What have I done to deserve this?

[MrsCatE]

After BastardCat died at our feet at only 8 years old we rescued LittleBeast - the most loving cat. We adopted him at risk. Despite numerous vet appointments his upper respiratory tract issues are not getting better. He snores when asleep but also wheezes when awake. MrCat has had a terrifying diagnosis and I've had 10 years of disability issues. I'm really not a bad person.

I’m so sorry. You haven’t done anything wrong really ❤️ Life isn’t fair is it 😔

Stupid question OP, do you burn candles or use a lot of air freshners? I lit a very small candle last night and I've been wheezing really badly today, had to use my inhaler. Been fine on other candles so this one is getting binned.

LittleBeast is lucky to have you watching over him.

Thank you. I don't burn candles or incense. Just stick feliway on in expectation of fireworks - which LiitleBeast is terrified of. We adopted knowing he had a pre-existing condition but he's already got so much scarring to his lungs - so want to avoid any more invasive procedures. I think I have to accept he's probably not going to live as long as should. Before anyone asks, he has the best quality food and meds; if and when prescribed. He loves playing and still acts like a kitten! Absolutely lovely cat - bonkers and adorable!

Cat tax for the bonkers beast? 😻

I think the only way you can look at this is that you took on a cat who nobody else would have touched with a bargepole. You have given him the best of care and your love, and in return he has given you his love. And you sound like the kind of car guardian who will know when it's time and give him the greatest kindness we can of a pain free death.

I did similar - took on a pair of ex-ferals that had been in the rescue over a year despite the rest of their colony going quickly to new homes, nobody wanted them. I have been repaid by the love (and demands!) of cats who took a long time to trust me but ended up sooo cuddly. Sadly Boycat got very quick progression CKD (6 months from perfect health to PTS) so had to be PTS at only 8. Nearly 2 years later I still feel the pain, but tempered by the knowledge that he had his best life for 6 of those years.

As his sister needed a companion (indoor only, and I work from the office not home) I got the best rescue I could to suit her rather than what I wanted for me. He's proved to be possibly the most distrustful cat I know, but I'm getting great joy from the small steps - like him being very happy to be stroked for very short spells now & again. Unfortunately we are part way through trying to diagnose his digestive problems and have ruled out most of the simple solutions, so obviously after Boycat I'm terrified I'm going to lose this one too.

I too am not a bad person. I try to do my best for everyone, but that's becoming increasingly harder with my own arthritis issues and now a diagnosis of Cauda Equina. I can only think these burdens are given to us because we CAN cope, and will still do our best for others.

Sorry, cat tax!

Gorgeous 😍

He’s very beautiful .

Oooohhhh he is absolutely stunning! 😍

He's so handsome 😍

Gorgeous boy!
You are definitely not a bad person, I would say you are a very good person indeed @MrsCatE

Also sending best wishes to you and MrCatE for your health issues 💐

Many thanks all. @Allergictoironing I'm so sorry to hear about your challenges x

P.s @Allergictoironing - BastardCat was also a feral - but so teeny; vet reckoned about 6 weeks; he was very boisterous and could eat kitten food! He grew up to be HUGE - we had him neutered young because he kept having 'happy endings' with his blankie and I have read that may contribute to being a massive cat. LittleBeast is currently doing sonorous snores on my lap - in bed. Just have to appreciate he's such a lovely, cuddly cat; tail up and has this trotting gait! Apologies to those that thinking allowing pets to share bedding; you should try cuddling up to a Beast giving you Biscuits!

Has he been checked for polyps?

Thank you @Mia184. He's been checked for everything at a vet practice specialising in Cat care. Loads of previous meds including steroids. I don't want him to undergo anymore invasive procedures; he's had lung lavage twice. His lungs are scarred. Nobody would know; he charges around like a loon and his normal walk is a a trot - tail up - and jumping around. Favourite play is fetch.