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

[alteredbeast]

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

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

How sad.

our cat had stomach cancer. We did treat for a while, but to be honest, that was for our benefit not for Cleo's. We (especially the DCs) couldn't let go and needed time. She would perk up but it was temporary. Looking back, it would probably have been kinder to let her go sooner.

Changed my bedding this morning and started crying because he always slept on my bed. I remember telling dh when we got him, that no way would he be allowed on the beds. He had other thoughts

Yes would consider rescue kitten/cat. But would a kitten adapt better to a hectic household (three kids)? A cat in our house would get lots of attention, access to nice countryside and good veterinary care (our local vet is wonderful). Now I know cats do as they please it would have free reign of a largish house. But I always imagine an older rescue cat needing a quiet life, on a lap.

Seems wrong to be talking about a new cat so soon but I've decided I can't imagine never having a cat in my life again. Yes time to grieve, respect my poor old boy though

For many years, I've been much the same - different strokes and all but I mourn my boys intensely for a few days and then go looking for a new companion. The cat shaped hole in my life is just too big and there are so many cats out there looking for a decent home.

In terms of age? Most rescues will have plenty of cats who are classified as mature cats in that they're no longer kitten-cute but aren't 'old-old'.

Admittedly I acquired my current Seniorboy at 14 (he's reached 20 - now that's old!) but that was a private matter. The Lodger moved in to us when he was about a year and a half old and he was a force of nature. I wouldn't have called him a sit-at-home at all, although he would sleep soundly at home every night.

Maybe have a look at the rescues near you? Here is the catchat page of centres and many of them have websites with a few of the cats on them - there are always cats who haven't made any website though. That will give you some idea.

When we lost one of our cats to illness three years ago my DS (then 15) came to me a few days after and said "Is it wrong to feel excited about looking at some kittens?" We'd already decided pretty much the next day after the cat died that we'd have more (we've seen 5 other cats come and go over the years so in some senses the 'getting over it' was easier, we're used to it now!)

I explained that he needn't feel guilty, that the cat had had a good life (he was 15 when he died), that being pts had put him out of immense pain and that having new cats would be honouring his memory in that his energy around the house would be being continued, just in another form. DS quite liked looking at it like that and helped choose and name the new ones (3!! Mum plus two kittens)

I'm so sorry for your loss - I know how hard a cat shaped one is. When I lost the last of my 3 old boys, 3 (yes, 3!) little rescues came very quickly - the house felt so empty, like it was waiting.

There's a lovely poem that does the rounds on facebook about "When I'm gone" and it is all about honouring their memory by allowing a little rescue soul in so they share the love. Makes me cry every time I see it, but for me, its so true.