Tough Decision

[3fatcatz]

Long back story so I'll try and give ya'll the short version.
Originally had 5 cats,4 females and a big ginger male that kept females in line.
Male Passed away last December and youngest daughter adopted my oldest female, so now left with
3 Females.
Ages 6-4 & 4
We adopted one of the 4 year olds (when she was 5 months) from my daughter who's own resident cats were bullying the kitten and kitten got stressed and started to pee in inappropriate places.
She started doing the same thing here. Multiple vet visits determined she had chronic cystitis caused by stress.- Meds and special diet
My oldest female was bonded with a huge ginger male we had but he passed away last December and she also started spraying and peeing everywhere, vet visits determine she too now has chronic cystitis caused by stress- Meds and special diet
Both are on medication and we have tried 3 before this one!
It's obvious that my oldest and the 4 year old do not get along, they don't fight,but will growl/hiss/swat at each other of course causing the stress that makes them pee everywhere.
All are spayed,we have 6 litter boxes which are cleaned daily. I converted my office into a safe space for the 4 year old to go and she sleeps there at night.
We are tired. Both in our late 50's and this has been going on now 3+ years and we have tried numerous medications/cleaners/litters/litter boxes/food/feliway.we can honestly say we have tried it all
Rehoming the 4 year old is not an option. She is considered special needs and the rescues in my area (Canada) will not take her and it being kitten season, all rescues are full
Humane society will not take her because of her condition.
There is only one option available to us and is humane euthanasia.
If you never heard of chronic cystitis, it is very painful and it causes severe inflammation to both the bladder and urethra and even when the girls aren't having a "flare up" they are in constant pain,which of course we control with pain meds
The oldest cat just developed this condition a few months ago but the youngest has had it since she was a small kitten.
It's going to be a very hard decision.

 

[Kflowers]

My vet says, when the pain can't be stopped, it's time. That is the price of love.

 

[FeralHearts]

You've really done so much for them. Bless you. It's so hard with situations like this. I'm so sorry.

So I don't know what it's like to have a kitty with chronic cystitis

....But I do know what it's like to have a stressed cat household and one of them has on and off Idiopathic Cystitis - I guess you can call in chronic as it's on and off and has to be watched? Since I have had him on this - it's been a helk of a lot less. and much better.

It was recommended to me by a vet. It works for some and not for others.

Amazon.ca (UrroMAXX is what it's called)

Might be worth a try.

I'm a Canuk too and yup it sucks this time of year as everyone is full. It's how I ended up looking after a feral colony - and 3 retired ferals now inside.

 

[3fatcatz]

My vet says, when the pain can't be stopped, it's time. That is the price of love.

Thank you for that.

 

[3fatcatz]

You've really done so much for them. Bless you. It's so hard with situations like this. I'm so sorry.

So I don't know what it's like to have a kitty with chronic cystitis

....But I do know what it's like to have a stressed cat household and one of them has on and off Idiopathic Cystitis - I guess you can call in chronic as it's on and off and has to be watched? Since I have had him on this - it's been a helk of a lot less. and much better.

It was recommended to me by a vet. It works for some and not for others.

Amazon.ca (UrroMAXX is what it's called)

Might be worth a try.

I'm a Canuk too and yup it sucks this time of year as everyone is full. It's how I ended up looking after a feral colony - and 3 retired ferals now inside.

Thank you. I think it's gone beyond being just treated. She (4 year old) is in constant pain and I think it's time

 

[FeralHearts]

Thank you. I think it's gone beyond being just treated. She (4 year old) is in constant pain and I think it's time

Understandable. XOXOXO It's hard. You've done a lot and no doubt everything you could have ... and I hope you really truly know that.

Sometimes letting go is a kindness. XOXOX

 

[FeebysOwner]

I don't know what your living arrangements are but if one of these two cats can be given their own dedicated space, then that is something to try before euthanasia, which should be the ultimate last resort. Since you don't mention what meds the cat(s) have been on, it is hard for members to suggest other potential options.

Have you considered this cat might not have all the same issues if she were in a single-cat home?

Did you reach out to your Next Door Neighbor web site to ask if anyone might know of individuals who would want to try to work with her in a one-cat home? You can also ask them for other possible contacts for adoption/fostering.

Reaching out to any contacts that are more 'personal' than organizational might reap different results.
20 Best Canadian Cat Blogs and Websites You Must Follow in 2023 (feedspot.com)

Perhaps if these groups are not within your area, they might know of others to contact that are:
Canada Pet Rehoming Network - Private Pet Rehoming Services Throughout Canada Pet Rehoming Network (pet-net.net)
Home - SAINTS Rescue
Cat Therapy & Rescue Society (cattherapyandrescue.com)
Cats Anonymous: My Cat Needs a New Home

 

[tiggerwillow]

Quality, no matter the age of the cat, is more important than quantity, for length of time, but please try placing her in a one-cat home if possible, see if that helps

 

[3fatcatz]

I don't know what your living arrangements are but if one of these two cats can be given their own dedicated space, then that is something to try before euthanasia, which should be the ultimate last resort. Since you don't mention what meds the cat(s) have been on, it is hard for members to suggest other potential options.

