My friend is dying

[Ace]

Well don't laugh and try to take me serious now you hear.

Was to the vet yesterday with one of my dearest and oldest friends, my 15 years old cat namned Linus.

I first met him when he was 5 days old, and from his 25th day of life we have been friends and always liked and lived with eachother.

Now like I said I was at the vets yesterday and I learned that he got old, and he is more or less dying bit by bit for each day that passes.

The vet told me that the best way for me was to put him to sleep, but I feel I cannot do that I cannot take away the life of a friend of mine that I have known for so long and share so many good memories with.

I know it would be best for him as a cat to put him to sleep but I'm too human for that, and I picture Linus as one of my friends that has tagged along with me for quite some time.

So for all of you that has been in my situation please help me and tell me how I should act.

I have lost many 4-footted friends over the years and I share your pain

Were it my cat I would search my heart and put my cats pain ahead of mine.

If Linus is suffering put him to sleep. If he isn't just be there for him just like he was a human

Afterward allow yourself to grieve

Beyond that I have no advice

 

[Neo]

I have been in the exact same circumstance but from a Canine not feline perspective.

I am nearing my 30th birthday and a little over 3 years ago I lost my best friend in the whole wide world my beloved companion Jack my 15 year old Jack Russel.

He got old you see and things started to stop working and go wrong for him, he lost vision in one eye, which later had to be taken out only to lose vision in the other (something the vets said would never happen) shortly after.

The Vets told me numerous times that it was in his best interests for me just to have him put to sleep, but I never really felt like they did enough, each time a new eye drop or a different tablet, but none ever really "Did" much except check him over externally or take his temperature.

I spent a fortune on medicine for him and would have sold everything I had to make him right, but after losing his vision entirely he more or less lost his will to live and died a few months afterwards in my arms.

I can say, hand on heart that until that time I was oblivious as to exactly what loss was like the only person whose ever died in our family to date except my grandmother who passed away when I was little. Losing my dog was like losing a limb part of me was left missing and always will be, but I am thankful for the time I had with him while he was here.

I couldn;t honestly advise you one way or the other as to what to do, I only know that as much as it tore me apart to have him die, I was glad that he had done it in his own time, with the knowledge I was there and in the familiar surroundings of his home.

As people can probably tell I am very much a "Pet" person, I have always had a dog since as far back as I can remember and my dogs always mean everything to me. The whole "but its just an animal" belief some people have is just wrong, what a pet is, is a companion, a loved one, a friend, a shoulder to cry on and someone who never judges you and is always there, there is very little a Pet Owner will do for thier pet that a parent does not do for thier child, the only difference being our Pets never seem to get past the toddler stage.

I don't envy you your choice, but if it means anything I feel for you, I really do as I've been there.

 

[Aaron L]

If Linus isn't in pain, I wouldn't have him put down. Let him (and you) get as much enjoyment out of life as he is entitled to.

 

[ThorneMD]

Well, I was never in the situation personally, but a few years ago, my cat had cancer for the fourth time in her life and we just caught it a little too late. I (being the younger brother of the person who's account this is) had her from around my birth. She was always a protector to me and it was hard to see her go. I feel sorry for you, but I suggest you just put your cat to sleep. The pet will always be in your heart.

Again, I feel bad for you.

 

[cptg1481]

My hopes is that he will die in peace in a place he finds familiar, not in a sterile vets enviroment.

Shop around for a vet, like I said in my previous post, a lot of them are now making a "final house call" if you will. I can be more expensive but so much more peacful for the pet. A last nap on the couch or in his favorite spot, even if it's your lap.

Please shop around and find someone who offers this service. They are out there.

 

[King_Stannis]

Sorry to hear about that, Liquide. Follow your vets advice and put the cat to sleep. No sense keeping an animal in pain.

Then go adopt a small kitten from a shelter to take his place.

 

[Elf Witch]

My heart goes out to you. I have been in this situation several times and it never gets easier. My advice to you is to consider what is best for Linus nd you. If Linus is not in pain and not suffering you may not want to put her to sleep. I have a very good vet and when my 19 year old cat started having problems he was very honest with me. Since the cat was not in pain I took him home kept him warm and fed he died in his sleep. He had jumped up into my lap and we had spent some time together and then he curled up in his bed and died.

My elderly dog was a differant story she became senile and was howling all the time. She did not know who she was or who I was most of the time. She became very scared. I tried all kinds of medicine and she got worse. Putting her down was the only kind thing to do. I stayed with her it was quick and painless and I talked to her and peted her as she left this world.

I grieved for both of them (and other pets) the same. Neither way was easier. Dying naturally or being put to sleep it is still going to hurt. Talk to your vet get a second opinion if you feel you need one. Then decide what is best for the both of you.


Carol

 

[Dragonblade]

Hey Liquide I'm sorry to hear that. My condolences mate.

My cat is 13 years old and still very healthy but eventually I too will have to face a similar painful decision.

Personally, I would prefer her to die in her sleep, peacefully in one of her favorite napping spots. But if she is in pain, I will euthanize her.

Anyway, we are here for ya!

 

[Telgian]

I'm sorry about your dilemma.

Honestly, in your situation I would keep an eye on these variables:

Is Linus in pain? (Yes=bad)
Is he still attentive? (Yes=good)
Does he still groom himself? (Yes=good)
Is he eating and drinking as normal? (Yes=good)
Has he begun to actively hide from you? (Yes=bad)
Is he hiding in different places than usual? (Yes=bad)
Is he suddenly more subdued in his behavior? (Yes=bad)

If it was a sudden change in behaviour that lead you to take Linus to the vet, then you may have the beginning of the answer that you need.

If it was just a routine visit, or for a minor difficulty, your answer is less clear.

~~~~~~~~~~
Based on my observations as a pet owner (sorry, I'm not a vet):

An ill animal will lose intrest in its surroundings, food, and grooming.

In additon to the above, a terminally ill animal will begin distancing itself. Often they will begin to hide in new places to avoid you. As far as I can know, they hide because they don't feel well and want to be left alone.
~~~~~~~~~~

I lost a adorable young cat to a combination of FIP and FIV about ten months ago. He had always had a sneeze, but suddenly he got very ill over the course of three days, and the only decent option that we had was to end his suffering.

The worst part for me was the suddeness and the nature. I had never heard of these diseases before (probably because I come from the countryside and the cat population is less dense than here in the city). I had never put down a pet before either. Still upsetting, and I miss the cat, but in that case there was nothing I could do.

The hard part is recognising when there is nothing more that you can do.

Based on what you have told us of Linus' condition, and if it were my cat, I would not be putting him down yet.

When the quality of his life begins to decline, then you need to decide. Just keep an eye on him to make sure that he is not suffering, and enjoy his presence.

Regards,
Telgian.

 

[Anime Kidd]

My condolences. My heart goes out to you and Linus.