Making *that* decision - pet cat.
Discussion
Hi all
Ive got one moggy left, from 2 I inherited when Mum passed away 9 years ago. She must be over 20 years old, the cat that is...
She has liver problems, yellowish gums etc, tooth cavity on one or two of her remaining 4 canine teeth. Vet is fully aware of all these issues.
She is very lethargic now, lots of sleeping. she is on pain killers now, got given them last visit to the vet a week or so back. She was pretty lethargic before the pain killers so not a massive effect they have I dont think in that respect..
She is still eating really well. She will still come up for her "cuddle" and purr at certain times of day. She goes out into the garden occasionally(when its not raining or blowing a hooley) and has a slow mooch not very far. Has a go on her outdoor claw scratcher and comes back in for a sleep.
She can still jump up into the windowsill and onto "her" chair so not decrepit.
Its just me here and the house will be very empty once she's gone.
I dont want to take her on her last trip to the vet but not sure how I make the decision when I ought to. I'll either beat myself up for taking her too early or beat myself up for letting her suffer for too long.
Any advice?
Thanks
Ive got one moggy left, from 2 I inherited when Mum passed away 9 years ago. She must be over 20 years old, the cat that is...
She has liver problems, yellowish gums etc, tooth cavity on one or two of her remaining 4 canine teeth. Vet is fully aware of all these issues.
She is very lethargic now, lots of sleeping. she is on pain killers now, got given them last visit to the vet a week or so back. She was pretty lethargic before the pain killers so not a massive effect they have I dont think in that respect..
She is still eating really well. She will still come up for her "cuddle" and purr at certain times of day. She goes out into the garden occasionally(when its not raining or blowing a hooley) and has a slow mooch not very far. Has a go on her outdoor claw scratcher and comes back in for a sleep.
She can still jump up into the windowsill and onto "her" chair so not decrepit.
Its just me here and the house will be very empty once she's gone.
I dont want to take her on her last trip to the vet but not sure how I make the decision when I ought to. I'll either beat myself up for taking her too early or beat myself up for letting her suffer for too long.
Any advice?
Thanks
CopperBolt said:
She is still eating really well. She will still come up for her "cuddle" and purr at certain times of day. She goes out into the garden occasionally(when its not raining or blowing a hooley) and has a slow mooch not very far. Has a go on her outdoor claw scratcher and comes back in for a sleep.
She can still jump up into the windowsill and onto "her" chair so not decrepit.
It's always a a horrible position to be in, but the paragraph above says it's not that time yet.She can still jump up into the windowsill and onto "her" chair so not decrepit.
From what you have described she sounds ok to carry on a while yet if she still seems happy and content. It’s true that you know when it’s the right time, was for me anyway. No good beating yourself up once you have had to make the decision either. You know your pet extremely well so you are the one who will know what’s best. Goes without saying when I chose to have my dog PTS it was impossibly hard but I was also relieved that I was able to make that Decision when I had to and when I think back I know I made the right choice.
Can't really help, but perhaps advise. Over two years ago I had a lovely top breed old b
h dog have rear end problems. On Thursday she had a leg problem. Vet couldn't find anything wrong. ON Saturday morning she collapsed. I took her to vet as an emergency. We were given choices. But all I could see from dogs eyes was "dad -help me- end it". they talk to you in ways you cannot understand. THEY know when it's time to let go and let them end life in a dignified fashion.
h dog have rear end problems. On Thursday she had a leg problem. Vet couldn't find anything wrong. ON Saturday morning she collapsed. I took her to vet as an emergency. We were given choices. But all I could see from dogs eyes was "dad -help me- end it". they talk to you in ways you cannot understand. THEY know when it's time to let go and let them end life in a dignified fashion. Our much loved cat Vertie was put to sleep last week. He had been poorly for a while and was on various drugs. But he still seemed happy enough to mooch about in the garden, have a fuss etc. Just like your cat. He was like this for 12 months, slow but ok.
On Tuesday last week we found him lying in his litter tray barely able to move. He had kidney failure and was PTS same day.
I think your cat has some time left, it could be a week it could be a year. Make a fuss of her, love her, keep her warm and safe. You will know the time when it comes, but it’s not yet.
On Tuesday last week we found him lying in his litter tray barely able to move. He had kidney failure and was PTS same day.
I think your cat has some time left, it could be a week it could be a year. Make a fuss of her, love her, keep her warm and safe. You will know the time when it comes, but it’s not yet.
