I had to put my cat to sleep
 

It's been a long time coming, but I had to put my cat Tino to sleep today. Reviewing his record, this illness started in April 2001 and he weighed about 12 lbs at the time (but had lost weight which is why I took him for examination). He's had every test that can be done on a cat except exploratory surgery and by the time that was an option, we thought he was too frail to handle it (about 6 pounds). He had many extensive tests done more than once, everything from blood tests to upper and lower GIs. Today he was down to 3.2 pounds. The hardest part is that he's still so alert and had energy and was loving and affectionate. But he was starving to death no matter what he ate or how much. It's like there was something wrong with his ability to absorb nutrients. My vets couldn't figure it out; no vets they consulted could figure it out. One of them even took his case to a convention and discussed it and no one there could suggest anything we hadn't tried beyond surgery (which was a death sentence).

I think this was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but I know there weren't any miracles waiting around the corner and it was more compassionate to let him go while he still acted like a happy cat than let him get to the point where he couldn't hold his head up. It doesn't make it much easier though.

I'm letting them send his body to a diagnostic clinic so they can do a full autopsy and see if there was something internal that couldn't have been detected with all the other tests. I hope his case can help some other cat someday.

Becky :(

Oh Becky - you have my sympathy. I lost my longtime best friend last April - she had lymphoma and I also made the decision to end it while she could still function. It wasn't as if she was going to get better. I still have a little black and white ghost in my house.

Probably the best thing to do is get a kitten - that usually hlps cheer me up anyway.

Kathleen

Oh Becky, I am so sorry. I know what it feels like having to put down a beloved pet. How old was Tino? The worst part is that you feel so helpless, if you just knew how to, you'd help him :(

But you know Tino will be with all your other loved ones, waiting for you :)




Poem For Cats

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown

I'm sorry to hear this, Becky. I'm sure it must've been a tough decision :(

Aw, that's sad, Becky. But I think you absolutely did the right thing.

Sorry to hear of this Becky. Like I said yesterday, it was always gonna be a very difficult decision to make. I hope you are feeling better soon.x

I'm so sorry Becky. This must be the hardest decision to make and I dread the fact that one day I might have to make it. My deepest sympathies and I'm sure Tino will be waiting for you on the other side.

Tash

I know how much it hurts ... I had to put my dog that I had for almost 15 years to sleep 2 weeks ago ... They say time heals but still - no day has past that I didn't cry ... He was my best friend and I miss him very very much...

I understand what you are going trough Becky ...

I'm truly sorry to hear you are going through this now, Becky. Do let us know what they find out from the autopsy. My thoughts are with you.

Hello ,

Im so sorry Becky, its really sad when we have to let go, but you did what was best for Tino even though its so heartbreaking . 15 years ago my cat became ill , all the tests even exploratory they still could not find out why , but like you we knew the heartbreaking decision was the right one to make.

I am also sorry for your recent loss Vallie.... I put my cat to sleep a few months ago he was 14 and had a good life but I miss him so much....

I think we should be thankful for the good life we shareed with our special friends and remember they were happy with us and remain in our memories.

Dawn