I am so scared, I have had her almost my entire life it seems like and I am just really afraid for her and for me, she will not eat even her favorite food and I have been laying with her talking to her about all the things we have done, but I am scared. Please help.
2007-05-13 12:41:55 · 48 answers · asked by liberalady 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I can't take her to the vet at her age they will reccomend putting her down and I can't let go-sorry
2007-05-13 12:50:58 · update #1
I took her to the vet this morning (to the feline er) and they said it is old age and they said they could "put her down" or I could bring her home to die. I chose to bring her home surrounded by family and loved ones rather than to die in a strange enviroment-so I am simply trying very hard to enjoy this last bit of time with her. To all of you who gave heartfelt advice-thank you, several of your stories made me cry harder-thank you for sharing your pain with me so that I could relate and better understand my own.
2007-05-14 01:27:19 · update #2
Don't be scared, she's not. Death is a natural cycle, your cat has had a very long and happy life, she is not scared to move on and you shouldn't be scared for her.
It will be tough, I lost a cat that I had for what seemed like forever and it was horrible. I was so sad and I missed her so much, but she was getting old and she wasn't living the life she used to live. She was not scared to go, she laid down and fell asleep, she was ready and it was very peaceful.
I know it will be difficult, just remember all the great times you had with her, if you have pictures think about putting them in a scrapbook or photo album. Also think about adopting a cat in need in her honor, the shelters are overflowing with cats who need homes...make another cat very happy and save it's life in honor of your cats life.
Peace
2007-05-13 12:48:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
You have had 23 good years with your cat and that is fantastic for both of you but what you describe now is an ill suffering animal.
You need to take her to the vets because she is suffering. If all she has is a little infection it could just be antibiotics and then she will be well again, it may be a condition for which she can be treated for the rest of her life - it does not automatically mean she will have to die. The vets have a duty to advise you about all possibilities and if you don;t like what one says go to another and explain....
But please take her to the vets, she is suffering at the moment and if you don;t I think you are letting her down at a time when she needs you. if the vet does say it is old age and she is dying - then you can bring her back and manage her death in the least distressing way for you both.
2007-05-13 19:43:48 · answer #2 · answered by Lab fan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seems we all have the same answer for u but the truth is it is the best. So many things go wrong in a cat and way before they show the signs and symptoms. I know it is hard to let go I had to do the same with my cat of 19. A siamese, for over 12 yrs she lived with kidney problems and this is the biggest and most common problem cats have as they age. Specail foods help but at 23, not eating, drinking, making potty any where she lies is a sure sign. It will not get better and yes she is suffering. Not to be mean and hurt u but just think of yourself not eating, drinking, etc. U would be in pain and as wonderful pet owners as u are the best for her is to end the suffering. It may sound morbid to some but I had my cat privately creamated and her ashes returned to me. She has her place in my home and her picture beside her. I remember her fondly and know that when she needed me I was there to do the best by her. Letting go is the hardest thing to do but the best. Take your time in getting another unless u absolutely feel the need to. I waited and I went to the shelters and low and behold one trip there was the one that I knew I could not live without. When u find her predicessor u will know. Good luck to you and bless ur heart for loving her so much.
2007-05-13 17:24:31 · answer #3 · answered by tgarland03 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trust me a good vet won't suggest putting her down. I have a 22 year old cat and a wonderful vet whom I credit for helping us through the last 22 years together. (She was my first rescue cat at 2 days old when the mother, a stray was killed)
When they really get up there in age we know that every day is precious. Once we hit about 19 I stopped worrying about what I "should" feed her and started just giving her what she would eat. For her that is sometimes a little canned tuna, ground beef or chicken or on the odd occasion she will even eat a little dry dog food with her 7 teeth! Yes she actually seems to like the Wellness dog food although she won;t touch cat food of any type. So be it. She eats.
Try giving her a little something special. It may get her strength up and give her a little more spunk.
