Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The litter tray

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

My poor little boy

17 replies

NCasIknowMNetters · 05/12/2019 14:27

He's not well. He's been hyperthyroid for 2 years and not very well controlled on thyronorm (his condition worsens and we upped the dose each time until we've been at max since summer), but quite happy in himself. He's nearly 14, I've had him since birth as we rescued his pregnant mother.

The last week or so he's suddenly seemed thinner so I took him back to the vet for bloods etc on Monday. My gut feeling was that we were reaching the end. I've just called the vet as no one has come back to me but in the last 3 days he's become incredibly weak - can no longer jump up onto a sofa, his eyes are sunken and he looks gaunt.

A few minutes ago he tried drinking out of the toilet (he has fresh water but - well you know cats, he likes to find his own from time to time) and he fell in, scrabbled out and then sort of collapsed on the floor. I wrapped him in a towel and took him to the minutes-old water in his bowl. He drank and then just slumped onto the damp towel.

I've called and asked them to get back asap, as if there's nothing obvious and reversible I think we're at the end now. Looking at him so weak is breaking my heart a little.

Having a shit day anyway as my DSis is having a bilateral mastectomy today. I'm trying not to think about that, and now this...

OP posts:
Cocovenuesa · 05/12/2019 14:36

@NCasIknowMNetters

I’m so so sorry to read this, we’ve had a challenging couple of weeks with our 12 year old girls health and it’s just heartbreaking. I can’t really advise on his hyperthyroid as I’ve no experience of it but I do hope the vet has some suggestions to help or to make him more comfortable at least.

No matter what, it sounds like he’s had an amazing 14 years with you, you clearly love him so much and just that means everything to these beautiful little creatures.

Thinking of you both, hope you get some contact back from the vet soon ❤️

AutumnCrow · 05/12/2019 14:39

I think all you can do is make sure your cat is dried off, in a warm comfortable place, and has access to food and water - and wait for the vet to call (or chase them up again). Does he like a bit of fussing? I have a 14 year old cat (similar circs to yours) and she loves being brushed when she's under the weather.

So sorry to hear about your DSis. What a worry. Flowers Will you hear soon about how her op went?

NCasIknowMNetters · 05/12/2019 14:48

I guess I'll hear this evening about Dsis. They said she'd be in theatre for up to 10 hours, they're doing a big reconstruction. I'm ex theatre & recovery nurse so I'm not worried by that time. DM will probably send a text (we've discussed this) as she'll be in a right state and is looking after DNs for however long is needed. I don't want to add to that.

DCat is sitting on a (dry) towel on the floor, taking advantage of the under-floor heating in the newer extension bit of the house.

OP posts:
smugmug · 05/12/2019 14:55

Warm floor with a nice dry fluffy towel sounds cozy , have you tried a little chicken broth or similar , something he can lap ?
I'm so sorry you are having an awful time ThanksThanksThanks

NCasIknowMNetters · 05/12/2019 18:35

Just spoken with the vet about his bloods and something is way out to do with his kidneys.

There's a chance if he's admitted, pumped full of stuff and they try to build him up, but it's for a limited effect for a limited time.

I'm pro-euthanasia (and for humans where appropriate) so I'll be taking him tomorrow lunchtime to be PTS. DDs want him to spend a last weekend but I can see he's stressed. The vet said he's not in pain, but will feel groggy and like he had a bad hangover - which will just get worse day by day.

Of course he needs to be PTS. I just got a £100 bottle of thyronorm last week!

OP posts:
AutumnCrow · 05/12/2019 19:12

Oh bless you, OP, what sad news. Flowers

Kidney failure is such a problem for a lot of older cats. I can understand why you don't want to keep on prolonging his inevitable unhappy decline. So difficult.

(I rather imagine you might be able to donate your cat meds to someone who needs them, but maybe think of that another time.)

mrssunshinexxx · 05/12/2019 20:50

Oh bless you this is sad when I read he fell in the toilet it made me cry. They are so precious but it sounds like tomorrow is the right time can you let him sleep in your bed tonight ? X

NCasIknowMNetters · 05/12/2019 21:44

Not in my bed, he can't jump down any longer and falls over. He came upstairs last night, for the first time in months and slept on my discarded cardigan (which might have been over where the pipe takes hot water to the radiator).

But I can sleep anywhere and might get a sleeping bag and hang out with him. Even if he's covered in toilet water (cleaned today) as he's not grooming.

OP posts:
NCasIknowMNetters · 05/12/2019 22:32

The DDs and I are now camped in the living room on a nest made of an assortment if duvets, blankets and pillows. He's usually a lap cat but today he just wants to sit quietly in his fluffy towel nest but at least we're in the same room.

OP posts:
Cocovenuesa · 06/12/2019 01:01

Sending love and strength for tomorrow, I hope he has a peaceful night

BovaryX · 06/12/2019 05:59

That is really sad, poor boy, it must be very upsetting for you. Just one small suggestion, would it be possible to get the vet to visit your home for him? Rather than taking him there for the last time? So he goes in the place he knows and loves?

mrssunshinexxx · 06/12/2019 21:25

Are you ok @NCasIknowMNetters x

NCasIknowMNetters · 07/12/2019 13:07

It was very peaceful. The vet gave him a strong sedative so he just got sleepy and settled down, then when it was fully working gave him the euthanasia. Big ploppy tears were shed.

I left him curled up in a box with his head uncovered last night, so the other cats could know what happened to him. They're a little more clingy today and just hanging around a bit more. I've just gone out and buried him in the grass outside the sliding doors, where he used to sit in summer. DD2 sprinkled some cat-biscuits and he's been buried with a tin of food. Our hopes are than in thousands of years an archaeologist with uncover his remains and think cat-worship was still a thing which of course we know it is

He was the only lap cat of the three. It's going to feel strange being able to type without there being a cat in the way!

OP posts:
mrssunshinexxx · 07/12/2019 15:30

So sorry for you @NCasIknowMNetters but you have done the right thing and hopefully the other 2 will make the loss a little easier to bare. They really are part of the family x

Elieza · 07/12/2019 16:02

So sorry for your loss OP. Flowers

Lindy2 · 07/12/2019 16:10

It sounds like it was very peaceful and the right time for him.
I'm sorry for your loss.

AutumnCrow · 09/12/2019 00:31

Flowers I've been thinking of you, OP.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page