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

by nsrn 24 Replies latest jw friends

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  BrendaCloutier

  (((( NSRN )))) (((( Spunky ))))

  My heart and compassion goes out to you. Spunky is going to tell you when it's time. Since she's doing "well" at the moment, this might just be the rally before the end. I know, that's a harsh thing to have to say, but it may be true.

  Please, don't let her continue suffering because of your love for her. You might even tell her just how much you love her, and how special she is to you, but that when it's time for her to go, you'll do what you can to make her passing as easy as possible. Let her know it's ok to leave.

  Do have the vet come to your home. When Blackie had to go, we had the vet come in. It was an extra $70.00, but well worth it!

  We have a 13 yo diabetic male manx. I'm grateful he doesn't have the nerve problems associated with some manx... He's a stumpy, not a rumpy!. He's also been diabetic for almost 4 years. He gets 2 insulin shots a day. He's very healthy. I took him in a couple months ago cuz he had been loosing weight (he had been overweight but was down to looking good, but we were still concerned) and the vet did a full lab and exam, and he's been deemed very healthy for a 13 yo cat, and extremely healthy for a 4yr diabetic. I'm pleased because it means we're caring for him well.
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  BrendaCloutier

  PS - it's certainly ok to get another cat after Spunky passes. We did after Blackie died. It is unfortunate that the next cat was also solid black - but the personality is totally different ... even the body is totally different. We now have a pride of 4 cats and 2 humans.
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  MissBehave

  Having the vet come to your house is such a wonderful idea and one I wish I had known a few years ago. I had a cat that hated the car. She had had a stroke and her heart was failing so I made the decision to put her to sleep. Well, the trauma of being in the car stressed her out so much she died in the car on the way to the vet. It was the most horrible experience. I would have paid any amount of money to have someone come to my house had I know that option was available.
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  GoingGoingGone

  I'm so sorry for you and your fuzzy friend!!

  We had a cat who had cancer. She had 2 surgeries, and after that she did really well. But the vet told us it would spread, and would kill her. When she got another tumor, an x-ray showed that the cancer had spread to her bones, so there was nothing to do. But I couldn't have her put down. I have never loved a cat so much, and I couldn't do it. The decision was made for me when she suddenly became paralyzed on half her body. It was the most difficult decision, even then.

  It would be great if you could find a vet who would come to your house when you do decide to put her down. It would lessen the stress for the cat, and for you.

  GGG
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  juni

  Good evening Nancy.

  We have never had a kitty; we've only had dogs. But the pain is the same. They are a member of your family. She's had a wonderful life with you. And I'm sure she is happy for that. When we had to have our golden retriever put to sleep in Nov. he was only 6 1/2 yrs. old. He still had a good 5-6 years of expected life left. But he got cancer. We were so sad, but we still remember and talk about his silly ways.

  It would be nice if your vet could come to your home and as someone else here said your vet can help you when you have to decide. And also Nancy you just know when it is time to let go. Your kitty is depending on you to make that final health decision.

  My heart goes out to you. We never forget each pet we've shared a part of our life with. The memories are with us forever.

  Juni