Probably cat to sleep today - how to explain to 3 year old?

[Liskey]

Me and DH in tears this morning, big banging noise at 5 this morning and came down to find cat in a bad state. Her eyes were staring and head tilted to one side and can't walk without shaking. She's been off her food for a week and took her to vets yesterday who gave anti-biotics in case of a virus as she felt gassy brought her home and she was playing and chasing off another cat in "her" garden. Went to emergency vet who suspected neurgiocal/stroke but could be something with kidneys/liver. Cat is 12 next week.

We're both in floods as we know if she's the same later we can't let her go on - how do we explain to our 3 year old - who loves the cat (and was pretending to be a cat already this morning).

[shallweshop]

Really hope she responds to the treatment and she is back home with you soon. X

[TheNebulousBoojum]

Just don't say that she's gone to sleep. My little brother got told that and he became terrified of people going to sleep in case they didn't wake up.

[TheNebulousBoojum]

Problem with antifreeze is that some people put it into ornamental fountains to stop them freezing up, it's sweet and if your cat has access to outside, she might have been poisoned that way.

[cozietoesie]

Didn't know that Boojum. Could be any passing cat as well? (I don't have 'water features'. Just flowers.)

[Liskey]

I knew Lillies were poisonous (got some given to me years ago which I had to throw away!). She could have got hold of anti-freeze but it's unlikely as she hates going out in the cold! She wanted cuddling and snuggles which has made me and DH feel a bit more positive.

Thanks everyone - photo of Talisker on my profile. She really is as sweet as she looks.

[cozietoesie]

A great malt as well. Not my Number One but I wouldn't say No to it on a cold and snowy evening!

She looks like a real honey.

[Liskey]

She's home! She seems a lot better, it seems to have been a kidney problem and Talisker has been on a drip and had her system flushed out. Had a bit of food at the vets but not had anything since she's been home at 14.00 so we're keeping an eye on her. Now sleeping on the spare bed in a patch of sun - DD playing vets with her toys.

Thank you everyone!

[GoingGoingGoth]

That's such good news!

[Sparklingbrook]

Liskey great news! Phew. And awww at your DD playing vets. Better news for The Litter Tray.

Just hoping for dobby's cat to return now.

[Sparklingbrook]

Your DD would love this and this I would imagine.

[Liskey]

DD would love those (I must not go to ELC!) She's been making do with her doctors' kit at the moment.

I went and got some spit roast chicken for the cat yesterday and DH has opened her a can of tuna (spoit much?!). She's eaten both now and has gone for a sleep on our bed - normally not allowed on there but me and DH are both ignoring this......Thank goodness for emergency vet and pet insurance!

[gobbin]

My son when aged 3 saw a dead quirrel in the road here (we have loads of them!) Couldn't avoid seeing it as he was toddling down to the postbox with me, so we stopped and I said 'Awww poor dead squirrel'. He seemed to understand the 'dead' word without having it explained.

As we passed it on the way back, he said 'If we plant the squirrel in the woods, will it grow another one?' I had to explain that no, only plants could grow again, not animals. Cute though, and it's one of the phrases from his childhood I will always remember! He certainly had some concept of 'dead' and 'not coming back', however fledgling.

[Sparklingbrook]

That's quite good for a 3 year old gobbin. If only we could do that and get another one. Awww.

How's the patient Liskey?

[Liskey]

Cat still refusing Iams - but will graciously accept meat cat food so had to go and get some more this afternoon. She's looking a lot better today but me and DH are still not relaxed about her, keep going to check up on her.

[Sparklingbrook]

You are bound to be a bit jittery Liskey. But she's eating which is always a good indicator.