How to Say Goodbye

I can barely see to type this message because of the tears falling.  I have been so blessed to have my precious cat for 18 years.  I got her when she was just 5 weeks old and we have been inseparable.  My heart is broken.

Misty has had her share of health issues over the years.  She had anal sac removal surgery 8 years ago.  She developed hyperthyroidism 5 years ago.  She developed arthritis about 6 months ago and it is progressively getting worse.  She has the most problems in her hips.  Misty stopped eating well 4 months ago and vet put her on an appetite stimulant, which she has remained on since.  She had to have fluids and seemed to bounce back at that time.  Then 2 weeks ago, she had blood in her urine for the first time.  Vet treated her for a UTI and gave her IV fluids.  A couple of days ago, Misty became constipated and was going only a small amount.  I have been giving her chicken broth in water to increase her fluid intake and today started giving her Miralax.  She has no appetite now, even though she is still on the appetite stimulant.  I got her to eat a small amount of baby food and turkey today.  She would not touch her can cat food. 

My question is....How do I make the decision whether to let her linger and hope she will go on her own or euthanize her?  I have prayed for years that she will just die in her sleep, but I never realized how sick she could become.  If she stops eating, should I just let her be or would that be a painful death?  I feel like my life will never be the same.  I love her so much. 

I know I am the only one who can make the final decision, but I just need input.  I can't live with myself if I euthanize her too soon.  I just need her to go on her own without suffering. 

 

I am so sorry...this decision is never easy.  Our daughter's family just had to let go of their kitty of 15 years today.  She was end stage kidney failure, and they did not want her to suffer anymore.  She had been losing her appetite and starting to vomit.  The vet gave her a sedative first which relaxed her.  My daughter and grand-daughter got to hold her and say good-bye.  It  is always so hard.  They had another cat a couple of years ago that passed away at home but suffered so much.  They decided to end it this way for this one instead of waiting and causing her to suffer more.  Sad times. 

kysa said:

 
I am so sorry...this decision is never easy.  Our daughter's family just had to let go of their kitty of 15 years today.  She was end stage kidney failure, and they did not want her to suffer anymore.  She had been losing her appetite and starting to vomit.  The vet gave her a sedative first which relaxed her.  My daughter and grand-daughter got to hold her and say good-bye.  It  is always so hard.  They had another cat a couple of years ago that passed away at home but suffered so much.  They decided to end it this way for this one instead of waiting and causing her to suffer more.  Sad times. 

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Thank you.  I am so very sorry to hear about your daughter's kitty.  It is definitely never easy to say goodbye.

This is such a sad situation. It hurts so much to have to make that decision. We have had six cat over the course of some thirty eight year. Five of the six are gone and we had to make the decision to euthanize all five of them.. It was hard. When we did it for the fifth time, we vowed never to have another cat. We didn't have one for six months. Then we realized life was miserable without a cat so we got the one we have now.

We couldn't bear to watch but so much. We wanted to let them die with the same dignity they lived with. In your heart, you will know when it is time to let your cat go.

We are here for you.

Ori
I know I am the only one who can make the final decision, but I just need input.  I can't live with myself if I euthanize her too soon.  I just need her to go on her own without suffering. 

 

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It is impossible to predict and unrealistic to hope that she will die a natural death without suffering.  Better to euthanize early than too late.  You could live with yourself if you waited too long?  She doesn't think about tomorrow, only today and if today is bad then life is bad.  If she stops eating then I would let her go if it was me.  Your final gift is to prevent suffering, not keep her going for some reason that doesnt have to do with quality of life.  I understand how hard it is to lose a friend like this, it is the price we pay for loving them, but you owe her this final gift, and if you can't be strong for her you will do her a disservice, cause suffering, and she will die that way and you will have to live with it forever.  She deserves dignity.  It's time to focus on her needs.  If you were her, suffering, and your child or spouse wouldn't help you at this point, what would you think of them?

@jen46, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.   It is only human to agonize over this.  There are so many here that know how sad and heartbroken you must be.  Please know that we are here for you.  Marianne.  I send you a hug and prayers.

StephenQ made a very wise and valid point.  We learned the hard way with our first cat and tried to keep him alive because we thought he was too young to go.  But once his organs started shutting down we realized we had to end his suffering for him not for us.  It's the most difficult thing any pet owner has to do and no one can make the decision but you.  Sending special thoughts your way and lots and lots of hugs too.

Oh, posts like yours always bring tears to my eyes. It is so obvious how much your precious kitty means to you. My heart truly breaks for the pain you are going through. I would never wish that pain on anyone. I so wish I had some magic words to comfort you. I wish I could make your Misty happy and well. With all my heart, I wish I could.
As far as euthanasia, that is a very personal choice. I am not really for it. However, everyone has different views on that. Only you can make that choice. I know how difficult it is, as we all love our kitties so much.
Just know that my heart is with you.
Just love your precious Misty for as long as she is with you. Try to enjoy the time you have left.
I pray that you have much more time together.
I will be thinking of you and Misty, and praying for the best for you both.
Also, would love to see a picture of your Misty.

Thank you so much. I would love to share a photo of Misty, but I am not good at uploading. I tried but think image was too large.