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Original poster

Think I just said goodbye to my boy.

28 replies

SadCatNight · 08/02/2023 22:56

He's an old man. 15ish (rescue)

Has been going downhill quite rapidly the last few weeks.

But suddenly since about 8pm tonight started acting really strange. Sort of as if he couldn't see/hear and then was trying to wedge himself into small places.

My husband has taken him to the emergency vet. Poor DH having to do it all alone. But DC in bed.

Just seems so sudden even though we've known it's been on the cards. Worried I'll feel guilty that we should have had him checked over a week/month ago and this void I've been avoided and we're terrible people. As I think really we're both expecting that he's getting put down tonight.

He's too old to be put through medical checks/procedures anyway (had a horrible start before we rescued him and has always hated the vet) but it's awful making these life and death decisions for someone we love so much.

I don't really know what I'm asking or saying. But I just hope we've done right by him.

Sort of in limbo now until DH texts to let me know what's happening either way.

OP posts:
Crunched · 08/02/2023 23:30

Sounds like you have done exactly the right thing. It would have been a trial for him to suffer investigations and I doubt wether much could've been done.
My old boy started wedging himself under the wine rack in his last days so that sounds a bit similar.
Well done for loving him so well.

Original poster
SadCatNight · 08/02/2023 23:37

Thank you. Really appreciate you sharing your experience. I'm sorry that you lost your boy. Xxx

Awaiting updates from DH and driving myself crazy.

OP posts:
rhubarblover · 08/02/2023 23:42

You’ve definitely done the right thing. You are not terrible people. It is always so hard to judge this at the end, but it sounds like it is his time. 15 is a good age but that doesn’t help when you love them so much.

OnTheRunWithMannyMontana · 08/02/2023 23:48

Sending a hug x

Original poster
SadCatNight · 08/02/2023 23:49

DH just phoned.

Bringing him home. Vet suspects a thyroid issue that will respond well to medicine.

So I guess we see how he goes.

Relief that I don't need to break my daughters heart in the morning. But also concern that we've given him a night of stress and maybe delayed the inevitable.

But if the vet doesn't think it's his time then that's what we go on. I'd never want to think we hadn't done the best for him either way.

OP posts:
DomesticShortHair · 08/02/2023 23:50

It will be your/your husbands decision, ultimately. But let the vet guide you, which should help ease your conscience (not that you need to, mind). Whatever decisions you make, as long as they are done with love and your little old man’s best interests at heart, will be the right ones.

It’s one of the most terrible responsibilities, yet greatest privileges we have for our little furry family.

OnTheRunWithMannyMontana · 08/02/2023 23:50

That's good news. Cats respond really well to thyroid treatment :)

Quitelikeacatslife · 08/02/2023 23:54

See how you go he might rally (if he will take medicine nicely!) our old lady did this with water infection, then later when time was right we just knew. Might be worth gently prepping kids if you haven't already

Growlybear83 · 09/02/2023 00:00

My last cat lived for seven years after being diagnosed with thyroid issues, and finally died at 21, so hopefully you will have much more time with your cat.

ChocolateCandle · 09/02/2023 00:05

My 17 year old has been taking thyroid medication for about 4 years and is doing very well. All the best for your boy, too x

MotherOfPuffling · 09/02/2023 00:10

Oh fingers crossed he responds well to thyronorm! Mine has been on it for a little over a year, in addition to a thyroid op. He still needs radiation therapy unfortunately as his thyroid is no longer controlled by the meds, but it works really well for most cats according to the vet.

Ohifyouinsist · 09/02/2023 00:13

Oh that's good news OP. You must be so relieved.

My lovely lad had a partial thyroidectomy at 16 and lived to be almost 20.

rhubarblover · 09/02/2023 08:47

Oh that is good news! Fingers crossed he responds well to the medicine.

Original poster
SadCatNight · 09/02/2023 17:16

Vet called this morning. His blood test was fine on the thyroid side of things.