Have you considered this cat might not have all the same issues if she were in a single-cat home?

Did you reach out to your Next Door Neighbor web site to ask if anyone might know of individuals who would want to try to work with her in a one-cat home? You can also ask them for other possible contacts for adoption/fostering.

Reaching out to any contacts that are more 'personal' than organizational might reap different results.
20 Best Canadian Cat Blogs and Websites You Must Follow in 2023 (feedspot.com)

Perhaps if these groups are not within your area, they might know of others to contact that are:
Canada Pet Rehoming Network - Private Pet Rehoming Services Throughout Canada Pet Rehoming Network (pet-net.net)
Home - SAINTS Rescue
Cat Therapy & Rescue Society (cattherapyandrescue.com)
Cats Anonymous: My Cat Needs a New Home

Both cats have their own safe space, my office for one cat and husbands office for another cat.
We have three catios, one deck just for the cats and walkways in our home as well
I have reached out to all rescues in my area and none will take her because her cystitis is not curable and because they are full with it being kitten season.
Even the Ottawa humane society will not take her because rehoming her is near next to impossible with her issues.
She is considered a special needs cat and both cats have tried Amitriptyline / Prozac and Clonicalm .Both cats are currently on Amitriptyline and gabapentin

 

[FeebysOwner]

Both cats have their own safe space, my office for one cat and husbands office for another cat.

So, they are not able to interact at all? What I meant by safe space is not just one they can go to, but where they actually 'live' - away from the other cat. As long as they can be exposed to one another by accident, or otherwise, it poses a stress problem.

I have reached out to all rescues in my area

You have reached out to all the links I gave you, including Next Door Neighbor? Some of the options might mean you help with financing in another home, at least for some temporary period of time; from what you have said the financial aspect seems not to be the issue.

Maybe there are some other anxiety related meds in this article that you could discuss with your vet.
The 11 Best Cat Anxiety Medications: A Comprehensive Guide - Veterinarians.org

Management of refractory inflammatory feline lower urinary tract disease (Proceedings) (dvm360.com) lists other meds besides just anxiety related ones for cystitis.

 

[3fatcatz]

So, they are not able to interact at all? What I meant by safe space is not just one they can go to, but where they actually 'live' - away from the other cat. As long as they can be exposed to one another by accident, or otherwise, it poses a stress problem.

You have reached out to all the links I gave you, including Next Door Neighbor? Some of the options might mean you help with financing in another home, at least for some temporary period of time; from what you have said the financial aspect seems not to be the issue.

Maybe there are some other anxiety related meds in this article that you could discuss with your vet.
The 11 Best Cat Anxiety Medications: A Comprehensive Guide - Veterinarians.org

Management of refractory inflammatory feline lower urinary tract disease (Proceedings) (dvm360.com) lists other meds besides just anxiety related ones for cystitis.

Let me ask you this-Would you be willing to take on a cat with chronic cystitis that when she has flare ups she pees urine and blood nearly everywhere in your home, including on your stove/kitchen counters/beds(even though we take preventive measures) ?

I do realize you are trying to help but do you not think that when I say "we have tried everything" that I meant everything? Drugs/litter/litterboxes,feliway spray and plug ins, thunder shirts,calming aides,CBD oils, I could go on and on.

Thousands of dollars spent on various methods,vet bills,tests,ultrasounds, medications etc.
We also have an aging yorkie who requires three daily meds and so my husband not only has to give our yorkie three meds twice a day but our two cats,two meds twice a day...can you imagine?

We are stressed,we are fighting,we are tired of cleaning up pee and blood and trying to keep two cats from ripping each other apart.

I do LOVE them both with all my heart I simply don't want to live out the rest of my life like this

 

[FeebysOwner]

So, let me ask you this - what would you do if it were two humans involved?

Yes, I am trying to help in some manner - any manner - that prevents the death of a living being for an illness they did not choose and cannot control on their own. I offered contacts, meds, and a possible different living arrangement that I presume you have not tried, or at least you haven't said you have...these were ideas that seem to be outside of the everything you feel you've tried. Maybe one would work, and maybe not - that I cannot guarantee. There are no guarantees in life, as much as we wish there were.

I can imagine - but won't belabor you with details because you are not 'here' to listen to my woes. However, don't think for a minute that you stand alone - there are many similar situations being experienced by other cat/pet lovers, and not just on this site.

I appreciate that you are tired. Sadly, we are not always dealt the cards we want - but euthanasia is one scary way to try to stack the deck.

 

[tiggerwillow]

To add to what Feeby said, euthanasia, as you probably know, is final, there's no bringing pets back after that's done to them

It is tiring having a very sick pet, my Ebony was only given 2 years to live before I moved up here, she was a very poorly girl, she made it 4 years which took her to roughly 7 years of age, so I do know what it's like being exhausted and not knowing what you'll return home to each day

I do hope you can find something that helps

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. Just want to mention a couple of things.
Sometimes when cats are showing signs of cystitis it is bladder stones. Just make sure a recent ultrasound and X-rays were done to rule that out.

