I have THE WORST feeling in the pit of my stomach

i do hope they can find whats wrong with her and treat it. i will be thinking of you on thursday as its my birthday aswell, sending lots of hugs to you and your little girl x.

i'll be thinking of you and Damita, Nat. Try to stay calm. you are doing everything you can

I'm sorry to hear about Damita. It's always hard to see them start to show symptoms of an ongoing problem. I always believe you should trust your gut in most instances. I also believe that you need to put Damita first because you know her quality of life better than anyone else. It is always hard when that decision has to be made, but if you know it isn't there any longer, it is kinder to let them go instead of letting them suffer.
I also think that you still have time to make a few decisions. Don't rush into anything unless you know it's time. I wish you and Damita all the best and hope that there is some ray of sunshine for the both of you.

I can understand the quality of life thing, that is the way I feel. When she's not living anymore, not the way she should be, then it's time. But, she plays all the time. She's so active, but then she'll turn around & vomit. I mean, many many times she actually pukes on her toys. I cannot imagine letting her go when she is still enjoying life so, which makes this so hard. There is that nagging thought in the back of my mind that it might be something terminal & she might not get to where she no longer has a quality of life before I have to "do something".

I don't know. I've never had to euthanize a cat of my own before. And that thought terrifies me.

It is a tricky one - while she is active and playing, vomiting a lot isn't good on their body, and to puke on her toys shows that while she wants to play, it is having an effect on her body. It is a very hard decision to make, and you do sometimes have to make it while they are still eating and showing an interest in life. I know with PEbbles, I told her to tell me when it was time, sounds odd, but maybe sit down and have a chat with her?

She's so active, but then she'll turn around & vomit

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That reminds me of a kitty I had years ago; Clancey seemed absolutely normal, except for vomiting once or twice a day. A trip to the vet and a prescription later, the vomiting all but stopped. It's been almost 25 years, so I don't remember the particulars, but I believe it had something to do with an imflamation of his stomach lining that was causing the vomiting. He lived for years after that.

I guess I'm just trying to say that things might not be as bad as you think. I'll be thinking of you and Damita on Thursday and hoping for good news.

I really don't know what to say

Just know that I'll be thinking of you and Damita. I hope the visit goes ok on thursday.

for you both!

Sorry to hear what you're going through. It's miserable to watch someone you love just waste away and feel so helpless. Especially since Dr. Stupid is no help. I will say a prayer for you and Damita.
Have your had your chocolate today?

If you feel that she isn't suffering, I see no problem in doing what you are doing. But the second you ask yourself "Is she suffering?" start preparing yourself.

You may not have to ever make the decision of euthinizing and of your babies, but if you ever have to look at it as your final and best gift of preventing them weeks, months, or possibly years of suffering and coming to an unbearable end, if it comes to it, do it for them-don't put it off for you. And if that time comes, which no one should ever have to face, we will be there for you, promise. I say this not because I am one of those people who give up on animals the second it gets rough, but I say this as a person who can bear to see anything suffer for even a second. I didn't say all of this because I feel that you should put her down, because from the sounds of it, she is doing pretty good-but her mommy sure is worrying!!! I say it because it is very possible that you may have to make that decision one day for a pet, and you need to understand that it's not giving up on that particular pet-it's keeping them from needless suffering.

If you need us, we are here. ))))VIBES(((( and many *hugs* to her and you!

Sorry....don't understand....I just read all these posts....all of them...but your first one had this in it....

" I dunno, maybe it's because I don't know what to do anymore, I can't afford to take her to a specialist & I'm outta sane vets in the area, no one knows what's wrong or how to make her feel better. And I cannot tell you how many vets & people have told me to just euthanize her, which makes me feel guilty becuase I won't unless I know what's wrong."

I just don't understand that so many posts I have read are saying their vets don't KNOW what's wrong.

So, you are saying none of the vets can tell you what is wrong....but you think if you go in this week a vet will tell you to put her down?

PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME?!

Whatever your decision is, we will all be here for you. She will let you know if something is wrong. You are both in my thoughts. It is difficult to really know the depth of a problem when they are still showing interest in life one minute and then sick the next. Keep us posted please. I know you must be feeling agony at not having anyone being able to give you any kind of definitive answer at the vet. Sometimes I wonder what good they are if they can't even help you.

Originally Posted by Duchess15

Whatever your decision is, we will all be here for you. She will let you know if something is wrong. You are both in my thoughts. It is difficult to really know the depth of a problem when they are still showing interest in life one minute and then sick the next. Keep us posted please. I know you must be feeling agony at not having anyone being able to give you any kind of definitive answer at the vet. Sometimes I wonder what good they are if they can't even help you.

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I agree with Duchess.... we WILL all be here for you if your need us. Having taken in abandoned and ferals all my life (but finally had to stop)....I have been through this more times than you want to know. And....would not have made it through painful times without support of people like the people on this forum.

However.....she is still with you and may be with you for many years to come.

Hugs, and everything that I can send from me and all my kitties.

This vet has not been able to come up with a definitive diagnosis as of yet. He is preparing, researching, contacting other vets for advice, etc. I have the utmost confidence in him....he is genuinely upset that he has not been able to tell me what is wrong as of yet.

