When you lose one(or more cats) - fear over remaining cats

[crimesagainstwine]

Hi All

Really struggling here and not sure who else would understand

In Oct 2021 we lost our beautiful cat (heart failure - PTS - she was 14 years old)

I have no doubts it was the right decision and have reconciled with our decisions and our loss (well as much as you can .. miss her ever day)

However I'm struggling with any decisions related to our other cat. For context he is 15 years old, has kidney failure (manged very well for past 5 years with diet) but is now starting to show signs of hyperthyroidism

He absolutely hates the vet, has not been for three years because of the anxiety it causes.

I really want to take him to the vet for a check-up and any follow-up treatment but am so scared that I will set a "chain in motion".

Other precious cat was PTS within 4 hours of showing signs of poorliness - and I am really worried that if I take him to vet it will happen so quickly again.

I imagine I have still got some grieving to d but not sure how I can help dear cat who is still with us

You could accelerate his demise by NOT taking him to the vet.

I can't help with the anxiety. If you can put that aside, the kind thing may be to get vet checkup. What are the signs of hyperthyroidism? Would you vet give you 5 minutes to discuss the consequences if cat does have hyperthyroidism & it's not treated?

Thanks @lljkk - I do know we need to take him and am fully aware of consequences

It's his anxiety rather than mine that is so hard to deal with

His behaviour which makes me suspect hyperthyroidism) are:

Eating shedloads more than he did three months ago (4 sachets a day plus dry food)
"Kitten like" behaviours - chasing toys and really being overactive and playful (not been like this for past 8 years)
Vocalising at the wall/cupboard/me at night
Going manic but then sleeping with racy heartrate

Litter wise he seems OK

Could be dementia & other things...

Telephone consultation might help you decide what is in cat's best interest, based on likely prognosis with or without the most likely treatment options. I had one old cat who puked everywhere on his last trip home from vet, made me feel better about managing him at home only, too, until he had to be PTS.