Edited by blueg33 on Wednesday 12th May 08:45
We have an 18+ tabby
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
N111BJG said:
We have an 18+ tabby
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Having read that several times I have tears running down my cheeks.She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Unless I have misunderstood the symptoms, I feel that your last call to the vets should be made sooner, rather than later.
It is the most loving thing we can do for our pets, to let them go when the time is right.
Good luck with your tabby
garythesign said:
N111BJG said:
We have an 18+ tabby
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Having read that several times I have tears running down my cheeks.She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Unless I have misunderstood the symptoms, I feel that your last call to the vets should be made sooner, rather than later.
It is the most loving thing we can do for our pets, to let them go when the time is right.
Good luck with your tabby
A serious & difficult conversation to be had later on today I reckon.
N111BJG said:
garythesign said:
N111BJG said:
We have an 18+ tabby
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Having read that several times I have tears running down my cheeks.She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Unless I have misunderstood the symptoms, I feel that your last call to the vets should be made sooner, rather than later.
It is the most loving thing we can do for our pets, to let them go when the time is right.
Good luck with your tabby
A serious & difficult conversation to be had later on today I reckon.
N111BJG said:
garythesign said:
N111BJG said:
We have an 18+ tabby
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Having read that several times I have tears running down my cheeks.She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Unless I have misunderstood the symptoms, I feel that your last call to the vets should be made sooner, rather than later.
It is the most loving thing we can do for our pets, to let them go when the time is right.
Good luck with your tabby
A serious & difficult conversation to be had later on today I reckon.
k that I'm still ok? Thevet said:
N111BJG said:
garythesign said:
N111BJG said:
We have an 18+ tabby
She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Having read that several times I have tears running down my cheeks.She has suffered skin problems for past six months or so, several injections & treatments later it’s getting worse. Her skin is so fragile that she has a permanent open wound on her back from back leg scratching that we can’t prevent.
Her face is most vulnerable so has to wear a collar 24/7
Gunk comes from her eyes that needs cleaning up, we tackle it every couple of days, but however careful we are it’s obvious that it’s painful to do and the result is more broken skin & bleeding.
With all these open wounds we are fearful of infection, she is in solitary in the lounge as the dog would lick & probably infect her.
She still is eating & purring from time to time, but mobility quite poor.
We think that last call to the vets is just over horizon & getting closer by the day.
Unless I have misunderstood the symptoms, I feel that your last call to the vets should be made sooner, rather than later.
It is the most loving thing we can do for our pets, to let them go when the time is right.
Good luck with your tabby
A serious & difficult conversation to be had later on today I reckon.
k that I'm still ok? To find cat devouring chicken & full belly later laid in sun on patio for an hour or so,
Today was not decision day
Who knows what tomorrow will bring.....
I wrote a post for this thread yesterday afternoon whilst waiting for the vet to ring but never got as far as clicking Submit.
Archie, our cat picked up a respiratory infection towards the start of May. He's had quite a few visits to the vet to see what they could do, resulting in two lots of antibiotics, steroids etc. His breathing is still raspy at times but since Sunday 16th May, he's only eaten once (see below). Both the vets he's seen had picked up an abnormal growth in the area of his spleen. He'd had a biopsy back in March 2018 which was probably on the same growth but nothing nasty was found then. At the time the vet did find he was suffering from hyperthyroidism, so he's been on medicine for that - all seemed well with his weight consistent. We had a week away in April (this year) and lady at the cattery he's always been to commented how well he was looking.
His eating earlier this week was whilst at the vets. The vet was trying to get some bloods from him for testing but Archie is fed-up of needles (don't blame him), so was putting up a fight. The vet gave him something to calm him down which had opium in it - a side effect of that is that it makes cats hungry. Archie did eat a small amount of cat food but still nothing at home
The opium must have been really good stuff as when he got home, he was walking sideways until it had worn off properly.
He's never been a fussy eater. For instance, he's a right little tuna monster - normally, if you open a tin of anything for cooking and he's anywhere near the kitchen, he arrives hoping it's tuna. Likewise wave some Dreamies near him and he'd never refuse. We've put so much different food in his bowl - raw/fresh chicken, ham, tuna, fresh fish, Dreamies and a whole array of different cat foods. He goes to his bowl, looks, sniffs and then just walks away The vet thought the growth would be pressing on his stomach and thus he doesn't feel hungry. End result is he's lost about half his body weight. We don't know where he's getting the energy from as he has still been quite active. Yesterday for instance, he spent the day mooching round our garden or asleep in the greenhouse. A typical nice sunny day for him.
