Hardest decision ever - today not so hard to make :(

Our cat Talus was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma in March (within a year of losing one of our other boys to cancer - he died last August).

We have been treating Talus with Pred twice a day and offering all sorts of food in an effort to tempt to eat so that he could gain some weight, as he had lost so much.  He has been getting steadily thinner despite our best efforts and had started to have accidents where he did not make it to the litter tray.

Finally though today he has made it clear that he no longer wishes to fight.  He was struggling to stand first thing and now, in the space of a couple of hours, he is so weak he can't lift his head and he is not really responding to anything.  He has refused all food, even his usual favourite stinky LIk-e-Lik thing for cats (smelly yoghurt in a tube!!).  

I have taken the day off work to spend with him and he is wrapped in a towel, asleep on my lap.  I wanted to give him fuss and treats but he is not really here anymore although he is still breathing  The vet will be coming out to the house later this afternoon but I really don't know whether Talus will hold on that long.  I would like him to hang on long enogh for my OH to get home from work to say goodbye but he's slipping away bit by bit....

I was dreading the decision but seeing him this morning has made it easy for us.  He's clearly shown us that he doesn't want to fight anymore and it's time.  Stll breaking my heart though.

He is doing a really odd thing though - every now and then he will sort of go stiff, arch his head back, stretch out his legs and meow sort of "deeply".  The first time he did it I thought he would die then and there but he relaxed and appeared to sleep again.

Does anyone know what this is?

Thank you x

I am so sorry about Talus.  Both people and animals are very fortunate when they can go thru the process of passing surrounded by comfort and love.

From what I understand it is a process; as the body shuts down, the mind moves into a twilight zone between consciousness and unconsciousness.  This may be where he is at right now.

Take care and again so sorry.

Reba said:

 
I am so sorry about Talus.  Both people and animals are very fortunate when they can go thru the process of passing surrounded by comfort and love.

From what I understand it is a process; as the body shuts down, the mind moves into a twilight zone between consciousness and unconsciousness.  This may be where he is at right now.

Take care and again so sorry.

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thank you.  The motion he goes through is almost like  seizure of some sort - it reminds me of my parent's cat, who had epilepsy and would fit every now and then.

he is sleeping again now....  I think - still breathing but his eyes are slightly open.

Crying on my keyboard is probably not helping my laptop!!

Crying on my keyboard is probably not helping my laptop!!

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Yes, but it's probably helping you so cry away! 

It must be horribly hard, but wonderful that you can be there for him as he passes.

Aww, so sorry you have two losses in as many years with such a condition.  Life just isn't fair sometimes.

But sounds like an awful lot of love going on in your house, so they were lucky to be owned by you guys.

My heart is broken knowing this much loved baby has gone to the Bridge, it sounds like he had wonderful "parents" to love him and care for him so much. He had a wonderful life with the people he loved, and now he will reside in that special place in your heart forever as long as you shall live. I'm so sorry loving that sweet boy brings so much pain when he had to go, but having him in your life is well worth the pain when you balance it against the love and joy he brought you.  The emptiness will seem unending at times, but one day you will smile at his memory instead of feeling the pain of your broken heart., remember he would want you to celebrate what you shared, not dwell on his passing. Please accept my condolences, I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, bless you for giving him such a wonderful life. RIP sweet Talus, you will never be forgotten! 

Thank you for your kind words xx

I'm so so sorry. It is so difficult saying goodbye... sometimes I think it's harder on us saying goodbye to our furbabies as we cannot communicate and it's an extra burden to carry... but it is a blessing, if you will, to know she is no longer in the state of suffering... and your signs were clear of what had to be done. Bless you as you go through this sad time. Losing Min in Sept...and now going through tumor removal with Mikki...I just want you to know I understand how brutal it is when you have to deal with 2 sick furbabies in such a short period. My heart goes out to you. (hugs)

And mine to you, I hope the procedure for your mikki is a success.

Our poor boy was never going to get better and there would have 100%been no coming back from how he was this morning - his soul had flown even though his body had not let go.

xx

nods... I know it's easier said than done...but it's so important for us to focus on our mission when we fist adopted our kitties... to give them the bestest life possible, not knowing just how long that would be. But when we focus on that mission...our mission was a success... and in return we were blessed with so much more!

I'm so sorry about Talus! It sounds like he was very loved and had a good life! It does not make it any easier to lose him. I'm very sorry. You were a wonderful pet parent. Know that my heart goes out to you!

He is in a good place now playing and having a good time. Know that he is happy and pain free. He is home. Bless you for taking such good care of Talus!

My heart is with you. We are going through health issues with our Tony. Very anemic, low blood count. Taking prednisone, antibiotics, etc. Hopefully he is improving a bit, his appetite is back, but he is not 100%. I am hoping he pulls thru, but am prepared "just in case".

your baby is now romping at Rainbow Bridge, and you have him a beautiful life.

I am so very sorry and thank you for sharing Talus' picture.  What a beautiful guy and those ears!  Take care and god bless.

The TCS Team extends our deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet boy.  We will lock the thread now as a sign of respect for your loss.  

Talus' thread in Crossing the Bridge is here:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/296489/goodbye-sweet-talus-xxx