He stayed on our bed all night. Didn't really move at all. And was still totally out of it this morning.

Seemed a little improved at 3pm when we got in from work/school my husband left his work early as called our normal day vet this morning and got a 4pm appointment.

Our usual vet said it was some sort of brain issue. Perhaps a tumour or something. So he's been put to sleep.

DD and I having a good cry at home.

And a little concerned about how our other cat is going to be as they were the most in love of any two boys I've ever seen.

OP posts:
IloveRickyGervaisAndHisTeeth · 09/02/2023 17:19

Oh, I'm so sorry about your lovely boy. It's so hard to have to say goodbye to our pets. (been through it many times with cats). Love to you all x

TheLongRider · 09/02/2023 19:24

I'm so sorry for you and your family. You definitely did the right thing for him.

Doyouthinktheyknow · 09/02/2023 19:36

I’m so sorry, RIP dear little one😢

Sounds like you absolutely did the right thing but it’s so hard to say goodbye😞

daisydoods · 09/02/2023 19:38

It's so hard to say goodbye op, but remember the lovely times you had with him

smartiecake · 09/02/2023 19:51

We lost our lovely boy in similar circumstances in October. It broke my heart. Still miss him terribly but we have a new cat now and it does help. You did the kindest thing and he isn't suffering now. You did right by him even if it is painful for us.

Yesthatismychildsigh · 09/02/2023 19:54

💐you gave him a good life. Sorry for your loss.

rhubarblover · 09/02/2023 20:10

Ah, I’m so sorry to hear this. I was hoping he had had a reprieve. They are so much part of the family, it is hard. I’m still not over losing my 18 year old boy 6 months ago. Have a good cry. It does help.

LancreWowhawk · 10/02/2023 16:17

Hi, @SadCatNight - we lost one of our two in December, very suddenly. He and his brother were the most bonded pair you could ever have seen, and I was so worried for the one left behind. Actually, he has been fine. He doesn't like being alone and seeks out our company far more than he used to, but otherwise - no problem. I know it isn't always like this, but wanted to reassure you that it may not be a problem.

I'm so sorry you lost your old boy, but please be reassured you did the right thing - the more times have to go through this (I am old, and have been a cat owner for many years), the more I am convinced that if you're even wondering if it is time, then it is time. There is always a point where the only thing left that you can do for them is to let them go peacefully. I hope you can take some comfort that that is exactly what you did.

Original poster
SadCatNight · 10/02/2023 17:00

Ah @LancreWowhawk thanks so much.

Really nice to hear from someone who has been through similar with a bonded pair.

Our old buy was 15 and his love Lodge behind is only just about to turn 3. So we knew the day would come but maybe not quite as soon.

Last night he had a bit of a look around and meow before bed. But I brought him to bed with DH and I and he was purring so loud and was really happy and affectionate and cuddled me all night until his normal 'being a bastard' hour near to sunrise where he wake us up to let him out.

So fingers crossed we can keep it similar as we move forward.

Do you think you'll get another cat?

OP posts:
Pudmyboy · 10/02/2023 19:10

What a rollercoaster, so sorry for your loss @SadCatNight 💐

LancreWowhawk · 10/02/2023 20:02

@SadCatNight sadly we can’t have another cat - we discovered that both the LancreWowCats had FELV after we adopted them, so cannot be in contact with other cats. It’s what killed one, and it will take the other sooner rather than later, though he’s healthy for now.

While we still had both of them, they were banned from the bedroom, on account of being utter, utter dicks in the middle of the night. The surviving LWC will not countenance this as he needs the company so he’s in with us over night and loving it. Sadly, despite being without his partner in crime, he is still an utter utter dick, just a bit later on - like yours, shortly before dawn. He gets kicked out at that point!

Despite his night time dickishness - he he so very precious and has been such a comfort since we lost his brother. We don’t know how long he has, but we will cherish him while we can.