Depressed cat?

Hi all. I wrote on here not long  ago regarding my cat who lives with me... but I have a concern now regarding my cat who does NOT live with me. He's about 11 years now - I got him when I was 11. He's always been my special baby. Slept by me *almost* every night and what not. About a year ago, I moved quite far away. About 16 hours drive away, to live with my boyfriend. I didn't take my boy with me, I thought (and still think) it would be bad for him, that's been his home all his life, and my parents/sister can look after him. I still adore him.

He got slightly sick not long ago and he really DID get depressed. He's better now, his infection is going down. My sister loves to send me photos of him, and it might be imagination, but he always looks sad to me. I kind of have this thing going on in my mind that he constantly thinks, "why isn't mommy here? Doesn't mommy love me anymore?" 

I don't know if this is irrational or not but it tears me clean in two when the slightest thought comes into my mind that he might think that. I would be shattered if he thinks I have abandoned him or I don't love him anymore. We saw each other last month, we had snuggles and what not, although he seemed sliiightly different.

I always think about bringing him here but I reeaally don't think it's a good idea. 

Does anyone perhaps have experience in this area? I would appreciate any insight!!!

Just an update: he is very sick, from what I heard from my sister. He needs a tooth extraction, which will cost me R5000, which is about 298 US Dollars. Not very affordable when in South Africa. 

Please, keep him in your prayers - his name is Crystal. Weird name for a boy, I know.

My sister says it smells like his mouth is rotting away... it smells horrific. 

Thanks to all.

jenpen60 said:

Just an update: he is very sick, from what I heard from my sister. He needs a tooth extraction, which will cost me R5000, which is about 298 US Dollars. Not very affordable when in South Africa. 
Please, keep him in your prayers - his name is Crystal. Weird name for a boy, I know.
My sister says it smells like his mouth is rotting away... it smells horrific. 

Thanks to all.

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That's actually quite a bit less than a tooth extraction is in the US, in New York at least! He'll feel much better after the procedure. He will also likely need more antibiotics.

Our currency is just unbelievably weak. If I could actually get that money in some way at all, I would do it in a heartbeat. I really would, because it would mean him getting better. It is just literally impossible for me to get that money.

I see.  You should speak to your vet.  If antibiotics aren't working and he's in a lot of pain it might be kindest to put him to sleep. You clearly love your cat a lot.  I'm sorry you didn't get better news from your sister.

My dad (awesome man that he is) says he's going to see what he can do. There may be a way to sliiightly bend the system, which he's going to look into. Keep fingers crossed! As much as it kills me, it would be best to put him to sleep if there's nothing more that can be done. I wouldn't let him live with that pain.

Thank you for everything.