We have a dilemma regarding when to put an old cat down. Our female calico, she's 18 years old, deaf and is having kidney function problems. She can't hold her pee, she'll pee right where she's sleeping many times. We had a family vote and we are not all on board with putting her down. Our daughter says yes, hubby is undecided, son says no and I'm undecided. So I thought we'll give her a couple weeks of being on cranberry powder in her food and see if she recovers. It worked in the past when she was leaking. She also poops under my daughter's bed but hasn't since we put boxes under so she cant . I'm also going to try a different littler box for her and different litter (maybe paper pellets) Last year she had a stroke and half her face sags a little, she's lost a few teeth so she eats mainly soft food now. She also cries and howls when she thinks she's alone. ac_crying
I'm really torn, she's such a sweetheart of a cat, she loves attention and she's adorable. She's not in any pain so she isn't suffering.
Quote from: "Annie"
I'm really torn, she's such a sweetheart of a cat, she loves attention and she's adorable. She's not in any pain so she isn't suffering.
This is an unfortunate situation to be in Annie..
It is one anyone who has any aging pet had had to confront..
I won't offer any advice because it is not my pet that I have had for eighteen years..
Any decision your family makes will not be easy.
It's a hard decision to make for sure and I don't want to rush into it but I can tell she's not enjoying life like she should be. She sleeps almost all day and cries at night, that can't be good for her happiness. She won't play and gets a little snippy all of a sudden (kitty alzheimers). She's a tiny cat and we clip her nails regularly so she can't even hurt a fly. I've been seriously thinking about it for awhile. But I have to have my family on board before I go ahead. So in two weeks I'll take another vote, I guess :(
Quote from: "Annie"
Watching a beloved pet suffer is hard I know especially when you know she will never get better.
ac_crying
Ya, I have a strong feeling she at her time, I have to convince the men in the family that it's time to let go. I might just take all of us to the vet and see what they say and if they recommend putting her down then it won't be just my decision but a vet too. I don't want my son hating me for putting down his very first pet.
Quote from: "Annie"
It won't be hate Annie..
He is naturally sad that his kitty cat is near the end of her life..
Your son may be having a hard time accepting that.
He's 22 and we've had her since he convinced me to rescue her when he was 5 (she was 9 months). He was the only one for the longest time she trusted let hold her, so ya I'll have to have a talk with him.
Now I have to go have a cry ac_crying
Quote from: "Annie"
I completely understand Annie.
Sorry Annie, I always hate hearing this about our furry family members.
The big question is is she suffering, if not, and you can deal with the mess let her be, if so please consider her over you all.
Sorry again, I know it hurts. :(
Quote from: "Blue"
The big question is is she suffering, if not, and you can deal with the mess let her be, if so please consider her over you all.
Sorry again, I know it hurts. :(
Do you have any pets Frosty?
Hey :) good morning
Not anymore, I have had a few dogs in my life, but not don't need that pain anymore of watching them go.
Quote from: "Blue"
Not anymore, I have had a few dogs in my life, but not don't need that pain anymore of watching them go.
Ah, I see. My bunny is still kicking, but who knows for how much longer.
Hey, any plans for tomorrow night?
No plans here, just do as I always do :)
Looking forward to 2015 though, how about you ?
Long live Bunny :)
Quote from: "Blue"
Looking forward to 2015 though, how about you ?
Long live Bunny :)
Nah, no plans for me either. Chinese New Year is the big one for me not the Gregorian one.
On one hand I look forward to the New Year and on the other, I worry about it too. I guess I'm like everyone else in that way.
I like the Chinese New year also, it should be everyone's new year in my view.
Sorry Annie for getting off subject in here.
I have been thinking about your family going through this all day, and the aircraft that crashed three days ago.
the families are so hurt.
Quote from: "Blue"
Sorry Annie for getting off subject in here.
I have been thinking about your family going through this all day, and the aircraft that crashed three days ago.
the families are so hurt.
I'm also a way off topic here Frosty, but that was more bad news the Malaysian airline industry does not need.
I saw the families this morning waiting for word on the news, and when they got it they just broke down :(
I tear up seeing that, I know the pain very well.
Annie has a decision to make, I hope she has the strength to do what needs to be done if it does need done.
It can rip your heart out, sometimes a friend helping is a good thing.
I offered two nights ago to take a friends cat in, the lady cant let go though, and the cat is suffering.
