What to do about my cat????

[Csara]

Some background: my cat is about 14 years old and has not been well for at least a year now, maybe more. She has been on multiple pills that she won't take, or throws up if we do manage to give to her. She has lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of weight, does not look healthy, is anemic, dehydrated (even though we give her tons of water!), sheds like crazy...

I have taken her to the vet many times, each time I spend hundreds of dollars on tests and I never get a definitive answer. Last I was told she "probably" has cancer in her abdomen or intestines. This would explain the CONSTANT diarrhea she has, I guess.

For the past two weeks, she has diarrhea about 4 times a day. Lately, she has gone on the floor and most recently in my clean laundry basket. She has also started urinating all over the place and the smell is about to burn my nostrils. She tracks poop and litter all over the house. I am so grossed out.
Not to mention how expensive this is getting. She has ruined my couch, my carpet, couch pillows, comforters, and who knows what else. All I know is that I smell urine EVERYWHERE!!

I just don't know what to do. This has been a long year of waiting to see what comes next. Every time I think "this is it" and I start preparing myself for having to let her go, she seems to pull through. She has definitely gone through her nine lives!

This time seems to be the worst though and the fact that she is having accidents everywhere is about to put me over the edge. I can't stand the thought of my son stepping in or touching any of the mess she drags around and then putting his hands in his mouth. She also sheds like crazy. There is hair everywhere.

So, my question is - when is enough enough? She is still eating (although not too much) and obviously still going to the bathroom. However, she is CLEARLY not well. I just don't know what to do!!!

I don't mean to sound like an insensitive uncaring fur mommy, I have just been through such a roller coaster with her and I feel very badly for her.

[Turtleheadfred]

Oh C! What a difficult situation for you. It's hard to say what you should do, because I know she's like another child for you.

About the only advice I can give is to ask yourself, is she living a "quality" life? Is she happy or is she miserable and just existing? At the point you feel she isn't happy and is only just "making it" day to day, you would be honoring her by allowing her to go on to the next world.

I truly don't mean that to sound harsh or callous - it's a horrible thing to have to decide - and something I've had to do myself. And I don't know if it's time or not for your little furry baby. But you'll know. You can look into her eyes and know how she feels and whether or not it's just too much on her to keep living like this.

Truly it doesn't sound like she's having a very good time - and obviously it's killing you as well on several levels.

Regardless of what you decide I'll say a prayer for you both. Sending you hugs! :itsok:

[meliz]

Oh C, that's awful. It does sound like her quality of life is deteriorating. It might be time. But not until you are ready of course. How awful. Will your vet offer some help? Just before xmas my mom had to put her cat down and the vet was awesome at helping her get some perspective. Mum asked him what she should do, and he told her what HE would do, and that was to let him go. Maybe you can get a perspective like that from your vet? I am so sorry; that is such a hard decision.

[Csara]

Thank you THF and meliz!

I have taken my cat to three different vets (2 in the same office) and none of them are really eager to say putting her to sleep is an option. Sadly, I think they are looking to make as much money as possible. Not to say that they don't care about animals, but they are definitely looking to capitalize on it and it sucks!!!

I'm just not sure if it is the right thing to do. I have already kinda distanced myself from her in my mind after going through this so many times, but it's still a really tough decision to make. I don't outwardly see her "suffering" but I definitely do not think her quality of life is so great anymore. She does seem to just be existing and getting by day to day.

I will have to see what happens within the next few days or week to see if she deteriorates more. Thanks again, I will keep you posted.

[Csara]

I realized I never updated here.........

Well, my kitty did get better and the accidents stopped for a few months, only to start up again recently. We got that under control and then she just all of a sudden seemed to really not be well. I took her to the vet yesterday and they ran a full battery of tests. The results came in this morning and it does not look good at all. She has an array of things wrong with her. Diabetes, anemia, dehydration, upper respiratory infection, likely cancer, possible bleeding liver.... it is just too much.

The vet told me to think about what I want to do and to give him a call to discuss. I just left a message and am waiting to hear back from him. Sadly, she really has gone through her nine lives this time. At least this time, I am sure of what I need to do. I have to say goodbye to my baby girl. I honestly did not think I'd take it this hard, but I am heartbroken. My eyes well up with tears every time I think about it and I cry if I try to talk about it. I am really going to miss her. She's been part of my life for 12 years and I don't really know how to handle this.

I also don't know what to tell my son. He is absolutely in love with her. He is only 2 and won't understand why she isn't here anymore. :(

[meliz]

Awe, C. I am sooo sorry! Poor puddy tat. But if you think it's time, it is, and it is in the cat's best interest, too, and is definitely an act of love. You have done everything you can for a looong time. I think it's time to let her go and totally feel it is the right thing to do.

I wouldn't worry too much about Jax. At his age, he'll make the transition easily.

Sorry to hear this!

[ParagonEos]

I'm heart broken for you... I know how hard it is to say goodbye (permanantly) to a part of the family... I am so sorry for your loss.:cry:

[Csara]

Thanks so much, Paragon! I am happy (and totally shocked) to report that she has yet another life. Seriously, this cat is a miracle. The vet was totally surprised when I brought her in the other day and she literally came back to life. She's eating and perky and her fur looks healthier again. Due to her blood work, it really is only a matter of time. It could be another week or it could be another 6 months, but the important thing is that it's just not right now!! :)

[ParagonEos]

Wow! She is a miracle kitty :clap:

[MissRyry]

How is she doing now?

[Turtleheadfred]

C! That's wonderful - and I know hard at the same time. They are miraculous in what their spirits can sustain and endure. She must still have something left to do here and when it's her time (in her mind) she's be ready to go. At least you've made peace with letting her go when you need to.

As for your son - My parents used to tell me that my pets were needed as angels in heaven to help watch over us... that Jesus likes pets too and that they were being rewarded for being so good that they got to go there and help look after us. Somehow - for me - it made me feel a little better. And I swear to this day I believe my pets will be in heaven to greet me when I get there... and for those people who don't like pets... I just think they won't be able to see them so EVERYONE will have the happy heaven they want!

Hang in there sweetie! It's so hard I know - but I'll be praying for you all - kitty and family! Keep us updated when you can!

[Csara]

aww, thanks so much THF! That was so sweet.

She is actually doing pretty well these days, considering. Thanks for thinking about us. :)