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My Fuzzy-cat has bone cancer in his skull and I am so sad

33 replies

MountainDweller · 09/03/2022 23:29

I just need to tell someone. Fuzzy had an MRI last week and the vet called with the bad news this evening. It's not really treatable (possibly with radiotherapy, but it would be palliative and is difficult for the cat and expensive). Prognosis is a few weeks but he's being fed through a syringe because he won't eat. But he doesn't seem ill otherwise, just a bit tired and very clingy with DH, who has scratch marks on his shoulder where Fuzzy likes to hold on! I've read that these tumours can be very painful though, and it could end with the eyeball popping out of its socket due to the pressure. Obviously we don't want him to get to that stage...

Before the scan the vet thought it might be an abscess, so I was expecting something treatable. It's such a shock. My husband and I were both crying. We just can't imagine him not being around any more.

His only symptom was not eating, and seeming to have pain when eating. Our first vet visit for this was end of October. He's had loads of tests, had his teeth cleaned just before Christmas because they thought it was gingivitis, had an ultrasound of his stomach in case it was that (it's now extra fuzzy whee the fur is growing back). At some point he had an X-ray, if it was of his head I'm surprised they didn't spot it. All blood tests seemed fine Confused

He is just under 10. Still middle ages for a cat surely? I was there when he was born and his mother died last summer of renal cancer (also only 10 or 11). My little cat family has terrible genes, it seems. One left, sister of the boy who is dying. I just feel so terrible and don't know what to do for the best.

Here he is (study of cat with speaker!)

My Fuzzy-cat  has bone cancer in his skull and I am so sad
OP posts:
ilovesooty · 10/03/2022 00:25

Oh he's beautiful. Such lovely markings. I'm so sorry.

StarbucksSmarterSister · 10/03/2022 00:35

He is stunning - that tail!

I'm very sorry, it's so hard to lose them, especially when they're not really old. Flowers

BlueSummerBaby · 10/03/2022 00:50

Poor Fuzzy 😿 Sending soothing vibes 💗

thecatneuterer · 10/03/2022 10:04

I'm so sorry, but don't wait. PTS straight away. If he's not eating then that's a sign that he feels terrible. Bone cancer is notoriously painful. There is nothing to be gained by waiting. It's awful but it's the kindest thing you can do for him.

Ff10n · 10/03/2022 10:08

A cat who has to be fed through a syringe has poor quality of life, whether or not he seems like himself the rest of the time.
I would be thinking to PTS sooner rather than later. Cats are very good at hiding pain.
I'm so sorry Flowers

Easterbunnyiswindowshopping · 10/03/2022 10:13

So sorry op. We lost one of 2 brothers in 2020. The remaining one was distraught. We ended up getting a dkitten. Waited 6 months but he was pulling fur out and not eating. Def didn't really want one... Worked a treat. I know won't be on your mind right now but something to consider.
Your boy is gorgeous..

bruffin · 10/03/2022 10:16

That's sad, know how you feel. My cat 12 was diagnosed early December with gastric lymphoma. Given 8 weeks and she is still with us, but she has started being sick again and losing weight again.so it's going to be soon.

viques · 10/03/2022 10:18

He is a lovely boy and has given you nearly ten years of unconditional love ,and fond , funny memories that will last a lifetime.

I truly think the only way you can repay him is by gently releasing him from the uncomfortable and possibly painful prison his body has become. Hug him , kiss him and say goodbye ASAP.

Please do not put him through anymore distressing procedures or treatments that can not help him and will only prolong his half life.

caringcarer · 10/03/2022 10:45

I know just how hard this is but if he is not eating he is in pain. Please get him PTS immediately. Better a day early than a day late and your lovely boy is in such pain. It is the kindest and last thing you can do for him to repay him all the unconditional love he has given you. When my cat passed I made a collage using photos of him. It is in the hall, so first thing I see when.coming back into the house. Don't let him suffer on.

SoupDragon · 10/03/2022 10:48

Oh, how sad.

I think you do know what to do for the best. You just don't want to think about it. It is the kindest thing though Flowers

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 10/03/2022 11:45

Oh no. I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you. He's a an absolute beauty.
I love his stripey tail

Woollystockings · 10/03/2022 11:48

I’m sorry. I had my cat pts last summer. Please act now. Don’t delay.

Flawedperfection · 10/03/2022 11:51

So sorry to hear of this 💐

Yes, sadly if he’s not eating he’s in pain. Enjoy the time you have left and try to keep him comfortable. 🫂

HoldingTheDoor · 10/03/2022 12:12

I'm so sorry for you and poor Fuzzy-Cat. I've lost too many animals at a relatively young age and it's terrible. I'd have him put to sleep now. He isn't eating which shows that he feels awful and is suffering. I know how hard it is to let them go but it's the right thing to do.

SirVixofVixHall · 10/03/2022 12:15

Oh no OP ! I am so very sorry, he is such a beautiful boy. Heartbreaking to read your sad news.

FantasticFebruary · 10/03/2022 12:18

I'm so very sorry🥲. He's a real looker isn't he!! & no age.

Sadly, you need to do the hardest thing for you, to do the kindest thing for him xx

Gatekeeper · 10/03/2022 12:21

I am so sorry, what a beautiful boy he is. Heartbreaking for you all but please let him go before he gets distressed...Flowers

Igmum · 10/03/2022 12:45

So sorry OP. Sending love to you all ❤️Thanks

MountainDweller · 10/03/2022 14:23

Thank you for all your messages, kind thoughts and advice, and Thanks to those with recent and impending losses. Of course I think he is very handsome but it's lovely that others think so too!

We are a bit worried about his sister, as they're close and we will go from 3 cats to one in less than a year. She is a little aloof though so maybe she'll be OK.

We do know what we have to do, it's just such a shock.

OP posts:
GodspeedJune · 10/03/2022 14:26

So very sorry. It’s just awful to receive a diagnosis like this Flowers

HoldingTheDoor · 10/03/2022 14:51

*Thank you for all your messages, kind thoughts and advice, and to those with recent and impending losses. Of course I think he is very handsome but it's lovely that others think so too!

We are a bit worried about his sister, as they're close and we will go from 3 cats to one in less than a year. She is a little aloof though so maybe she'll be OK.

We do know what we have to do, it's just such a shock.

He's a beautiful boy. Adorable yet handsome and distinguished looking. I'm so sorry for your news. Flowers

It's understandable that you feel so lost. You've had no time to process it.

Hopefully his Sister will be ok. I've had a few sibling pairs and find that they're generally ok after the first week or so when they sometimes seem a little confused and look for them but all have adapted quickly so hopefully your girl will be the same.

Pegasushaswings · 10/03/2022 14:55

Aw, poor Fuzzy cat. Give him a day of love then consider PTS because if a cat cant eat then that is a sign they are in a bad way, it’s an act of love to be there and control when they go, dont let him suffer.

TheLongRider · 10/03/2022 14:55

Flowers This is not easy for you or Fuzzy. You really are doing your best for him. It is very hard but it is a necessary part of cat ownership that you make the tough decisions for them

Enough4me · 10/03/2022 14:55

I'm so sorry you are going through this.

Try to switch off your shock and pain for the moment and arrange to allow him peace asap. Later when you look back you will feel better to do this now then to extend his suffering.

Gingernaut · 10/03/2022 14:56

Having seen bone cancer in people, it's awful.

It's excruciating.

I'm so sorry.

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