My cat's dying.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SAN DIEGO, CA
Posts: 379
GP -
I too am a cat lover. We have Lucy who is 10 and still doing very well!
My sister-in-law had to put a cat down earlier this year, and she had her vet come to her house. It was a much more comfortable atmosphere for both her and her cat. Do you have such services in your area??
TinLizzy
I too am a cat lover. We have Lucy who is 10 and still doing very well!
My sister-in-law had to put a cat down earlier this year, and she had her vet come to her house. It was a much more comfortable atmosphere for both her and her cat. Do you have such services in your area??
TinLizzy
cunning. baffling. powerful.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 183
Hey GlassPrisoner -
A few years ago I went through what you did and there's nothing easy about it. The human animal bond is a mysterious one and when we lose a pet, sometimes the grief is more acute and intense than it is when we lose a human friend or family member. It is difficult to see our beloved companions in pain. There are a lot of questions and often there are hard decisions that need to be made.
For this reason, my veterinary school curriculum includes an entire class on animal death/euthanasia and owner grief where we are taught to counsel those dealing with this most difficult time. All vet school students are required to answer phones at a pet grief counselling hotline as well throughout our time in school. People from all over the world call it and I have sometimes spent hours on the phone with a single individual.
I would be happy to talk with you about what you are going through with Fats and just be a listening ear. Please feel free to PM me and if you'd like I can even give you my telephone number.
regards,
-e
For more information on our college's hotline here is the URL: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/
A few years ago I went through what you did and there's nothing easy about it. The human animal bond is a mysterious one and when we lose a pet, sometimes the grief is more acute and intense than it is when we lose a human friend or family member. It is difficult to see our beloved companions in pain. There are a lot of questions and often there are hard decisions that need to be made.
For this reason, my veterinary school curriculum includes an entire class on animal death/euthanasia and owner grief where we are taught to counsel those dealing with this most difficult time. All vet school students are required to answer phones at a pet grief counselling hotline as well throughout our time in school. People from all over the world call it and I have sometimes spent hours on the phone with a single individual.
I would be happy to talk with you about what you are going through with Fats and just be a listening ear. Please feel free to PM me and if you'd like I can even give you my telephone number.
regards,
-e
For more information on our college's hotline here is the URL: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor: those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent: his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
*Author Unknown*
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor: those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent: his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
*Author Unknown*
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Upstate, N.Y.
Posts: 4,639
I'm so sorry glassprisoner,
I am a big time animal lover and sometimes love them more then humans. I have heard about so many cats sick the past week. My 4 cats are my children, I never wanted human ones. They are very intelligent animals. I lost 2 Guinea pigs last year. Harald Martin, and Turk Robert. They where brothers. The 2nd one (Harry) died exactly a month later. I think he died of a broken heart. They where 41/2 years old which is an average age for a Guinea Pig. My cats missed them after they where gone too. They liked to play together. The cats never hurt them and I never left them alone when they where out of the cage. Take care.
Barb
I am a big time animal lover and sometimes love them more then humans. I have heard about so many cats sick the past week. My 4 cats are my children, I never wanted human ones. They are very intelligent animals. I lost 2 Guinea pigs last year. Harald Martin, and Turk Robert. They where brothers. The 2nd one (Harry) died exactly a month later. I think he died of a broken heart. They where 41/2 years old which is an average age for a Guinea Pig. My cats missed them after they where gone too. They liked to play together. The cats never hurt them and I never left them alone when they where out of the cage. Take care.
Barb
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 1,622
Hi GP,
I love animals too. They don't care if we are good or bad. When we are sick and sad they seem to know. I am so sorry that Fats is sick and dying. I will be thinking of you and I will pray for you tonight.
Sending hugs.
Steph
I love animals too. They don't care if we are good or bad. When we are sick and sad they seem to know. I am so sorry that Fats is sick and dying. I will be thinking of you and I will pray for you tonight.
Sending hugs.
Steph
I hav a cat and I can't think of her dying someday. Our pets are part of our family.Follow Directions!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fredericksburg, Va.
