupcake toy? Now *thats* treating your furry friend like the royalty they are, even if they are a tiny, furry rogue! Chewy sounds like the ultimate sidekick in this epic journey. Keep shining, Gemma, and thank you for the laughs and the reminders! 3grow a garden calculator
OMG Jamie, reading about Gemmas birthday bash while shes juggling chemo is like a masterclass in keeping it together! Your vet tech heroes and those piller gadgets sound like cat-flavored superglue – brilliant! And yes, hydration is basically the cats meow of health, especially with those clever packs. But honestly, the best strategy is total bribery, like that catnip cupcake toy sounds amazing! Keep shining, Gemma, and thank you for the hilarious (and helpful) tips – seriously, the ultimate guide to surviving with paws and grace! 🎉😹