Quote from: "Blue"
I tear up seeing that, I know the pain very well.
Annie has a decision to make, I hope she has the strength to do what needs to be done if it does need done.
It can rip your heart out, sometimes a friend helping is a good thing.
I offered two nights ago to take a friends cat in, the lady cant let go though, and the cat is suffering.
I would miss my bunny, but I do not have the same attachment that Annie does to the cat her family has had for 18 frickin years!!
I get really attached myself, it about killed me seeing my dog die.
He was 17 years old, and always a good gentle friend.
I looked out the door for him for weeks when I got off work, it's a family member after all.
Quote from: "Blue"
He was 17 years old, and always a good gentle friend.
I looked out the door for him for weeks when I got off work, it's a family member after all.
My ex's father had to shoot his dog. He was old and blind(the dog I mean) and could barely walk. Still, he had a hard time doing it.
Mine was dying in my arms one rainy night, having a heart attack I believe, and he died soon as i got my gun.
I was saved from doing that, but feel bad he had to suffer so.
It was a hard time, and it came on sudden like, but lasted a few hours.
I'm wondering too if we take her to the vet to be put down, they will not only charge us for the visit but insist on doing a ton of tests to prove that she should be put down. I'm really not looking forward to this costing us hundreds of dollars.
Quote from: "Annie"
That is unfortunately a risk you take Annie when you take your kitty to the vet..
I do not want to tell you what to do, but if it were my husband and I, if we went to the vet, we would already have made up our minds about what to do with our terminally ill kitty.
But she's not terminal or in any pain, she just can't stop peeing on everything.
Quote from: "Annie"
Terminal was too strong a word, she is getting old and has physical problems.
Yep, physical problems but they could turn into something worse I'm thinking too.
Quote from: "Annie"
Especially with the age of your kitty..
You could spend a lot of money and a month or two it may be some new disease.
Yep, we're gonna give her another 12 days and then decide. There's a place in vancouver that cremates pets for a reasonable price so we might do that have a little ceremony in the woods and release her there.
Quote from: "Annie"
I know it is not my kitty, but I cannot see her getting any better at her age..
Her health will continue to decline.
That's what my hubby said too, her kidneys won't last much longer.
Quote from: "Annie"
And then there will be other age related illnesses too Annie.
She's deaf already too so who knows what else is right around the corner :( Getting old sure sucks!
you need to send it to that big ginger beef restaurant in the sky....... ac_dunno
Quote from: "Obvious Li"
oh my
ac_wot
Quote from: "Annie"
My friend, her cat is 18 years old now, has tumors, and bleeding from the mouth.
The Vet wants $600 to do test to see if it has cancer. I said let the cat go, and end it's suffering, but she wont listen.
I told my sister to tell her to think about it, it's our own selfishness that wont let go of them.
I do feel the pain, i really do for them, but she should let it go.
You should if the cat is suffering, it's the right thing to do, but if like you said it's just a wee issue, and if you can stand it maybe keep her around.
Kidney failure isn't a good thing though.
So sorry if I sound harsh Annie.
Quote from: "Annie"
I'm really torn, she's such a sweetheart of a cat, she loves attention and she's adorable. She's not in any pain so she isn't suffering.
Sorry about your cat Annie.
Aw, thanks everyone for your kind words and advice. It's a fact of life and it happens. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, at least not yet. She's deaf and I think has kitty alzheimers. Her poop looks fine, same as her pee, (no chrystals or blood, yet)
A decision has been made to take her to the vet tomorrow and have an evaluation but we all know she will need to be euthanized. Soo we will see if we can get her some pain meds (she is in pain I think) so she can have 3 more days for us to spoil her and love her just a little more and say our goodbyes. Monday she will be put to rest. Then the plan will be to have her cremated and we will have a little ceremony and scatter her ashes in the forest. It's so hard to have to do but it has to be done, she deserves a peaceful exit. ac_crying ac_crying ac_crying
I talked to our son today and told him if the vet decides she's terminal will he be ok with putting her down. He asked why can't we try to save her like we did with hubby's cat a couple years ago. He had an abcess and had to have surgery a couple times to save him and then save his tail. Our son is a bit pissed off at me right now as this is his cat he rescued when she was 9 months. I told him we'll see what the vet says. But I have a feeling it won't be convincing enough for him. He's pretty stubborn acc_angry I think he gets that from me ac_unsure
Quote from: "Annie"
I hope you enjoy your last weekend with your kitty Annie.