Posts: 9,730
My heart goes out to you GP, I am 53 and have been through this many times and it never gets easier, but as already said, keep in mind the good years that you gave your cat.
My wife and I set our selfs up for it, we always get rescue dogs and cats. We have one we nicknamed "Handicat" he has something messed up with his hindquarters that makes his back half walk like he is drunk, we adopted him as an adult so we have no idea how old he is, but he is not a spring chicken, then we also adopted an older beagle/basset mix that did have heart worms.
Prayers for the both of you GP.
My wife and I set our selfs up for it, we always get rescue dogs and cats. We have one we nicknamed "Handicat" he has something messed up with his hindquarters that makes his back half walk like he is drunk, we adopted him as an adult so we have no idea how old he is, but he is not a spring chicken, then we also adopted an older beagle/basset mix that did have heart worms.
Prayers for the both of you GP.
Om, Aum, Ohm...
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Punxsutawney/Pittsburgh
Posts: 4,797
Oh, GP. I'm sorry, and I do understand about wanting to make his last days comfortable and familiar.
There are five cats in my house, and though you would think I'd be tripping over them, the house feels empty. We had eight pets, but the second week of December when our fourteen year old Border collie escorted the school bus down the road (as she has every school day since she was a puppy), she stumbled and fell beneath the wheels of the bus. Three of my four kids were on board. Rosie didn't suffer.
A week later (and a week before Christmas), my only long-haired cat, Rosalita, wasn't waiting to go out or come in when I got up in the morning. I looked everywhere for her. Finally, a friend of mine who's a trapper gave me the news: she had wandered off into the woods and was caught by a coyote. The friend buried her so that the kids would not have to see her like that.
About a month ago, my only male animal, the One-Eyed Wizard, patriarch and the big burly protector of the remaining other five cats, began to sneeze, then quickly started losing weight. Within two weeks, he was skin & bones, and the medicine the vet gave us wasn't helping. My youngest child sat with him almost round the clock for a week when she wasn't in school, and we eventually made the decision to put him out of his pain.
Nothing can replace a beloved pet. We helped the children the best we could with memorial services and openly talking about things. People who aren't pet people might not understand, but here in this thread, I think you've found a lot who do.
(((GP))) And a very gentle one for Fats. He's very lucky to have such a loving human companion.
Peace & Love,
Sugah
There are five cats in my house, and though you would think I'd be tripping over them, the house feels empty. We had eight pets, but the second week of December when our fourteen year old Border collie escorted the school bus down the road (as she has every school day since she was a puppy), she stumbled and fell beneath the wheels of the bus. Three of my four kids were on board. Rosie didn't suffer.
A week later (and a week before Christmas), my only long-haired cat, Rosalita, wasn't waiting to go out or come in when I got up in the morning. I looked everywhere for her. Finally, a friend of mine who's a trapper gave me the news: she had wandered off into the woods and was caught by a coyote. The friend buried her so that the kids would not have to see her like that.
About a month ago, my only male animal, the One-Eyed Wizard, patriarch and the big burly protector of the remaining other five cats, began to sneeze, then quickly started losing weight. Within two weeks, he was skin & bones, and the medicine the vet gave us wasn't helping. My youngest child sat with him almost round the clock for a week when she wasn't in school, and we eventually made the decision to put him out of his pain.
Nothing can replace a beloved pet. We helped the children the best we could with memorial services and openly talking about things. People who aren't pet people might not understand, but here in this thread, I think you've found a lot who do.
(((GP))) And a very gentle one for Fats. He's very lucky to have such a loving human companion.
Peace & Love,
Sugah
Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Anywhere,USA
Posts: 511
I, too can feel your loss...I used to have 4 cats. When Smokey died a couple of years ago, 3 more kittens eventually came to take his place, the kids just kept bringing more and more home.
They are family...very hairy and stinky...but the unconditional love that they provide is priceless.
They are family...very hairy and stinky...but the unconditional love that they provide is priceless.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,358
My heart goes out to you. He's a beautiful cat!!
My furbabies are my children as far as I'm concerned. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them.
My animal hospital now makes house calls. That might be an option worth checking out! I would think they could take blood samples to determine what's causing it.
