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Original poster

I am worrying about my cat again [sad].

684 replies

TheOriginalFAB · 19/04/2011 12:27

She just took ages to get half up to then settle down and didn't seem to know what to do with her front right paw. Then after a minute she got down off the sofa and went out of the room.

She is 16. Her kidneys are failing, she has arthritis and has hypoestesias. She is on 4 tablets a day and special food. I am taking her for an extra check up this evening as she wasn't very well at all last week and had lost weight. She looks like she might have lost more Sad.

The vet said we are not at that point yet but part of me worries we are but he doesn't want to say as he knows how potty I am about her. She did play a bit yesterday though and is eating the new food we had to buy her after refusing to eat anything else.

OP posts:
RoryCeilingCat · 01/11/2011 20:13

Hi FAB

I'm a bit raw with this, having had the amazingClaude pts today, but something I read on here comforted me - 'better a day too soon, than a day too late'. It is shit, it really is. And I was so scared he'd be sad and realise, but it was actually terribly dignified. And you will know. You will. I thought I wouldn't, and even today I was thinking 'is it really time?' but then I looked at him and you know, he wasn't Claude anymore. Not Claude as he should have been or was. And I guess that's how you know. It was just somehow clear (sad, but clear).

Obviously I hope you have lots of time left with her. Sorry if I've hijacked.

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 01/11/2011 20:18

Oh RCC Sad. I am so sorry you have lost your lovely cat. Do you want to tell us about him?

I still think she is FABCat but seemed a bit less today when she was washimg herself and then went for me. Since tonight she has been herself though - even though that just means she has had a bit of tea and slept the rest of the time.

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RoryCeilingCat · 01/11/2011 20:30

FAB - I've started a separate thread about him, but thank you. It's rubbish. I knew it would happen, he was DH's cat more than mine, yet I'm still stupidly in bits. Ridiculous. That's why - though it was a joint decision - DH needed to get there for it to happen. He categorically knew today, as will you, and that's what allowed him to say goodbye.

Blooming cats. They entwine themselves round your hearts and lives and then you're all suckered in and loving them.

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 01/11/2011 20:34

Mine always got away with murder but now she never gets told off for anything and gets to do all that she wants Grin.

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Marlinspike · 01/11/2011 20:54

You'll know it's the right time when your wish for FABcat to be at peace outweighs your wish to have her with you. You maybe find it difficult to imagine yourself in that position, but I am sure you will.

Sorry for your loss Rory, I have seen your other thread about Claude -so sad! Sad

Onemorning · 01/11/2011 21:33

(((RCC))) I'm so sorry that you lost Claude.

FAB, I am worried every day about The Venerable Oscar (17 and 5 months). Today he was poorly - turns out it was something grim (won't describe) but easily sortable, and he lives another day. He was my companion the first time I lived alone and I describe him as my soul cat. And I sing to him because I am a saddo.

TL:DR we'll never be tired of hearing about FAB cat. xx

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 01/11/2011 21:35

I don't want her with me if she is suffering.

OP posts:
Onemorning · 01/11/2011 21:52

I think I know exactly what you mean, FAB. Our oldies are wonderful but a worry too xxx

Jux · 01/11/2011 22:37

Oh I'm so sorry about Claude (love your name, ceilingcat).

It is hard but it is also right when the time comes, and yes, you do know.

FAB, no vet likes to pts a happy animal, they would be very upset if you tried to get it done too soon. Vets are vets because they care about animals. Your vet will let you know either way. You won't do it too soon. You will know.

oopslateagain · 02/11/2011 11:02

Oh FAB, you will know when the time comes, you really will. If you are looking at FABcat wondering, is it time? Is she suffering? I'm not sure? then it's not time yet, you will know when the time comes, believe me.

Oopscat has stopped coming upstairs at night, not sure if he has just decided the sofa is more comfortable or if he just can't climb the stairs at the moment. Sad Will try and tempt him up there with some treats later to see if he can manage.

