Not even sure why I’m posting, I’m very emotional and just feel like I need to write it down. My 3-year-old boy cat was put to sleep yesterday. He was rescued at 6 weeks old and has never been quite “right”; he was always very nervous and jumpy over the slightest noise and the littlest things could set him off for days, he’d hide and hiss at everyone except me. Despite that, he was very affectionate and has been my shadow during lockdown. Anyway, a few days ago he went very quiet, didn’t want to be stroked and then couldn’t wee. We took him to the emergency vets and they said he had a blocked bladder, they sedated him and put a catheter in to unblock him. We took him home and he was so stressed out with feeling woozy from the anaesthetic and having to be shut in one room. He then seemed a bit better for a day or so but then yesterday it happened again. We took him to the vets and they said (in the nicest possible way) that I needed to make a decision. They could unblock him again but given that it was caused by stress it would probably just keep happening. The next option would be surgery but they said that he wasn’t a good candidate for it given his temperament; it would stop the blockages but he wouldn’t be a happy cat. It was heartbreaking but I decided to have him put to sleep. The vet said it was probably the right decision in those circumstances but I feel awful. I can’t stop crying:
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The litter tray
I'm sorry for your loss. Losing a cat at any time is awful, but it must be doubly hard when he was so young. 
Sorry for your loss.
My 10 tear old was pts in Dec - that felt too early. But I know that his time has run out. He was unwell.That was the best thing I could do for him. And you have done the same - taken professional advice and acted on it. Many people dont.
But I didnt know cats could get blockages in that way - from stress? I dont think a lot of research is done into cats - they do seem to have quite complex issues at time.
@spongedog
My 10 tear old was pts in Dec - that felt too early. But I know that his time has run out. He was unwell.That was the best thing I could do for him. And you have done the same - taken professional advice and acted on it. Many people dont.
But I didnt know cats could get blockages in that way - from stress? I dont think a lot of research is done into cats - they do seem to have quite complex issues at time.
Apparently stress can cause spasms in the urethra so it would have been a vicious circle with him - the treatment and recovery would cause him more stress so it would keep happening and the surgery would just be too much for him.
He’d had cystitis previously so we were already monitoring diet, fluid intake etc.
He was my first pet (other than a hamster when I was a kid) so it’s horrible not having him here. He was a massive comfort to my son when his dad passed away so he’s not taken it well :(
So sorry for your loss, poor little soul. This condition does seem to be a problem for many cats. One of my cats was in & out of the vets with this and I was told the same. Fortunately, he recovered well, but I know how stressful it is. Cats are sensitive little creatures. Wishing you and your son well
@Fluffycloudland77
No I agree, he didn’t sound keen on me opting for the surgery at all. Tbh it sounds a bit traumatic for any cat but even worse for one with that temperament. He sounded relieved when I said pts, he obviously thought that was the kindest thing to do. I just feel guilty because I couldn’t be with him and the house feels different, but that’ll just take time to get used to. I know it was for the best but it’s not a nice choice to have to make. Thank you everyone
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