my cat is not well

[lori042499]

Another sad story in my life...My 16 year old kitty is not well. On Christmas Eve he suffered a mild stroke and was diagnosed with Thyroid condition and heart disease..I am ok with all of this as sad as it may be as he is 16 and has had a long and great life...

What I need help with is the fact that I do not want to have to put this cat to sleep, I want him to die home with me, but I also do not want him to suffer...He has started to breath really shallow and rattly and I am hoping it won't be long....

Last March as you all know my Dad passed, I had to make the decision to take off the respirators, The 2 months later my Dad's cat needed to be put to slep and I had to do that, Then in november of this year another of my senior cats had mouth cancer and had to be put to sleep while still pretty lively and happy...I just can't do it again...This is my cat and I have been trying to imagine life without him and can't....I want to just sit in a corner and hold him until he goes no matter how long it takes, but this is unrealistic...

Please offer your prayers for my Digger, he is very important to me and it is very important to e for him to go naturally...

 

[bloomz]

I know exactly what you mean Lori - my Coonie is pushing 20 and I pray for him to go naturally, and I even promised him I would never do that to him.

Blessings...

 

[rewolf]

Been there Lori and my heart goes out to you. :hug:
We had to put our 13 yr. old lab to sleep. We have a new dog now after being dogless for 3 years and we love love love her. I sometimes wonder how long she will be with us and if I will have to make that dreaded decision again.

 

[rsef]

Hugs to you, Lori. It's not an easy place to be and I'm sorry you're there.

 

[KC Iek]

Our Thoughts and Prayers to you, Lori and Digger.
We have a Digger, he is a three year old Cocker Spaniel.
Hugs,
Dave and Digger (the dog)

 

[Victoria]

Lori... Elmo and I send thoughts of courage to make the right decision for you and your Digger. Elmo is advancing in years too and I know that choice lies ahead for me. I do believe he'll let me know... and Digger will too.

Love:

V

 

[aileen_c]

So sorry Lori! I will pray that your beloved kitty goes peacefully in the night.

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

thoughts for strength, for Digger to make his own journey and make yours lighter. He knows your love, and knows what you are able to withstand - sending sandpaper cat kisses.

 

[Rhonda]

Lori, if he was in pain, he would let you know and you would know. I am a veteran with having to make the choice between life and dignity/quality of life with animals. I have had two 20 something cats that needed to be given relief and one that right now is still thriving although with issues. You'll know when that decision needs to be made or if you may go forward with your wishes to hold him toward his eternal sleep. :hug:

 

[inferno63]

I had this emailed to me and it touches my heart because I am a pet lover. I have cats and a dog that are part of my family. During my life time I have only ever had to put one to sleep, my dear cat Denver that was 17 years old. It was heart wrenching. Bless our dear pets.

I hope your friend goes peacefully in your arms no matter what decision you make.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.......... [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2. Give me time to understand what you want of me [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Enjoy and take good care of them. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters. [/FONT]

 

[SpringCity]

Aw, Digger. My Dad has a Jack Russell terrier with the same name.
Hope your Digger goes peacefully, knowing he is loved.

 

[Dee Dee]

Lori

My prayers and my doggies prayers are with you.
May everything go as God has planned it.

 

[Iris Eyes]

Lori ,My heart goes out to you.It's such a hard decision to make .I have 2 old cats (half sisters , whose brother died unexpectly recently that was a shock ) so I'm dreading the day when I am in the same position as you .
I hope it goes easy for you and Digger .:hug:

 

[lori042499]

So far so good, he is resting more and mnore everyday and breathing is shallow but ok. He does not seem to be in pain just tired...He is alert and happy and wanting to be held and cuddled...His sister is protecting him daily from our new 8 month old kitten...she's such a good sister shielding him from the kittens overplayful ways..

I am holding out hope that he will just fade off someday or night on his own, that is how I would like this to play out, but I will have to accept whatever plan is given to me and do what I need to do when the time comes til then we play it minute by minute hour by hour..

Thanks for the well wishes, I am mentally preparing myself for the inevitable.

 

[Chezbloom]

When my cat Boris was around 18 and getting very ill, I knew it was time. When I called the vet I asked him if he would make a house call and he did. While it still was gut wrenching and hard as hell, it was easier to have the vet come. It did cost more but I did'nt care because Boris hated to travel and I did'nt want to take him there. If you have a town vet that will do this it may make it easier. But its never easy.

 

[Iris Eyes]

Lori could you ring your vet for a bit of advice on it ? m aybe theres something else we have'nt thought of that would help him ,Just wondering .

 

[lori042499]

Lori could you ring your vet for a bit of advice on it ? m aybe theres something else we have'nt thought of that would help him ,Just wondering .

I have had him to the vet...

The fact of the matter is he is 16 years old. He has a thyroid condition..I could have 600.00 worth of ekg's and mri's done to determine that he has heart disease and get a script that may extend his life, but that is all it will do is extend his life a few months...I don't have 600.00 to spend on the tests to extend the inevitable. I cannot see putting 600.00 on a credit card and paying for it for 6 or 7 years to extend his life for 8 months to have him crash and burn the same way..I know that seems harsh, but if he was 8 and still had tons of life left in him to live I may feel different, but when it nears the end and it is inevitable I chose to accept that and make the decisions that make the most sense for the cat and his remaining life and my wallet and financial abilities and inabilities.

 

[Pandalou]

Lori,
I am so sorry to hear about your cat. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It's so hard to let these precious animals go. I have had to make those decisions too many times.
Take care and know that you have a lot of support here.
Sharon

 

[Rabbit]

Oh Lori, I'm so very sorry for what you are going through. I know how bad it hurts to part. I never really get over it. I wrote this for my kitty years ago and laid her to rest with it... Because of this I do special funeral arrangements for beloved pets... they are family. I'm so sorry...

In The Quiet Starry Night

In the quiet starry night I dig into the hard earth with teary eyes...
To remember the good times that have past...
You have greeted me faithfully over years gone by...
To have lived and shared my pain over life's struggle...
You were with me...

With blistered hands and searing pain I dig into the past...
Ever deeper into my heart that cries out with sorrow...
And the warm tears run down my face falling to the earth I dig...
The pain in my hands unmatched by such grief...
I shall miss you...

To touch you and to hold you one more time...
A bed of flowers I lay you to rest...
To knock on Heavens door a silent prayer...
The sting of tears on blistered hands...
I cry in silent pain...

To God I give you...
And to God I pray...
That I shall see you once again...
When I am at Heavens door...
I love you dear Patches...

Forever I love you...

For: Dearest Patches "the stars in her eyes..."
By: Steve Harada "tears in his eyes..."
Saturday, 23 December 2000