I had to put my cat to sleep today...

[Samurai_Writer]

I've written about her a few times before. Her name is Nightmare and I had her since she showed up at my doorstep, 7 months old and pregnant. That was over 14 years ago. I kept one of her litter who I've also had all that time.

She developed hyperthyroid a little over a year ago and went from 10 pounds (very fat for her little frame) to 5 pounds. She had been on medication and IV fluids which seemed to help these past couple of months. This morning, however, I went to give them food and fresh water, and Nightmare was just lying there, listless. When she got up and walked, she was unbalanced, and when she finally got to the water bowl, she just hung her head over it and just sat there, not drinking or eating. I left for work, then came back at noon to check on her. No change. She had such a glazed look in her eyes, and she had stopped purring completely -- this is a cat that purred constantly before.

I took her to the vet, and wouldn't you know... new vet. My regular one was off today, and I guess this new one is her new partner. The new vet was very understanding and gentle. Nightmare went very peacefully.

Now I have to go home and see how Smoke, Nightmare's son, is going to do without his mom. He's 14 and hyperthyroid, too, but in much better health than she was. He is going to go have the radioiodine treatment in about a month, hopefully. My dog was even subdued when i was home at noon before I took Nightmare to the vets. Animals know.

Thanks to everyone who has given me support over Nightmare's condition in the past few months. I really appreciate it.

Peace,
Bella

[davidinalameda]

1. I'm so sorry!

You'll be in my thoughts

[Bunny]

2. Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm sure you'll miss her very much. :hug:

[libhill]

3. Sorry -

I know how easy it is to get attached to a pet, and how sad to lose one - best wishes ---

[Red_Viking]

4. Condolances

I lost my 19-year-old cat around Thanksgiving. He was living with my dad out in the Texas hill country. I moved from Texas to Oregon last summer to attend school and knew he was too old to make the trip. He had a great few months hanging around outside, soaking up the sunshine. We think he had kidney failure, and went quickly over a couple of days.

Sorry about your loss. Your Nightmare had a good, long life with you. I hope you find comfort in your memories of your time together.

Peace,

RV

[PhuLoi]

5. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Several months ago I also had

to put my boy Phong to sleep. It was the first time my wife had ever seen me cry. I miss him terribly.

[MissMillie]

6. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I had to put a cat down a couple of years ago. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

[WI_DEM]

7. My deepest sympathy

But just remember you gave her a good life for 14 plus years and she rewarded you with her love.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

8. I'm so sorry

From you and Smoke, from my kitties and me :hug:
Know she's waiting for you where the streets are paved with tunny and all the mouses are slow and fat.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. I'm so sorry.

putting a beloved pet to sleep is one of the hardest decisions. My thoughts are with you. :hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

10. I'm sorry Bella

I remember you writing about her I while back.

:hug:

[Sanity Claws]

11. My sincere condolences

on your loss. Take some time off to adjust to the loss and share your grief with your other animals.

[MuseRider]

12. Oh I am so sorry to hear this.

I remember your threads and was so happy that she seemed better for a while.

You gave her a wonderful home, kept one of her babies, how could she have asked for more than all of that added to the feelings of love that you had for her? 14 wonderful years, that is a lot.

:hug: I am so sorry.

[Beaverhausen]

13. I's so sorry but I think it was the right thing to do

Sounds like it was time. And it was a loving decision to make for her.

:hug:

[Jessica]

14. I'm so sorry ...

Poor little kitty. You took her in & gave her a wonderful, full life - the world needs more people like you.

[Left Is Write]

15. I'm sorry.

:(

[jswordy]

16. Sorry to hear of your loss.

[Lindsey]

17. I'm so, so sorry...loosing a "furry critter" is simply heartbreaking

When I lost precious 6 year old kitty(in 2001) I went to the Rainbows Bridge and they have a great website where you can pay tribute to your critter (for a small donation that goes to a shelter).

[City Lights]

18. So sorry for your loss.

Saying good-bye to a beloved friend is never easy. I still miss Tigger, and he's been gone for two years.

:hug:

Peace to you.

[MissB]

19. My condolences on your loss

I'm so sorry.

[flamingyouth]

20. I'm very sorry for your loss

I know how hard it is to say goodbye. My thoughts are with you. :hug:

[Brewman_Jax]

21. Sorry to hear

that's always a sad day. :( :cry: Good thoughts to you from me and the cats.

[Sequoia]

22. I'm so sorry.

I know how you feel, I had to do the same thing and we still miss her. Maybe there's a pet loss support group in your town. It helps.

[libodem]

23. I have a little black kitty

who is 14 years old...I can imagine your sorrow...i think it's very humane not to let an animal suffer....none the less difficult...you have my sympathy

[Lex]

24. Sorry to hear this.

All good thoughts are headed your way from me.

Lex

[MissMarple]

25. I'm so sorry, sweetheart.

:hug:

[Catchawave]

26. Thoughts are with you and "Smoke" {{{hugs}}}

From one who understands the grief over the loss of a dear companion.

[Samurai_Writer]

27. Thanks everyone for your warm wishes

My other cat, Smoke, doesn't seem to be too affected by it yet. The dog is fine, too. So I guess that is good.

Peace,
Bella

[bigwillq]

28. I'm very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

29. Hugs to you...

:hug:
Rest in peace, Nightmare...

[lumberingbear]

30. I'm sorry for you and Smoke

:hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

31. I'm so very sorry

This has been a really bad kitty news day. My Ferg was hyperthyroid and died in 2003, and Nightmare's last days sound just like his. It's agonizing, isn't it? Give Smoke lots of love for us, and take care.

[BlueIris]

32. My condolences.

And if you should need any additional support you can't find in your non-DU life--and unfortunately, I have so been there--have you ever been to petloss.com? That site really helped me once.

[nuxvomica]

33. Sorry to hear this. My condolences.

I am glad she went peacefully and that you had the courage/love to make sure she would.

[Liberal Veteran]

34. I'm so very sorry..

I just lost Logan last week and I know how very hard it is to lose one of our friends.

My deepest sympathy to you.

[legally blonde]

35. I am so sorry for your loss

Take care of yourself and Smoke. :hug:

[Biased Liberal Media]

36. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

37. bless you, bella

Maybe Nightmare and Einstein are touching noses and running together over the Rainbow Bridge. Wonder what mischief they'll get into together?

I am so sorry. :hug:

[samplegirl]

38. Feel your pain

What a sad day for you. Almost cryed reading this....and so some
degree I can relate.
I have my one cat Silas for 4yrs who is healthy happy and affectionate.
Last year I found two white Turkish Van kittens and brought them
home the one was very sick and i took it to the vets immediately.
The one has cerebral hypoplasia. I've had them for a litle over
a year now. The one with the hypoplasia (Dietrich) really depends
on his healthy brother (Phoenix) to groom and care for him.
I really worry if they ever had to be seperated.
Just be glad your cat picked your house. He found 14 wonderful
years.
Im so very sorry, i can only imagine.