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Original poster

Can I wait to take cat to the vets?

64 replies

UndertheCedartree · 20/07/2021 06:55

I've got up this morning to find my lovely 17 yo cat is unable to stand up. I have settled him on a fleece blanket and he has had some water and a little food. I have stroked him lots and he has purred away. He doesn't appear to be in any pain or distress.

Usually I'd phone the vets this morning. Obviously he needs to be put to sleep Sad But my DS (14) is away on a camp until tomorrow lunchtime. Would it be cruel to wait til then so DS can say goodbye? Obviously if between now and then he appears in pain or distressed I would take him immediately. I'm so sad I can't think straight or work out what's best 😿

OP posts:
wellingtonbear · 20/07/2021 06:56

Do it today x

Forgottenyeti · 20/07/2021 06:59

I think you need to go today. I know how awful it is. I'm sorry Flowers

PickleAF · 20/07/2021 07:00

@UndertheCedartree

I've got up this morning to find my lovely 17 yo cat is unable to stand up. I have settled him on a fleece blanket and he has had some water and a little food. I have stroked him lots and he has purred away. He doesn't appear to be in any pain or distress.

Usually I'd phone the vets this morning. Obviously he needs to be put to sleep Sad But my DS (14) is away on a camp until tomorrow lunchtime. Would it be cruel to wait til then so DS can say goodbye? Obviously if between now and then he appears in pain or distressed I would take him immediately. I'm so sad I can't think straight or work out what's best 😿

Take him now - please please don't wait. It's not fair on your cat, I'm sure your DS will understand (and potentially their last memory will be a positive one vs seeing the cat in distress). If the cat can't move they'll soil where they are, which isn't fair to them. Hopefully your vet can advise ASAP x
ZaraW · 20/07/2021 07:00

I would call the vets to ask their advice. If he isn't in pain it may be ok to wait until your son gets home to say goodbye.

GnomeyGnome · 20/07/2021 07:02

Cats are so good at hiding pain I think it's impossible to know for sure whether they're comfortable or not. Completely understand the wish for your son to say goodbye but perhaps sooner is better. It may also be easier for your son to remember your cat how they were and not have to see them in this condition.

Whatever you decide, I'm sorry for your loss it's so tough to take Flowers

ViewFromHalfway · 20/07/2021 07:06

I would definitely at least speak to the vet because they're the one who will be able to tell you if it's cruel to wait. If the animal isn't suffering/can have pain managed for a day or so they do tend to be pretty good at giving you options and explaining whether it needs to be done immediately or it can be held off for a short period.

I'm sorry, though, OP. This is a hard time for you and your DS. We had to have our husky PTS quite suddenly recently and it was really upsetting but it was absolutely the best thing for her. Flowers

Wooollffff · 20/07/2021 07:07

You need to do it now. Your son doesn’t need to see the cat like this. Are you really doing it for your son or because you can’t face it. You don’t know if the cat will deteriorate further and be in pain and distress and if it is outside of the vet’s opening hours, it will be even more difficult and unpleasant, as well as expensive.

I am very sorry.

LadyLolaRuben · 20/07/2021 07:08

Take him to the vet for an assessment and get their advice

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 20/07/2021 07:09

Yes take to the vet, and take their advice!!

TheZeppo · 20/07/2021 07:10

He might be in pain- cats purr to self-soothe.

I’m so sorry 😢Flowers please take him to the vets.

Veterinari · 20/07/2021 07:12

Cats will purr when they're in pain.

How will he toilet for the next 24 hours? How will he eat or drink when he wants?

Will he spend the next 24 hours needing to go to the toilet, wanting to drink, unable to move, away to a quiet spot or lie in the sun?
The chances are he'll be uncomfortable - please make this decision before he's suffering, not after he's suffering/in pain

ThinWomansBrain · 20/07/2021 07:16

poor baby - and sorry for your loss, but it's unfair to let him suffer for no good reason.

MichaelGovesBeard · 20/07/2021 07:18

Cats will pure when stressed or in pain. You need to take him to the vet today. It’s the last action of love and respect you can show for your pet.

I have a 14yr old ds and know how you feel. But the cat has to come first in this instance Flowers

MichaelGovesBeard · 20/07/2021 07:18

*purr

warmfluffytowels · 20/07/2021 07:18

Purring is a sign of pain as well as happiness.

Please take your cat to the vet and do as they recommend. I am so sorry Sad

Original poster
UndertheCedartree · 20/07/2021 07:20

Thank you for all your replies. I will call the vet for advice this morning.

@GnomeyGnome.- yes, that's a good point they can hide pain well. I wouldn't want him to be in any pain Sad

@ViewFromHalfway - I'm sorry about your husky Flowers

@Wooollffff - no, I can face it and I will do this morning. If he deteriorates before the vet opens I can take him to the animal hospital which is open 24/7.

@TheZeppo - yes, I did think about the self-soothe purring. He didn't appear to be purring when I wasn't stroking him which I took to be a good sign. Nevertheless I will contact the vet this morning.

OP posts:
Original poster
UndertheCedartree · 20/07/2021 07:26

@Veterinari - he actually weed on me while I was holding him! He has food and drink within reach and is on a fleece blanket with towel underneath for if he wees again. But yes, you're quite right he can't stay like this for a whole day and a half Sad

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 20/07/2021 07:28

So very sorry but please don’t wait. Cats in pain will still purr.

stellaisabella · 20/07/2021 07:37

Please go today - so sorry Thanks

Veterinari · 20/07/2021 08:31

[quote UndertheCedartree]@Veterinari - he actually weed on me while I was holding him! He has food and drink within reach and is on a fleece blanket with towel underneath for if he wees again. But yes, you're quite right he can't stay like this for a whole day and a half Sad[/quote]
The fact that he weed on you suggests his bladder is very full and possibly overflowing

He'll be uncomfortable and distressed sitting in his own waste and not being able to move/toilet/drink as he chooses

Thanks
violetbunny · 20/07/2021 09:06

Please put your cat first. Your son will get over it. The cat on the other hand, well I would dread to be in his position. Take him to the vet.

violetbunny · 20/07/2021 09:09

Also, purring can also be a sign they are in pain. It's a form of self soothing.

PinkLilyPinkRose · 20/07/2021 09:15

I think maybe it will be nicer for your DS to remember DCat as active and healthy. Flowers

LST · 20/07/2021 09:18

Sorry this is happening to you. I do agree with pp about going today.

Thinking of you x

StaceysmomandIhavegotitgoinon · 20/07/2021 09:19

Cats hide pain by preserving energy. Call the vet as they may not be able to fit you in anyway and can give you a liquid painkiller unril its time. So very sorry you ate going through this as we have gone through it recently ourselves x

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