I have a 15 year old cat who I've had for 13 years. I know he's been getting older and from the moment I saw this thread being bumped periodically, have dreaded the thought of posting here.
A week ago, he started behaving differently. Was lazier than normal, hid/slept in the basement from time to time, abnormally bad breath, noticeably became skinnier to the point where I could feel more spine when petting him, and his eyes just looked off. He looked sad. Like he was ready to give up.
We thought and were hoping that this was the result of us bringing a new cat into the house 2 weeks ago, and that he'd come around...but we were wrong.
Today my wife took him to the vet and they confirmed the worst: Kidney Disease.
I lost a cat 25 years ago to the same thing. I know it's fatal, and he'll die soon, but not much more about it. Any insight would be awesome.
The vet did some under skin hydration, and gave him some appetite enhancers and something for his stomach. Mentioned that he could last a week, but they would play it by ear and my wife can/should bring him back for more hydration when needed.
Here's where I'm in a clusterfata of mixed emotions...
I just left town yesterday for a week of work. I won't be back until Thursday night. I gave my wife some instructions that if he's hurting, I was/am ok with him being put down, but would much rather the vet do whatever they can (hydration, pain killers, etc) to hold off until I get back, providing he isn't suffering. I get back Thursday night and would be ok with putting him down on Friday.
I just really want to be there to say goodbye. Is that unreasonably selfish of me?
I hate everything about this, and even more so because I'm so far away and cannot return for a week.
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