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My parents are actually going through the yo-yo health with their dog… I keep thinking that every winter is going to be the last one (severe arthritis to the point where she can’t stand up, despite meds).
It sucks, but (and I really hate to say this), I hope that you won’t let it go on then it really has to. You said her kidneys (?) are failing, and that she’s not going to get completely better.
I’m sorry if saying it to you upsets you, I don’t want you to put her down sooner then necessary, but you have to keep in mind how she’s feeling about this, too. And I think you are, and that’s good. I just hope that you don’t do to Katie what my parents are doing to Pixie, everytime I see her, it breaks my heart, she gets worse and worse every time I see her. She’s in obvious pain, but my mother keeps thinking it might get better, when it hasn’t in months… years even. 😥 I think they may have dragged it on too long with her.
We’re here to offer support and virtual hugs and chocolate (or whatever your virtual food favorite is).
emerald212 wrote:tasgrs wrote:Hugs from NJ for both you and Katie.
Seriously consider the sub-q fluids. They really aren’t difficult to do at home–we did that for 2 cats at different times.
We lost a cat to kidney disease back in the early 90’s, and if I knew then what I know now, I would’ve jumped at the chance to do the fluids.But either way, no matter what happens, we’re here for you. Been where you are right now not too long ago, and I can definitely sympathize! 🙁
Hopefully Katie will stick around a bit longer.
Keeping the whiskers, toes, paws, claws, hooves and fingers all crossed!Well, the vet didn’t say anything about them. And besides, she’s so little and thin now that they could only take blood from her juggler vein, which they had a hard time finding.
If this sub-q fluids thing involves sticking a needle into her, I don’t think I could do it. I’d probably hurt her more than help her. I’ve never liked needles to begin with, and I’m not trained in that sort of thing. I’m an English professor, not a vet assistant. Besides, I don’t see the point in making her suffer with her age, lack of teeth (hence the difficulty eating), arthritis, and this kidney problem any longer than she has to. So why give her something to draw it all out longer. If she was two or even five, maybe. But she’s 14-15 years old.
I love her more than anything, but there comes a time when you just have to let go. 😥
Sub-q is not difficult to do at all. If she’s dehydrated that might be why they’re having a hard time getting blood out her. It does involve a needle and an IV bag full of fluids. One person holds the cat while the other inserts the needle under the back of the neck ruff and you let the fluids flow in under the skin. It forms a fluid bubble that the cat absorbs as needed. I asked my vet if it was painful and she said for cats Sub-q was not. Now Frisky hated them, but Talisen loves them. He comes up and has this particular meow that means I need my fluids please. he just sits there calmly the entire time and goes off on his way when we’re done. I remember swearing I would never do them again because Frisky hated them so much, but it really depends on the cat. How could i say no when tali was asking for them?Looking for Blue Fawn Baby Kirin
Sanguine Oriental Test Paints, kinglet
Sun Dragon Koi #3Sub-q fluids are an easy thing to learn, I’ve taught tons of owners, and in some cases, owners brought their kitties in ever so often to have us do them.
With really docile cats, it can be a one-person job.
Wish you the best however it pans out.
I’m sorry Katie Boo is sick. Giving fluids is easy. But, you know your cat. You’ll know when it’s time to let her go. I’m sorry you have to deal with this. It’s never easy. Hugs.
I got back from my convention last night. It’s too late for fluids. She’s just gone downhill so fast. She is distant, and she pees on the floor now. She pees outside of the litter box just after we’ve cleaned it. The cat sitter said that she’d thrown up on the bed, and pooped on it too. (So we washed our comforter when we got home.) This is all unusual behavior (and I’ve had her for eleven years). She doesn’t want me to cuddle her (that’s never happened), and she’s very lethargic. I think I’m going to call the vet today. I don’t want to see her suffer any more. Of course, I’m up at 5:30 am because I can’t sleep, thinking about it. 😥 She’s just so frail, and she just seems to be existing now, not enjoying living. She won’t even sit in a window anymore.
My husband bought me a really nice urn for her (we could see this coming of course), and it was here waiting when we came home. It’s a cat with wings, sleeping in a basket. There’s a collar with a tag on the figure that can be engraved, so we’ll do that afterwards.
I just feel so horrible. I miss her already, because she’s not the same cat anymore. I just don’t know what I’m going to do without her. But I can’t stand to see her like this anymore.
Oh Em I’m so sorry. I know you knew it was coming but I’m sure it doesn’t make it any easier to say good-bye. It didn’t for me. The urn sounds beautiful and just right for Katie Boo. Lots n lots of hugs for you both as you get through this day. 🙁
I’m so sorry, Em. I know you were hoping to postpone this for awhile longer. *hug* I think you are making the right decision for Katie though, she sounds like she is ready to go wait for you on the Rainbow Bridge.
When quality of life starts going downhill, it is a wonderful gift that we can give to our pets to let them go. I wish it was an option for people when they reach this stage.
Anyway, I am sorry it came to this so soon after she started becoming ill. Perhaps in time another kitty will win your heart.
*hugs*
Kyrin
Oh, Emerald, I’m so sorry! Big hugs!
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http://www.sarahjestin.com/feedbacklists.htmKyrin wrote:I’m so sorry, Em. … Perhaps in time another kitty will win your heart.
*hugs*
Kyrin
Well, I still have Claire Marie and Merlin. But they are not as close to me as Katie is. Merlin did sleep with me last night though. Sometimes he’s a Mama’s Boy. 🙂 I probably won’t get another kitty as long as I have Claire Marie. She doesn’t like new additions. She still hates Merlin, and he’s been with us for six years now.
I’m sorry Em. We went through this with our chocolate Lab a year ago. She just wasn’t “her” anymore and her quality of life was very poor. We had to make the same decision you’re facing. It’s never easy. She gave you years of love, now it’s time for her to rest. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh Em…I am so sorry! 😥 This stupid move has me all spun around. I will keep you in my prayers. Katie had a wonderful life with you, and I am sure she is looking down on you from kitty heaven. 😉
(I will send payment out…I haven’t had a chance to check emails. I don’t have my pc up and running yet, and I haven’t had time to get it going anyway. 🙄 )
*Hugs and fuzzies*
Oh, Em… It does sound like it’s time 😥 Our Abby cat was like that, finally. And on the day that I accidentally startled her and she bit me and then was sooo ashamed of herself afterwards, we knew it was time. It was hard because she had been our baby for long before we had the boys, but had to do what was best for her. Hugs, hugs and more hugs and kitty kisses from Loki and Pixel
twindragonsmum, ethan, sean, loki & pixel
tdm
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