Sad News

[rayvyn2k]

Hubby and I have pretty much decided that we will have to euthanize our beloved Kira cat, probably this week.

A week ago Saturday, we took her to the vet because I had noticed she was losing weight and wasn't eating or drinking much. The vet gave her a very thorough exam, drew blood for testing and gave us some antibiotics to give to her. We were advised the blood test came back "very good" and for the first few days, after taking the medicine, she seemed better. She was eating a bit more, drinking okay and our hopes were high.

Then, suddenly she stopped eating again, stopped drinking and when we tried to give her the medicine, it seemed like she was having trouble swallowing.

Last night, I made chicken for supper. She loves chicken. She jumped up on the sofa and I fed her some small pieces and noticed she was gagging as she tried to swallow. After eating less then a one inch chunk (where she used to eat nearly a half a breast) she sort of gave up and went back under the chair.

This morning, she ate maybe two small bites of her wet food before she gave up.

We noticed last week at the vet (and the vet noticed also) that one of her pupils is larger than the other. Hubby thinks she may have had a stroke or something...the vet had jokingly said something about a brain tumor...

I think one or both of them are correct. I do not recognize this version of my beloved Kira. I've been blessed to have her in my life for over 14 years. I've known her longer than my husband and I love her nearly as much.

And, rationally, I know this is the kindest thing to do for her--I don't want to watch her starve to death--but I'm devastated. I called and left a message with the vet and I'm hoping to get in tomorrow. I don't want her to suffer needlessly any longer.

Kira is on the left, sharing the sofa that day with Pippin. I'm going to miss her so much, but I think it's her time.
 

Comments

[pyjamapants.livejournal.com]

*HUGSHUGSUGSHUGS*

It's such a tough decision to make, but it sounds like you're making the right one. *sends more hugs*

I hope Pippen and Hubby can provide satisfactory cuddles. :(

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

Pippin, Merry and Hubby will be a great comfort--but, as you well know--it's not the same. {{{hugs back}}}

[gina-r-snape.livejournal.com]

Oh sweetie. I'm so sorry.

Is it possible she has some kind of polyp blocking her esophagus? Because it sounds like she's still hungry but finds it too painful to eat.

In any event, if you have to put her down I know how painful that is. But it *is* the kindest thing to do if she is in pain and cannot be treated.

:sending infinite hugs:

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'll have the vet look down her throat more carefully. He's a great vet, I trust him implicitly.

[bluestocking79.livejournal.com]

~hugs you hard, and for as long as you need it~

I know it is a terribly difficult decision to make, but it seems clear to me that you know Kira so well, and are very aware of her quality of life, and are making the best decision out of compassion and kindness and respect for her. Which doesn't make it any less hard, I know. But it sounds you are doing the right thing.

~hugs you more and more~

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[islandsmoke.livejournal.com]

Oh, that sucks so hard! I know exactly what you're going through. Do I wait another day? Will she get better? Will she get worse? Is she in pain? Oh, hon! It is such a hard, hard price we pay, but how can we not?

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

I know you do. Thank you for being there for me.

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

Thanks everyone. She ate a bit of meatloaf tonight and didn't seem to have the gagging as she did this morning. I have been watching her like a hawk and she also used the litter pan and had a good long drink from the water bowl.


We decided to see if we can get in the vet on Tuesday (so we can arrange to get off work instead of calling in). We will have him look at her and decide then.

I can't watch her waste away and die because I'm too selfish to let her go if she's ready, you know?

[scott-lynch.livejournal.com]

This sucks, however necessary it might be, and I'm sorry to hear of it. Hope everything goes as well and gently as it can.

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Scott.

[dickgloucester.livejournal.com]

I am so very sad to hear about dear Kira. She is a lovely cat.

But it is one of the sad responsibilities we take on when we choose to look after an animal, that we see when it is their time to slip away. I comfort myself by a firm belief in Cat Heaven, where favourite foods are always available, toys are on demand, there are plenty of small creatures to hunt, and hugs and caresses galore.

*hugs you hard*

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I love the idea of your Cat Heaven. I know Kira will go there.

[rayvyn2k.livejournal.com]

We have an appointment at the vet in half an hour. Update as soon as I can.

[scatteredlogic.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry you're having to make this decision, but I'm so glad that you're thinking about what's best for Kira. That's the hardest part about loving your pet. You have to take care of them, and that includes making certain they don't suffer needlessly or become miserable. :(

~hugs~

[juniperus.livejournal.com]

*hugs and hugs* :(