Sometimes when cats get older, they lose their sense of smell. If they can't smell food, they don't want to eat it. I would warm it up, or put warmed chicken or tuna broth on it. Liverwurst smells good to them and I gave that to them sometimes.
It could be anything, but, I suspect it might be kidney related. Maybe in tained food as is reported in the news lately, or, could just be old age kidney disease related. I lost 2 cats to that years ago.
If it is kidney disease, sometimes they can jump start them by giving them fluids through an IV. You can also give them fluids under the skin at home, a diet change, etc. I've done that...it's not fun, but it did prolong their life.
Ulimately though, I had to make 'that decision'. I was fortunate enough to be able to do that at home, where they were comfortable.
I'll be keeping you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers.
My furbabies are my children as far as I'm concerned. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them.
My animal hospital now makes house calls. That might be an option worth checking out! I would think they could take blood samples to determine what's causing it.
Sometimes when cats get older, they lose their sense of smell. If they can't smell food, they don't want to eat it. I would warm it up, or put warmed chicken or tuna broth on it. Liverwurst smells good to them and I gave that to them sometimes.
It could be anything, but, I suspect it might be kidney related. Maybe in tained food as is reported in the news lately, or, could just be old age kidney disease related. I lost 2 cats to that years ago.
If it is kidney disease, sometimes they can jump start them by giving them fluids through an IV. You can also give them fluids under the skin at home, a diet change, etc. I've done that...it's not fun, but it did prolong their life.
Ulimately though, I had to make 'that decision'. I was fortunate enough to be able to do that at home, where they were comfortable.
I'll be keeping you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers.
let it grow!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 15,540
i'm sorry to hear about your cat. i don't have any pets myself, but i do understand how important they are to owners. our neighbor just got a new dog, and he is like a first time father.
i know it's difficult, k
i know it's difficult, k
Ha Ha, charade you are!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tallahassee FL
Posts: 164
Garsh-you all make me cry. Such sweet things about our companions. My mother still cries when she thinks of "Cat"-who died in 1981. He was a Maine Coon Cat-weighed in around 16 or 17 lbs. Beautiful green eyes, I had known him since I was 6 years old-I am almost 45 now and I can still remember how he smelled and how he would lay down on my chest with his butt in my face and waving his tail over my nose...I would be depressed and be listening to Pink Floyd (gees no wonder I was suicidal lol)-The Wall and he would just be there-
Another cat I had would come over and bite my big toe when i was down and again, listening to Pink Floyd, this time it was Breathe...I think... anyway-it was always the just the big toe..she was funny too-ASHLEY.. a snooty persian mix who would charge the vacuum cleaner!
I hope you are OK GP
Wow, E ( St K), good to know about Vet School-if they would do as much for young human Doctors-it might soften the dying process for us humans and those left behind.
Carol, what a beautiful story-similar to how we prepared my son for the impending death of a dear dog-Seargent. Thank you for that!
Take care all
melissa
Another cat I had would come over and bite my big toe when i was down and again, listening to Pink Floyd, this time it was Breathe...I think... anyway-it was always the just the big toe..she was funny too-ASHLEY.. a snooty persian mix who would charge the vacuum cleaner!
I hope you are OK GP
Wow, E ( St K), good to know about Vet School-if they would do as much for young human Doctors-it might soften the dying process for us humans and those left behind.
Carol, what a beautiful story-similar to how we prepared my son for the impending death of a dear dog-Seargent. Thank you for that!
Take care all
melissa
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Murrieta, Ca
Posts: 2,683
Thanks everyone !
I'm fine. Thanks for caring. I'm not gonna drink over it, that's for sure.
Fats is up and around, kind of. He seems almost OK sometimes, just listless. Still not eating much. I even tried baby food.
Fats is "down" to 16 lbs. He was 22 to begin with. (Yes, I've been weighing him)
I'm fine. Thanks for caring. I'm not gonna drink over it, that's for sure.
Fats is up and around, kind of. He seems almost OK sometimes, just listless. Still not eating much. I even tried baby food.
Coon Cat-weighed in around 16 or 17 lbs
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