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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI am so sad: my beloved cat, the best pet I have ever had was diagnosed with cancer today
he's 11 and has been just wonderful. Anybody else deal with this with a beloved pet? Any suggestions?
Mnemosyne
(21,363 posts)Keefer
(713 posts)that was found without a collar walking down the middle of the street. After three days, nobody came forward to claim her. I adopted her for $35. I named her Daisy. She was a beagle mix. Estimated age was about 6 years old. 2 years later, she was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer. I had to put her down. Not fun. I miss my Daisy.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)They become part of our family in such a short time and it's just as bad losing them as anyone else. I'm still going through my grieving process, though it has been quite recent for me.
vt_native
(484 posts)I wish I had some good advice, but I can only offer you both good luck.
I hope kitty recovers!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023470477
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)had a little time to process all the information.
Good luck.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)(or if you have pet insurance.)
Even though my best friend/cat of thirteen years passed away just after his MRI last week, I saw the images from the neurologist and knew he didn't have much left of his life. Plus, the neurologist did a fantastic job of predicting much of his inner problems simply from a thorough physical exam that I'd recommend at least getting the same whether you get an MRI or not. The scans, though, can tell them what the next steps are, whether it's surgery, radiation therapy, or chemo.
Cats can live much longer than 11 or 13 years, so I highly recommend getting him checked out by an animal neurologist.
Mz Pip
(27,448 posts)All at about the same age. One to kidney cancer, one to pancreatic cancer and one to bone marrow cancer. It's never easy. You do the best you can.
So sorry you and your cat have to go through this.
nolabear
(41,982 posts)and how much. Sometimes treatment buys good quality time, and sometimes you have to decide when to let go. Cats are funny. They can hide symptoms for a while and then let you know when they just don't want to continue. It's never easy but it sounds like your cat is much loved and you'll do well by him.
Hang in.
Captain Stern
(2,201 posts)I like dogs and cats, but if I was forced to take a side, I'd have to say I was a cat-person. My wife and I have been owned by many cats over the years. We're in our fifties, and it still hurts when we lose one, even though we know they lived long and happy lives.
The only advice I have to share is to enjoy the time you have left with him, and do your best to help him enjoy the time he has left with you.
JimboBillyBubbaBob
(1,389 posts)...from our three, Kittie, Sandy, and Mr. Fluff.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)Try to not let him suffer at all. To me, quality of life is more important than quantity. I'd rather have them put to sleep and err on the side of it being too soon. It's a kindness. Kitties can't tell you when they are hurting a lot, and they are good at hiding it.
curlyred
(1,879 posts)Keep your kitty comfortable as long as you can. You will know when it is time.
So, so, very sad to let them go, but it is the kindest thing to do.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)Julie
gopiscrap
(23,761 posts)BTW: I spent 12 days at a Methodist Church in TC...snowed almost everyday I was there! Mike
petronius
(26,602 posts)We lost our first cat to cancer the summer before last, and it was certainly one of the hardest things I've had to do. One thing that helped me is knowing that we were giving him the best quality of life and the most comfortable end possible, without any suffering or lingering. Our vet is very good and we trust her, so when it became clear that he was at the point of pain and unhappiness we were able to say goodbye.
Most importantly, though, was the thought that cats aren't as time-oriented as we are - he wasn't thinking about wanting just one more day. For them, every day is 'now' and his entire 'now' had been in a home and with people who loved him; we were very comforted to know that he'd had a complete and happy existence, and despite whatever we felt about it he wasn't going out with regrets or disappointment.
So I guess the best you can do is enjoy his company, and give him every chance for a continued happy existence, and when/if the end comes you'll know that the decision you have to make will be made out of love...
:hugs:
Lugnut
(9,791 posts)Our first cat died from injection site carcinoma. She was fine until she wasn't. Right now my daughter has a 14 year old female who has a cancerous tumor in her jaw bone. She has a lump on her face but, so far so good. She's eating well and is perfectly normal. Her vet never thought she'd live as long as she has since the diagnosis. My daughter and her two cats live with us and we just keep an eye on her for any signs of discomfort.
My advice to you is enjoy your kitty and keep an eye out for any signs that he's not doing well. It's hard to tell sometimes because cats can get pretty sick before it becomes obvious. You'll know when it's time to do one last act of kindness for your precious friend.