Quote from: "Annie"
FFS.....tell him if he wants a fucking say in the decision...get out his checkbook.......pay a thousand for vet bills for a palliative cat and then complain cause the govt. isn't providing special services for your challenged kids..... how very typically canadian.........a .22 shell costs about .05 cents these days .......cheers.......... ac_dance ac_dunno acc_devil
Be strong for the family, the cat deserves some peace :( It's the right thing to do.
Quote from: "Blue"
Annie seems to have made up her mind what she is going to do..
I think she realizes it is the best decision.
Yeah, and it is. I hate to here stuff like this, it hurts a lot.
My friend had hers put down after she got to thinking about the cat, it's the right thing for them.
Hope you are well Fashion Lady .
Quote from: "Obvious Li"
I was thinking the same thing OL. Her son wants unnecessary vet work done, he should pay for it. After all, he is a grown man, not a little kid.
Well, I gave him an ultimatum, I said he either helps pay for the vet to do tests ect or I pay it all I'll have her put down. So he has a choice to make soon. It's weird though, some days she seems withdrawn and confused and others she's friendly and spunky. I disinfected a cat box with different litter and put it closer to where she likes to be most of the time, and been lovingly training her to use it. Also we changed to organic, no wheat catfood. But she prefers almost all wet food so we give her mostly that. She still cries when she's alone but not as much. Haven't found any poop anywhere for the last few days just some pee. I see little changes so maybe...oh hell I don't know.
Quote from: "Annie"
It sounds like you are going to give the cat an extension. Kinda like someone on death row getting a call from the governor.
I think the ultimatum you gave your son is more than fair. However, if she keeps improving you may not have to visit the vet at all....for now anyway.
Ya, that's what it is Shen, it's just giving her some extra time. I know it, my daughter knows it, but the guys in the family don't really get it. They seem to think that there's a miracle cure for such an old cat and it will fix everything pfft
Quote from: "Annie"
They really think that eh? Oh well, you'll save some $$ by not going to the vet at all and you get to have your pet around a little longer. Win/win I say.
Not a win win if she's in pain and pissing everywhere!
Quote from: "Annie"
It thought it wasn't as bad now?
Quote from: "Annie"
I give my kitty mostly dry Annie and we have not had any problem.
I'm not absolutely sure she's not in pain, when we pet her she's friendly but when alone she cries like she's hurting. She's still pissing on my daughter's bed, I hate having to wash blankets every frickin day! The washing machine is definately getting it's money's worth.
Quote from: "Annie"
EEEWWWWW! If it was my call, she'd be going down unless your son wants to pay for pricey vet work.
I know shen I feel the same way. she obviously has bladder or kidney issues :(
Quote from: "Annie"
I hope her condition is getting better even though it is impossible.
ac_unsure
We're in between pay days and can't afford the vet quite yet. As I'm on my computer upstairs, she's down stairs crying, I'm gonna go back down and bring her up and cuddle her.
Quote from: "Annie"
Do what you can to make her feel happy Annie.
And she pissed on her bed again!!!!!%&#@!!!!
Quote from: "Annie"
Oh no Annie..
I know what you will do when you get your next pay..
Which reminds me, what do you do for work Annie?
I am an administrative assistant for the Alberta provincial government.
I'm on a disability but I'm hoping I can go back to work. I'm taking supplements that seem to help with the pain. That's why I'm not looking forward to a nice big vet bill :(
Quote from: "Annie"
I figured it was too early for you to be back to work. Hope the sups work for ya.
I'm taking milk thistle and circuman (how do you spell that?) I need to get dandelion powder now seperately now since my latest purchase didn't have it in it. My spasms and twinges aren't as bad now too so I'm really hoping I'll be able to do "something" soon.
Quote from: "Annie"
If I was in Van, I would accompany you to a traditional Chinese doctor. They have cures for everything. ac_cool
Traditional? I hope you don't mean stuff like bear gall bladder or something.....lol I'm still checking out other stuff like krill.
Quote from: "Annie"
Yep, keep checking Annie. I won't be on the left coast anytime soon.
How is your kitty now Annie?
Quote from: "Annie"
Does she do it knowingly or is it truly something she can't help. Sometimes as animals age they can develop seizure issues and lose bladder control through no fault of their own. When I was a child, we had a dog that when she got old she would have mild seizures or TIA's and would sometimes lose control of her bladder or bowels. There are medications for that but depending on the age, condition of animal and how well it can tolerate the meds, their effectiveness can vary.