The euthanisia issue, I've just had so many vets, like actual praciticing, "I trust my pets life in your hands", vets....tell me that I should really consider euthanizing her. I always fear this vet, who I have such high regards for, will tell me that it might really be time to consider euthanizing her. I totally freak out when anyone tells me I should really euthanize her.

Does that make any sense?

Natalie

She will tell you if it is time.... I never beleived that but Kandie did ... I then looked back and my dogs did the same//

Originally Posted by white cat lover

This vet has not been able to come up with a definitive diagnosis as of yet. He is preparing, researching, contacting other vets for advice, etc. I have the utmost confidence in him....he is genuinely upset that he has not been able to tell me what is wrong as of yet.

The euthanisia issue, I've just had so many vets, like actual praciticing, "I trust my pets life in your hands", vets....tell me that I should really consider euthanizing her. I always fear this vet, who I have such high regards for, will tell me that it might really be time to consider euthanizing her. I totally freak out when anyone tells me I should really euthanize her.

Does that make any sense?

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Yes, I can see where you are coming from. Sometimes you have to wonder if the vet really has your animal's best interest at heart or just taking the easy way out. I also believe she will tell you when she is ready. It has happened to us one too many times, but they have a way of telling you. If you have a bad gut feeling of so many vets telling you one thing and you don't agree, don't let them make you feel like you HAVE to do it. Listen to the only person (or rather kitty) that can truly tell you how she's feeling.

Maybe I can relax then. From what she's telling me, it's time to eat, not time for anything else! I've started sitting with her when she eats. I monitor how fast she eats that way & slow her down. It helps some, I think.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

This vet has not been able to come up with a definitive diagnosis as of yet. He is preparing, researching, contacting other vets for advice, etc. I have the utmost confidence in him....he is genuinely upset that he has not been able to tell me what is wrong as of yet.

The euthanisia issue, I've just had so many vets, like actual praciticing, "I trust my pets life in your hands", vets....tell me that I should really consider euthanizing her. I always fear this vet, who I have such high regards for, will tell me that it might really be time to consider euthanizing her. I totally freak out when anyone tells me I should really euthanize her.

Does that make any sense?

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It makes purr-fect sense. You have known Damita for 7yrs, that is a considerable purr-centage of your life, I would freak out too.
If I remember correctly, you said you have never had to euthanize a pet before, so that is yet another thing, that makes your current situation so stressful. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you, but like other people have mentioned, Damita might be ok, nothing a few meds won't fix.
That worst feeling you have might be a different feeling, tomorrow might just be the day your vet says, he now knows what's going and Damita will be just fine.

Sending Damita and you lots of positive (((((((((((((((((((((VIBES))))))))))))))))))) for tomorrow. (Thursday)

Hope you liked the purrs, I thought it would give you a little laugh

Remember vets are there for guidance and knowledge, but that doesn't mean they are always correct in their judgements.

Natalie, I just read this thread --- I'm so, so sorry you're going through this. I know how very difficult and stressful such a situation is. God bless you with all the strength and peace you need right now!!

Lots of folks have said to trust your heart and you'll know when/if it's time. I'm a VERY pragmatic kind of person, over 40, and had never had a terminally ill furbaby until Ollie. And yet, Ollie was able to reach me and tell me when it was his time. It broke my heart - you were there with me, you saw it -- but I knew it was necessary because my baby was telling me so.

You will, too.

Originally Posted by Duchess15

Remember vets are there for guidance and knowledge, but that doesn't mean they are always correct in their judgements.

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I think it is up to us as responsible pet owners to listen to what our vets tell us, then come home and research to learn as much as we can about what they said. Only after fully educating one's self on any given topic, particularly vet care or treatment plans, can we make a sound decision based on what is in the specific best interest of our pets - and we are the only ones who know them the best. Our vets see our little guys and girlies at most a couple times a year ... we see them and care for them each and every single day! Who better than those of us who actually live with these pets to make important health care decisions for them?

My dear, I am stepping into this thread a little late and I will admit to simply scanning the posts - not really reading them - so I sincerely hope you've made whatever decision you needed to make about going to the vet appointment or not and are feeling more confident now.

As for the euthanization issue, I know this sounds nebulous at best, but trust me - you ~will~ know when the time comes. There is just a defining moment or event and you just know it is time. It doesn't make it hurt any the less but you will know if you listen to your heart of hearts. You won't need anyone to tell you and that includes a vet.

Choosing to euthanize is one of the most difficult things you will ever have to do ... for me, when the day comes and I know I must do what I must do for one of my beloved cats, I choose to think of it as taking into myself all of the pain and suffering that cat is experiencing. Rather than allow them to continue suffering, I choose to end that for them and experience it within my own self in the form of grief. I consider it to be the most self-LESS thing you can do and the greatest act of love, far surpassing providing basic necessities like food, water and litter facilities - it demonstrates your abiding love and life-long commitment to your pet when you know there is nothing left to do but end the pain for them.

I sincerely hope that you can get to the bottom of your precious kitty's issues and that you can work out a suitable treatment plan so that she will be with you for many, many more years to come. But in the event that isn't possible or practical, we are here for you. As a good friend of mine says, there are two types of pet owners - those what have lost and those what will lose. And from the heart of someone who has lost, many many many times over to your precious heart, I will be here if you need me.