Bad news from the Vet

My cat went off her food a few days ago, so we thought it opportune to see a 'cat only' specialist Vet. Being nineteen-and-a-half (the cat that is), she had already lost some weight - so she couldn't afford to lose anymore!

the Vet was very thorough, and by his comments and his examination, we could appreciate that we had come to the right place - in comparison to the more 'general' vet practise of before.

Unfortunately, the results of the blood test were not good - 'Chronic renal failure'! And in answer to the question -
"What are we talking about here, weeks or months"?
"Weeks" was the answer!
It was hard coping with that - I've 'cracked up' a few times and will probably do so again, but no wonder, since I've known her since she was a kitten in my hand. But I couldn't have done too badly, with her reaching this age.
She is eating a little bit now - fish fingers!! So there is hope, but deep down I know not for long. But before anyone thinks 'why wait'! She is bright, alert and reasonably active - you would not believe that she is ill.
So I just have to pray, that I will have the courage, to do what is best for her, and that God will give me the wisdom to know when that time is ......

sorry too here about your kittie, we got a cat his name is winston, i named him after the pm of britian in ww2 , hes a big baby, somone dropped him off and we took care of him, but anyways we had too put down are shetland sheep dog last year, i still miss her owe good luck with your kitty

You have all my understanding and sympathy, I was in about the same sad situation a few months ago

Maybe this old joke can relieve you a bit

An explanation of the differences between dogs and cats

DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.
Jerks!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

This morning I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow-- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now...

that was cool about the cat and you know i bet they think like that 2

Just lost a cat that I'd had for 11 years. Came with the house I moved into. He was 6 back then and it the former owners said they were taking him to the SPCA. I told them to leave him there and I'd take care of him.

Like I said, had him for 11 years. Died about 10 days ago after a trip to the Vet where she said he had cancer all down his throat. He went out with those that cared around him.

Rough losing a pet but look at the good side. She got 19 years. In the wild, they may last 2-3, 5 at the most. Your little gal lived 4x longer than the average feral cat and had a great life.

Feline or Human, you can't get much more than that.

Good luck and try not to take it too hard. Everybody has to go and she had a great life.

Feel for you mate....I love animals and that stuff is never easy...

My sympathies, we decided not to get another cat after the last one - too much trauma...

Sorry man. Its always rough.

Hi merlin, Really sorry to hear about your little buddy's poor health. Parm I can both identify with your situation. I just had to put down our Springer this past Dec13th. I still haven't moved his two favorite toys out from under the bench where he slept near the back door. We now have a cat that my wife bought a year ago. She's a Russian Blue named Natasha. She was really sick when we got her and for a few weeks it was touch and go. My wife said once she saw her in such poor shape in that cage at the pet shop she couldn't leave her there EVENTHOUGH she knows I'm allergic to cats. So now Natasha has the run of the house and I get an allergy shot once a week.
I quess all you can do is take care of her as you always have. As long as she isn't suffering or in distress what's the harm? Believe me when I say you'll know when it's time for the last vet visit and she will too. She'll let you know when it's time. Good Luck.

merlin said:

My cat went off her food a few days ago, so we thought it opportune to see a 'cat only' specialist Vet. Being nineteen-and-a-half (the cat that is), she had already lost some weight - so she couldn't afford to lose anymore!

the Vet was very thorough, and by his comments and his examination, we could appreciate that we had come to the right place - in comparison to the more 'general' vet practise of before.

Unfortunately, the results of the blood test were not good - 'Chronic renal failure'! And in answer to the question -
"What are we talking about here, weeks or months"?
"Weeks" was the answer!
It was hard coping with that - I've 'cracked up' a few times and will probably do so again, but no wonder, since I've known her since she was a kitten in my hand. But I couldn't have done too badly, with her reaching this age.
She is eating a little bit now - fish fingers!! So there is hope, but deep down I know not for long. But before anyone thinks 'why wait'! She is bright, alert and reasonably active - you would not believe that she is ill.
So I just have to pray, that I will have the courage, to do what is best for her, and that God will give me the wisdom to know when that time is ......

Click to expand...

I know what you mean when you say that you cracked up. I had to put my dog out just over a year ago and it was bad to something you love so much go away. When I got home to pick to the dog up she went and laid next to my door of the car and it felt to me as if she knew what was coming and that was the worst for me. My mom forced me and I just could not leave the dog their on her own so I stayed with her and I cracked like a baby could not.

Remember that if you put them out it is mostly because they are sick and they do not suffer anymore and that is what I was thinking of, but it is not easy.

Sorry for your troubles guys, i have a dog that i had for 13 years she died of cancer, talk about cracking up

That is why I do not like pets, it hurts to much when they die.

I know how you feel Merlin...I had a cat who died of renal failure and its a hard thing to go trough but thats life and I know he is in a better place now...

I feel for you, it's getting close to the time that I have to put my 13 yr old golden retriever down. It's never easy.

19 years is a VERY good life, much better than most that I see. Sorry to hear Merlin and Tim. Being an animal lover and in the biz I can understand what they mean to us. I'm with you guys and you have my thoughts and prayers.

Dear all

Thanks so much for your kind comments and storiesof shared experiences.

It's getting better coping, though James Blunt's track 'Trouble' isn't helping - e.g. someting like - when I saw you breathe for the last time, when your heart took its last beat, when I carried you home ......
I can't listen to it for long on the radio.

But I do not despair, but hope pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.
She is still eating - we found if she ignores her cat food, she'll still eat some fish fingers!
We did have a couple of occaisions for concern - once when she 'strained' to 'go' while on the litter tray, but nothing happened - mid-morning and mid-afternoon, but finally early evening a good flow! And later when she wouldn't venture downstairs - as if it was too uncomfortable to go down, but of course a day or two later - no problem.

So fingers crossed, we just try to take each day as it comes, and try to ensure she is as happy as she can be - she deserves it, after all the happiness she has given me over the years.

Thanks again for your comments.

All my best, Merlin.

My Wilhelmina has terminal cancer of some sort, they gave her "weeks" as well, and it looks like Monday is der Tag; she's no longer eating or drinking. I've had her for 12 years. She was a feral stray that I found, a beautiful lynx point siamese. It is going to be hard; I lost my hunting dog to a similar cancer many years ago.

Pets are some of the most wonderful people; they love you unconditionally.

At her age, its best to make her as comfortable as possible - which I'm sure you're doing. Best wishes.

Final update.

Sad to say, we said good-bye to my cat this morning.

I'm proud of the way we kept her going, through the summer - which she enjoyed, and past her twentieth birthday.

In September, she had another blood test, with figures of 316 on one measurement, and the other was off the scale (their highest calibration was 35.7). But we got her appetite back, and got her nightime drinking under control (she insisted on being let out once, twice or even three times in a night - to drink).
But more recently her appetite went haywire, and her muscle wastage was becoming more noticeable and having an effect on her 'walk'. So it was for the best, but I'll miss her - having had her since a kitten, indeed I chose her from a litter of six (I don't suppose the others have lasted so long). And my Partner has known her many years, so she will miss her too.

Yes it will be wierd not having her around, but she is on my PC screen!

Sorryn for you loss mate....