kiki is fading out. why? (last days)

[miami florida]

Having no funds to expend on this sweet and gentle outdoor cat, "KiKi", I'm writing in a last-hope effort to gain possible advice.

The cat belonged to my ninety year old neighbor. Still does, really. But he's in nursing care and will not be coming home.

For months now I've tended to Kiki with daily feedings. The cat is 15 or more years old. Affectionate thing, has always shown more interest in me than in the food I bring. Has had no veterinary care for at least a few years.

This past week or so, the normally-thin Kiki has shed weight it cannot much afford to lose. Over these past four days, Kiki's appetite has dwindled to zero. It is catabolizing its sparse muscle, and there is very little fat under the skin. I must make a decision by the end of tomorrow at the latest.

It does not seem to be in the slightest discomfort. It is placid as always. It will not, as of today, even attempt to lap the juices from soft, regulation cat food, nor even tuna fish from a can.

I suppose there are innumerable reasons for this cat's failure.

But could there be some simple, cost-free way to give it a chance to go on a bit longer? Would a force-feeding be fair to the sweet, small cat?

I cannot bear to see it die alone, on that back patio... but too, I dislike the prospect of euthanizing this individual. I sense, though, that must be done in the next day or two at most.

The owner's adult grandaughter, with her grandfather far from this city now, is the decision maker. She would just as soon euthanize. And I would and nearly do concur.
But it is I who has bonded with the cat lately.

I'm just not able to expend my funds to get the cat a proper veterinary treatment.
Nor do I know whether it's even worth the try.

At least Kiki seems unconcerned. Small comfort, that.

glum here,

me in Miami

[halaroo]

Hi Miami. I think should turn Kiki over to the humane society or shelter now. They may be able to nurse her back to health but, given your financial situation, you will not get her back if she recovers. Euthanization is probably the best bet though, as it sounds as if Kiki is living alone and not getting all the attention she needs. At least you could be with her and comfort her when she passes on.

[vene]

If you are willing to part with Kiki, a no-kill shelter is your best solution in my opinion. Should Kiki recover, her owner's relatives can always reclaim her (seems unlikely) even if you can't. My husband's first cat Kitty went without eating for 1 week and would only drink water at 14 years of age. He died while we were in school. We wished we would've done something for him- either sending him to a vet for care or to euthanize. We were never given the chance because we were not told of his situation until after he had passed on. Is there a reason why the grand-daughter did not claim or care for Kiki?

[Maraya]

yeah...definitely try to find another place who'll take and care for the cat. I agree...Humane Society.

[Mary_NH]

Kiki...sounds like a name someone might give a Siamese.
What kind of cat is this?
and I agree with everyone else - this cat deserves to be where it will receive medical care. Could be something as simple as thyroid

[Gogo]

My first reaction was also Thyroid. Our cat Gato was 16 when he finally passed. He has Thyroid problems. We had him on medication for years as the times passed the medication quadrupled in price. We would do it again but even that is also temporary. Sorry to hear about the dilema. You know I'm doing that too but to our own cat of 18 years. I think the situation sometimes turns around. Gato was going downhill fast one Christmas then he rallied and lived another nine months. That's why sometimes the animal makes the decision for us. Day by day we are doing the same. We had decided to take Shadow in and up she gets and wants food and eats two small helpinps. Go figure. I pray you will have peace about any decision you make.

[luna]

the cat could have some kind of paracite, so its best to get it checked out as soon as possible to get it treated if it needs it.