Ziggy and the Mystery Cyst

When we first saw Ziggy, we weren’t even looking for a third cat. We already had Daphne and Butabi and we were just walking into PetSmart to pick up some supplies. But then, right there at the adoption booth, we saw him. This little ball of white fluff with a sweet face and wide, curious eyes. It was love at first sight. Before we knew it, we were signing adoption papers and bringing him home.

The Floppy Ragdoll Charm

Ziggy is part Ragdoll, which means he’s got that hilariously floppy thing going on when you pick him up. Scoop him into your arms, and he just melts into you like a warm, purring puddle. He’s also the king of chest snuggles, complete with occasional nose and chin “taste tests” (a.k.a. gentle bites :).

Sweet…and a Little Sneaky

For the most part, Ziggy was our funny, fearless cat. My husband likes to call him “Verbal Kint" or "Keyser Söze”, which is a movie character in the Usual Suspects who’s a master manipulator. I’ve never seen the film myself, but apparently the nickname fits! Ziggy has this way of looking totally innocent while causing absolute chaos. He’s the one who will provoke his siblings, swipe at them when no one’s watching or sneakily bite them to claim his favorite spot…and then look at us like, “What? I didn’t do anything. I'm your sweet, fluffy furball, remember?" It keeps our life interesting and entertaining, that's for sure!

The Kidney Cyst Discovery

For many years, Ziggy’s health was excellent, except for one benign-but-unnerving issue: a cyst on his kidney. We discovered it when he was about five years old during a routine vet exam. It was big enough that the vet could feel it, and they immediately wanted to investigate. They explained the options: monitor long-term to see if anything changes, surgery to remove and examine it or aspiration (which is when a needle is inserted to drain fluid and test it). Both felt risky and since Ziggy was otherwise healthy, we chose the “wait and watch” approach.

Years of Monitoring

That was six years ago. Since then, Ziggy has had regular ultrasounds and the cyst hasn’t grown significantly. In fact, the changes are so minimal the vets don’t even label it as “growth.” Early on, they recommended a special kidney diet to help support the kidney that was housing the cyst. But after several years of unremarkable bloodwork and clear ultrasounds, Ziggy was able to return to regular food.

Veterinarians Always Notice

Every time we see a new vet, they feel his kidney during the exam and immediately comment on it...it’s that noticeable. And yet, he’s had zero health problems from it. Somehow, Ziggy and his cyst have reached a truce and found harmony.

What This Taught Me

Looking back, I’m so grateful we didn’t jump into surgery or aspiration. That decision, though nerve-wracking at the time, turned out to be the right call. It also taught me that “wait and watch” can be a valid, even wise, approach when a pet’s life isn’t at immediate risk.

Sometimes it’s better to give things time than to rush into invasive procedures that could cause more problems than they solve.

Ziggy may have a cyst, but he’s still the same snuggly, mischievous, utterly lovable little con artist we adopted all those years ago. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.