Angel isn't eating and losing weight :(

I am a terrible wreck right now. The cat I have had since I was in 6th grade (1984) hasn't been eating at all since like Monday. My mother called me and asked me to go check on her during the day and I did. She is really thin and boney and sleeps a lot. We called her vet who told us that he has had success with cats like this after an injection of valium because it stimulates their appetite (kind of like the "munchies" with people and marijuna). We took her yesterday and she didn't make a fuss about the car or anything like she normally does. She just stayed wrapped in the blanket sleeping on my arm....very unusual for her normal howling car behavior. She got the injection and we took her home and the first thing she did was eat some canned cat food. She then stayed out in the living room with us for a while. Well, she hasn't eaten since. She will go to her dish to drink water, but will not eat. She did eat a little out of our hands today, but not a lot and not from her dish. We talked to the vet again today who next suggested we try a steroid shot and we are supposed to take her Monday. The other options if this doesn't work would require more maintience and probably a lot more cash which is fine and she is worth it, but at the same time, since she is 19...well, what do you do? Can she handle all of that extra stress??

Since September, she went from 9.8 pounds to 7.7 pounds. When she had blood work in 99, she tested high with her Thyroid. He suggested that might be an issue, as well. She also was diagnosed in 91 with Cardiomyopathy and had been on cardizem and baby aspiran. He also said it very well could be related to that as he can hear a murmur. I just don't know and quite frankly, I am scared to death. It is hard to work and concentrate...I am just a wreck.

I am not ready to let her go. I just am not. We thought maybe she has a cold or something and she cannot smell which is why she isn't eating, but I would think the vet would've picked up on that.

Please help. I just don't know what to do or think anymore :*(

Carrie,
Sweetie...you sound so upset! I would be exactly the same way if one of my babies were doing this too. I really don't have any advice for you, but I'm sure someone will post some great suggestions for you. The only thing I can tell you is just give her lots of love right now...she is really going to need it. I can tell that you love her so much and it's very hard to deal with when they are so ill. I've been there with my precious Mimi. Her little body just couldn't take it anymore and I felt like I was dying inside during her last days. I don't want to upset you at all by telling you that...honestly I don't. It's very hard to come to terms with an elderly cat when they get sick. They become family members and the pain is very deep. Honey, I will keep you and your baby in my prayers. Please keep us all posted on what the Vet has to say and please remember...you can always come here if you need to talk. All of us here have strong shoulders for you to cry on and open ears to listen.
Best wishes,
Michelle

My thoughts are with you and Angel.

Thank you so much for the kind words.

My fiance' put his dog to sleep in September so he understands and is huge support, but at the same time he tells me that she is still alive and to be optimistic.

I understand the optimistic part, but it doesn't matter that she is alive....it is still very heartbreaking to watch her and not knowing what is going on.....not knowing why she isn't eating....why she has lost this weight...not knowing what to do to help her.

And I feel so bad that I even kicked Ashley (my cat) out of bed last night (she sleeps on my pillow with me)....Ashley is well and that is good, but I feel so guilty that I am here with her and not Angel. I know Ashley needs love, too, but I am just soo soo sad.

Sometimes, because we love them, we have to make the ultimate sacrifice and let them go. It is so hard to do this, because they have been a part of our lives for so long. Your kitty has lived a very long time, you are to be commended for the care that you have given her. But as they get older, they develop problems, breakdown of internal organs, they lack the energy they used to have, they stop eating and drinking because they just don't feel well. It is really their way of saying to us, "Look it has been a long loving journey, but I am ready to go now." Then it is up to us to do the best we can for them.

Once a cat stops eating, it opens her up to some really bad health issues of which there is sometimes no escaping. I understand that you are not ready to let her go. The question you and your vet have to ask yourself, is- Is she ready to go? You have my heart, I have been in your shoes before and it is not an easy place. I trust you will make the right decision for her, guided by your vet's wisdom.

I know it is about her and how she feels..I know that..and in a lot of ways it is very comforting to know that and think of things in THOSE terms. Does it take the pain away? No. Not at all.

She is eating out of my mother's hand, but won't go to her own dish. We are still going to try the steroid shot and if that doesn't work, I just don't know what we are going to do. She doesn't act like she is in pain or anything, but then again, they can't open their mouths and tell you that they hurt here or there or are just tired.

I am trying to keep it together and not neglect Ashley (the cat) because I know she still needs the love she has always gotten...it is just very very difficult

No, they can't tell us. I do wish they could. They can only show us through their actions. They hide pain well, it is in their genetic code to do so. It is how they survive for as long as they do. Good luck.

I really don't have any advice for you but I do understand what you are going through and how very difficult it is for you. Please spend some time talking with your vet about what is the best thing to do for Ashley. Hopefully, this copy of the Rainbow Bridge poem will help give you some comfort.

Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so that they can run and play topgether. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made well and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carring him faster and faster.

You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, not to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face: your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look on again into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..........

.............Author Unknown