It's so hard to have to put our cat to sleep!
By w1z111
@w1z111 (985)
United States
May 25, 2011 7:56am CST
We recently had to have our 17 year old cat put to sleep because she was so sick. For several weeks she just wanted to hide and sleep. She did eat, but seemed to be weak and confused and just not well. The vet thought she probably had cancer, which can be treated, but at great cost and likely great stress and suffering for her. We decided her time had come, and let her go. But it's difficult...we miss her a lot! Have you ever had to do this? How did you do?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@w1z111 (985)
• United States
25 May 11
Thanks for your thoughts and input. Yes, we've concluded that we had many great years with Minky...she brought such love and joy to us all her short life; and for that we are truly thankful! And, even though we miss her a lot, we know we did the best thing for her, to keep her suffering to a minimum. Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (137603)
• India
25 May 11
I have done it too for a few our dogs that being the only way out to ease them of their suffering. It is traumatic and it takes months to get over it. We would never have resorted to it if we had a choice. Sorry to hear about your cat and I know what you must be going through.
1 person likes this
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
25 May 11
Aw, so sad! Yes, I just went through this with my 20 year old cat. I've had her forever and she was always healthy, even in her old age. Then around Christmas she started losing weight rapidly, wasn't eating, and started missing her litter box. My one daughter is a veterinarian and checked her out for me. Turns out she had a rapidly spreading cancer, and was starting to be in severe pain. It was a hard decision, but thought it was far more cruel to let her go on in pain when her days were numbered anyways. I miss her so much, she has been a constant companion for at least 18 years (she was a rescue cat.) I agree, it does take quite a while to get over missing them!
@w1z111 (985)
• United States
26 May 11
Owww...it's never easy...even when we know we're preventing undue suffering; because they leave that proverbial "hole" for a while (quite a while, actually). We already had another cat (about 7 y.o.-male), who is also feeling the loss. So, we're "comiserating" together. lol. Thanks for your input.
@ElicBxn (63642)
• United States
25 May 11
Sadly, I've had to do it many times, and it never gets any easier.
Personally, I hope it never does either, because each little life is so important.
I currently have one over 20, and while she is not the same fat black cat we took in 10 years ago, she's still the same fussy cat, just a bit thinner and with white whiskers...
1 person likes this
@w1z111 (985)
• United States
25 May 11
Thanks for your input. Yeah, it's a difficult thing...and we've had to do it a few times, too. It does not get easier, you're right! And, each little life IS important and is meaningful...and, each cat has its own personality, that's for sure! Thanks again.
2 people like this
@Fortunata (1135)
• United States
25 May 11
I feel for you. My cat's kidneys were failing. He, too, was elderly, like your cat. I thought I could do the treatment of putting a needle in his skin and giving him an IV full of fluid, but I couldn't do it. All I was doing was hurting him even more. So I decided to put him to sleep. I got another cat, but I still think about him, often. It is hard.@w1z111 (985)
• United States
26 May 11
Yep! We, too, had to give medications for what they originally thought was just 'hyperthyroidism'. But even after they re-hydrated and medicated her at the vet, she didn't perk up, but seemed to get rapidly worse. So we knew she was suffering more and more. Poor thing. But, we move on...with her great memories. Thanks for your input (and hugs....lol).
@bdance22 (86)
• Philippines
25 May 11
I picked up a hobby. I learned swimming to be able to keep my mind off it. But eventually i had to deal with it. its a great loss but i think its best to know that my dog is at a better place.