I wish you lots of luck with this issue. I know how heartbreaking it is to have to go through stuff like this with an older pet.
Quote from: "Renee"
Quote from: "Annie"
Does she do it knowingly or is it truly something she can't help. Sometimes as animals age they can develop seizure issues and lose bladder control through no fault of their own. When I was a child, we had a dog that when she got old she would have mild seizures or TIA's and would sometimes lose control of her bladder or bowels. There are medications for that but depending on the age, condition of animal and how well it can tolerate the meds, their effectiveness can vary.
I wish you lots of luck with this issue. I know how heartbreaking it is to have to go through stuff like this with an older pet.
How much do the meds cost? Attachment to an aging pet is fine, but that doesn't mean people should go into debt.
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Renee"
Quote from: "Annie"
Does she do it knowingly or is it truly something she can't help. Sometimes as animals age they can develop seizure issues and lose bladder control through no fault of their own. When I was a child, we had a dog that when she got old she would have mild seizures or TIA's and would sometimes lose control of her bladder or bowels. There are medications for that but depending on the age, condition of animal and how well it can tolerate the meds, their effectiveness can vary.
I wish you lots of luck with this issue. I know how heartbreaking it is to have to go through stuff like this with an older pet.
How much do the meds cost? Attachment to an aging pet is fine, but that doesn't mean people should go into debt.
I haven't had to buy any anti-seizure meds for an animal in many years so I don't know what the costs are currently. But sometimes it's just a matter of giving the animal a low dose of phenobarbital which generally costs pennies per day.
Quote from: "Renee"
How much do the meds cost? Attachment to an aging pet is fine, but that doesn't mean people should go into debt.
I haven't had to buy any anti-seizure meds for an animal in many years so I don't know what the costs are currently. But sometimes it's just a matter of giving the animal a low dose of phenobarbital which generally costs pennies per day.[/quote]
Not knowing anything about it, would that help Annie's pet?
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Renee"
How much do the meds cost? Attachment to an aging pet is fine, but that doesn't mean people should go into debt.
I haven't had to buy any anti-seizure meds for an animal in many years so I don't know what the costs are currently. But sometimes it's just a matter of giving the animal a low dose of phenobarbital which generally costs pennies per day.
Quote from: "Shen Li"
It would give her a starting point; wouldn't it? ac_umm
Quote from: "Renee"
It would give her a starting point; wouldn't it? ac_umm
I didn't know what it is, so I googled it and found this,
Phenobarbital remains the first-choice anticonvulsant in cats. Numerous studies and abundant clinical experience have proven this drug to be effective in cats, and it is generally considered safe, however, cats may occasionally experience adverse effects such as sedation, excessive thirst and urination, and incoordination.
Quote from: "Renee"
Quote from: "Annie"
Does she do it knowingly or is it truly something she can't help. Sometimes as animals age they can develop seizure issues and lose bladder control through no fault of their own. When I was a child, we had a dog that when she got old she would have mild seizures or TIA's and would sometimes lose control of her bladder or bowels. There are medications for that but depending on the age, condition of animal and how well it can tolerate the meds, their effectiveness can vary.
I wish you lots of luck with this issue. I know how heartbreaking it is to have to go through stuff like this with an older pet.
This is something for Annie to think about.
Hey guys, thanks so much for your ideas and support. I'm still torn. She acts like she's ok and then she pees or howls when alone. I'm wondering if she's just old and has alzheimer's. I've re started her on powdered glucosamine in her soft food, thinking maybe arthritis could be bothering her, it works well for our old male kitty and he's at least 18 years.
Quote from: "Annie"
I know you were planning on making a final decision this week, but maybe a little longer to see if this works.
I'm still trying everything I possibly can, I want to at least try to save her. She knows she's doing bad when she pees on her bed, I can see it in her eyes. I don't yell or get mad but instead I pick er up and cuddle her and talk to her and show her the litter box, a new litter box with different cedar pellets. I'm hoping she'll remember where it is and use it....
Quote from: "Annie"
I do too.
ac_smile
Well she hasn't peed on the bed for 2 days now! And her crying is a lot less. She comes upstairs more often and asks to sit on my lap. I'm gonna keep her on powdered glucosamine and cranberry, they seem to be working! She doesn't cry as much now. I know the pain of arthritis so maybe that was it too. If this keeps working then I just saved a couple hundred bucks! Keeping fingers crossed though...
