Metacam for an elderly arthritic cat - your experiences please?

Gold_Dust_2

bacardi66 wrote: »

After over 2 weeks of trying to get him to eat and seeing him getting weaker and weaker I have spoken to the vet and arranged to have him PTS tomorrow. He won't sit up or stand to eat and just lies there with me putting the food to his mouth and even then he barely eats.

At nearly 20 he has had a lovely long life and I just want him to have a nice peaceful end.

poor you. 20 is an amazing age for him to have reached, and it doesn't sound like he has much of a life right now. When I had my boy PTS I was heartbroken but relieved at the same time as he was no longer suffering, and it really isn't that bad an experience - very quick and painless.

I don't really want to say this part but I would have been blindsided had I not asked beforehand....what are you thinking of doing with him afterward? I don't know if you're aware of the costs of euthanasia, but they charge for the procedure, then you have the option of mass cremation, private cremation (if you want the ashes back) and then I think they charge something for the container for the ashes...can reach somewhere around £200 at the most expensive.

I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts.

bacardi66

Gold_Dust wrote: »

I don't really want to say this part but I would have been blindsided had I not asked beforehand....what are you thinking of doing with him afterward? I don't know if you're aware of the costs of euthanasia, but they charge for the procedure, then you have the option of mass cremation, private cremation (if you want the ashes back) and then I think they charge something for the container for the ashes...can reach somewhere around £200 at the most expensive.

I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts.

Ah thanks so much and please don't worry about mentioning this it is something I had thought of and I already spoke to the vet and said I just want a mass cremation and I don't want the ashes - the same as for my other cat. It would feel strange to have his ashes and not those of his brother.

Im expecting to have to put the euthanasia on my credit card as I know it won't be cheap but it will be worth every penny for him to have a peaceful end.

Gold_Dust_2

OK, was around £70 at my vet.

It's really surreal isn't it, to be calmly discussing the fate of a cat that is still there sitting before you? Necessity doesn't make it any easier to do, but it does make the practical stuff easier. I hope you are treasuring this time with him now, and please give him a hug from me. I regret not having my boy in my lap more now, and wish that I had held him more during those last few hours.

Please update us afterwards, when you're ready. There are others here who understand what you will be going through, and would be glad to talk it over with you if you wish - I find that talking to my friends about it makes them uncomfortable.

bacardi66

Gold_Dust wrote: »

OK, was around £70 at my vet.

It's really surreal isn't it, to be calmly discussing the fate of a cat that is still there sitting before you? Necessity doesn't make it any easier to do, but it does make the practical stuff easier. I hope you are treasuring this time with him now, and please give him a hug from me. I regret not having my boy in my lap more now, and wish that I had held him more during those last few hours.

Its strange now sitting looking at him and knowing what is coming but I know it is the best thing for him - he is so weak now and his legs keep giving way. He has never been a lap cat but has always enjoyed snuggling up close to me in bed or on the sofa but he has stopped all that in the last few weeks - I think its too uncomfortable for him. He still purrs a bit when I stroke him but he isn't affectionate like he used to be - I think its yet another sign that his time has come. Will update later on today - thanks for your support x

bacardi66

Well he's gone and although Im heartbroken as Ive had him for nearly 20 years it is a relief not to seem him struggling as he has been in the last few weeks.

It wasn't quite as quick and easy as I had hoped as the vet had trouble with his old veins but overall Im just so pleased that i made the call and he had a nice peaceful end at home. He was a wonderful cat and Im just so lucky to have had him.

Thanks for all your support especially Gold Dust x

Gold_Dust_2

He was so lucky to have had a caring owner such as yourself, and you spared him from getting any worse. He had a great, long life! Turn all of that attention that you were lavishing upon him on yourself now, as you definitely deserve it after all of this. And even though this is premature, you should definitely give some thought to getting another cat or even fostering, as every cat deserves a home but not every home deserves a cat - yours most definitely does. You are a great owner.

You're in my thoughts