'That' time...

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Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Saturday 25th March 2017
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They say you know when it's time.

Well, I'm sitting here absolutely devastated, cuddling my little companion, as it seems like it soon will be 'time'.

She's a little long haired cat who has been with us for 15 years, we reckon she's 17 this year.

Over the last 4 weeks, she's lost over a third of her body weight, her muscles are weak, but the blood tests show nothing particularly wrong.

It's old age. I know it, she knows it, and her little companion / friend knows it.

She's struggling to walk, although she's eating and getting around a bit.

But she's obviously in a bad way. We are seeing the vet again on Monday, and unless he has some miracle solution, I'm mentally preparing myself for the 'time'.


garythesign

2,056 posts

87 months

Saturday 25th March 2017
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It is the ultimate act of love that we can carry out

It hurts like hell, though

Lovely looking moggy

Good luck on Monday

LordHaveMurci

12,034 posts

168 months

Saturday 25th March 2017
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It was our dogs time last friday, as said above, it hurts like hell but you're happy knowing you've done right by them.

You've had a heck of a run, you must have many very happy memories smile

ali_kat

31,988 posts

220 months

Saturday 25th March 2017
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I'm sorry, she looks like she's a bundle of fun.

It is the very best thing you can do for your friend though, the ultimate act of love.

Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Saturday 25th March 2017
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I used to call her my 'PA', as she was always wandering around the desk when I was working from home.

Managed to get her to chase a piece of long grass for a minute or so today, her favourite game on a sunny day in the garden.

She's getting really subdued and withdrawn now. Suspect she'll slip away during the night. She doesn't appear to be in any pain, and she still purrs when I cuddle her. But the end is near, sadly.

Such a special little thing, I'm really struggling to keep it together at the moment.

bexVN

14,682 posts

210 months

Saturday 25th March 2017
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Very sad, never an easy time. They don't often slip away so if she makes it through the night give your vets a call tomorrow and they should be able to help you and her.

Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
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Gah! We're going to have to take a real steer from the vet on this one.

She's walking better today and is currently attacking a Felix pouch in the kitchen.

Somehow, during the night, she made it upstairs and onto the bed - and she has jumped off and on a couple of times this morning. She made it downstairs to the kitchen fine, too.

She's a little fighter, I'll give her that!

ali_kat

31,988 posts

220 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
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Well that's good news I wasn't expecting to read smile

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
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If they're happy eating then it's not time!

Fingers crossed for you.

Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
quotequote all
Sadly, she's looking really like nearing the end this evening.

She's had diarrhoea and doesn't even make the litter box now - and she's stumbling as she walks.

Whilst she's eating and will come and climb up on me for a cuddle and purr, there's little behind the eyes.

One last evening of treats and cuddles and we'll do the kind thing tomorrow.



Edited by Trabi601 on Sunday 26th March 17:53

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
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Sorry to hear that Trabi frown

I was there 2 years ago with my dog and whilst it's the most painful decision, it's also the easiest when you love them.

I will share your pain and wish you well. The hurt can take months to go but eventually it's replaced with happy memories!

bexVN

14,682 posts

210 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
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garyhun said:
If they're happy eating then it's not time!

Fingers crossed for you.
Sadly it can be a bit more complicated than that and shouldn't be used as the only factor for quality of life.

OP I am so sorry for difficult time ahead you are dealing with. You will make the decision thinking of her and that is what counts.

I have said many times before better a few days early over a day too late.

garythesign

2,056 posts

87 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
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bexVN said:
Sadly it can be a bit more complicated than that and shouldn't be used as the only factor for quality of life.

OP I am so sorry for difficult time ahead you are dealing with. You will make the decision thinking of her and that is what counts.

I have said many times before better a few days early over a day too late.
OP. Good luck with tomorrow's meeting with the vet

It is never an easy decision.

Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th March 2017
quotequote all
Thanks all.

She's such a frail little thing now. But she's had some roast lamb and lots of cuddles this evening. Tomorrow is the day, sadly - she's been such a devoted little cat, really going to miss her following me around, wanting to 'help' with everything I do.

What I'll most miss is the little tap on the face she'd give me to get me up for breakfast. No idea where she got it from, but it was 3 taps on the face. Repeated every few minutes until I woke!

Such a difficult and emotionally charged evening. I'm not very emotionally strong over stuff like this, so have cried, a lot.

Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Monday 27th March 2017
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Well, that's that. RIP my little Willow. You were the best.

garythesign

2,056 posts

87 months

Monday 27th March 2017
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Trabi601 said:
Well, that's that. RIP my little Willow. You were the best.
It seems I have some dust in my eyes.

Having had cats and dogs for over 20 years, I have had to let a few go.

It always hurts, but knowing you have done the best for them all their lives makes it a bit easier.

They are never forgotten. RIP little Willow

Chris Type R

8,018 posts

248 months

Monday 27th March 2017
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Been through this recently with one of our cats (only 12). It's a tough decision, but the right one. Still very conscious of her absence.

Sorry for your loss.

EDIT : We also found our other cat was more than a little lost & started seeking attention more.

Edited by Chris Type R on Monday 27th March 11:39

Moonshiner

195 posts

88 months

Monday 27th March 2017
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Trabi601 said:
Well, that's that. RIP my little Willow. You were the best.
What a shame, it sounds as if your willow didn't suffer for a prolonged period, that can make it so much worse, you did the right thing for your pet

Trabi601

Original Poster:

4,865 posts

94 months

Monday 27th March 2017
quotequote all
Thanks all.

The vet is guessing some form of cancer, as there was little wrong with the bloods they did do.

We made the decision that it would be far too distressing to try and chase the illness - and were advised that any concrete cancer diagnosis would be just academic and for our benefit, but that Willow would have been stressed by any kind of testing.

Her pal is wandering a little lost, looking for her. My worry is how she's going to adapt to being a lone cat.

t400ble

1,804 posts

120 months

Monday 27th March 2017
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Sorry for the loss