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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

My cat has cancer, don't know whether to treat or not.

55 replies

alteredbeast · 22/01/2015 16:52

Just found out my 10 year old cat has a tumour in his small intestine Sad

Treatment would involve more scans/x-rays and an operation. Possible chemotherapy.

However I have three children (including a baby) and we can't afford it really. Chemo would not be an option as his waste could be toxic. No guarantee an operation alone would cure him (and we don't know if it has spread yet) although for this type of tumour there is a chance.

Vet did say we could keep him comfortable and euthanise when appropriate. I'm so confused/torn/upset. Of course I want to save him but the treatment route seems like a big undertaking with three kids, financially and practically (and of course emotionally too).

Any advice would be gratefully received

OP posts:
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 23/01/2015 15:03

I hope you can have a lovely weekend with him Flowers

Jennywren85 · 23/01/2015 15:07

Thinking of you xxx

Original poster
alteredbeast · 24/01/2015 14:05

He has perked up a wee bit. He's eaten some tuna and his bowels seemed to have settled a bit. He's spent time with us and I've given him cuddles/strokes. I'm still reluctant to leave him completely unsupervised in case of incontinence but he does seem a bit more like his old self.

Now I'm not sure whether to euthanise Monday or maybe another steroid injection?

OP posts:
shaska · 24/01/2015 14:18

It's up to you, but to give you my experience - when I had a cat who was treated with steroids, the effect lasted about a week. But when they stopped working, it was quite unpleasant indeed, for her. I wish now that we had acted sooner (we didn't know that it was cancer) and had her pts while she was feeling better, as I find her last days quite hard to think of.

It really depends on the cat and the illness how long steroids will give him, I think, and obviously it's a very hard call to make. I'm very glad he's having a nice time with you this weekend though.

cozietoesie · 24/01/2015 14:20

And that's one of the problems with steroid injections in this sort of situation - they give a real boost but it's only temporary and then with further injections you're usually into diminishing returns. (I've been there altered and that sudden hope can be quite distressing when you look back.)

He's your boy and it's your judgement of course so all I'll say is that this is all about him now and you don't need to be left wishing that you'd done things differently - as I have in the case of one of my boys.

Original poster
alteredbeast · 24/01/2015 14:24

My hunch is have him pts while he is feeling better but it seems wrong as well. So confusing. I've got appointment with vet on Monday anyway, so will see what she says.

Will just keep posting on this thread as it helps me process thoughts/feelings but don't feel you have to reply. Your posts have been helpful though thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
alteredbeast · 24/01/2015 14:28

Yes crucial to keep putting him first now poor old boy.

OP posts:
shaska · 24/01/2015 20:20

It's so hard to do when they seem happy- definitely ask the vet, I've always had good experiences with vets when it comes to the hard questions.

But yes- counterintuitive as it may sound, if the prognosis isn't good then I do think it's better for them to go out peacefully and happily, rather than waiting for it to be the only option.

Original poster
alteredbeast · 24/01/2015 20:24

He's not eating again, seems a bit more subdued. I've made my mind up to have him pts Monday. Will now concentrate on our last day. He's still content sitting on laps, being stroked.

OP posts:
chockbic · 24/01/2015 23:08

A sad time for you but best for him.

Sorry x

ophiotaurus · 25/01/2015 10:33

So sorry altered Flowers

Original poster
alteredbeast · 25/01/2015 11:26

Can I ask has anyone been through having their cat pts?

This is my first cat and I'm not sure what to expect. Should I stay with him? What happens with his body afterwards?

Sorry morbid questions Sad

Can't quite believe he won't be with us this time tomorrow

OP posts:
MirandaWest · 25/01/2015 11:45

I'm so sorry about your cat. I've recently been through having a cat with cancer who I then had put to sleep.

I can tell you about my experience of it, which was very calm and as good as it could have been. I took her in and the vet made sure it was what I wanted. He got the injection ready, which would knock her out and then stop her heart. I stroked her as she lay on the table and he injected her and within about 30 seconds she was "asleep". Very calm. He then checked for her heartbeat about a minute later and she had died. I stayed with her for a few minutes (could have stayed as long as I needed).

I chose to have her mass cremated although I could have taken her body to bury her or had her ashes individually returned.

I too felt she was "ok" when I had her put to sleep but she wasn't really. I am glad she was having some quality of life at the end and she and I had a lovely last evening together.

If there's anything else you'd like to ask please do.

chockbic · 25/01/2015 12:52

Its very quick and peaceful for them. You can stay and stroke him as he falls asleep.

We decided to have our last puss cremated. I think having the body to take away is a bit macabre. Of course each to their own.

The vet practice were very understanding and careful with her, particularly in her last moments.

Take care.

Original poster
alteredbeast · 25/01/2015 12:59

I've got someone coming to be with my baby so I can go and be with him. I think I should be there. Thanks x

OP posts:
MirandaWest · 26/01/2015 09:42

Thinking of you today. It's the right thing to do but is very sad. Being with him is the right thing to do.

cozietoesie · 26/01/2015 11:37

Thinking of you, altered.

Original poster
alteredbeast · 26/01/2015 12:50

He went peacefully with me stroking him and talking to him. The vet was lovely.

I feel drained and numb, keep thinking he's going to jump up on my bed or miaow for food Sad

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 26/01/2015 12:56

It's very hard. Sad

It was the most loving thing to do though, sad though it was.

chockbic · 26/01/2015 13:29

Takes a while to get used to not having them around.

Glad it went as OK as it could.

Look after yourself.

cozietoesie · 26/01/2015 14:49

A small thought - you might want to read this before speaking to the DCs.

MirandaWest · 26/01/2015 15:13

I'm glad it was peaceful. Look after yourself and know that you did the right thing x

Original poster
alteredbeast · 26/01/2015 18:12

Thanks for your kind messages. This thread helped me make the best decision for our cat. I keep thinking of him purring as he died. The kids want another kitten but I think I need a little time first.

OP posts:
StickEm · 26/01/2015 21:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

chockbic · 27/01/2015 11:41

Best to have time to grieve for his loss.

Might you consider a rescue cat/kitten?

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