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Author Topic:   Should Frisky be put to sleep
Frisky's Mom
New Member

Posts: 3
From:Peoria, IL
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-20-2004 10:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Frisky's Mom     Edit/Delete Message
My 17 year old cat is dying and we don't know whether to let her go naturally or to have her put to sleep. She was at the vet's for 4 days until we brought her home Tuesday afternoon. They tried to treat for diabetis, but she was insulin resistant and her kidneys are failing. She hasn't eaten for 1 week and will only drink small sips of water. They gave her liquids through injections while at the vets. She is very wolbly when walking, but does not appear to be in pain. She will still purr if I pet her in the right places and is for the most part alert when not sleeping. How do I know if she is in pain? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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MaryNH
Member

Posts: 240
From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-20-2004 11:19 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for MaryNH     Edit/Delete Message
cats will purr even if sick or in pain. They don't show their discomfort like we do as it would be a show of vulnerability.

What does your vet suggest?

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disneeworld
Member

Posts: 14
From:
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 02-20-2004 11:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for disneeworld     Edit/Delete Message
It's a tough call but I would base my decision on the financial factor, the pain factor, and quality of life issue. One day I'm sure I will have to make that decision on each of my 7 cats that range in age from 12 yrs old to 2 years old, but so far all healthy.From what you described and depending on what the vet said as to the cats survival chances, I would likely choose to put her to sleep and let her go in peace, and even though it will be sad for you, you will know you did the right thing for the cat, putting her "feelings" ahead of the human emotion factor, which as a fellow cat lover, the latter we are all guilty of. Good luck and God bless!

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lucidity03
Member

Posts: 201
From:Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 02-20-2004 11:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for lucidity03     Edit/Delete Message
When myself and family had to decide on when it was time to put a cat down, it was a tough decision. I think anyone who has decided that felt awful and may have questioned their decision.

I agree with MaryNH... animals don't show pain like humans. In nature, animals won't show weaknesses because it's survival of the fittest. If your cat hasn't eaten in a week and is going through all of that, I have a feeling that she could be in pain.

BUT, you are the only one who can judge that and decide on it. Look into yourself and see if you have a core feeling. Make your decision for your cat, not your feelings (as if that's not difficult!)

I'm sorry that you're facing such a tough decision. If you decide to put your little one down, remember, you're doing it out of love and consideration.

I know your decision won't be easy. Good luck.

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nern

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 02-20-2004 12:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for nern     Edit/Delete Message
I think it would be best to discuss this with your vet. He/she should be able to help you with this very tough decision.

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cwitso
New Member

Posts: 9
From:Rosemount, Mn 55068
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-20-2004 12:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cwitso     Edit/Delete Message
I had read that cats in pain will, among other behaviors, hide (mine was always under my son's bed), and sit hunched like with the shoulders all bunched up. She also wasn't eating, and had quit grooming and had no output at all in the litter box. When I couldn't get her to eat, I decided I couldn't let her starve to death.

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Frisky's Mom
New Member

Posts: 3
From:Peoria, IL
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-20-2004 01:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Frisky's Mom     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you for all for your quick responses. So far Frisky still wants to be where I am (she isn't hiding) and she seems relaxed and comfortable, but it is so hard to know how she really feels. I just put in a call to our vet and am waiting for a call back to get his advice.

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MyPetTherapyDog
Member

Posts: 157
From:
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-22-2004 04:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MyPetTherapyDog     Edit/Delete Message
Hello:
I am sorry to hear about your cat.
I hope this reply is of help to you.
Three years ago, I had to put to sleep my beloved dog Jasmine. She had kidney failure.
I knew her time to pass was coming soon but wanted to be sure that I did not have her euthanized before she truly needed to be.
I asked my vet "When will we know when it is time"?
She replied "Jasmine will let you know".
I was not sure what this meant but decided to go with it.
Soon Jasmine required a hospital stay with IV therapy to flush out the toxins in her body.
She then stopped eating and then began vomiting. She also began seizing.
I called the vet and she told me a good rule of thumb to use is "When Jasmine is having more bad days than good it is humaine to have her put to sleep at that point in her life".
We made the decission then to put her down.
None of my family could bring themselves to the vets office to have this done.
I called the vet again and asked her if she would please come to my home to put down Jasmine in our bed with her loving family surrounding her.
Remarkably, she agreed.
After office hours were over, she came and very peacefully let Jasmine go to Rainbow Bridge.
My prayers for strength are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Susan

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catwoman
Member

Posts: 43
From:Brunswick, MO USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-22-2004 04:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for catwoman     Edit/Delete Message
I am so sorry to hear about your cat and the decision you have to make. I understand, I had to do the very same thing two years ago. My cat had diabetes and I had to have her put down. She was wobbely and they could not control her blood sugar.

I watched what they did, and what I would have to do to her if she came home. I would have to stick her everyday and give her insuline. She screamed like a wild cat when they tried to draw blood from her. It was then I knew that her quality of life wasn't going to be good. And I felt that she would resent me for hurting her. She didn't know that the sticking and giving shots were for her to be well.

My vet said that she probably wouldn't last much longer. So, I had her put down. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. And I think of her often.

Talk with your vet. My prayers are with you and your kitty.

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Frisky's Mom
New Member

Posts: 3
From:Peoria, IL
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 03-04-2004 08:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Frisky's Mom     Edit/Delete Message
I want to thank everyone for your support. Frisky rallied for 2 weeks, but her strength ran out last Monday. On Tuesday she had difficulty walking and begin having muscle spasms. We took her to be put to sleep - it was so hard! Then we came home and built a box for her and buried her in our backyard where she liked to lay. Oh my lap feels so empty right now.

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nern

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 03-04-2004 09:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for nern     Edit/Delete Message
I'm very sorry for your loss
((Hugs))

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FMgurl43
Member

Posts: 107
From:fort myers, fl. usa
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 03-04-2004 10:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FMgurl43     Edit/Delete Message
im so sorry i just lost cat a couple of days ago so i know what ur feeling.. its hard....but im sure she had a good life w/ u and i can tell she was so very loved....

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mag_mor_min
Member

Posts: 19
From:Stratford, Ont, Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-08-2004 12:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mag_mor_min     Edit/Delete Message
I'm so sorry about your loss. My thirteen year old cat was put to sleep on September 15th after his kidneys started to fail. We also buried him. We put him in a box that he always used to sleep in. It was so hard to say goodbye and I thought that I'd never get through it but each day things got a little bit better. I'll always miss him andd still wish he was with me but you have to say goodbye to everything sometime. I have a 6 month old kitten as well as my 11 year old cat. Murphy won't replace Morty but it helps to have someone to try to fill the space that Morty once filled. I'm very sorry and I hope for the best to you.

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Chessmind
Member

Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-08-2004 10:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chessmind     Edit/Delete Message
I'm so sorry for your loss.

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