Cat lymphoma - what's the course

[ChilliHeeler82]

My 14 year old boy cat has lymphoma. He is losing weight rapidly despite steroid injections, antibiotics and antacids. He will not take pills at all and finds the vets very distressing (pooing himself, crying), and they have said at this stage chemo is unlikely to do much to prolong his life even if he would take the pills.

What is the course? What should I be looking for that he is suffering and how rapid is it? He has lost 1.5kg since June, it is horrible. He is however still affectionate, still eating etc. I just don't want to leave it too late and him suffering.

Oh I feel for you.

It's been many years since I lost a cat but I remember the feeling well.

You are doing the best thing for your boy. Lots and lots of cuddles this weekend.

What a great, long life he has had. And then a peaceful ending with those who live him. It's how I'd want to go.

Xxxxxxxxxx

The appointment has been made for Wednesday, wanted our usual vet to do it, she's very kind. I feel bereft. Also no idea if I'm handling this well with my six year old, who is our cat's best pal. He knows he's sick and dying, we've talked to him about euthanasia and now I'm worried that wasn't the right thing to do. He came down last night sobbing that he didn't want Boy Cat to die. We're gonna keep him off school on Wednesday, I think it's not fair to ask him to say goodbye then hold it together in school. His dad will take him and the baby to buy a toy. I've also ordered him a pillow with some photos on it so he can cuddle it. This is his first experience of loss and grief.

Here is our beautiful boy in better days. I can't believe we have to say goodbye.

I’m so so so sorry OP. With my kids I just told them that the cat was poorly and the vet might not be able to make them better.
Then on the day I said the vet couldn’t make the cat better so it died.
Euthanasia is a very hard thing for a young child to understand and accept. Also avoid phrases like being put to sleep.
My eldest wanted to display photos of our cat and walked round cuddling a toy cat for days.
I think it’s Blue Cross that has advice on handling this and even a bereavement phone line. Because that’s what it is. You’re losing a family member and I’m so so sorry.

Thank you, it's really shit isn't it? Yes we've avoided saying put to sleep. We've said the vet can't make him better and will end his life before he suffers too much. Thank you, I've looked at that info. The vet also advised us to compare him to how he was when he was well, so he understood that he'd changed. He said he would die if Boy Cat would live :(

It's horrible isn't it :(

He's a handsome boy :)

Oh that’s so sad. It’s so hard for children. But you’re doing what’s best for your handsome cat.

I went into the kitchen and rolled on his back for a tummy rub, I keep looking at him and thinking maybe he has gained weight but not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me. I'm so scared I'm doing the wrong thing and depriving him of the rest of his life.

He went peacefully today, it was time. Thanks for helping me to see it was the right thing to do.

So sorry for your loss OP. It was the right thing to do.

Sorry for your loss OP.

We went through that with our last cat, who had lymphoma, aged 16.

Oh but well done. You did right by your boy.

Honestly one of the most difficult decisions I had to make saying good bye to my lovely old boy. He also had a lymphoma and like you it was so important to get the time right.
Spoil him rotten and lots of goodbye cuddles

so sorry. Hope your son is coping - they were obviously best friends.

So sorry 💐. What a beautiful cat. You did right by him.

Wow, he was absolutely beautiful @ChilliHeeler82.

I feel your pain.

14 though eh. A pretty good, long life and then going peacefully with loved ones around him. That's the best anyone can hope for really isn't it?

You've done well by him. Well done you.

Lots of love to your little boy. Xxxx