Final goodbye...cheated by Covid

zenshi · 9 February at 9:03AM

My very elderly cat is nearing the end 😥 I spoke with the vet yesterday about things and will not be allowed to take her final journey with her. She’s a very timid cat and will be 19 in a few weeks. I’m devastated. I will do what’s best for her regardless but I feel sad for her as it will be totally alien, she’s only been to vet 3 times in her life

tacpot12 · 9 February at 9:20AM

You have done amazingly well to look after your cat for so long; nearly 19 years old is a great age for a cat. And well done for looking after her now by arranging for the vet to make her passing painless. It really is the least we can do for our pets after they have given us so much love. The vet will treat her with kindness and love, and this will help relax her. I know you will miss her and desperately want to be with her when she goes, but you need to look after yourself as well. So say goodbye to her as you put her into her carrier, remind yourself that it is right and good what you are doing, and had hand her over with all your love at the door. If you need to drive to the vets, it would be best if someone else could drive you. Even if you can walk, it might be an idea to have some else with you.

clive0510 · 9 February at 9:25AM

That's going to be hard. losing a pet all ways is hard. I've lost several over the years. the cat I currently have had a huge abscess on his chest, a few weeks back. he had to go to the vets, 1st time ever. very stress full.

Tobs · 9 February at 10:55AM

That's so tough for you - it's clear to see how much you care for your cat. I don't know what the exact regulations are currently with lockdown restrictions, but if vets are allowed to do house calls at all, it might be worth looking up to see if there are any vets in your area who would be able to do this - some places even have 'mobile' practices - but again, I'm aware this might not be feasible/allowed.
If not, you could put something in the carrier that you've been wearing - the familiar smell might help to reassure her. Tacpot12 is right though, try to take someone with you. Would the vet be able to give any advice on how to keep her calm? You could also try contacting what used to be the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) - International Cat Care | The ultimate resource on feline health and welfare (icatcare.org) . I emailed them with a query recently and they were very helpful.

annabanana82 · 9 February at 11:04AM

I was going to suggest the above, when my friends cat was in a similar position the vet came to house so hopefully this will be an option for you.

ZaSa1418 · 9 February at 12:39PM

zenshi said:

My very elderly cat is nearing the end 😥 I spoke with the vet yesterday about things and will not be allowed to take her final journey with her. She’s a very timid cat and will be 19 in a few weeks. I’m devastated. I will do what’s best for her regardless but I feel sad for her as it will be totally alien, she’s only been to vet 3 times in her life

That is sad news but can you see if there are any other vets who will allow you to be there or for them to come to you. There are many vets offering this at this time.

Vegastare · 9 February at 12:55PM

My vet too does not allow you to be present when animal is being checked over. But it was clear from the wait in the carpark that they were permitting people in for there pet in these sad circumstances. I would try another vet or ask if they will come to your house and possibly suggest they remain close to the back door etc and you stand two meter back.
I really agree with ZaSa about this

KxMx · 9 February at 2:15PM

You can request she is sedated before the final injection, this can be given through her carrier so she would not be pulled out aware into a strange place. Not that the carrier is a particularly happy place but you see what I mean.

This had to be done for my cat due to how aggressive she was at the Vets in general, even at the very end she had one last mega growl when they opened the carrier door to try and examine her.

Mrs_Z · 9 February at 2:45PM

What an awful situation. I feel for you. I was going to suggest what's already be said, see if you can get the vet to come to your home instead. If your own vet does not do home visits there might be a mobile vet who would cover your area.

donnac2558 · 9 February at 3:21PM

I doubt the vet will come out to your home also because of COVID-19. They will not let people in they will not come to someone's home.

Last year my girl 17 who did have health problems I had to stand in the car park, and they would not let me go in with her at the end. My surgery has put up messages on Facebook saying they are sorry but no one can come into the surgery, the last one was a week ago.

Jenni_D · 9 February at 6:29PM

A friend from my dog walking group has lost 2 of his dogs in the past year ... he wasn't able to be with either of them as they passed. 😢

(He's had a few dogs over the years - he tends to rehome older dogs to give them a loving home for their final years).

Final goodbye...cheated by Covid

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Final goodbye...cheated by Covid

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