Quote from: "Annie"
That is good news Annie.
It is! I don't want to take her to the vet and have them stick a needle in to get blood and the cost. Although if I had to I would. I payed over 1100 to save hubby's cat a year ago. Took some time to pay that off on my credit card but our son used his credit too. If I can take care of the situation at home then it's a win win :D Oh and I know now why son didn't want to pay for the vet this time, he's moving out and getting a place with his gf/soon to be fiance. He just bought a beautiful coffee table, and they are trying to get furniture etc together.
Quote from: "Annie"
I am so happy for you Annie..
Maybe they will make you a grandmother.
ac_smile
One day yes. They plan on doing they're secondary education first. They're only 22 and 20 but they plan on it before being 30. They want to each have a career and financially ok when they decide to have kids. She's in her second year of nursing and he's not sure what he wants to do. He wants to do many things, I told him to just pick one and do that till you want to switch careers and many people do it, it's totally doable in 10 years to switch careers if he gets bored lol. I want him to follow his dream of being a youth at risk worker, he's really good with talking to troubled teens. He did a lot of talking to troubled youth when he did security work.
Oh and they are going to get married before having kids but that won't be for a bit I think. They're gonna see how it is living together first lol They've been dating for 3 years now.
Quote from: "Annie"
Good for him and good for her..
Is your son working now?
Oh yes he's working full time, he takes every shift he can. He's a manager of a small store.
Quote from: "Annie"
Oh good for him Annie..
Work long hours when you are young.
Yep, when they're young and strong is the best time to instill good work ethics :)
Quote from: "Annie"
Yep, make hay when the sun shines. Work as many hours as you can when you are young, save your cash, invest well. If you do those things when you are older your money will work for you rather than you for your money.
Sounds like you raised him well Annie. ac_drinks
Thanks Shen, I sure hope so! ac_drinks
Quote from: "Annie"
Hello Annie, how you tonight?
Hi Fash, I'm good, how's your day going?
Quote from: "Annie"
I got back from evening fellowship service at my church about a half hour ago..
I'm going to make lunches for tomorrow soon and get ready for a new work and school week.
Quote from: "Annie"
You've given him a good values foundation, so he'll be just fine.
ac_drinks
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Annie"
You've given him a good values foundation, so he'll be just fine.
I am sure he will too Annie.
Quote from: "Annie"
Yeah, I remember that plan. ac_umm It didn't work out exactly as I wanted it to. ac_toofunny
Luckily I was in my final semester of college and it didn't effect me from finishing and getting my BS.
Advise your son to get his secondary education as soon as possible. The sooner he gets a jump on his career the better. In today's world, getting a decent job is hard enough without some kind of higher Ed or Technical school under your belt; in the near future it will be impossible.
BTW, great news about your cat. I'll keep my fingers crossed. ac_smile
Quote from: "Renee"
Quote from: "Annie"
He's 22, so it should be number one on his to do list. The longer he waits, the harder it will be.
Ya, I've given up nagging him about it. He says he has a plan so I'll just let him do his plan. I'll just support him any way I can and he always knows if things don't work out, he can always move back home. Although...I'm thinking/hoping this 3rd time will be the charm he stays on his own lol Oh I sound like a horrible Mom! lol
Quote from: "Annie"
I can understand your predicament Annie..
You want to encourage your son, but you don't want to push him so much that he rebels..
It's a balancing act.
Well at least I don't have to consider putting him down! This was a parody on Facebook I saw:
Quote from: "Annie"
ac_toofunny
I know right? Poor kid! lolol
Quote from: "Annie"
There are plenty of kids like her.
My kids didn't have a cell till they were like 17 I think? I'm not a mean Mom but if they ever rolled they're eyes at me I'd find a way to be really mean...like I would go on strike and not do they're laundry for a week, hide the toilet paper, not buy cheese or bake any cookies. Oh wait...I HAVE done that! Hahah, I demand respect!
Quote from: "Annie"
A smart phone is almost a necessity today for even middle school students.
My kids are graduated both have a smart phone. I do too but I only use it to text them or for emergency when hubby is wondering what's taking me so long at a doctor's appointment lol
Quote from: "Annie"
That's a good idea Annie.
ac_smile