This is going to be a rough week. My cat is 19 and about 5 1/2 lbs. He's always been skinny, sickly, and always battled respitory problems. The most common being stuffed up alll the time. Lately its gotten bad. He got to the point of not being able to breath through his nose, nose bleeds. This past week, he started tearing blood. Historically, the only medicine that alleviates the problem makes him not eat. So whats worse? the disease or the cure? So we had no choice but to put him on this medicine called Clavamox. Cleared it all right up but of course, he has lost his appetite. So no medicine, he cant breath and with medicine he wont eat. The cat hasnt eaten in 2 days. Maybe a couple of bites. We got a pill from the vet that's supposed to stimulate his appetite but its not working. AND Jennifer has to go to NO this week for her job. She's leaving Monday morning early. So its going to be up to me. The thing is 5 1/2 lbs as it is. How do you get a cat to eat? Whats going to happen if this turns bad and the inevitable happens while she's away? I really cant deal with this by myself. We had the little guy for 19 years, he's like our son. This is heartbreaking. And Jennifer is taking all this very badly. I am too but Im trying to keep things positive for her. This is the problem with pets. You get so attached and its hard to let go. I just hope he and I can hang in for a week and Jen can come home to both of us once again. I guess if things start going south I can bring him to the vet for intravenous feedings maybe? My eyes are welling up as I write this. That's all I want. Just this one week. ray: Im going to be praying hard this week. I could use a few extra prayers for "Pookie".
Just put down a Lab 3 days short of 15 years 2 weeks ago. It was hard. I hope Pookie can hang on. Being 19 he must be a fighter. Prayers for Pookie. Ray
Tough times man.. we love our pets like they're part of the family.. they are part of the family! I went though this last fall with the family dog...you can read it here http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=212032&highlight=sandy there are some very kind words there, especially from Mike W. (aka atticus427) He's a vet. If you have to make a decision this week...I'll sum up what he PM'd me... "Euthanasia is something we do "for" our pets, not "to" our pets. Just because it hurts to let him go doesn't mean it's the wrong choice." I'll be thinking about Pookie, keep us posted. open a can of tuna and let him go for it.
Jason I feel for you too. My favorite cat of all time was also my late father's best pal. I have pics of her on my Dad' shoulder as a newborn. While he was bedridden because of MS, she entertained him to no end. She lived a long life and died in her sleep after twenty years, ten year after he was gone. It was like losing a member of the family, but fondly remembered. Devon
Sorry to hear that Jason. I know myself how they can earn a spot in your heart. I never cared for cats until me and the first wife bought this little calico I named Pesky. That little cat won me over, and I have never connected with an animal like I did with her. Always by my side and was a real clown. Not to mention she had the gentlest disposition. In her final days she stayed under the bed. I would take her tuna and try to get her to eat to no avail. She has been gone 12 years now, and there are times I still miss her. I am hoping the best for Pookie.
Keeping you all in my thoughts Jason. Having 2 dogs and 2 cats, all saved, I know how attached we become. My cats love the gravy from the dogs can food. Maybe some of that over some fresh tuna might help.
I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Its definitely going to help. Thank you so much. It means alot He's the sickliest little runt of cat we've ever had and he's lasted the longest. Go figure. He's deaf as a doorknob too. He seems to be interested in a little of the dry food today. So there's some hope. If he was 10-12 lbs, we would'nt be too concerned, but when they get this thin, a couple days of not eating gets critical in his condition. Its always been a fight to keep weight on him. The only thing I havent done so far is stand on my head, and I'll be attempting that today. At least he's drinking. At his age, every day he's around is a gift.
It's all part of being a pet owner Jason, and we share your concern. All anyone can do is hope for the best, after nineteen years !
Just wanted to update this thread. Jen is back home and the Pookster is still plugging along. The little guy really scares me sometimes. Past couple of weeks was really bad. I really thought it wasnt looking good for him. Thank God his appetite picked up and the medications seem to be holding this congestion at bay for the time being. I dont know what the future holds, but I take everyday as a gift. Thanks for everyones help getting us past this bump in the road. :beer
Jason, Glad to hear it! My oldest, Misty, is going on 10 years old, she's about 9 pounds and has had issues with full seizures for most of her life, had one the other night while sleeping on my lap, they come and go and she can go months without having one but when she does they are really violent. I know how trying this can be, Misty is "my" cat, sleeps on my pillow at night and is always near me whenever I'm home.
