Facing a Difficult Decision

[Zoneboy]

Most of you know by now that I have several cats. The oldest and my only indoor cat is 17 and in poor health. A year ago he weighed nearly 15 pounds and now he only weighs 5. He walks sideways and he's not eating much or using his litter box.

The vet ran some tests including bloodwork and said he had thyroid issues and prescribed medication but I don't think it's helping . When and if he does eat, It's very little but he can't keep it down. He also drinks excessive amounts of water and I was told to make sure he always had plenty which I do. The Dr's don't feel that he's in much if any discomfort and they said to just make him as comfortable as possible.

It was also suggested that if things didn't improve by the time his medicine was used up that I think about having him put to sleep and that's where the problem lies, I don't have the heart to do it although I have to admit that's it's probably the humane and right thing to do. He's been in our family since he was kitten. I've had him 10 years and my Brother had him prior to that.

We've both given him a good life. I realize that animals get old and sick and sometimes you have to do things you don't want to and I'm sure it isn't always easy. I know some of you have faced similar situations with your own pets so your thoughts would be much appreciated. A few prayers might not hurt also.

[Shine]

He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Lee]

Most of you know by now that I have several cats. The oldest and my only indoor cat is 17 and in poor health. A year ago he weighed nearly 15 pounds and now he only weighs 5. He walks sideways and he's not eating much or using his litter box.

The vet ran some tests including bloodwork and said he had thyroid issues and prescribed medication but I don't think it's helping . When and if he does eat, It's very little but he can't keep it down. He also drinks excessive amounts of water and I was told to make sure he always had plenty which I do. The Dr's don't feel that he's in much if any discomfort and they said to just make him as comfortable as possible.

It was also suggested that if things didn't improve by the time his medicine was used up that I think about having him put to sleep and that's where the problem lies, I don't have the heart to do it although I have to admit that's it's probably the humane and right thing to do. He's been in our family since he was kitten. I've had him 10 years and my Brother had him prior to that.

We've both given him a good life. I realize that animals get old and sick and sometimes you have to do things you don't want to and I'm sure it isn't always easy. I know some of you have faced similar situations with your own pets so your thoughts would be much appreciated. A few prayers might not hurt also.

I have been in the same situation with my beloved dogs Dutchess, Chauncey,
and more recently Mutt Moo so I understand where you are coming from. I
will offer my most heartfelt prayers for you in this difficult time.

[Brad Russ]

I'm really sorry to hear about your cat Zoneboy. I know the pain that comes with having to put a pet down, as I had to put my beloved dog Salem to sleep a couple years ago. It was one of the toughest decisions we as a family ever had to make, but in her case, there were no other options. I will pray that God give you the wisdom to make the right choice for your cat. My heart definitely goes out to you at this difficult time!!

[catlover79]

I have been in the same situation with my beloved dogs Dutchess, Chauncey,
and more recently Mutt Moo so I understand where you are coming from. I
will offer my most heartfelt prayers for you in this difficult time.
So will I. We've had to put a couple of our cats down, too, so I know how you feel, Charles. :bighug:

[browneyes106]

I'm sorry about your cat. I keep you both in my prayers. My family was in the same situation six years ago with our cat Cosmo who was 18 at the time. We had him as kitten because my dad found him, his mom and siblings in abandoned garage at his workplace. By the time he was around 17 and a half he started getting weak and he lost control of bladder. He had kidney problems. We kept him medicated for about 4 months. We had to keep in a large dog cage at night in the garage because he would wet all over the house. My parents and I decided to put him down. We made the decision on a Thursday but our vet had to go out of the town the next day so we decided to wait until Monday. A couple of days later my dad found him dead in his cage when he went to give him food. It was like he knew that his time was coming. I was sort of glad he died in our home where he loved to be.

My coworker recently pet her cat down and she took it hard for days. But eventually she realized her cat was in peace. You and your family should give yourselves pats on the back for caring and loving this kitty.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Charles, I'm sorry to hear that. Last year in March our beloved cat Chava became very sick. He stopped eating, drinking, and was sleeping a lot. He started showing signs of kidney failure. We had to making the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep. It felt like a crushing blow. We had to do what was best for him though. There comes a time when you have to decide if keeping your pet alive is benefiting him or just you. I still deeply miss Chava. I am close to the two cats we have now. Though there was something extra special I believe about Chava. I hope whatever decision you make turns out ok. I know we gave Chava a good life. We had him for six years. There's no telling exactly how old he was to begin with. Even when your cat passes on he will remain in your heart.

[Stuck In The '70's]

I'm so sorry to hear this Charles. I've lost many pets and it's always heartbreaking. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayer during this difficult time. :(

[Chocoholic]

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. We went thorugh the same thing with both of our dogs. Our pets offer us so much and ask for so little. It's a shame we can't have them as part of our lives longer.

[Retro4Life]

Zoneboy,

My deepest regards go out to you at this time.

I've had to put several cats to sleep and the decision is absolutely agonizing.

The worst part for me is that the cat can't really tell you how badly it feels, nor can you explain to the cat why you have to do what you might have to do.

