Posted on 03/03/2006 9:15:00 AM PST by Canedawg
I havent had to go thru this since my dog died 20 years ago. And he went down so fast, the decision was a no-brainer.
So this kitty is 15, mostly siamese, white with blue eyes. He's been having violent seizures (six in the past 6 months)and kidny failure. I give him intravenous fluids, and the kidneys are stabilizing, but he has been losing weight, eating less, stopped sitting on my lap, and has had very flat affect the past few weeks. He's very lethargic, and so I have resisted putting him on phenobarbitol to control the seizures, but I may start that.
He doesnt seem happy, and his hind legs are going- he's wobbly and gimpy- just very fragile.
But, when I watch him resting comfortably, sleeping, and when he meets me at the door when I come home from work, the guilt pangs hit me as to why should I make a decision to take his little life away from him?
I am divorced, live alone, and dont get a lot of emotional support from any real support group to speak of.
I'm truly at a crossroads here. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
sorry Gabz.. I am still crazy in grief over my Oliver..Dec 12.. it hurts so badly
You've got freepmail.
If he's meeting you, and still eating, I don't think it's time yet.
I always find that my dogs let me know when it's time.
God bless, and I'll be thinking of you.
I know how difficult this is foryou!!
I dug a deep hole and put her body in it; I went to a Nursery and bought a Pear tree that I planted above her body that yields beautiful flowers every Spring, in Memorium.
When the body that lived at your single will,
When its whimper is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog (or cat) to tear.
(From Rudyard Kipling's "Power of the Dog")
Thank you both - but right now I'm not the one that needs the condolences, we've got someone else who is facing this difficult decision who needs the support.
No advice. You'll do what's best for your cat. Just a supportive bump. You're not alone. (Pinging a cat lover.)
I know...
I didn't want to post all the sad poems to her because I don't think she's ready to hear them yet.
With my last lab, the decision was clear and easy. With my little Cocker mix, it was really hard. No one thing was the deciding factor, she was just dwindling, like her cat. I really fought and agonized over it too.
We have five Basenjis, and I've been dreading the day I, and my family, would have to deal with their passing. Since Basenjis can easily live to be 16+ years old, I thought I had plenty of time.
Just before Christmas, though, we found out that Chammie, our only male and the first dog to own us, has a spinal cord injury. He's on prednisone, that has helped some, but I can see that his hind quarters are getting weaker. If we had an extra $1200 for an MRI, we could find out if surgery could help him, but then we'd need thousands more for the surgery. :o(
It hurts so badly. He's such a beautiful dog, still has so much life in him. He's not in pain, thank God. And when his time comes, I just have to believe that God will give me the grace to get through it.
I feel for the tough decision you must make since we were in your shoes just one month ago today with our elderly dog who had Cushing's and diabetes. In the end it all boiled down to quality of life.
We ended up taking him to our vet for an exam and asked his opinion. Bottom line, our vet ended up telling us it was time for Rocky to cross the bridge.
My prayers are with you and your kitty.
You sound like a person who will make the right decision and do what is best for your pet.
I wish you both well.
I'm so sorry to hear your kitty is ill. I went through the same thing last June with a cat who had cancer. After it was over, I was angry at myself for making him suffer as long as I did. I did not want to lose him - kept the vet trying medical procedures to save him way past what was kind. Selfishness on my part. Its a tough, tough decision to make. Fortunately, my vet was very supportive because he truely only wanted what was best for PIB.
I had him cremated and his remains are in this beautiful urn, which is some comfort for some reason. I still miss him every day.
Most the time they will let you know, we had to put down our 13 year old cat down. She pretty much had stopped eating and would get sick if she tried. We loved her as much as anyone could. At 9 years old she was diagnosed with diabetes and we gave her insulin shots twice a day. When she stopped eating we knew that it was time. That's been four years and we remember her everyday.
We also took care of my grandmother's 17 year old cat and we had to put him down this past year, he couldn't use his back legs anymore.
So listen to your kitty, more than your own needs. She or he will let you know.
God bless you, my family's prayers are with you and your kitty.
I'm very sorry your kitty is ill.
If he is still mostly enjoying life, wait.
If his hours are mostly bad, let him have peace.
Thank you all so much. Your prayers and kindness are giving me great comfort.
I knew i could count on you!
I had to my my cat put down last July (after 14 years). It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I did it for her so she wouldn't suffer in pain.
I was miserable without her at first, but then I knew she was in a better place.
Once my grieving settled down I got a new kitten from the Milwaukee Human Society in October.
Lainey can't replace the love and joy I had for Kumar, but she brings me a new love and joy all her own now. We say a prayer for Kumar every morning when we wake up.
It's a hard thing to do (putting a pet down) but as much as we love our pets we can't make them suffer.
I wish you all the best in your decision and remember you have friends here on FR to help you through it :)
***hugs***
I think that says it all. Put him down. Mourn the loss of your friend, and in 6 months get yourself a new playful little kitten.
I had to put my cat down last year. You want him/her to go to kitty heaven purring in your arms, not suffering on a vet's table.
Ping
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