Is it time to say goodbye

littleredhen

I know its a hard question to ask of others but i am finding it hard to know whether its time to let my beloved cat go (she is 16) - i always thought i would know but....i feel unsure
she has bad arthritis which up until now has been controlled with medication - she has been unwell since Monday - we took her to the vets - she got an antibiotic injection - took her back wed - not much improvement so they did blood tests and x rays - she has a tumour on her lung but they don't know how long its been there so can't say much about it other than its inoperable - her back legs are bad with the arthritis so they gave us some different medication - that we found impossible to give her - took her back Friday so they gave her an injection and told us to bring her for another one on Saturday - that upset her tummy so they tried a different kind - no improvement and she is eating very little - she normally eats dried food but we have been giving her pouches and she licks the jelly or gravy but won't eat any of the meat - she is lying hiding under our clothes horse and purrs when stroked - i feel on the one hand she is trying but on another is she trying to tell me enough is enough
unfortunately we have seen 3 different vets and although they know that we are prepared to let her go it is a long time from Sat morning to Monday without talking to anyone - any help from anyone would be appreciated

EmptyPockets

Hi,

I'm so sorry to hear your little girl isn't doing so well. I don't really know what I can say regarding 'helpful' advice, but I noticed you were still online and I didn't want to just read and run.

I can only say that if I was in your shoes, based on what you have said, I would probably think that my cat has had enough now. She sounds very very tired of it all, and to some degree she must be quite uncomfortable. I would personally prepare myself to make the decision on Monday - if, in the meantime, she doesn't make the decision herself to save you the pain. BUT that is just what I would do. You will ultimately do what is right, and when, for your cat.

It will be hard for you, but you must must must remmember that this is the ultimate act of kindness. It is the last great thing we do for our beloved pets, to end their suffering and send them to rainbow bridge to play and wait for us.

Big hugs x♥x

littleredhen

Thanks for your kind words and hugs - i will absolutely do what's right for her - i guess the problem is that today is Sunday and there is no vet to talk to easily although i know they have a vet on call - they gave us some capsules to give her over the weekend to ease the pain to see if that would help her appetite - unfortunately when we break them open and put a bit of water in the syringe and try to give it to her she ends up foaming at the mouth - it is horrible to see and we don't know if it is giving her any pain relief or just adding to her stress and suffering

Mupette

I am no expert, definately not a vet.

What you've said i too would be in 2 minds, is the treatment actually doing good or is it time.

Not an easy decision to make

3 different vets are prepared to let her go, but your heartstrings are pulling (ofcourse they will be)

I don't think any one will tell you a definate yes or no on here, but they will offer support at this worrying time.

thinking of you

littleredhen

Thank you Mupette

xsunnysuex

My heart goes out to you. I was in this same situation 5 weeks ago. My little Tinker had been battling cancer. She was 15. She had several operations, and did well for about 5yrs. But suddenly went down hill. On the Saturday she was hiding away and seemed really unwell. It had been very hot that day. So I decided to give her until Sunday to see if it was the heat that was bothering her. I made the decision that if she was no better I would take her to the vets. I knew if I did she wouldn't be coming home with me. Tinker made it easier for me because she passed away during the night. So I didn't have the dilemma of wondering if I should or shouldn't take her. From what I've read, I too feel it's time for your little one. To wait is just delaying the inevitable. Please don't let the fact that she's purring fool you into thinking she's happy. The vet told me they purr when they are stressed also. I know how you are feeling. And if I could I'd give you a great big hug. I know you will do what's right for her. As I said it's been 5 weeks now since I lost tinker. Of cause it's hard without them. It's really hard. But trust me, it gets easier. It doesn't hurt to much when I think of her now. I can smile with the memories I have of her. Please be strong. And PM me any time you need a shoulder. Even if it is only a virtual one..

littleredhen

thank you sue - she is still hiding but once again has eaten the jelly off the cat food pouch - but not the meat - i think she is trying for me but i know she can't carry on just eating small amounts of jelly - i didn't know that about them purring when they are stressed

littleredhen

sorry meant to say sorry for the loss of your beloved Tinker - i have never had a pet before until we got our gorgeous girls 16 years ago - her sister is confused and doesn't seem to know what to do

xsunnysuex

littleredhen wrote: »

her sister is confused and doesn't seem to know what to do

My other cat Ebby missed Tinker. I think she still does, but it's getting better. It wasn't made easier that they are both indoor cats. So only ever knew each other. Ebby yowled a lot when Tinker went. She still does, but not so much. I spoke to a pet therapist that I was put in touch with. The advise I was given was not to make too much of a fuss of her. Keep the routine as close as you can to normal. I asked the therapist if getting another cat might help. He told me no. He said it wasn't another cat Ebby was wanting. It was just Tinker. He said she just needed time to grieve for her lost companion. That was very good advise. I might look into getting another cat. But at the moment Ebby is doing ok. And your other cat will too. Big hugs.

littleredhen

http://


here's a picture of her

xsunnysuex

littleredhen wrote: »

http://


here's a picture of her

She's beautiful.