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Original poster

caring for elderly cat who sadly I belive only has a couple of days

30 replies

CaptainUnderpants · 31/05/2009 15:07

Our elderly cat look like he might only have a couple of days left. A couple of days ago he virtually over night became very quite and withdrawn . i came down in the morning to find a poo near to where he had been sleeping ( very unlike him ).

He is hardly eating,drinking or moving . I have put water and food where is is laying but not really interested and this afternoon he wet his bed.

He is very weak in back legs and he will be going to vet tomorrow ( if he makes it through the night ) and looks like we will have to make a tough decision with him.

I want to make his time at home comfortable any suggestions ? He is being left in peace and quite with food and water and has somewher comft to lay . But the whole thing is breaking mine and DH hearts.

He is 18 and has been on dialy tablets for kidneys problems over last couple of years . He has had a good life which sadly is coming to an end .

OP posts:
FabulousBakerGirl · 31/05/2009 15:10

Oh dear.

I would be wanting to cuddle him but maybe peace and quiet is the best thing? Offer him some treat - salmon, prawns etc, something really nice to see if he just doesn't want to eat full stop or doesn't fancy his normal food.

I dread this day with mine.

I hope if it is the end, it is painless and peaceful for him.

Sorry

Original poster
CaptainUnderpants · 31/05/2009 15:16

It is very unusaul for him to be off his food, he is usaully hounding me so to speak.

Do you think he may have had a stroke as it is all very sudden , he only went to the vet a couple of weeks ago for routine check up , had blood taken etc and his kidney functions weer all Ok .

OP posts:
FabulousBakerGirl · 31/05/2009 15:37

Have you got anything to try and tempt him?

bella39 · 31/05/2009 15:40

Warm and quiet, with food and water close by is all you can do really.

Very for you & your cat.

Original poster
CaptainUnderpants · 31/05/2009 15:45

I'll try some salmon .

OP posts:
girlywhirly · 31/05/2009 17:23

I know you don't want to hear this, but his kidneys could be failing. The symptoms you describe are pretty much the same as my 19 yo cat had. In addition, his legs were very weak and had to be lifted on and off the sofa, and almost fell down the stairs. He had some special soft food that is given to post-operative animals, but wasn't interested. I did try to drip water into his mouth from a syringe.

I would call the vet tomorrow and see what they can do to make him more comfortable maybe analgesia if appropriate, but it may be kinder to put him to sleep. I'm so sorry for you all, it's a horrible decision to have to make, but one we try to make in the best interests of our beloved pets.

bella39 · 31/05/2009 18:11

girlywhirly - OP has already said cat is going to vet tomorrow, probably to be pts

ouchitreallyhurts · 31/05/2009 19:22

how did the salmon go down captainunderpants? I know my cat loved tuna and it was all she would eat when she was very poorly.
we did the same as you and just made sure she was comfortable and the children were quiet around her. I don't think there is much more you can do until you see the vet tomorrow.

whooosh · 31/05/2009 19:40

Pilchards!! They seem to be the only thing that really sick cats willmake an effort to eat.

Sosorry or you but what a great age. Spend time with him,stroke him and try to keep him clean which is all cats crave.

Best of luck tomorrow-will be thining of you.

Original poster
CaptainUnderpants · 31/05/2009 22:14

He ate some of the salmon , is drinking water. He ventured outside at tea time and lay under a bush . I carried him back in the house early evening and he is in the front room on pillow on the floor with food and water .

OP posts:
bella39 · 31/05/2009 22:25

hope he has a comfortable night x

FabulousBakerGirl · 01/06/2009 12:39

How is he today?

Original poster
CaptainUnderpants · 01/06/2009 20:10

He is not moving much although eating a little ( salmon only !) Its like his legs have packed up .

We have an appointment with vet tomorrow evening . Couldn't get the last appointmnet for tonight and also our usual vet wasn't there just a locum. Just wanted our usual vet as he knows the cat well. Daft isn't it.

It does look like he will have to be put to sleep.

OP posts:
FabulousBakerGirl · 01/06/2009 20:18

I am sorry

bella39 · 01/06/2009 20:48

Best of luck tomorrow.

poopscoop · 01/06/2009 22:50

oh that is so sad. will be thinking about you tommo.

FabulousBakerGirl · 02/06/2009 07:56

I hope all goes well today.

whooosh · 02/06/2009 08:00

Thinking of you today

bella39 · 02/06/2009 19:49

How did you get on, Captain?

Original poster
CaptainUnderpants · 02/06/2009 21:15

Hi ,

took him to vet tonight and saw our usual vet who only had to take one look at him getting out of the cat box to confirm the worst.

The vet could feel a mass in his stomach and the decsion was made to put him to sleep .

My Dh came with me to vet but could n't bare to be there when it came to it , I stayed with Ginger and it was all very quick , the right time for him to go.

The vet said that him laying under the bush was Gingers way of finding somewhere to go and pass away himself .

He had a good 18 yrs of life and will be missed.

We have another cat at home , same age as Ginger ( from same litter ) so I dont know how she is going to be now her brother has gone.

xx

OP posts:
bella39 · 02/06/2009 21:19

Oh, I am sorry, Captain. At least it was a peaceful end to a very long and happy life

Original poster
CaptainUnderpants · 02/06/2009 21:20

Thanks , time to have a glass of wine and raise a toast to Ginger .

OP posts:
nevergonnapost · 02/06/2009 21:29

so sorry to here about your poor wee cat i have had to deal with this quite a few times over the years and it doesnt get any easier hope you are ok

aristocat · 02/06/2009 21:31

hi captain,
so sorry about your Ginger
i had 2 boys from the same litter and we lost the dominant one [Reggie] on sep 11th nearly two yrs ago. Ronnie has adapted well on his own but he did miss him for a long time and kept sitting in the garden - as if he was waiting for him to come home.

we still miss him now and DC's talk about him all the time.
however i couldnt imagine Ronnie sharing us with another cat so he has remained our only cat.
please remember all the love and good things Ginger gave you and perhaps you have a nice photo that you can treasure.
wishing you and your family all the best

FabulousBakerGirl · 03/06/2009 07:45

Oh dear.

I am so sorry.

How is your other cat doing?

Such a sad time when a loved pet leaves us.