cat to be put down

[percypineapple]

I have a cat that is now too old, and is suffering with eating problems, dementia and He has just had enough. I have not got the mental strength to take him to the vet, I took our pet rabbit who got mixi and made a fool of myself by not being able to talk as I was so cut up, so Could I just hand him in in a cardboard box and leave quickly?
or what other option is there for me?. I need to do this monday, can't see him suffer any more.

[tenrec]

Ring the vet and tell them how you feel. Make an appointment and then take the cat. Good luck.

[shoota]

Percy - I bawled like a babe when our old cat had to be put down due to cancer. Its not something to be ashamed of.
I'm sure they would understnd if you spoke to them first.

[boxtops]

Percy - so sorry to hear this... your poor old fellow. Take him to the vet, but write the vet a letter and give it to him when you hand the cat over.... the vet will understand.

We've been there, it's just a horrible feeling, and you are being kind to your cat to recognise that the old boy's had enough.

[B00]

Awww bless you, I'd be exactly the same.

Tenrec's idea seems the best idea, also you won't be the first who's a wreak at these situations, and you won't be the last.

Good luck, and remember, its the final kindest act you can do for your much loved friend

[boxtops]

^^ PS - before you go you'll need to note down what you want to happen to the cat, too, so the vet can know what to do afterwards.

We had our Fizzy cremated at the local pet cremation place, and the ashes came back to us to bury in the garden.

There will be costs, so the vet needs to be paid too...

[karenmac60]

Percy, when my old cat's time came I phoned the vet late at night and totally lost it. I have no idea how he could even understand me I was crying so much. Mr mac and I took her down there and then and we both blubbed like babies. The vet welled up too! Your vet will be reassured by your tears if you do cry - it proves your cat has been well loved and you are doing this for him, not for you. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Go and be with your old friend in his final moments and to hell with what anyone thinks. x

[B00]

Im welling up reading the replies!

[whiskeryron]

♥♥♥♥♥

W Ron.

[percypineapple]

Thanks everyone, looks like we are all softies. Monday will be a sad day.

[whiskeryron]

Via con Dios Amigo.

[Kiki-frog]

I am so sorry to read that. You've obviously made the right decision, and I know just how you feel. Remember that your vet will have had many people in his surgery breaking down at having their cat or dog put to sleep. They will have seen people in tears many times, and are fully aware that your cat is a family member, and that you are in grief.

Boxtops is right that you need to decide whether you want to bring your boy home with you or if you'd rather the vet dealt with this. There's no right or wrong answer to that. Yes, I'm sure they'll be OK with you just taking him in a box and leaving him, but you might not want to do that when the time comes. If you're a regular at that vets practice, they may well send you a bill through the post rather than having to sort out the finances there and then.

Feeling very sad for you. I know how heartbreaking this can be. x

[bensmum]

I've been in floods of tears at the vets when I've had to have a pet put down, vets are used to it and mine were very comforting. When the time comes I think you might feel that you want to be there with your old cat. The vet should reassure you and, as shootah said, bawling is nothing at all to be ashamed of. Good luck, thoughts are with you xxx

[chrissa1]

I had to have our old Lab Charlie put down in January, as some of you may know. It was a very, very sad day but he went to sleep with my son and I holding him.
The vet then gave us as long as we wanted to stay with him. It was the kindest we could have done and I'm glad we were there with him at the end. Best wishes.

[pastafreak]

Never,ever be embarrassed by breaking down over your pet. It's a mark of just how much love you have for him.
The ex Mr Pasta and I had our 15 year old dog put to sleep only a few weeks after we split up...yet we and our daughter were all cuddled together when we had to say goodbye to her. Being there for her seemed the most natural thing-she went in my arms.

[seadogg]

A good vet will be way ahead of you. No worse feeling than having your pet go limp in your arms but its usually the least you can do for them. In your case the vet will understand.

[wildwood]

Maybe it possible to make arrangements with the Vet that someone else will take the cat in? That way you can say goodbye to your friend in the privacy of your own home.

[boxtops]

Or - some vets will come to you, so your old boy doesn't have the trauma of that final trip in the cat-carrier. Ring them up, percy, and ask if that would be possible. Mine would.

[pusskin]

I had to take my lovely old cat to be put to sleep yrs ago, and my advice is ---
Write a note so they can read in case you cant get the right words out.
Wished I would of thought of doing that at the time as I couldnt speak , was too choked up. So sorry to hear that percy xx

[nungate]

I was in your position last August when our old boy had come to his end and it was too selfish of me not to let him go, eventually I saw sense and arranged for the vet to come to our house as I didn't want to stress him any further than was necessary. He was gently sent off to sleep by his favourite spot with his family around him. Later that evening the Pet undertaker came for him and returned next day with his ashes, just having them nearby is a great comfort. Here is a little something I found which might help.

if it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you know what must be done
For this last battle cannot be won
You will be sad, I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day more than all the rest
Your love for me must stand the test
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer so
The time has come please let me go
Take me where my need they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me
Although my tail it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved
Please do not grieve .. it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let you heart hold back it's tears

I don't remember where I found this poem but I've posted it a couple of times for those who have been in the position you now find yourself, I hope it brings you a little comfort as it did for them and for myself. Even though it is an extremely hard thing to do for a beloved pet I really think you ought to stay with your boy, it will be less stress for him (more for you though) Is there someone who could go with you? Or could the vet come to your house to see to things? Please please. don't just leave him on his own.
You'll be in my thoughts this weekend.

[lankeela]

Phone the vet and ask if you can take him in at the end of surgery, so you don't have to sit in the waiting room. If you are unable to stay with him at the end they will understand, but make sure you have either paid the bill beforehand or made arrangements to pay it. Also know whether you want to take him home with you (to bury) or want him cremated. I always stay with mine till the end but I know some people can't and the vets will understand. You are doing the final act of love for a good friend who has relied on you to do the right thing. What a shame we can't do this for people in the same situation.