I may need to euthanize one of the cats I am caring for, and I am sinking into depression

[graywarrior]

I love this cat. She is one of the coolest cats I have ever met. She's 18 and the owners adopted her last August knowing she was frail and sickly. Then they took off to do a job out west and we are house/pet sitting for them.

This kitty has kidney problems and today I found massive amounts of blood in her litter box. I'm waiting to hear from her owners about what I should do.

I want to cry. I can't handle putting down a cat. Especially this cat. Shit...Life is unfair when it comes to pets getting sick.

[VenusRising]

1. I am so sorry, gray!

Our kitty had blood in his urine twice. We were lucky enough that two rounds of antibiotics got him over his problem.

I hope it's something so simple. Holding a good thought and sending vibes to you both.

:hug:

[graywarrior]

2. I hope it's something simple like that too

I just don't want her to be suffering.

And thanks for responding to this.

[VenusRising]

4. Anytime, gray.

You're such a good egg for taking care of those fur babies. :hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

3. I'm really sorry Gray...

and I'm hoping that it may not be as bad as it looks right now. :hug:

[graywarrior]

5. Thanks.

Guess I'm not such a hardass as I thought.

[Dangerously Amused]

6. Oh no, what an awful position to be in!

Sending every good wish that kitty can be fixed up good by the vet. Please let us know how it turns out.

[graywarrior]

7. I will.

Thank you.

[mnhtnbb]

8. How horrible! It's hard enough when it's your own fur baby. Hope

the vet can get the kitty through until the owners return.

:hug:

[graywarrior]

9. We're sanitizing her area now

She's resting on my bed. Poor thing.

[no name no slogan]

10. Oh no. I hope it something minor

And I hope she's got some more time here.

BTW how's that one feller with the split open head doing? Is he healing up alright? That was a pretty gruesome-looking wound he had.

[knowbody0]

11. my own sweet Kalikookoo sat on my lap last night

with a strange expression. I thought "oh no, this is a sign of her ancientness" as she is 18 years old. suddenly she got up, swished her tail in my face and left. I looked down at my lap at a wee little puddle. WTF? she has NEVER peed in the house even, let alone on my bed. she's trying to tell me something, I am sure.

[badgerpup]

12. Oh man...

Don't know you, but often read your posts, and your kitty alert caught my eye.
I'm currently owned by four...and have been twice to the vet while he gave them a 'boost' to the Rainbow Bridge. :cry:

It was hard, and so very painful, but looking back, it would have been much worse had I chosen to not be there at the end for them...don't think I could have forgiven myself for deserting them like that.
This way, there's no regrets, and no guilt, and no 'If only I had...'

I truly believe they do appreciate it, even if they seem so out of it that they're not aware of their surroundings. Somehow, they still know they're loved, cared for, and not alone.

Knowing that you went that last, painful mile with them may not make you feel better...but you will know you did ALL you possibly could, and you won't be kicking yourself afterward.
Grief sucks at the best of times...and when you add regret to it- well, best not to go there at all if possible.

Some vets will make housecalls, so the furkid can make the transition from familiar, comfortable surroundings rather than the cold sterile vet's office (which usually has unpleasant associations for everyone involved).

I hope this helps a little, at least...:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

13. Can I tell you a story?

It's not about a pet; it's about Mr. Midlo's dad. He passed away in his sleep while living here in 2006. I was wracked with guilt that I didn't hear him in distress when it was obvious that he had had a heart attack, but I realized a bit later, that the life we had given him here was so wonderful for him and we had nothing to feel guilty about.

Unfortunately, life is finite. Take solace in the fact that you have loved this little critter as she is about to cross the Rainbow Bridge. It's perhaps the toughest thing to do. It's easy to love a puppy because you often don't face this until later. Taking an elderly cat shows tremendous courage and love because somewhere in your mind, you knew this was a possibility.

Hang in there, gray. You rock. :loveya:

[sammythecat]

14. Sorry you have to deal with this.

I really am.

I had an old girl (Sadie) that was 19. Gentle and sweet, she was a great little companion. She was like a little old lady and should have had a string of white pearls around her neck and pocketbook by her side. Her kidneys started going last summer. I didn't have the money for a visit to the Vet let alone the treatments. It just wasn't there. It was so sad. I knew she was dying. One morning it was time, and I carried her outside and ended her suffering quickly. It tears me up to tell this story. I never have. I just say she died.

I also have an old dog. She's a big Shepherd and will be 20 this fall, which is ancient for a dog her size. I give her 3 aspirin twice a day for her arthritis, but she's getting worse now by the week. She can no longer get in the car with me or make it up the stairs to the bedroom. It's an awful sound to hear a big dog fall down a flight of stairs. I fear she's going to start getting very bad very soon. When they get old, they get old quickly.

As much as I hate the thought of being without her, I'm glad she's going first. Dogs and cats like things to stay the same. At Rosie's advanced age, if something was to happen to me it would be a cruel fate for her. Some might not like this, but if I knew I was going to die, I wouldn't leave her behind.

I hope you can take some consolation (I do) in the fact that your old girl is in good hands. She has someone to love and care for her. It's the best and only thing you can do. I'm sorry you have to deal with this.

On a little lighter note: Right after that first paragraph about Sadie I was full of emotion, and another cat (Theodore, 14) puked on the den floor. He's fine, just a puker. There's few things better for changing your perspective than hearing "hork...hork...HORK..HOOORRRKK! coming from the next room.

[Shine]

15. That's a bummer. Sorry.

:hug:
I dealt w/ something similar once. Our beloved 19 yr old torty died in my arms, after I'd been basically doing kitty hospice for her last few days of life. It was heartbreaking, but on the other hand, she got to die in the arms of love.

I suppose it could've been worse.

Maybe you can help usher out this cat with blessings of love and comfort, too. Nothing lasts, we all must die sometime.

:hug: Hang in there. You've got a good heart.

[Haole Girl]

16. That is one of my biggest fears recently...

I wish I had some good advice. It isn't fair. The only reason I can see why pets die before we do, must be because they can't completely take care of themselves (well, with the exception of the wildest cats). This probably doesn't help ease your pain. I'm sorry. I wish I could help. :hug:

[MadMaddie]

17. Gray that's gotta be hard on you I am really sorry...

But if you have to do it and the owners aren't there....at least she won't be alone and she will be with someone who cares for her very much...:grouphug:

[graywarrior]

18. Things happen for a reason, I guess

I never realized how soft hearted I was. I love that kitty and she's not even mine.