She's in great health right now, but I know the end is coming. I can't imagine my life without her. I've had her since high school. Would it be wrong to have her stuffed so I can keep her close to me always? Or if that's bad, would it be wrong to have her cremated so I can keep her ashes?
2006-07-13 16:42:02 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Only you can decide that...but just keep this in mind.
They do NOT *stuff* cats...they skin your cat, and stretch it's skin over a mold in the shape you desire (sitting, sleeping, etc).
If you felt that you wanted to keep her always, I would choose cremation.
2006-07-13 16:45:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. I love both of my cats and I know the day will come where I will be forced with a tough decision... Whether or not it is time to put her down. As for stuffing her or having her cremated, my suggestion would be cremation. It won't freak people out so much and if the taxidermist doesn't do a good job, she may not turn out like you remember her. At least if she is cremated, you can either take her with you, or bury her somewhere special, or spread her ashes in one of her favorite places. If you want memories, its the pictures that will remind you most of her. Either way, the decision is yours and isn't "bad" either way.
Good luck.
2006-07-14 09:13:33 · answer #2 · answered by terrbear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats can live to 20 years or more so she may be around a bit longer, especially if she's in 'great health' right now. You may want to have a 'senior checkup' with your vet to rule out any health problems that may not be visible right now..
As for stuffing - it's OK if that's what works for you, but some folks find the idea a little creepy. Cremation is much more common.
2006-07-14 05:09:06 · answer #3 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. I have a Siamese mix my daughter found in a box in the summer sun with it's imbilical cord still on it. All the kittens were covered with ants. But this one was mostly alive and my daughter brought it home. I nursed her with Kitten Milk Replacement every 2 hours for 4 months!!! She has almost died 8 times! And has cost over $3,000 in vet bills! She is 19 this year! And in good health, as far as I can tell. If your cat starts to hide and sleep in places where nobody can find her, you know something is wrong. If she stops eating or crying a lot, take her to the vet. Depending on her breed, she is still young! Cats can live a loooooooooooong time! Keep in touch. I just put down one of my babies who had Feline Leukemia and I had no clue he was sick! Long story. By the way, I learned the hard way that it is VERY much cheaper to get your cat a check up, even if it cost for blood tests, than to do nothing. Cindy
2006-07-14 00:16:53 · answer #4 · answered by ravin_lunatic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the ashes of 6 of my cats. One lived to be 22 years old. I have 6 more cats now, and I will have them cremated as well when their time comes. When my time comes, all the ashes will go with mine. They're my kids!
2006-07-14 00:06:01 · answer #5 · answered by PariahMaterial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine just died last week, and in my arms, on the way to the VET. Although it was in the family for 15 years, I never made a fuss over the thing, until it died, then I sobbed for days.
Don't get it stuffed, you son't want that stigma with you all the time as you will eventually have to let go and having it around ALL the time worsens the pain.
Cremate it, or better yet give it a decent burial, in a location where you can visit it from time to time. I placed ours to rest, with nice decorative stones covering the grave, a small headstone and yell at him every time I mow the grass, or just go out when everybody is away.
It's hard, very hard. Love him while you can and keep his memories strong with a S*(&Load of pictures. Do a scrapbook or many, but do them now.
You'll do fine.
2006-07-13 23:52:42 · answer #6 · answered by Mike B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like you've read here, stuffing you wouldn't really have your cat.
I'd go with cremation, but this is quite expensive, near $100. I had a female cat that lived to be 21 so if yours is still in good health you shouldn't worry yet.
2006-07-13 23:53:28 · answer #7 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had my first kitty for 17 years (since I was 17) I had her cremated and her ashes are in a little wooden box on my dresser. I would not recommend having her stuffed, she will not look like your beloved pet, she will look like a stuffed dead cat.
It is tough but you will be fine. Enjoy the time you still have with her.
2006-07-14 00:23:32 · answer #8 · answered by Sadie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you lose your cat, I would say do whatever you are comfortable with. It won't hurt the cat, and she won't care. In the meantime, she may live a few more years. Since you can't bear to lose her, get her to a good vet and have her tested for possible kidney problems.
Kidney problems are common in older cats. The sooner you catch them, the better. There is no cure, but there is treatment. I say this because, as my cat got older, my vet at the time told me any signs of age were "just old age".
When I finally took him to another, better vet, I found out it wasn't "just" old age, it was kidney failure. He lived for another year and a half, to almost seventeen. He probably would have lived to twenty if I'd caught it in time. I'll always regret that I didn't. Believe me, you don't want to feel the way I do...
You should also ask the vet if there are other potential problems she should be tested for, and what to watch out for in terms of symptoms. Such precautions could add a few years to her life. Believe me, it is worth it.
2006-07-14 00:04:36 · answer #9 · answered by Riothamus Of Research ;<) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had to put my Emily (dog) to sleep the night before her 15th birthday. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
She had been getting sick and I "knew" it was coming, but it still wasn't enough to prepare me with her death.
Once we were at the Vet's office, she asked if it was okay to proceed and I said yes. Right after I said it, Emily wagged her tail once, as if to tell me, "Mommy, it's ok. I love you and know that this is best for me!"
I gave her the best birthday gift - a peaceful rest with the Lord!
That was in 2002 and yes, I still grieve for her. I considered having her stuffed, but thought too many people would look down on me for that and feel "grossed out" to come to my home.
So, I had her creamated. I found a lovely pine box with a plastic frame on the front of it. Her picture has been inserted and the inscription reads, "EMILY ANN" "July 9, 1987 - July 9, 2002.
She will always be in my heart.
Good Luck! I KNOW what you are going through! May you find peace in your heart and make many more happy memories with your beloved pet. Cherish the memories and make a scrap book. That's what I did and it really helps to have something to look at once in a while!
2006-07-13 23:56:48 · answer #10 · answered by penwrite5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat lived to be 19 years old. I had him cremated and I have his ashes.
2006-07-13 23:49:54 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