Lost My Friend Today - Pet forum for dogs cats and humans

Green Meenie · #1 January 10th, 2015, 12:13 AM

Hi! Joined this forum today to get some info. on when and what to do in terms of putting my cat down as he's been sick now for about a year and I've been waiting to see when he was no longer able to enjoy his life any longer before putting him down, It's a very tough call to make, as I've found out.

Just made an appointment with the vet to have my cat euthanized today. Was to take him in tomorrow at 11:30 A.M. but he died on his own terms tonight so at least he is spared the dreaded trip to the vet. He's had a kidney or liver disease for the past year causing a swollen abdomen. He was 17 years old though so the vet just put him on some meds., which he wouldn't take willingly of course, and he told me it's a matter of time before he goes. He was still eating and doing all the other necessary things and generally enjoying life so I was reluctant to have him put down. Yesterday he seemed to take a turn for the worse so I checked out the euthanasia thing and made the decision this evening to make an appointment for it tomorrow. His decline progressed rapidly though and unfortunately, he suffered for a couple of hours before he finally passed on. Being that it was almost midnight, there was not much I could do other than comfort him in his final hours. It was tough to watch!

At least he's at peace now. I wrapped him in his favorite blanket and put him in the cardboard box he liked to sleep in. Not sure what I'll do now with his body but will figure that out tomorrow. Anyway, just thought I'd share this with you other pet owners who have gone through similar situations. It's tough to lose a long term friend

marko · #2 January 10th, 2015, 10:08 AM

Please accept my deep condolences GM - we know how hard this is.

sweet kitty

Sincerely
Marko

(for new members reading this - we have an article on when the right time may be to consider euthanasia)

Barkingdog · #3 January 10th, 2015, 11:58 AM

I am so sorry for the lost of beloved friend ,

sweet kitty

hazelrunpack · #4 January 10th, 2015, 01:10 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss, Green Meenie

It's such a tough call to make. He was obviously well-loved. Cherish the happy memories.

I wish you heart's ease and peace.

Green Meenie · #5 January 10th, 2015, 04:44 PM

Thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate it! He was a special cat for sure, as most of them are of course. He did live a long life though at 17 years and 4 months so there's many happy memories to reflect on now that he's gone.

We have another, younger cat as well. The two cats were never very close as companions but I'm wondering if the younger cat will show signs of grieving for his lost companion, now that he's gone. He did seem to understand what was happening as the older cat struggled through his last hours. It will be interesting to see how he reacts in the coming days.