My cats having tests at the vets

[Geri]

I just put off taking him because he hates it sooo much.

We put it off for ages as well. Getting her into the basket is a nightmare, and involves chasing her around the house, throwing a blanket over her head and then a huge struggle.

My other cat will just walk into the basket as good as gold.

 

[Geri]

I really don't know what to do for the best. How do you know when it's time?

 

[aqua]

 

[cesare]

I really don't know what to do for the best. How do you know when it's time?

The vet will tell you when/if her quality of life is deteriorating too much.

 

[Geri]

The vet will tell you when/if her quality of life is deteriorating too much.

I don't think I'm going to take her tomorrow - it's too soon to tell how she is. He said Friday or Monday, so I'll give it some thought over the weekend.

 

[cesare]

I don't think I'm going to take her tomorrow - it's too soon to tell how she is. He said Friday or Monday, so I'll give it some thought over the weekend.

Good plan. Fingers crossed for Spook.

 

[zenie]

That's what I think, but every time I've had a claim they've always tried to tell me things aren't covered when they are (not pet insurance, other insurances).

I'd ask your vet, from reading I've done (on dog yes admittedly) vaccines don't NEED doing every year, we over immunise a lot.

I really don't know what to do for the best. How do you know when it's time?

My old cats have generally been PTS when they get incontinent.

 

[blues]

You know if you'd asked for any idea of a timescale and been told 3-6 months, you wouldn't even be having these thoughts. You generally "know" when your pet has reached that stage. If you're not sure, then they probably haven't.

 

[High Voltage]

I really don't know what to do for the best. How do you know when it's time?

You know about Jess?? She's still here for the moment. Believe me you will know. Very difficult to explain but you will know I am starting to understand what people mean now. So sorry to hear this.

 

[Geri]

You know about Jess?? She's still here for the moment. Believe me you will know. Very difficult to explain but you will know I am starting to understand what people mean now. So sorry to hear this.

Thanks, glad that Jess is still with you.

Spook came up to the bedroom last night when I was in bed, jumped onto the bed and was madly purring and being affectionate, so I definitely don't think it's time yet. She has also been wolfing down some prawns that I keep giving her from the fridge (they are supposed to be for our tea!)

 

[cesare]

Spook prawnd butcher's tea

Good on ya Spook, keep it lively lass!

 

[mentalchik]

I really don't know what to do for the best. How do you know when it's time?

With my beloved Charlie Meow-Meow (he was nearly 17) it was when i realised he didn't really know where he was, lost all control of his bladder and bowels (he would suddenly go a bit weird and poo and wee in the middle of the room)........

the vet (who was lovely) said his kidneys were failing, he had an enlarged liver and his mouth was very ulcerated (due to the kidney failure) and i had him put to sleep...........


one of the hardest things i had to do and it still brings a little tear to my eye !

 

[Geri]

I knew I'd have to face it one day, obviously, but I didn't expect it this soon - I know she is 13, but it doesn't seem that old to me.

Although my friend just had to have her cat put down due to cancer, and it was only 8.

 

[starfish]

Sorry to hear this. Really hope she pulls through.
(((spook))) & (((geri)))

 

[Geri]

Well, she is brighter each day. Obviously she is not going to get "better" as such, but she is more like her old self. She's always been quite moody and grumpy though, so it can be hard to tell!

 

[aqua]

geri we had to have our first cat PTS when she was 14 she had had thyroid cancer and other stuff along the way and pulled through but around 12/13 we noticed she was no longer top cat around us (she would batter any other cat, she really ruled the roost) and she was spending more and more time inside. Then other cats were walking past our big window in her garden and she wouldn't bother with them, but she would look so sad

then one day she woke up and her breathing was laboured, and I mean REALLY laboured. Dad took her to the vets who gaveus the option of treatment but also said that she despite her age, was old the awful decision was made

I really do agree you know when it's time. Previously she had always had that spark that we knew meant she could handle it, not then though

*goes to cuddle her kittehs*

 

[Tank Girl]

good to hear that she's perked up geri

and at aqua's post

 

[Geri]

g

then one day she woke up and her breathing was laboured, and I mean REALLY laboured. Dad took her to the vets who gaveus the option of treatment but also said that she despite her age, was old the awful decision was made

I worry about this happening when we are away, the week after next. Someone is coming in to feed them and give her the tablets she needs but obviously he won't be around all the time if she does get poorly very quickly.

She won't let me give her cuddles, so my other cat is getting extra.

 

[aqua]

yeah I think we'd been out all day and only found her in the evening but it wasn't just suddenly, suddenly, she really wasn't well, wasn't going out anymore, not herself at all

 

[Epona]

Geri, I'm so sorry to hear that you had bad news from the vet, that's so much worse than what I was hoping to hear coming back to this thread. You know your cat better than anyone, and although it's a horrible responsibility, only you will know when she is ready to go if it comes to that and you have to organise it for her to prevent her suffering iykwim. For me, that point would be when she stops taking an interest in anything she normally would, whatever that may be - food, attention, a snooze in the sun, or if she looks to be in pain.

The fact that she seems to be in good (or at least normally moody!) spirits at the moment is a positive sign that she isn't quite ready to give up just yet. You're right, 13 isn't that old, it seems awfully unfair. Would your cat-sitter be prepared to spend a little more time with her each day while you're away to make sure she's ok?

 

[Geri]

Would your cat-sitter be prepared to spend a little more time with her each day while you're away to make sure she's ok?

Yes, I'm sure he would - he's an animal lover.

Not like the last person I asked, who forgot to come at all and left them for 4 days without fresh water or food!

She just had a go on the scratching post, which I haven't seen her do since we got her back!