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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:
Original poster
UndertheCedartree · 20/07/2021 14:40

UPDATE

I phoned the vets as soon as they opened and they said to bring him straight down. My DD (9) asked for some photos with him. I had told her the most probable outcome and we both had a cry. By the time we got him to the vets he had become less responsive. The vet said he was dehydrated and quite cold. It was clear his body was shutting down. He was put to sleep peacefully while I stroked him. He had a lovely long life. We will miss him dreadfully. I'm not looking forward to telling DS when he comes home tomorrow but I know we did the right thing. Thank you for everyone for being there when I couldn't think straight x

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 20/07/2021 14:44

Sorry to hear your update, it's actually upset me more than I thought.

Had to get my girl PTS last year and fucking covid meant I couldn't stay with her.

Know you gave your cat a good life and did the final thing you could for him, you let him go. Have lots of cuddles with your DD and a big glass of wine later.

ZaraW · 20/07/2021 15:01

Sorry you had to go through that but he's no longer suffering and at peace. He had a happy life. Sadly it was time to say good bye. Hope your children are OK too.

AwkwardPaws27 · 20/07/2021 15:05

You did the right thing Flowers

BreakfastClub80 · 20/07/2021 15:09

Flowers for you all. I’m so sorry.

Soubriquet · 20/07/2021 15:11

I’m sorry but it needs to be sooner rather than later

If he can’t walk, the poor cat is going to soil itself and they don’t like being dirty

Plus, food and drink.

And you can’t watch it like a hawk over night not either.

Soubriquet · 20/07/2021 15:11

Bugger. Missed the update

I’m sorry

I’m so sorry for your loss OP. You did the right thing

readingismycardio · 20/07/2021 15:13

I'm literally crying. I am so sorry for your loss Thanks

gogohm · 20/07/2021 15:31

Hugs, horrible isn't it. Thanks

Been on tenderhooks as my boy was having major surgery today but he seems to be ok, lots of rehab and waiting on biopsy results.

ViewFromHalfway · 20/07/2021 15:49

OP, I'm so so sorry. You did the right thing.

Take time to grieve and be kind to yourself and the kids. Flowers

RestingPandaFace · 20/07/2021 15:52

You did the kindest thing to give your old friend a gentle and dignified end Flowers

2bazookas · 20/07/2021 15:55

You'll feel terrible if the cat gets painful or distressed in the middle of the night, or is in a very bad way when DC arrives home.

Timing old-age pet euthenasia is always dreadfully hard, sorry. The first time, I delayed it longer than I should . After wards, I knew the best thing for the pets sake, was to have let go earlier.

It's the cat's time. I'm afraid your DC's needs should not take precedence over the cat's.

EL8888 · 20/07/2021 15:55

So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all

Original poster
UndertheCedartree · 20/07/2021 16:09

@Crunchymum - I'm so sorry to hear about your girl and that you couldn't be with her. I know it's no consolation but the staff would have been very caring and gentle with her. Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
UndertheCedartree · 20/07/2021 16:11

Thank you so much for all the messages - means a lot Flowers

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 20/07/2021 16:16

Bless you, Sorry I didn't mean to make this a pity party about me!

I am glad you got to have many happy years with your boy and when the end came it was quick and you helped him the best way you could.

It is such early days but maybe in the future you'll feel ready to open you home to another furry devil. I feel bad even suggesting it and it's not a replacement, some homes just "need" a cat.

My 9 month old kitty is currently under his own fan (he was unwanted and came to us at Christmas, much to my guilt and trepidation as we'd only lost our girl a few months before, but God he has made our home happy!!)

user1471538283 · 20/07/2021 16:28

I'm so sorry. It is so difficult because we want them to live forever. But your Dcat knew he was loved and so well looked after.

I'm dreading this with our Boycat. He is 17 as well.

Your Dcat had an active and independent life up to his last day and that is a wonderful thing.

MrsVeryTired · 20/07/2021 16:32

Sorry for your loss but you did the right thing Flowers
When my lovely very old DCat was fading I came down one morning and she couldn't get up, I knew it was time Sad

Forgottenyeti · 20/07/2021 16:43

You did the right thing. I'm so sorry Flowers

I agree with previous poster, mine was a similar age and I was quite distraught. Looking at the cat shelter pages really did help me. I did end up with 3 cats though.

Also planted her favourite type of plant in the garden. That might be a nice thing to do with the kids.

Veterinari · 20/07/2021 17:09

@UndertheCedartree

UPDATE

I phoned the vets as soon as they opened and they said to bring him straight down. My DD (9) asked for some photos with him. I had told her the most probable outcome and we both had a cry. By the time we got him to the vets he had become less responsive. The vet said he was dehydrated and quite cold. It was clear his body was shutting down. He was put to sleep peacefully while I stroked him. He had a lovely long life. We will miss him dreadfully. I'm not looking forward to telling DS when he comes home tomorrow but I know we did the right thing. Thank you for everyone for being there when I couldn't think straight x

Thanks

Take care of yourself OP and well done on making that tough decision so quickly

ilovesooty · 20/07/2021 17:18

I'm so sorry that you lost your lovely cat. He was evidently much loved by you all.

Original poster
UndertheCedartree · 21/07/2021 14:37

@Crunchymum - please share away, it is fine Smile We already have another 4yo boy cat who is very sweet and full of beans!

Thank you everyone for your kind comments.

OP posts:
Rupertpenrysmistress · 21/07/2021 15:02

So sorry, I can't stand these threads I always imagine the lovely cat from the description. It's the last kind thing you can do for your lovely dcat and something the best owners do. Take care I hope your DS is ok.

Junkmail · 21/07/2021 17:04

Im so sorry for your loss. It’s very hard. We lost two of our cats over the past year after long illnesses. One of them in particular was very closely bonded with my husband and one of the other cats and it’s been very difficult to be without him. I’m glad you didn’t wait—tbh we waited too long because my husband couldn’t face it and it was very emotionally hard to nurse the cat at the end. He was such a good boy and it was heartbreaking to see him like that. Although I hate to say it I felt relief when my husband finally agreed to pts and I knew our boy was at peace. I hope you can find some comfort in that too and 17 is a wonderful long life.

AlfonsoTheMango · 21/07/2021 17:13

OP, you have my sympathies.

Flowers
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