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The litter tray

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

Original poster

I think it's time

32 replies

MyHairNeedsASnip · 19/12/2017 10:10

Our cat is 19.5 and there has been a steady decline in mobility over the last few weeks. She seems to have little control over her back end but up til now was peeing and pooing as normal but very wobbly. She's in no pain, the vet confirmed it as we've been many times over the last 3 weeks and she's on Prednisolone. It was just a case of seeing how she got on.

Over the last couple of days she's gone downhill, this morning shes struggling to get up, peeing lying down, I don't think it's fair anymore so I need to make an appointment I think.

I don't know what I'm looking for. Being told I'm doing the right thing I guess.

And advice on how to handle this with my child. She's very young, but knows the score, at school at the moment so I wanted to wait until she got home so she can spend a bit of time with the cat, she's her friend.

Any advice.

Jeez that's long.

OP posts:
Justonedayatatime11 · 19/12/2017 10:39

If she's struggling that much please don't wait until your dd is home. I was in a similar situation earlier this year with my 19 year old cat and once I saw her struggling I knew it was time and we were at the vets within the hour. I know how hard it is. But if she's suffering then it's the right thing and the right time. I'm sorry

9GreenBottles · 19/12/2017 12:13

You are doing the right thing, and you need to do it at the right time. If she is struggling, that may mean going as soon as possible rather than waiting for your daughter.

Very hard Flowers

Vinorosso74 · 19/12/2017 12:13

It does sound like it's her time. We had ours PTS last month but had a conversation with the vet and she said saying that our cat was a fighter but her body was too frail and not strong enough anymore is good to say (vet has no kids but had met my DD a few times). My DD is 7 and had seen a fox PTS on TV and we explained euthanasia means good death.
How old is your DD? Would she understand enough?
I think you do need to let your cat go today. It is the hardest thing to do but remember it is the kindest Flowers

Wolfiefan · 19/12/2017 12:19

You're doing the right thing. But please don't wait until she gets home. If your cat is suffering you need to make an appointment ASAP.
I told my youngest that the cat was ill and the vet couldn't make it better so she died. Avoid any mention of putting to sleep.
I'm so sorry you're facing this. Flowers

tactum · 19/12/2017 12:23

Ah bless you, so sorry to hear this. I agree with going ahead asap, it's definitely time. Thinking of you

cocoboots · 19/12/2017 12:30

So sorry to hear aboit your kitty.
We lost our 23 year old girl in the summer.
Her Back end was going and she was wobbly for a few weeks prior but she had a healthy appetite up to her last day. She was managing her litter tray too but the decline was very apparent.
On the morning she passed she refused her food, She just curled up and passed peacefully without us needing to take her to the vet. I totally understand how you must be feeling. But to get to such an age is wonderful and she will be forever etched in your heart. Take it easy on yourself and do what you feel is right xx

BulletFox · 19/12/2017 12:35

I'm sorry...make sure you have some cuddles with her before it happens, it's hard saying goodbye

Original poster
MyHairNeedsASnip · 19/12/2017 13:35

Thanks all. I've spoken to the vet this morning, we are to go in at 16:30. She's happily sat on my knee at the moment pawing me for strokes, she's in no pain but the change in movement from yesterday to today is apparent and I'm not going to leave it any longer. One of her back legs is like it doesn't belong to her.

This is awful, I've never had to do this before. Wish me luck.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 19/12/2017 13:37

I'm so sorry. When we lost our old girl our vet said it wasn't just about pain but quality of life and dignity. It does sound like it is time.
Thinking of you OP. Flowers

BulletFox · 19/12/2017 13:41

Good luck x

Original poster
MyHairNeedsASnip · 19/12/2017 13:41

Yes Wolfe, that's what our vet said the other week. He said there was a case for PTS then and there but as she still had a spark and the front end was all still working there was also a case for letting her carry on.

She's tired.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 19/12/2017 13:46

My girl was too. She was peaceful at the end. She had clearly had enough. It's still sad and really hard though.
Sad

Vinorosso74 · 19/12/2017 14:53

I hope it goes well. DP and I stayed with our girl; I actually thought it was quite peaceful. The hardest part was making the phone call. Look after yourself and your DD

laudanum · 19/12/2017 15:23

Can you ask the vet if they can come to your home to do it? That way it will be in familiar surroundings and less stressful for everyone. I did that with my dog when he was really poorly. He was surrounded by people who loved him when he went.

Original poster
MyHairNeedsASnip · 19/12/2017 15:25

She's gone, thanks for all the kind words and Flowers for anyone that's been through it.

OP posts:
GlitteryFluff · 19/12/2017 15:28

I’m sorry opFlowers

BulletFox · 19/12/2017 15:34

Oh is she gone, sorry Flowers

In a weird sort of way it might be a good learning experience to your daughter to accept loss and creatures can't exist in pain and that nothing lasts forever. Hope you have lots of lovely mementos of kitty cat x

Original poster
MyHairNeedsASnip · 19/12/2017 16:28

Thanks. DD knew she didn't have long left, we read good bye mog last week in preparation, she's bouncing around now after a few tears, like kids do. I'm sure we'll have lots of questions and more tears later.

After sitting on my lap for hours the cat just couldn't get up, I helped and carried her for food but her back legs were splayed. I decided to take her straight away instead of waiting another couple of hours.

It was horrible, the mind was working but the body wasn't. Such a shame.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 19/12/2017 16:30

You've done the right thing. You are suffering but your beloved cat isn't. It's horrid for you but you just did the last and hardest act of love.
Be kind to yourself and take care OP. Flowers

MrsZB · 19/12/2017 16:36

Oh I'm so sorry OP. I'm sat here in tears reading your post. So sad. But you have given her a peaceful dignified end which is the best way to go. Lots of love to you and your daughter xx

Weedsnseeds1 · 19/12/2017 19:05

It's so sad, particularly when you have had them so long, but it was the right choice.

Cheeseislife · 19/12/2017 19:10

So very sorry for your loss, you showed her the ultimate kindness

cherrycola2004 · 19/12/2017 19:10

I'm so, so sorry I know exactly how it feels Thanks

BluebellTheDonkey · 19/12/2017 19:13

Sorry for your loss, RIP dear puss, what a lucky cat to have been so loved for so many years.Thanks

lynmilne65 · 19/12/2017 20:03

Me too she was 17. I was inconsolable

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