Tomorrow I'm taking my cat to the doctors and he may decide to keep him. He's 21 and not until the past few weeks he's been completely fine. He started getting mats in his fur and my mom had to shave his fur off with a razor. He was a year old when I was born and he is the greatest friend I ever had. I know he's lived a long life but I didn't expect this to happen so suddenly. I don't know if I can handle this :(
2007-10-01 04:41:56 · 22 answers · asked by BKelly237 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
i think he may just have a cold due to his shaved fur, that would explain why hes not eating
2007-10-01 06:15:47 · update #1
if it is just mats, this may be because she is old and can't groom herself like she should. you will need to brush her probably daily. now if there is an undrlying medical condition that is deminishing the quality of her life then you can start to think about that dreaded decision.
2007-10-01 05:05:09 · answer #1 · answered by macleod709 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So sorry for kitty and you. I just had to put my little girl down 2 weeks ago. It's never easy. The one before her was 21 too. He just got worn out but was fine until the day we decided to put him down. On that day he began falling. We knew it was time.
Point is, do monitor the cat to determine if he is suffering, in pain, etc. If it's just a grooming issue, my old guy needed some help there. I used kitty wipes and a gentle brush.
The main thing is to assess whether the cat is ill and in discomfort or just having an off day or 2 and needs help grooming.
If it's his time, then you'll have to make the hard decision. It's never easy but I'm sure he's so thankful for all of your love over the many years and he'll always be close to your heart.
Many Blessings.
2007-10-01 06:31:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry about your best friend. 21 years is a very good age for a cat. Sounds like it had a very loving and caring home. No matter what any-one puts, we cant really know how any-one reacts to a death. we all different in that way.
I found a web site for you, helps (if the worse does happen.) people with greif from a beloved pet, it also as a helpline number to talk people through their grief as well as a tribute and pet stories page. It may help you in some ways.
I cant put inot words on here on how you going to feel or react, but all i can say and i know its a cliche, Time does heal. web link below.
2007-10-01 05:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by cassy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all, your vet can't decide anything, and don't let your vet bully you -- it's YOUR choice. I don't understand what the health issue is -- his fur? That does not sound like a reason to put a cat to sleep!!
Oh, not eating -- that could be signs of a variety of sickness, including kidney and liver disease. But those are also treatable, even in old cats like yours, so I would try treatments before pts. Vets often don't want to bother, but IT IS YOUR CHOICE, not the vets'. But please be ready since at your cat's age he will eventually pass, if not tomorrow. Look at all the good times, say some nice words and take some sweet photos. It is hard but he will always be there with you, trust me.
2007-10-01 08:38:06 · answer #4 · answered by boncarles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry Hun.In my life of rescuing and having pets of my own I feel for u.I had to have my dobie put down In 2006.She was 15 years old(long life for dobie) but her health was failing and I wasn't about to let her suffer.I owed her better than that.21 is a long time and He knows u love him Hun.And u know what is best for him,as does ur vet.Pets are not only our pets,They are our friends,companions,and our kids.Sweetie I had shadow cremated after she was put down.And yes I stayed with her thru both shots.And it hurt.And I still cry.But as I sit here and type to u,Shadow sits beside me in her Lil urn and I know she is over the rainbow bridge .She was old and suffering.And If u need someone to talk to,or just someone to hear u rant and holler,U r welcome to email me.I am sorry hun.Maybe Once the Vet analizes him ,He may not have to be put down.But if so,remember U gave him a beautiful 21 years.As he did u.Good luck Hun.
2007-10-01 06:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by petshaven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry that you are having to face this decision. It is the one that all loving pet owners dread having to make and it takes courage, but it really is the final act of kindness that we can do for them. Your desire not to see him suffer in any way, will give you the strength to make the right decision.
If the vet does recommend that you have him put to sleep, then I would be guided by their advice. Whether you want to stay with your cat for his final moments is a very personal choice. I always have, because it gave me a last chance to hold them and tell them how much I loved them.
No matter how old they are, we all wish we could have more time with them. The nineteen years that I had with my previous cat seemed to go all too fast, but I feel blessed to have had her for so many years. Not all owners are so fortunate.
Having family and friends to talk to about him, and a shoulder to cry on can be a big help in dealing with the loss of a beloved pet.
2007-10-01 05:05:35 · answer #6 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow! He has had an incredibly long, wonderful life with you. You should be happy that you got to spend such a long time together--most pets don't live that long, and from what you have said, he had a very healthy life. Be strong, you can handle this. Just hold him close and tell him how much you love him--I am sure he already knows. Cherish the last moments that you have with him.
2007-10-01 04:49:01 · answer #7 · answered by colebolegooglygooglyhammerhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If his only health problem is matted fur, I wouldn't have thought they would put him to sleep. But even if it does happen, remember that 21 is a VERY good age for a cat, and you have obviously given him a good and loving home for him to have lived this long. Just be happy you've done such a good job for him, and put his interests first. good luck
2007-10-01 04:50:17 · answer #8 · answered by happy wife and mum 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to look at HIS quality of life, and decide if it is cruel to keep him alive.... my first cat was 23 when she passed away. Yes, she was thin, and deaf, and not able to take as good care of her fur as before, but she was happy, and otherwise in good health. Your cat may require extra care during his final days, such as cooking special food for him, grooming him, massages.... someone has to be around to do those things. Do you, or any member of your family, have that kind of time? You need to discuss this with Mom.
2007-10-01 04:49:49 · answer #9 · answered by Jennabean 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that's hard. We had to put our dog down just over a year ago and she's been around for as long as I can remember. I know it's no help right now...but, obviously your cat lived a good, long life, and now that he's suffering, it's time to let him go. In a way, it's emotionally easier to keep them around longer, but when they're suffering, the best thing to do is let them go. Love him lots today, do things that he loves (my dog loved cheese so we gave her cheese before we put her down), and tell him whatever you want so you won't have any regrets after.
It's hard though, I won't lie.
2007-10-01 04:50:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
mats in the fur arent a life threatening condition even for that age of a cat and mats usually come from unsufficient grooming
there are many support groups or online chats and things to help you if you lose your cat
2007-10-01 04:48:02 · answer #11 · answered by Cody 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