Help on putting my cat to sleep

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by SteveToms

I am taking her in tomorrow afternoon, I don't know how I able going to be able do so, I was barely composed on the phone.

Thanks for all the thoughts guys and gals.

Being in the same boat, it's been rather tough. Having a cat for 17 years and then one day they're not there any more is hard. The adjustment has been difficult.

[Yamer]

Epic bump, I know. And advanced apologies to anyone who were forced to shed tears in order to catch up to my post.

Anyway, this morning I got up and noticed that my cat of 14 years was having some trouble. He kept his head down and slightly tilted with his chin tucked into his chest, he was pretty lethargic and having trouble keeping his balance. Over the last few weeks he has had quite a reduced appetite. I did what anyone in this digital age would do: I turned to Google. After doing some research I found it could be anything from a potassium deficiency to an ear infection to cancer. Whatever it was, I knew it was a time that I had to take him in to the vet. The doctor checked him over and said they wanted to do some blood/urinary tests, but they expected it to be a potassium deficiency. I went home, and an hour later I got the call I wasn't expecting. My cat has 25% function of his kidneys, and essentially his days are numbered.

I know a lot of older cats pass away from renal failure, and I know I'm going to have to put a pet to sleep for the very first time sooner than I had ever hoped. They are keeping him overnight to do some IV therapy, and they will call me tomorrow with some more information after some follow-up blood work.

Has anyone had a similar experience with their cat? I know cases vary by animal just as much as they do by people, but can anyone give me some information or advice on what to expect? I would, at least, like to give him one more happy, comfortable summer at home before we have to say good-bye, but I don't want it to be one where he is miserable and in continual suffering.

Thanks to everyone still around that shared such heartfelt stories and advice. And thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any wisdom on my current situation.

[KelVarnsen]

Holy crap, I remember this. And that day.

[ben voyonsdonc]

Yamer, there is a thread (the saddest thread) where people have gone to talk about their experiences in your situation - http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=61659

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by ben voyonsdonc

Yamer, there is a thread (the saddest thread) where people have gone to talk about their experiences in your situation - http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=61659

Thanks. I knew I saw a more recent thread on this somewhere, but with the restrictions on the search function of this forum ('pet' being too small a word to search) I could only come across this one.

The good news is that after doing some internet research and visiting other forums it looks like the diagnosis may be manageable. I really just have to wait to see how he responds to the IV and how the follow-up blood work comes out.

[ben voyonsdonc]

That's good news! I can't say that I've been where you are right now but all I can suggest is just cuddle that little kitty every single moment that you can. I am a cat lover and I dread the day that I may have to part with my little one.

[Suzles]

We took on/rescued a 17 year old cat last year. He was in end stage kidney disease. The vet thought we would have him for 2 weeks. We did sub-cut fluids every other day (I had worked in a wildlife hospital so know a lot of basic veterinary procedures - but they are easy to learn)- which the cat tolerated very well. As much food as he wanted and any other medications we had made as trans dermal gels so we wouldn't have to fight to give him pills (he had hyperthyroidism as well). We gave him a pretty terrific last six months. I still miss dear Vipey. He was a yowler! It was his liver that finally failed. Good luck with your journey with your cat. PM if I can answer any questions. Susan x

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Suzles

We took on/rescued a 17 year old cat last year. He was in end stage kidney disease. The vet thought we would have him for 2 weeks. We did sub-cut fluids every other day (I had worked in a wildlife hospital so know a lot of basic veterinary procedures - but they are easy to learn)- which the cat tolerated very well. As much food as he wanted and any other medications we had made as trans dermal gels so we wouldn't have to fight to give him pills (he had hyperthyroidism as well). We gave him a pretty terrific last six months. I still miss dear Vipey. He was a yowler! It was his liver that finally failed. Good luck with your journey with your cat. PM if I can answer any questions. Susan x

You are a really good person.