I think it's time for kittycat heaven

[AnnaMariaWhiskers]

My lovely Lola is not a happy cat. She's probably older than 15 (came from the rspca) and we've spoiled her for 5 years. A couple of years ago she went blind. She's also on medicationfor kidney disease, high blood pressure and dementia. She's happy when she's asleep or has undivided attention from me or dh. Any other time she wails and wonders about seeming lost. It's 5am and she's screaming, obviously distressed. Keep her in and we don't sleep, put her out or in the garage and she must wake the whole neighbourhood. I don't think it's fair on her to keep her going and have made up my mind to call the vet tomorrow. It's such a hard decision, she's my little princess. I'm pregnant, which doesn't help when making these decisions. But she's only gong to get less attention when the baby's born, which will add to her unhappiness. I'm really struggling with this, I know it will make things better for us all, but I still feel really guilty. I thought about rehoming her, but I doubt anyone would have her so she'd likely get pts and I'd rather that was done by someone who cares about her. Just finding the whole situation very difficult.

If she were mine, I would have her PTS. She's had a good long life, but now she's in poor health and she's blind. It sounds like she's only really happy when you're there as you make her feel safe. The rest of the time the blindness and dementia probably are quite distressing for her. On that basis, I think rehoming would be cruel as cats are very attached to their surroundings/ territory.

It's hard to know how she'll react to the baby. Mine were okay, albeit once he was mobile they became less keen. Also, I have two, so they just have their own love-in and are less dependent on attention from us.

HTH

Morning Anna. I think it is the kindest thing to do. TBH I don't think she is enjoying life and the addition of a newborn baby crying will be very frightening for a blind cat.

Call the vet and discuss it, but by the sound of it he/she will agree with you.

I think you're right. It feels heartbreaking to do but it's the right thing for her. Death is part of life, it is not always a bad thing.

heartbreaking as it is i think you would be doing the right thing by her, its never an easy decision, dont feel guilty you have given her a wonderful happy years x

Thank you for your replies. I've just called the vet and he agreed that having her pts is the best thing. So he's coming in Monday (he wouldhave done it today but I need my dh to be here when it happens, I think I might go out). What you've all written is so comforting, really helps to be able to look back at it when I'm having doubts or feeling guilty. I love Lola so much, but realizing that for any time she's not asleep or on someone's lap she's scared is so sad. I shouldn't put her through it . She's going to get loads of cuddles and treats this weekend.

You have made the right decision , and the vet agrees.

A brave and loving decision AMW. Its tough isnt it, especially that last bit of time together. That said, keep holding on to the fact you are doing it out of your love for her. All the best for Monday x

Poor old Lola, but well done you for making a very difficult decisions. Enjoy your last weekend together.

Ah, you're all so kind. I really appreciate your support. Thankfully I've had a day off today, so lola and I have been doing some of our favourite things - snoozing, watching TV together, eating treats (dreamies for lola, Choc for me!), reading Beatrix potter books to lola and the bump - just hope it's sunny at the weekend so she can snooze in the sunshine for a bit. Dh is bringing her home a big pack of ham to nibble through. Still feeling sad, but trying to make the most of it, and so comforted that your thinking I'm doing he right thing. x

We went through this with our cat. She was poorly but ok then took a turn for the worse while we were on holiday and my Mum and Dad were looking after her.

They whizzed her off to the vets who said the time had come. He said it could wait a day or two if we wanted to come home and say goodbye, but I asked Dad if he could make the arrangements to have it done before we got home. My Mum spent the day with her giving cuddles and Dad took her to the vets to be with her when she was PTS.

When is your baby due?

Sparkling, that must have been tough on you and your mum and dad. I don't think I could be there when the time actually comes, DH has always said he will, and will be there on MOnday (he wanted to be a vet, and is good with squeamish things). I think I'll give Lola lots of cuddles, say goodbye and invite myself for a cup of tea at a friends house for half and hour. THe vet's taking her away for cremation, so she'll be gone when I get back. Some people would probably say that I should be there, but I'm sure she knows she's loved, and it would probably be worse for her if I was there upset.
My baby's not due until September (really excited btw as it's my first), so it's not iminent. But we've got a fairly small house and things are already appearing or being moved around which is unsettling for Lola, and it'll only get worse, so there's no point putting off the inevitable. It's a bit sad as Lola is my little friend I talk to when DH is away, but I'll have a new little friend in September. My dh says that in a few years we can get another cat, I'm glad about that - I don't want to rush into replacing Lola, but I've always had cats growing up and it just doesn't feel like 'home' without a cat somewhere about. And I hope to be a crazy old cat lady one day! Gosh, I sound like one already! (But they are lovely) x

Thinking of you today Anna.

I had to have my lovely old boy put down when he was 17 and thoroughly miserable. It's heart-breaking - I really feel for you.
I was holding him in my lap and we had a nice cuddle and then the vet did his thing - it was all very quick and peaceful. If you do decide to go - it's upsetting, but not traumatic, IYSWIM.
You're doing the right thing.

I've had three PTS. All were peaceful and dignified. ((((Anna))))

Hi Anna. How are you?

Hi Sparkling, hassled, rips and fellow cat lovers. Thanks for your message, and I really appreciate you thinking about me, and all your support, it really has helped. Sorry to hear so many of you have gone through similar sad times. I'm doing OK. I decided to be with Lola when she went to sleep this evening, and it was much better than I thought it would be. The vet was lovely and Lola looked like she was having the best most peaceful snooze ever (with no poorly eyes, kidneys, heart, or tummy, or being scared). To be honest the worse bit was phoning the vet in the first place and it was a relief really when it was all over. Very sad though that I'm not dishing up any cat food tonight. I'm sure it will hit me over the next few days when I don't see her little face around the house, but we have lovely memories and pictures of her and she won't be forgotten. Thanks again, and may you all enjoy many years of cuddles with your lovely kittycats x x

I am so glad you are ok Anna. When we had our cat PTS we went to the garden centre and bought a stone cat to sit in the garden to remember her by, so you could do something like that.

You will miss her, that's only natural. Look after yourself, x

just seen your thread

i remember having to have my cat PTS-she had dementia and was unable to go out as lay in road and cried when cars came and was pooing on work surfacesand rolling in it near the end

its never an easy decision but you knowdeep down its the right thing to do