Is it time to let go?

maggiesmummy

Hi,
Looking for some views here - we have a cat called D who is nine who has been diagnosed with kidney failure and anaemia, which we have been treating for the last three months.
He's continuing to lose weight and has now developed a problem with his cheek which is badly swollen, as well now being doubly incontinent in the house for the last couple of weeks.
We've had him since he was a kitten - he was my rescue case as he had fits and faced never being rehomed.
My question is when I take him to the vets do we let him go? I feel terrible because the vet's fees are running into almost £400 (he's not insured - because of the fits it was very difficult to get cover even as a kitten).
He's a lovely little cat and will be the first I've ever had to make this decision for.
Any views?
MM

SnowyOwl_2

Hi Maggiesmummy, I'm so sorry to hear about D and his health issues.

When you go to your vet listen carefully to what s/he says. It's unlikely they will say that the best option is to let go, but may include it in what can be done to relieve D of his symptoms. Ask lots of questions, eg is the reason for the anaemia cureable; are his kidneys getting better; will his double incontinence go away; how much is D suffering now and can we help him feel better while he lives with his conditions.

It depends on the answers you get. It is the most horrible decision but if there is no clear hope for D then it may be better to release him from his unhappiness.

I'm sorry you have this decision weighing on your mind - I've gone through it too with my dear kitties in the past and found solace in knowing that they would never ever feel any pain ever again.

katz03

Oh maggiesmummy - how hard - it is a difficult decision that only you can make, you really need to look at D's quality of life - is he in pain, suffering in any way?

If he is incontinent I have always thought that a sign that the body is breaking down - only you will know when the time is right, discuss it with your vet - and take someone who is not as emotionally attached with you.

*hugs*

ameliarate

I'm really sorry to say that it does sound to me as though it may be time. Clearly you must discuss it with the vet but I think you should prepare yourself.

lots of hugs to you, I know how hard it is when you have a poorly pet.

pinkcandyflossprincess

This is a decision only you can make i am afraid:(
i think you need to chat it over with your vet and see if they think if it is the kindest option. It is difficult as we dont know if our pets are in pain or not so it may be a case of thinking how often each day or week hes having problems..is it increasing etc?

I have a cat with PKD (polycystic Kidneys), she was in a terrible state when i got her but she seems to be ok now, the vet cant say how long her lifespan is , it could be weeks, months or years as the disease can develop quite rapidly but thankfully isnt too bad at the moment:(

I can tell you about a decision i had to make recently though regarding our cockatiel....
he was always a sickly bird when we got him but recently had got worse and was paralysed down one side...the vet said they would have to run tests which would be £600 then they still may not be able to cure him...the other option was PTS.
i couldnt afford the money straight away so in desperation i contacted the parrot rescue as would rather he get the treatment needed and rehomed than have him put to sleep if there was a tiny chance he would get better.

sadly the day the woman was due he had got worse and he passed away as she was 5 minutes literally from my house.
I do feel I failed him and maybe should have had him pts as Im sure that he had suffered a stroke and wouldnt have recovered but i was clinging on to hope i guess and when he gazed at me he looked so sweet and gentle i just couldnt do it:(

having a pet PTS is a very brave action but one we most fear, I think you will know the time is right when it comes though.

it may help to chat on the purrsinourhearts forum..many others have gone through this so can at least offer comfort & support at this time xxx

rising_from_the_ashes

(((hugs))) it's an awful decision to have to make.

You know D best and, to me anyway, quality of life is very important and I've always looked at it (having had a cat with kidney problems for 8 years in the past) that there will be good days and bad days but it's important that the good ones outweigh the bad....

You will know if D is still enjoying life and that's the most important thing - when that time stops, then it's time to let go.

I was told many years ago that a day or week too soon is better than a day too late - it took me a long time and until I was in a similar situation to really understand what that means but, hand on heart, it is very true .... (((hugs)))

maggiesmummy

Thank you all for your comments - I took D to the vet this afternoon and discovered he had a huge abcess on his tooth and had lost even more weight in the last couple of weeks. He was in quite a bit of pain and honestly I felt it was unfair to put him through anything else. He had a lovely cuddle, was given a sedative and I held him as he went. I am so devastated and feel so guilty but he looked like my little kitten again and I know he's not in pain anymore. Thanks to rising from the ashes for the comment about a day too soon or a week too late - I was very worried it was a day too soon, but he's at peace now.

rising_from_the_ashes

Ohhhh Maggie (((hugs))) again and I am so sorry to hear of D's passing .... you made the most unselfish decision any pet owner can make by thinking of them and putting our own feelings aside. You gave him the most loving send off possible, with his human beside him..

RIP D, play hard at the bridge wee man, young and free again in the fields, sunshine & warmth with your new pals - look up my Smudge and say mom still misses him xx

SnowyOwl_2

maggiesmummy wrote: »

Thank you all for your comments - I took D to the vet this afternoon and discovered he had a huge abcess on his tooth and had lost even more weight in the last couple of weeks. He was in quite a bit of pain and honestly I felt it was unfair to put him through anything else. He had a lovely cuddle, was given a sedative and I held him as he went. I am so devastated and feel so guilty but he looked like my little kitten again and I know he's not in pain anymore. Thanks to rising from the ashes for the comment about a day too soon or a week too late - I was very worried it was a day too soon, but he's at peace now.

I am really sorry that this had to happen. The quote from Rising from the Ashes comforts me too - it is so true.

pinkcandyflossprincess

so sorry to hear this but glad your darling is now free from pain, second rising from the ashes, it is indeed the most unselfish thing you can do for a beloved furry family member
will be thinking of you xx

Spirit_2

Difficult day. Best for him but sad for you. I really believe that sometimes you have to love them enough to let them go.