Yesterday's call from the vet was to discuss our last few options. We got him from an RSPCA rescue in September 2010. His original vaccination card lists him as being 5 years old then but we think he was closer to 3 y/o. Having not eaten and being a relatively old lad, never Mrs H or I felt he would get through any sort of invasive surgery. We talked about chemo options but even starting that would mean another biopsy, regular blood tests and the vet felt the chances of it having much impact were slim so that was ruled out. The Vet expected that the lack of food meant he would start going downhill early next week. Hepatic lipidosis (aka fatty liver disease) becomes a major problem. That can be treated but the growth/tumour which is most likely the reason for him not eating isn't going away, so he can't fed via a tube for ever.
So tomorrow (Saturday) morning he makes one last trip to the vets Such a hard decision to make. Neither of us want him to suffer but it's so sad knowing things are his last. Mrs H works in a hospital, so her routine hasn't changed despite lockdown. She get up, shower / breakfast and then come back upstairs about 7am. Archie would come up with her and sit on top of me in bed until I got up. He'd then quite often nab my warm spot for another snooze before heading out on patrol. Today was the last time I get him coming up the bed to say good morning.
For once I have no Zoom or Teams calls today - something I'm so very glad for as I keep crying.
Archie, our cat picked up a respiratory infection towards the start of May. He's had quite a few visits to the vet to see what they could do, resulting in two lots of antibiotics, steroids etc. His breathing is still raspy at times but since Sunday 16th May, he's only eaten once (see below). Both the vets he's seen had picked up an abnormal growth in the area of his spleen. He'd had a biopsy back in March 2018 which was probably on the same growth but nothing nasty was found then. At the time the vet did find he was suffering from hyperthyroidism, so he's been on medicine for that - all seemed well with his weight consistent. We had a week away in April (this year) and lady at the cattery he's always been to commented how well he was looking.
His eating earlier this week was whilst at the vets. The vet was trying to get some bloods from him for testing but Archie is fed-up of needles (don't blame him), so was putting up a fight. The vet gave him something to calm him down which had opium in it - a side effect of that is that it makes cats hungry. Archie did eat a small amount of cat food but still nothing at home
The opium must have been really good stuff as when he got home, he was walking sideways until it had worn off properly.He's never been a fussy eater. For instance, he's a right little tuna monster - normally, if you open a tin of anything for cooking and he's anywhere near the kitchen, he arrives hoping it's tuna. Likewise wave some Dreamies near him and he'd never refuse. We've put so much different food in his bowl - raw/fresh chicken, ham, tuna, fresh fish, Dreamies and a whole array of different cat foods. He goes to his bowl, looks, sniffs and then just walks away
The vet thought the growth would be pressing on his stomach and thus he doesn't feel hungry. End result is he's lost about half his body weight. We don't know where he's getting the energy from as he has still been quite active. Yesterday for instance, he spent the day mooching round our garden or asleep in the greenhouse. A typical nice sunny day for him.Yesterday's call from the vet was to discuss our last few options. We got him from an RSPCA rescue in September 2010. His original vaccination card lists him as being 5 years old then but we think he was closer to 3 y/o. Having not eaten and being a relatively old lad, never Mrs H or I felt he would get through any sort of invasive surgery. We talked about chemo options but even starting that would mean another biopsy, regular blood tests and the vet felt the chances of it having much impact were slim so that was ruled out. The Vet expected that the lack of food meant he would start going downhill early next week. Hepatic lipidosis (aka fatty liver disease) becomes a major problem. That can be treated but the growth/tumour which is most likely the reason for him not eating isn't going away, so he can't fed via a tube for ever.
So tomorrow (Saturday) morning he makes one last trip to the vets
Such a hard decision to make. Neither of us want him to suffer but it's so sad knowing things are his last. Mrs H works in a hospital, so her routine hasn't changed despite lockdown. She get up, shower / breakfast and then come back upstairs about 7am. Archie would come up with her and sit on top of me in bed until I got up. He'd then quite often nab my warm spot for another snooze before heading out on patrol. Today was the last time I get him coming up the bed to say good morning.For once I have no Zoom or Teams calls today - something I'm so very glad for as I keep crying.
Edited by Harpoon on Friday 28th May 13:12
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