Tough Choices

[queenofmean]

Had 2 cats at the vet today, both for checkups.

Late mum’s cat didn’t get the prognosis I expected. Bottom line is it may be kinder to have her put down. I have myself asked this question many times lately but she doesn’t appear to be suffering in anyway, she still tries to chase your fingers or a paper ball. I’d never let her or want her to suffer in any way but I’m not ready for another loss. She’s like a final link with Mum.

Dad said it’s up to me to make the final decision but I just cannot bring myself to do that, it was hard enough making the choice to have our first cat put to sleep, which was a family decision.

Why is life so cruel?

[choux]

I would say that life often is oblivious to what the individual has recently had to cope with which means you should be prepared to make the decision sooner than you would prefer.

It isn't the part of pet-ownership that anyone relishes but as a responsible person it may need to be done before any pet is suffering, depending on the vet's prognosis and advice.

I have had to make such decisions more times than I would ever care to remember. Wishing you well with it.

[queenofmean]

Thank you everyone.

Molly has thyroid problems, today it was discovered that she has a growth in her stomach. At present from what we are aware it isn’t causing problems. The vet in question is great, she understands our situation and she knows it as much as would be a waste of time throwing money into testing her to find out what it could be. Yes she still plays but it’s rare. She sleeps near enough 22 hours a day.

I know it’s not fair keeping her alive and I know Mum wouldn’t let her suffer, I know that when she’s ready to go, Mum will be waiting for her on the other side.

I knew when our/my first cat had to go and I told my parents. It was hard as it wasn’t anything I had ever had to experience but it was painful. Mum had to bring me in from the street kicking and screaming because I didn’t want to be parted from my boy.

I’ll know when it’s her time, but for now I’ll leave her be, no doubt Molly being Molly will tell me she’s had enough like what she does when she’s had enough of everything else.

[choux]

"I know it’s not fair keeping her alive..."

Then ask your father to make the decision, please.

[marval]

I am sorry you are faced with this decision Queenie. Your beloved friend will let you know, when the time is right.

[queenofmean]

I’ve to speak to the Vet tomorrow, Choux - I was at another vet with another cat.

He won’t make the decision sadly.

Once I know more than I currently do I’ll be able to make a decision.

[choux]

Then I wish you the necessary strength to make the right decision.

[queenofmean]

Thank you Marval.

Thank you Choux.

[rowanwitch]

Does she purr when she doesn't know you are watching her. If so she is almost certainly in pain.

[queenofmean]

Good morning Rowanwitch, just saw your post.

Yes she purrs almost all the time, she doesn’t purr when she eats, usually growls at anyone who goes near her plate. She purrs and greets you when she senses you walking into the room or if you sit beside her and she becomes a lap kitty. She’s on pain relief for her joints already though.

[anthro-nerd]

Vets are there to advise of course, but you know your cat better than they do. You know the time is close, but perhaps not right now. Enjoy the time you have left, and you'll know when you know. Prepare yourself and spoil that cat rotten in her last few days / weeks! Sending all my love xxx

[queenofmean]

Thank you Anthro-nerd :) I will do. She’s currently parked herself right behind me and is watching me filling in the crossword (suspect she’s eyeing up the pen) xx

[anneasquith]

Don't leave the decision too long Queenie , I'd be inclined to take addiction the vet.

[queenofmean]

I spoke to the vet earlier, burst into tears at work. A regular was passing and heard me and stuck her head round the door.

We’ve made our minds up but the vet wants us to do it before the weekend. But sadly before the weekend is not convenient for us and I’m not leaving Molly 2 days alone then sending her on her way. I want to spend a little more time with her and the other cats and not at work.

But her fate has been sealed and yes I’m heartbroken but it was the right thing to do.

[anneasquith]

It was .

[pastafreak]

Make the most of it Queenie...it's difficult, but it will be the best for her. How old is she?

[queenofmean]

She’s about 6 weeks short of turning 18 Pasta x

[Barmaid]

My heart goes out to you. I know it's tough. But as I have read this thread I believe you have made the right decision. Doesn't make it any easier and it's gonna hurt like a ***** but this is best for poor Molly. Hugs from one cat slave to another.

[queenofmean]

Thank you Barmaid. It really does. I cry when I’m in the shower so no one can hear me. But it is for the best. I know she’ll meet Mum and our other cat on the other side and she will be ok, it’s just hard when you aren’t ready. But I have 5 other cats to care for they will see me through. Phoebe already knows I’m upset, she WON’T leave my side. Exactly what she did when I lost Mum.
Many thanks fellow ‘cat slave’ - love it.

[pastafreak]

That's a very great age...big (((hugs))) from me too.
xx
Now I'm getting damp eyes...

[Tilly2]

I'm not a cat person at all but I can empathise with your anguish, Queenie.

Take heart. It's the best you can do, in the circumstances. xxx