Cat has to be put to sleep :(

eclipse

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Hello all,
I just found this forum today...I was so distressed coming home from the vet that I decided I had to go find a forum for catlovers...I went to the vet with my 10 year old cat today...thought he had a bladderinfection (re-occuring problem after an accident he had 3 years ago)and when my vet emptied my baby's bladder he actually found a big tumor right in front of his bladder
It's not only big...it's also inoperable...and my vet said the only honest thing to do is put my cat to sleep
I'm just crying thinking of it right now...I am going to miss him so much...but there's no way I can let him suffer. My vet gave him an injection that will let him be free of pain for about a week...so I have a few days to say my goodbyes, pamper him a little and be at peace with this decision...but even though I know it's for the best for my cat...it's just so hard, I just don't want to have to miss him, I love him so very much. I'm really going to miss him...he's my baby...I watched him be born 10,5 years ago and the idea of having him put to sleep breaks my heart...even though I know it has to be done. I hope you all don't mind my long story, but I really needed to get this of my chest. I am so incredibly sad at the moment, I don't know what to do with myself. But I do know I have to keep my cat's best interest at heart. Thanks for reading.
 

russian blue

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I also replied to your post under the forum New Cat On The Block.

No one can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. It is horrible when such an unexpected diagnosis hits you this way. All I have to offer are my words of comfort. You are "lucky" that you have some time to spend with your cat. Just know that you are doing the right thing, by keeping him pain free. Snuggle him and give him as much love as you can in these final days.

My words, are words that have been said a million times before, yet they still don't sound as comforting as I want them to sound. Just know that the people at this site share your grief and will be here to listen and try to ease you through this the best that we can.



Post as often as you need to, to make it through these last days. All of us have been there, or will be there one day doing the same as you. Just know you are not alone.

 

jeanie g.

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It's not a long story at all, and I'm glad you came. It's hard enough to put a much loved pet to sleep when you know they have been going downhill for a long time, but when it's a shock like this, it's overwhelming. Our hearts are with you. You're right to baby your pet while you have him. You know that what you need to do is right, but your pain is still very real. You will mourn, and that's to be expected, but you'll also have memories that will never leave you. I believe you will see him again. Please write whenever you feel the need; we're here for you. In the meantime, God bless. I wish you peace.
 

yola

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I'm so sorry to hear you are nearing the end of your time with your beloved cat. I do so feel for you, and your sorrow is aparent in your writing.

Be strong - love kitty as much as he can stand and make his last days very special for him and for yourself.

Come back anytime for help, support or just to chat.
 

hissy

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Take this precious time you have left and let your cat know how much he is loved. He will really feel that love in the final moment when he realizes that you love him so much you will let go of selfish desires to keep him around and let him be at peace.

I recently had to make the very same decision about a sweet little girl I had. She was riddled with cancer and we had the option of putting her through some really long involved treatments to keep her around for a few months. She had been rescued as a kitten from a horribly abusive owner, and she was ten years old when we opted to let her find peace. It is hard to do, but it is the right decision that you are making. Your love for him shines in your post.

Hugs(((((((())))))))))
 
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eclipse

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I just want to let you all know that I really appreciate your responses and kind words...it helps me a lot to know that there are people like you out there who understand how hard this is, but you're all right, if you love your animal then this is the only decision that can be made... it will hurt to let go, but I will be glad doing it knowing he won't be suffering anymore... Allthough it's hard...because the injection makes him seems so lively again now, he's purring, seeking attention enjoying his food...whereas he hasn't eaten much at all the last few days...he lost 1/3 of his body weight! I just gave him some boiled fish with a little butter mixed through it and some catmilk. I really need to keep telling myself that he only seems better...that he isn't really...it's just the injection allowing me to say my goodbyes properly and give him a pleasant last few days...but it really is over...it's inoperable and it would be selfish to try and postpone the inevitable...so I won't...Monday at the very latest I decided...the injection is supposed to work until wednesday, so I have to make sure he finds his peace before then, I can't let him have any pain anymore at all. He's worth a few tears and more, I will let him go because I love him. And thanks for pointing out that rainbow poem to me...very beautiful to read now.

Thanks again!
Jasja
 

carrie640

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It just doesn't seem fair, does it? If you followed the post I had about "Angel being put to sleep", then you know that Angel was put to sleep within the last few hours.

Last night I kept looking at her picture and asking my fiance' through shouts and tears "Why can't I just touch her?" (She was at my mother's). I have found myself thrown on the kitchen floor screaming and my body limp with no control. It is sickening...just terribly revolting that God can take something that means so much. I told my fiance' that it is just downright CRUEL, but he explained that is the circle of life.

You might find yourself doing these things. It is ok. I did it, but I also find a little bit of relief knowing that Angel doesn't hurt anymore. She can go outside anytime she wants to now...she can lay in the sun anytime she wants to now....I think the worst part is the being in limbo with it all.

Do what you need to do to feel better. My mother told me that after Angel went to sleep, a cat the vet was boarding reached its paws out at her and gave her a small bat. It was kind of like the cat knew what was going on or kind of like God did that so that my mother could see that other cats need love, too. That gave me even a little bit of comfort. I am thinking about going to the Humane Society to visit the kitty cats there. They need the love and attention.

That might not be for everyone, but I am sure you will find what is best for you. It is important to still take care of yourself while this is going on. That means eating, sleeping, etc. And I KNOWWW that has to suck because I am still there, but it helps with your physical health which helps with your mental health and strength.
 

jeanie g.

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Carrie, I so sympathize with you; you know I do. I have been there and felt the pain you're feeling. But God didn't take your Angel away. He welcomed her when her time was up on this earth. This is the way of the world. The world is not perfect. There are problems; there is sickness and dying, but because of God's boundless love, there is also everlasting life. I hope you find comfort in that love.
 

dtolle

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I am so sorry to read this! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
 

kyttin

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It is so hard when you lose a loved one but remember that she will be with God now and he will take care her. I know my Keelee is with him and someday I will see her again and she won't be in pain anyomre. It is very hard when you don't understand why this had to happen. Just remember all the wonderful times you had with her.

You are in my prayers.


Kyttin
 

viridian

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I can sympathize completely. I put my cat to sleep last night around midnight. He has had lung cancer for several months. Last night when I came home I noticed his breath rate was about 74 to 80 breaths per minute and loud as well. It has been high before but this was not good. So I decided to do it. I really didn't like to see him like this. He was noticably distressed. It still was a very hard decision. As soon as I walked into the Vet I broke down. She took him and put him into an oxygen box. I went to see him right before he was going to get the shot. He was still very distressed and really not himself. So that made it a little easier to let him go. I was a mess though. I had the Vet crying as well.
Although now I am totally suffering. This cat was my friend, my companion and my love. It is awful not having him in front of me as I am writing this. I have been looking at alot of pictures and crying..alot. I feel really empty right now and a bit in shock.
But I know it was the right thing to do. It would have been selfish of me to keep him alive without thinking about what he is going through. I am glad I had 8 wonderful years with him.
 
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