I will suggest taking lots of pictures and treasuring the rest of the time you have together. Make the effort to spend even an extra few minutes a day with her. Even little things like that can give them the will to go on.
If it's not to be you know you have given this cat a most wonderful life. Your heart will break of course when the time comes, but just remember as long as we always remember them they never really die.
I shall be praying for many more happy times for you and your little girl. May God bless you both.
2007-05-13 14:13:12 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. P's Person 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get the opinion of a vet. If she's been like this for a while then I'm afraid it doesn't sound good because of her age. She is a VERY good age for a cat. It will be hard for you to let go but it sounds like your cat has had a happy long life with a loving owner. If she's had enough then don't drag it out and let her suffer unnecessarily. Putting animals to sleep is a dignity we can offer them, and I only wish we could do the same for people when their time has come. I watched my beloved black lab put to sleep six years ago, it was very peaceful and he did not suffer.
If you refuse to take her to the vet then you already know the answer. Do the right thing. You know in your heart she has had enough, do not let her suffer.
2007-05-13 12:48:58 · answer #5 · answered by Poison 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My response would be take her to the vet, I know it is hard when they get old but some conditions when cats are old are treatable. You have a responsibility to look after her and prevent suffering by doing nothing you are not loving her you are being selfish which is a natural thing to feel when you are scared but realistically you wouldn't leave your child like this you would take her to the doctor so do the same for your cat. Your vet can do bloods to see what is wrong and there may be treatment available. Your cat if not eating or drinking will become dehydrated and go into renal failure, if this happens she will become weak then collapse then have fits then die slowly. I am sorry to be so blunt but you have to put your feelings aside and do what is best for your cat.
2007-05-13 13:09:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vets do not just automatically recommend putting animals to sleep just because they are old. The can do bloodwork and that is where they will get their recommendations. For all you know, the problems may not be that serious and with medical care, she could improve. But you will not know that unless you take her.
I hate to be so blunt, but if she is seriously ill and there is nothing they can do as far as treatment, giving her a peaceful end is much better than letter her die a lingering suffering death. A peaceful end is always better and that is the best way you can show her that you love her.
But like a said, just taking her to the vet does not mean you will have to put her to sleep. Doing nothing about her being so sick is very irresponsible. She needs medical care.
2007-05-13 12:58:38 · answer #7 · answered by tmrvt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily, just because of her age you think they will want to put her to sleep but it could be something that they can help her with.
I'm sorry, but in my opinion you should bite the bullet, so to speak and take her straight to the vets as you obviously care alot about her and to not take her, whatever the outcome could be causing her to suffer, especially if she is no longer eating etc. That's always a sure sign that all is not well.
If you love her that much, you will put her first. I know that sounds harsh but I was in your position a couple of years ago with my dog and the best thing I done was, didn't let her suffer and now have peace of mind whenever I think about her, knowing that she had a lovely life with me and no suffering at the end of it.
Its a horrid position to be in, I know, but do the right thing for her sake, she would Thank You for it!
2007-05-14 00:37:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all vets will pts -- it is your option. At that age, though, you have to be realistic that at some point she may go. It is an amazing age to get to. I just lost my nearly 12 year old cat, and she was my baby. It was hard, and I can imagine how attached you are, but they NEVER LEAVE YOU. Trust me. Syringe feed her, and maybe try a quarter pill of pepcid to calm any tummy problems, and she may feel a little better if you are afraid of the vet. Talking with her is the best thing for both of you, so continue doing this, share the times with her. You must have taken wonderful care of you, and she loves you a lot.
2007-05-13 20:52:02 · answer #9 · answered by boncarles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vets. The only thing is is you have to think of the cat. If you think it will be too stressed out you might want to keep it at home so it can die in peace. Just keep it by food, water and give it love and attention. 23 is a really good age!
2007-05-14 03:01:13 · answer #10 · answered by elle_schweedy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