Adopt a new cat or not to adopt a new cat that is the question

l.trant

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Hi, All I am new to the website, and thought I would see what some of you thought. I currently have a house cat he is 10 years old. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. They removed his ear canal and sewed his ear up he is now deaf in that ear. He also has a heart murmur which he takes medication for. They say his prognosis is very guarded to poor. He is still very active, playful, eating, sleeping and seems fine. Even though he has the cancer. The vet cannot tell me how long he has, only that it is a fast moving cancer. I am thinking of getting another cat or kitten, but am not sure if I should where he is sick, I don't want him to think I am replacing him, (he will never be able to be replaced). I have kids, so I thought it may make it easier on them when he passes. The kids don't know the cat is sick. However I feel guilty its like I am getting a replacement. If anyone has any comments, please feel free to leave them. I am just so torn. Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays to all.
 

valanhb

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Welcome to the site!

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty's condition.


Honestly, as much as I am for more people to adopt animals, I don't think it would be a good idea for the sake of your cat. The introduction process is stressful for cats to begin with, and stress often brings on illness in cats. I'm sure that's the last thing you would want for your beloved pet. Of course, that's just my opinion and I'm sure others will share their thoughts as well.

I'm not sure how old your kids are, but I would seriously think about telling them about kitty being ill and how pets just don't live as long as people. Perhaps telling them about the Rainbow Bridge would help ease their fears for kitty when that time comes.
 
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l.trant

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Heidi,

Thanks for the advice, I was thinking the stress may not be too good on him either. My kids are old enough to understand 14 and 13, its just I lost my mom not too long ago to cancer, so I am sure it will really hurt them. I have told my daughter he is getting old, and he won't live forever, so to love him while he is here, the nerve racking thing is the vet can't say how long he has, so its just a day to day thing. I appreciate your advice and will keep informed. Thanks again and have a great holiday season.
 

sicycat

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Welcome! I also think you should wait on adopting a new cat. I'm sorry your baby is sick
 

dawnofsierra

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Hi, welcome to TCS, to you and your baby!
So glad you joined us and look forward to getting to know you better!
I'm so very sorry your precious baby is ill. I have a RB kitty who I lost to this horrible disease, and it's just so hard. I'm so sorry you are both being forced to experience this.
I agree that it would be best for your kitty that you postpone bringing a new kitty into your home, as this would be so very stressful for him. I would be so happy to help you in any way as you learn your way around the site. Please, simply click on my user name and send me a Private Message!
 

pinkdaisy226

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Hey, it's good to see you on here! I'm glad you posted this question on the boards, I figured that they could help you better than I ever could!

Anyway, I hope to see you around more... I'm sorry you're going through this but if you ever need a place to vent or simply to ask questions, that's what we're here for!
 
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