I would always suggest a veterinary behaviorist consult before euthanasia. They are veterinarians that specialize only in behavior and often know other medication combos or drugs or treatments that might work.

Building, or having a Catio built has helped countless cats with elimination issues and FIC.

Making sure none of the litter pans are covered and that they are in different locations.

Also making sure that they are all on a canned diet and have multiple water locations that are not next to their food.

I know you aren’t asking for advice, but I would not feel ok about not giving it with the decision you are making. You may say you have tried it all but nobody on here knows what “ it all” is so we suggest what we can to help.

I had a cat with FIC when I adopted him from a hospital I was working in. He recovered and lived 17 years not on medication with maybe only 2 other flare ups in times of stress.

 

[iPappy]

Hi. Just want to mention a couple of things.
Sometimes when cats are showing signs of cystitis it is bladder stones. Just make sure a recent ultrasound and X-rays were done to rule that out.

I would always suggest a veterinary behaviorist consult before euthanasia. They are veterinarians that specialize only in behavior and often know other medication combos or drugs or treatments that might work.

Building, or having a Catio built has helped countless cats with elimination issues and FIC.

Making sure none of the litter pans are covered and that they are in different locations.

Also making sure that they are all on a canned diet and have multiple water locations that are not next to their food.

I know you aren’t asking for advice, but I would not feel ok about not giving it with the decision you are making. You may say you have tried it all but nobody on here knows what “ it all” is so we suggest what we can to help.

I had a cat with FIC when I adopted him from a hospital I was working in. He recovered and lived 17 years not on medication with maybe only 2 other flare ups in times of stress.

Wet food is SO important for chronic cystitis. It can be a huge game changer for a lot of cats, even if it's stress related. 3fatcatz will your cat eat wet food?

 

[3fatcatz]

Hi. Just want to mention a couple of things.
Sometimes when cats are showing signs of cystitis it is bladder stones. Just make sure a recent ultrasound and X-rays were done to rule that out.

I would always suggest a veterinary behaviorist consult before euthanasia. They are veterinarians that specialize only in behavior and often know other medication combos or drugs or treatments that might work.

Building, or having a Catio built has helped countless cats with elimination issues and FIC.

Making sure none of the litter pans are covered and that they are in different locations.

Also making sure that they are all on a canned diet and have multiple water locations that are not next to their food.

I know you aren’t asking for advice, but I would not feel ok about not giving it with the decision you are making. You may say you have tried it all but nobody on here knows what “ it all” is so we suggest what we can to help.

I had a cat with FIC when I adopted him from a hospital I was working in. He recovered and lived 17 years not on medication with maybe only 2 other flare ups in times of stress.

Hi
My cats only eat a wet urinary tract food with water added. They have multiple water dishes around the house.

I have 3 catios and a whole deck dedicated to them. Our living room has a walkway with multiple hammocks.
I have 6 litter boxes in different areas of my house.
My vet is a specialist in cat urology and we have tried 3 medication combinations already and we chose the top three for FLUDT, currently giving amitriptyline with gabapentin.
Both my cats have had xrays/ultrasounds/ urinalysis and blood work done.

 

[mani]

3fatcatz I do feel for you.. it's a horrible position to be in.
What has the vet actually said about quality of life? To me, that's the big one. If there are any avenues left, then we try them.
If nothing can be done and there is suffering, we are blessed that we can alleviate it.

 

[3fatcatz]

3fatcatz I do feel for you.. it's a horrible position to be in.
What has the vet actually said about quality of life? To me, that's the big one. If there are any avenues left, then we try them.
If nothing can be done and there is suffering, we are blessed that we can alleviate it.

The vet has said that she's always in some degree of pain,that both her bladder and urethra are inflamed and when she has a flare up, the pain becomes worst of course

I can tell when she's hurting by the way she walks and sits.
She doesn't really play and when we take her outside,she prefers to pick one spot and bun out there u til it's time to go in

The vet also told me that her condition has shortened her life expectancy because of the mental and physical tole it is taking on her

 

[JamesCalifornia]

The vet also told me that her condition has shortened her life expectancy because of the mental and physical tole it is taking on her

~ Please be careful that it does not shorten your life expectancy . . .

 

[Alldara]

My now late cat, Nobel had chronic cystitis and it took us a few years to get it sorted, but he lived to 17, with a decade of no flare ups.

We switched him to urinary prescription food for a year and then to Purina Urinary, the one from the pet store. When we moved him to a wet food diet of over 50% wet to dry ratio, it helped keep his bladder flushed. We also would add extra water.

We tried many litters and found that he needed to have no clay, and no pine in the litter. I used the nut-shell based one for a long time from PetSmart. Then I moved to Okocat.

We took him to several vets, one who did suggest having him PTS. She said he'd die within 2 years. He was 5. We switched vets. The new vet gave a lot of information about stress and chronic cystitis. He was put on an anti-anxiety medication for a little while.

She shared some resources with me which helped me to up his enrichment to lower his stress:

The main one she recommended was: For Cat Owners | Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Animal Hospitals.

I found this most helpful: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) | International Cat Care


It is a tough decision, but I'd recommend a second opinion. If there's a cat-only vet in your area, I'd try there first.