Smudge is dying.

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margecat

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You may remember my post a week ago about Smudge, who was then diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He has taken a turn for the worse since yesterday. He doesn't want ot eat, nor drink, and can barely walk, and seems not to recognize us. He just lays there. He tries to use the litter box, but can't. I've been trying to feed him his special food via a syringe. He licks a tiny bit off his chin, but it's not helping. I try to give him water with my fingers. He's cold to the touch. We're not takign him to the vet, as they told us last week that there's nothing we can do, except make him comfortable.

I don't think he will be with us past Monday. This is so darned hard to watch. I love that cat more than anyone can understand. He's onyl 3/12, and was so healthy up to 2 weeks ago. He will be the third cat of mine that has died since January. This is just breaking my heart in half.
 

stephanietx

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Oh dear! I'm so sorry. Is there a vet you can call or take him to to help make his passing less painful? Seems like you're both suffering.
 

otto

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I am so sorry you are going through this. I agree with Stephanie, that taking him to a vet today and letting him go today in peace and dignity, rather than dragging it out would be the ultimate kindness to your beloved Smudge.

I know some people have different beliefs though.....
 

katachtig

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I'm so sorry to hear that Smudge is so badly off.
I know you will do what is best for him.
 

trillcat

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I am crying writing this, I am so sorry this is happening.
Only your heart can tell you if it is time take him into the vet now, to well, yes, to do that.
I had an old cat, Mao Mao, who I let pass without a vets intervention, and I completly understand what you are going through. My Ferret Rocko, who was my absolute heart and soul, I made the call to end it for him when he got too sick to function. Neither choice will help your breaking heart now, I know.
You know your cat, and what he would want.
We are all here for you. So much loss in so short of a time, .
 

mews2much

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So sorry about Smudge.
It is your choice what to do.
I loss to cats within 1 month of each other and 1 we did not even know was sick.
He might be suffering alot so you might have to make the choice today.
I have lost young cats and kittens before.
 

ruthyb

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Oh gosh hun, I am so sorry to hear that, it is hard to lose a cat but to see it must be heart wreching, my thoughts are with you and I am so sorry that you have lost other kitties and not that long ago.
Big hugs to you, we are all here for you if you need to talk. Take care.xxxx
 
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margecat

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Thank you so much, everyone, for your kind words.

I'm just surfing the pc, with Smudge on a blanket nearby, so I can be with him.

Does this sound crazy?: I don't think he's in pain. We think think he's just so gone mentally, that he isn't feeling anything. He's been very quiet--not a sound from him since yesterday, and sleeping a lot. This is why we don't plan on taking him to the vet. If he seems to be in pain, we will go to the emergency animal hospital. My gut feeling is that he's not feeling anything, and is near death. I don't want to hurt him by putting him in the car, etc. I know there's nothing we can do for him, apart from being with him, keeping him warm, and trying to feed him, etc. I'm just trying to keep the house quiet, and be with him. I don't think he'll last through the night, but, then again, I thought that with Hobbes, and was wrong (though we did have him put to sleep later that day). If he goes past Monday in this state, I think I'll have to make that very, very hard decision that pet owners hate...I just want him to die at home, with us being with him. I honestly think that's the best thing we can do for him in his state.
 

trillcat

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Originally Posted by MargeCat

Thank you so much, everyone, for your kind words.

I'm just surfing the pc, with Smudge on a blanket nearby, so I can be with him.

Does this sound crazy?: I don't think he's in pain. We think think he's just so gone mentally, that he isn't feeling anything. He's been very quiet--not a sound from him since yesterday, and sleeping a lot. This is why we don't plan on taking him to the vet. If he seems to be in pain, we will go to the emergency animal hospital. My gut feeling is that he's not feeling anything, and is near death. I don't want to hurt him by putting him in the car, etc. I know there's nothing we can do for him, apart from being with him, keeping him warm, and trying to feed him, etc. I'm just trying to keep the house quiet, and be with him. I don't think he'll last through the night, but, then again, I thought that with Hobbes, and was wrong (though we did have him put to sleep later that day). If he goes past Monday in this state, I think I'll have to make that very, very hard decision that pet owners hate...I just want him to die at home, with us being with him. I honestly think that's the best thing we can do for him in his state.
It does not sound crazy. Cats are good at hiding pain, cat owners are equally good on picking up on that hidden stuff. Go with your gut. Be with him, give him loves and kisses and don't let anyone tell you bad things about your choice.
I am with you too now Smudge, go well into the bridge

EDIT: If he is so close, I would let up on feeding, unless he wants that, My heart is breaking with yours.
 

dusty's mom

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I'm so sorry you are going through this. Let your instincts be your guide.

I know we will face it someday with Dusty, and for now I treasure every day we have her.
 

carolina

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I am so sorry you are going through this once again... hold him tight, love him forever while it lasts...
 

captiva

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I am terribly sad for you. It's so hard to watch. All you can do is let him know he is loved as you always have .
 

yosemite

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There is nothing I can add that the others haven't already said - my thoughts and prayers will be with you both.
 

pushylady

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such a hard and horrible situation. At least you're there for Smudge and you have done what you can. I'm sorry you've had to endure so much loss this year.
 
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