Cat lovers.

[puss_boots]

I have an old cat he's 18 going into his 19th year now and I think I may be loosing him. He has been doddery on and off for a few months and hasn't eaten since last Wednesday, anyway he seems to have forgotten how to drink. He goes to his water and when his nose touches it he seems surprised and it takes him a few minutes to get the hang of lapping. Has anyone else experienced this, it is as if he has forgotten what to do. I have had some advice from a vet who says that as long as he isn't in pain then just let nature take it's course

[jen78]

Aww bless him :(

I think, hard as it is, you know when it's time.

It's he's in pain or distressed then his time has come but until then, if he's happy and pain free I wish you both a lovely time together, with lots of love and cuddles, for that he does have left.

[puss_boots]

Thanks jen78 I have been in tears all day, he looks so sad and he was once so much the top cat around here, but now he is so thin and tired.

[Rosetta]

Jen is right, I think you know when the time is right, no matter how hard. We all know it is something we must face, thogh we all dread it.

Enjoy the time that he has left. Take care.

[jen78]

It's just so upsetting seeing them like that, heartbreaking.

If you feel that his time has come then trust your instincts, not an easy thing to do though as it's just awful to lose such a long term friend.

Why not have some nice special time together tomorrow, just curl up with him with lots of strokes and cuddles, his favourite food and such then you always have that special day together to remember.

[puss_boots]

I have done that today jen sat with him and stroked him, he is not interested in food tho, I have tried chicken, prawns (his favourite) even some salmon and sardines which he usually loves but no interest. I am really dreading the next days but I will let you all know what happens.

[wolf63]

When my last cat was about the same about the same age he was blind and a bit senile - but he was happy enough. Then he had a fit.

I was lucky that the decision to have him put to sleep was basically made for me. I was so relieved when he was at peace and no longer in a confused state.

It is not only puss's health you have to worry about - I was a nervous wreck and, like you, spent a couple of days and nights comforting my little boy.

Best wishes for the next couple of days and beyond.

[ruthann58]

hi puss sorry to hear your cat is not well he is a great age you have given him a wonderful long life so try and enjoy your last few days with him i think your vet is giving you good advice i had an old lady like this she went to sleep on her hammock on the radiator and never woke up it really was a nice way to go she did not eat for a few days but was still pleased to see me and not in any pain just old age i hope you will be lucky enough for your boy to go like this. over the years we have had over 20 cats but each time i lose one the hurt is just as bad in fact i think the older i get the worse the pain is ,love to you both ruth xxx

[Schutzengel]

Puss, I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. But I do believe that cats realise when they are coming to the end of their natural life just through old age, and are just ready to rest and be loved, till the time comes. My Misty fell asleep 2 days short of her 24th birthday, curled up in her basket and didn't wake up, just like Ruthann's cat. I hope your cat is as fortunate, for his sake and for yours. My vet gave me the same advice as yours gave to you, to let nature take its natural course. I shall be thinking of you and puss over the next few days. Love and Hugs. Shutz.

[andy-hughes]

Sorry to hear that your cat is slowly leaving you, it must be heartbreaking.

You know, and more importantly, so does he, that he is loved and cared for, he has had the best life he could have had, but now it is time for him to move on, and for you to remember the best times you had with him.

Thinking of you tonight.

A.

[seekeerz]

I really can't add anything to the thoughts already said - your dear friend of so many years is slowly taking his leave of you - you may have to make a decision, or he may well make it for you- enjoy what little time is left [hard, I know] and know he's always with you.

Will be thinking off you and your dear old boy over the next few days, and then beyond, take care S xx

[bensmum]

Hi puss - I can't add anything really. I am in the same situation with one of mine and I know how you are feeling. My vet told me when one of my other cats was ill that I would know when the time is right and I did. It's different when they are just fading away and our hope is always that they die peacefully in their sleep and we won't have to make that hard decision. It does sound as if your old fella is slowly taking his leave and all you can do is be there with him at the end. I am thinking of you (with tears in my eyes as I write as I know it won't be long before Flossie goes too).
XXX

[jen78]

How is he today?

I think they know when the time is right too. I remember being with Jasper, one of our family cats, when he was put to sleep.

He had cancer and I came down one morning to find my mum in a right state as she wedged himself between the garage and greenhouse walls and it took me a long time of gentle encouragement to gently coax him out and carry him back in (he was never a fussy cat).

I took him into the vets as my mum was too upset and he just curled up by me and just looked up at me as if to say, thank you, before he fell into a lovely peaceful sleep. He knew the time was right.

So so sad though, I'm in tears just writing that.

[terambulan]

Y does vet say "let nature take it's course" with an old cat that is struggling. Put the poor thing out of its misery, it's only an injection to end the cats suffering.

[puss_boots]

Hi everyone, just to let you know that I have just asked the vet to come and visit Puss, he is no better and I don't want him to get upset as he doesn't like the cat box.

[Rosetta]

puss-boots and your lovely boy, lots of hugs

[jen78]

I'll be thinking of you both. Nice the vet can come to him, safe and warm in his lovely home.

You know where we all are if you need us xxx