I think the one thing you said that you should hold onto now is that you have given the cat a great life; no doubt a much, much better one than it would have had if you had never owned it. The cat on some level knows that I'm sure.

Maybe now is not quite the time; maybe it is. I think if and when it becomes necessary to do this you will know, that you will just get a feeling at some point and the path will become clear.

I'm sure you have already done this, but it will help you and the cat if you continue to talk to it lovingly and express how you feel. The cat won't understand the words, but it will understand the feelings attached and it will make you feel better.

Good luck. I know for sure that anyone who has put as much thought into this as you have and has taken the time to post about it here is a pretty great person and undoubtedly a great pet owner. I think your cat is in great hands, whatever your decision is.

I'll be thinking of you and your friend. Take care.

[OH Nuts!]

Most of you know by now that I have several cats. The oldest and my only indoor cat is 17 and in poor health. A year ago he weighed nearly 15 pounds and now he only weighs 5. He walks sideways and he's not eating much or using his litter box.

The vet ran some tests including bloodwork and said he had thyroid issues and prescribed medication but I don't think it's helping . When and if he does eat, It's very little but he can't keep it down. He also drinks excessive amounts of water and I was told to make sure he always had plenty which I do. The Dr's don't feel that he's in much if any discomfort and they said to just make him as comfortable as possible.

It was also suggested that if things didn't improve by the time his medicine was used up that I think about having him put to sleep and that's where the problem lies, I don't have the heart to do it although I have to admit that's it's probably the humane and right thing to do. He's been in our family since he was kitten. I've had him 10 years and my Brother had him prior to that.

We've both given him a good life. I realize that animals get old and sick and sometimes you have to do things you don't want to and I'm sure it isn't always easy. I know some of you have faced similar situations with your own pets so your thoughts would be much appreciated. A few prayers might not hurt also.


Well if he's not in any pain or discomfort I'd just keep him confortable as long as he has his meds. If your cat begins to suffer, then that would be the time to consider letting him go.

With my cat, he had a slow growing cancer that I treated for over 2 years, but finally the cancer could no longer be contained. In the end he was getting a lot of nose bleeds and then he stopped eating and using his litter box. The vet said his kidneys were failing. He was 14 and since his quality of life was clearly not good, I put him to sleep.

[Zoneboy]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and kind thoughts but unfortunately he died earlier today. I had to go run a few errands and he was gone when I returned. I did everything I could for him but I knew it was only a matter of time. I'll miss him terribly but I can take comfort in the fact that we gave him a good life for the 17 years he was with us.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/zoneboy/Rowdy-1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/zoneboy/ScreenHunter_03Jun272230.gif

[clj2]

Aw, Zoneboy, I am so sorry :(

[ZeldaGilroy]

I am so sorry for your loss. :(

[Marvo301]

I'm very sorry for your loss Charles. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[beautifuldreamer]

Oh how horrible! I'm so sorry to hear that... he was a beautiful cat! I'm glad he is not suffering anymore. You and Rowdy will be in my prayers.:(

[Retro4Life]

I'm so sorry, Zoneboy.

I think your attitude is the right one to have in this difficult time. The love you and your friend shared was something truly special and the memories you have should give you some comfort, though I truly understand how hard it is.

I don't know what your beliefs are but personally I think I'll be in touch with all my lost loved ones, including my pets, when I pass over. Regardless, the impact Rowdy made in your life is something eternal and totally positive.

[phoebe7165]

Charles, I am so sorry to hear about Rowdy, but like you said, take comfort that he lived 17 years with people who took great care of him.

:rip: Rowdy

I put this in the thread about Lulu's sweet chihuahua passing - there are 2 plaques on one of my walls - one for cats & one for dogs -

It reads

Heaven - all the cats you ever loved will be waiting at the gate.

[Schmoopie]

I saw the picture on your avatar and I was going to PM you and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. But since I found this thread, I'll express my condolences here.

Andrea

[Hollywood Rock Chic]

Charles, I am so sad about hearing the passing of your cat, Rowdy (awesome name, btw) but remember, he lived a very long and had a good life. It is always difficult to lose a pet, but, you two will be reunited again. It is not only human loved ones that greet you from heaven, but your animals as well...

[Janice]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Charles. When I lost my cat, who was almost 17, these gave me great comfort. You did the right thing for Rowdy. Losing a pet is heartbreaking.

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html


MAY I GO?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

[catlover79]

I'm so sorry, Charles. We've lost cats before, but I can't imagine losing 2 in less than 2 months. You're not alone, my friend. :bighug:

[InspectorExstead]

I'm so sorry about your cat. :( He was a beautiful cat indeed. I know this is a difficult time for you, but just know that you gave him a great life and that he's no longer in pain.
Janice, the poem you posted was very touching.

[april4972]

I am not a regular poster on this board but I saw the thread and the picture of your beautiful boy and I wanted to say I'm very sorry for your loss. As a big cat lover, I know how it is to lose a beloved friend and it sounds like you were a great "Dad" and should feel good that you gave Rowdy a GREAT life! Take care....Steph :)