For cat lovers: How to decide when to put the old sick cat down... (page 2)

whyizit

Our beloved old cat had cancer at the same time I gave birth to my son. She was scratching at her ear and I thought she might have ear mites, so my husband took her to the vet. BAD news---cancer tumor and it was in her lymph nodes. We were devastated. I was going through some post-partum stuff too, so we decided to let her live as long as she seemed comfortable. Eventually she quit eating. She would come in to see what I fixed, but just couldn't bring herself to eat it. I tried everything. The next morning, she had a pathetic strange cry. I knew she was in pain. That was when we knew. When they quit eating, that is a definite sign that they have had enough.

You must be a wonderful owner, because 18 years is a very good life for a cat. My heart goes out to you. It is hard to let a good friend go. May the Lord give you peace when that time comes.

Lilycurly

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

MissBehave

So sorry you are going through this. I've had to do same with three cats over the years (14 years, 10 years and 16 years old....so they all had pretty good long lives). 18 years is outstanding, your kitty has had a wonderful life.

I will add one thing from the experience I had with my one cat that had a fast growing cancer...she purred when she was in pain. The vet said that they do that sometimes to comfort themselves and help ease their pain. Much like we as humans may do deep breathing or practice relaxation when we are in pain.

Sad emo

nsrn

So sorry to hear your cat's ill. As others have said, you will know the right time, she will let you know when she's ready. It's hard to describe but you'll kind of notice that something has 'gone' from her personality.

Take the remaining time to say goodbye and keep her as happy and comfortable as you can (sounds as if you're doing this anyway!).

It still won't be easy for you, keeping you in my thoughts.

Nathan Natas

I am sorry; this is one of the most emotionally painful things to go through.

Would there be any value in getting a second or third opinion? I would take the cat in without telling the second vet what the first vet said.

The last gift you can give your friend is a gentle death. There may be vets in your area who will make housecalls for situations like this; I know that here in Seattle there are at least two. Yes, they charge a bit more, but your feline friend is relieved of the distress induced by a clinical setting.

Be sure to take care of yourself before, during and after the euthanasia. Allow yourself emotional space to grieve. Remember your dear friend with joy and happiness for the time your lives intersected. Of all the people who ever were or will be, only YOU had such a special relationship with this fine cat.

I will mourn with you.

Lilycurly

Also...you might want to have a look into Holistic cares for cats. I am now lucky enough to have found one lovely lady near where I live who does that. Their motto is prevention. I was so tired of vets, when my other kitties where sick, all they could do was a quick check up, shots, and the pills, more pills and antibiotics that costed hundreds or dollars in the end.

The holistic women does consultations for free, we can call her anytime, even when she's a home and it doesn't cost anything but the herbs and natural remedies and quality, specific food that we need. She has done miracles for a cat that we thought lost. (Vet's Opinion)

Tea4Two

personally i'd do it while she is still getting a bit of quality of life but before something drastic unexpected happens and you end up with memories of her suffering instead of drifting off.

I agree with Nelly.

I am in the same delima with my very intelligent almost human and loving dog....But I can't bring myself to put him down...He has his good days and that is what keeps me going.

orangefatcat

Oh dear how I feel your pain, for you and kitty. Nothing is more painful then having to say goodbye. I have cried an ocean of tears for several of the kitty's I raised and had to put to sleep. I know no other pain of heart then when you have to put kitty asleep. I have had to make choices I wish that I didn't have to make. Pain is so awlful. Think of it like this, think of your worst pain that you have endured and assess that with what kitty is having to endure. It may make the descion a little easier to make..

I know you have had him for 18 year, happy years, I know your grief and reluctance of putting sweet kitty to sleep but like dear Scully posted was so true. Her suggestion was beautiful. I am crying for you and I feel your anguish and I know it is so hard. My babies use to do all the crazy cuddly things your kitty does. I know that they are better off in Kitty Heaven. You can ask your vet to have kitties remains after he is put down (crying) make him a little coffin and have a family ceremony and celebrate kitty's life. Pictures and happy times. Then you can put him in a place that is special to you and to him. He will always be with you in your thoughts and memories. Give yourself time to grieve. With time the pain will go away, but you will always keep him locked in your heart. I have so many wonderful memories of my kitty's that if I dwell too much about it I begin to feel sad and cry and that is good because you know that you have feelings.

I would make a special scrapbook of kitty and make it so special that you can keep on the coffee table for all to see the wonderful things that kitty brought to your life. Then one day you will move on and realize that kitty would want you to do that. Somewhere along the line you will find that kitty has a permanent place in the family tree.

He'd want you to find happiness with another furry friend, he won't mind. Never forget him and cherish all the memories and pass along his legacy to all who want to hear.

I love you and hope that you can come to peace with this. God bless

all my love

Orangefatcat xoxox

nsrn

Thanks for all your heartfelt replies! I know I have to do it; I'm just dreading it so. Nathan, thanks for the housecall idea--Spunky is so afraid of going to the vet. Also I have thought about a second opinion, just because I understand one of the other vets here locally is a little more creative with pain control meds. And I have a zillion pictures of her, from infancy to yesterday.

She's had a good day today so far--ate with some enthusiasm, warmth and feeling (OMG, that slipped out!!!! ) She peed plenty (over the edge of the litter box, as usual). She went out and clawed at the loose garden dirt for fun. A month ago I didn't think she'd still be here, let alone having fun. I think I'm kind of grieving for her in advance of her death. It's too similar to my aging parents as they lose their abilities, one by one, and get sicker a little at a time. My dad has cancer, too.

nsrn

By the way, Uncle Bruce, is that your cat? Fantastic!

For cat lovers: How to decide when to put the old sick cat down...

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