He is currently asleep on my feet convenient excuse to play on computer) Grin

oopslateagain · 02/11/2011 11:03

oops. Strikethrough fail. Blush

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 02/11/2011 11:09

I have only just got back from the school run and am so greatful to see your messages. I have just sat down on the blanket and got up to rearrange it as FABCat was trying to knead it and couldn't get it right. not spoilt at all

She was at the door when I came home. She must have been wondering where I was as I was so much later back from school than usual. She had a bit to eat while I put the washing on and is now next to me.

I am reassured that I will know. Thank you all. I do feel silly about this that I am worrying so much (and look how long ago I started this thread and she is still here Blush) and I don't know if it is time. Ironic that her kidneys failing don't seem to be causing a problem whereas her arthritis is.

DH suggested gently stroking her legs when she is happy to see if yesterdays lash out was due to stroppiness or pain.

OP posts:
Jux · 02/11/2011 17:42

With people, arthritis can be soothed a bit with a hot water bottle. Perhaps, if you put one under a few layers of her blanket, it will help?

Jux · 02/11/2011 17:42

PS, you're not being silly.

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 02/11/2011 18:12

I will try a hot water bottle. No doubt DH will laugh and FABCat will be Confused but I am willing to try anything. I feel like I have hardly seen her today but she hasn't appeared in pain and hasn't ripped up half a trees worth of paper, so all good. I did pick a bit of paper off her mouth so she has been up to something, just haven't found the rest of it yet...

OP posts:
oopslateagain · 02/11/2011 18:50

Ahh don't do the hot water bottle! Claws... Grin

Chuck a couple of handfuls of rice in an old sock, tie the top, microwave it for 1 minute. Lovely and warm and no water!!!!

That is a fab idea (the heat), don't know why I haven't thought of it before with my old boy. I'll try it tonight. Thanks Jux

Onemorning · 02/11/2011 18:57

You're definitely not being silly, FAB. FABcat is lucky to have someone who loves her as much as you do - I'm sure she knows.

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 02/11/2011 19:13

I just told DH about me moving the blanket, etc and he is trying to say FABCat is spoilt ShockGrin.

He doesn't think she would sit on a hot water bottle. I was also wondering about claws Grin.

I haven't got any rice in but I will get some. She is just nodding off now [ahhhh].

OP posts:
Jux · 02/11/2011 19:23

I thought if a bottle wasn't filled much and wrapped in several layers of blanket, then it wasn't so likely to be punctured; but you're right, "water water everywhere" would not help anyone's stress levels!

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 02/11/2011 19:25

Especially as FABCat is scared of water!!

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Jux · 03/11/2011 00:13

I think your DH was being utterly unreasonable for saying FABcat is spoilt,
and you should leave the bastard. Wink

In the meantime, we have those pocket-warmer things for when we're camping. They can get quite hot. Try one of those? (that looks like I mean instead of dh Grin !)

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 03/11/2011 12:41

DH has been redeemed. He told me to ring the vet about FABCat. She was tearing at some paper so I gently touched her to see if she was playing, being naughty or in pain. My ears and foot testify to the fact she was in pain SadSad. The poor vet has 3 emergencies come in today, is fully booked and off tomorrow but the receptionist has taken the message and I am sure he will ring if he feels he needs to see her. He might want to wait until she has been on her medicine for a week so that will be Monday. I can't believe her kidneys are failing but it seems to be her arthritis that is causing her problems.
tries not to cry

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Onemorning · 03/11/2011 17:46

Sending get well wishes to FABcat, FAB, I hope she's okay xx (Stupid advice alert) try not to worry.

Jux · 03/11/2011 18:18

Sad for you and FABcat. Fingers crossed the vet can see you asap, and that FABcat feels better.

Original poster
TheOriginalFAB · 03/11/2011 18:49

She is currently washing her tail and has eaten nearly all her tea.

I am just waiting for the vet to ring.

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