Smokey is gone

I had to put little Smokey to sleep this morning. She was so sick and unhappy, and there simply weren't any options left to help her without compromising her grace and pride. I miss her terribly, and the sadness is overwhelming, but know she is in a better place. Thanks to all of you who helped me when she was sick by answering my posts. I can't wait for the day when I see her again.

Smokey was very lucky to have such a great mom as you!
I love what you said about her not losing her dignity and grace.
You are in my toughts tonight - may you find comfort in knowing how much Smokey loves you for helping her as you did!

Summer, I decided not to reply to your other post right away (where you were asking advice about Smokey's loss of bladder control) because all I could think of was "That dear little kitty needs to be allowed to go to the rainbow bridge. It's time." But, that's a hard thing to tell an anguished kitty owner who is still grasping at straws, trying to keep their beloved baby around just a little longer, so I was going to try to formulate a helpful answer and come back to it later.

But I see you realized for yourself that it was time.

I know there's little comfort that can be taken in this painful event, but please do try to take some comfort knowing you gave little Smokey a very good, pampered life. I know Smokey is looking down from the bridge, thanking you with little meows for having the compassion, wisdom, and selflessness to let her start her journey to where her body is no longer ill and in pain.

Hugs to Smokey, SummerMH and all their family, human and furry.

Thanks so much... both your replies have brought me (again) to tears. For whatever reason the medications didn't work and she just kept getting worse, so I guess she knew it was her time to go. I don't know how I'll get through the days without her. Letting her go was the hardest decision I've had to make, but I also suppose the most selfless one. She will always be my baby. I have three other kitties to take care of, but she was my first and can never be replaced. Thank you again for your love and support.

Summer

SummerMH
I am so sorry for your loss of Smokey. I know what you are going through, and how difficult it is for you, I had to make the decision to end an older cat's suffering also. A year ago in January, my cat Midnight, was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes and was already blind because of it. At first the vet thought that Midnight's sight could be partically restored, but glaucoma is a more serious problem in animals than it is in people. In spite of all our efforts, the glaucoma kept progressing and causing more damage, and the blindness became permenant. The pain during the flare-ups of inflamation that Midnight had was getting more difficult to manage. The general decline Midnight was in was also becoming more rapid, and the option of surgically removing both eyes was not recommended by the vet.

Last August, when Midnight had just turned 14, she had another flare-up of severe pain and inflamation in both eyes. I increased the medication according the vet's instructions, but it didn't seem to be helping. I made the necessary decision and asked the vet to make a house call.

At first I felt guilty about ending Midnight's life, but now that some time has passed, I am 100% sure that I did the right thing and the best thing for Midnight.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet little Smokey. I sounds like Smokey had a wonderful life and Mom. You will be in my thoughts.