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#1
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Advice please?
Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema.
My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. |
#2
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If she's not actually ill & showing signs of distress, I personally can't
imagine euthanizing her at this point - or in a month's time, rather. Does she enjoy sunbaths, still? Doe she purr when she's petted? Does she watch the other cats - at least to some degree, & in general take notice of her environment? You mention her lower back (arthritis, maybe?) & possible kidney probs. Has she been to the vet for a check-up? Has the vet prescribed treatment for either condition to help her to feel better? If her BUN & creatinine are elevated - indicating renal failure, here's a great site w/ lots of practical info: http://www.felinecrf.org/index.htm Cathy -- "Staccato signals of constant information..." ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon "Dooies B.B" wrote in message . .. Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. |
#3
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"Cathy Friedmann" wrote in message ... If she's not actually ill & showing signs of distress, I personally can't imagine euthanizing her at this point - or in a month's time, rather. Does she enjoy sunbaths, still? Doe she purr when she's petted? Does she watch the other cats - at least to some degree, & in general take notice of her environment? She doesn't much move to enjoy sunbaths. She avoids the other cats, as she always has other animals. She hates other pets, unfortunately Gizmo and Betsy were far better off here, and Katie has adapted well to them existing. As for the general environment, she certainly isn't taking as much notice as she used to. She likes to sleep. I'm not saying she doesn't derive some enjoyment from the environment, but it concerns me that she is progressively "shutting down", and I genuinely don't believe life can be as fun for her as it was. You mention her lower back (arthritis, maybe?) & possible kidney probs. Has she been to the vet for a check-up? Has the vet prescribed treatment for either condition to help her to feel better? If her BUN & creatinine are elevated - indicating renal failure, here's a great site w/ lots of practical info: http://www.felinecrf.org/index.htm She has been to the vet about 8 months when some signs of the problems were showing, it was suggested by the vet that treatment for kidney problems might not be the best way to go. Regardless of the choice I make about her life, I do plan to take her to the vets fairly soon, to once again get her checked over. I love her to bits, and the thought of going up stairs and not seeing her there is difficult. However my family had a habit of prolonging animals suffering in order to gain more time with the pet, and I am very conscious of not allowing my need to be with an animal overrid an animals best interest. Hense I'm looking for advice Thanks for your comments and I'm just taking a look at the link you gave me -- "Staccato signals of constant information..." ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon "Dooies B.B" wrote in message . .. Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. |
#4
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"Dooies B.B" wrote in message
. .. Regardless of the choice I make about her life, I do plan to take her to the vets fairly soon, to once again get her checked over. Well, I think this will help you make your decision, as the vet should be able to give you a reasonable idea of just how much discomfort she is in, if any. I love her to bits, and the thought of going up stairs and not seeing her there is difficult. However my family had a habit of prolonging animals suffering in order to gain more time with the pet, and I am very conscious of not allowing my need to be with an animal overrid an animals best interest. Hense I'm looking for advice I think that's very admirable. I know it's a difficult situation; regardless of whether someone we love is nearly gone, or just getting older, we can't help but remember them how they were and feel a little sad that things have changed so much. But I think you won't be able to make an informed choice for your kitty until you get some input from the vet, especially if she's not very obvious about her pain. I hope the vet is able to treat any of her health problems after all, and that she can have a bit more time with you in comfort, but in any case, please keep us informed. All the Best, Ann |
#5
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"bewtifulfreak" wrote in message ... "Dooies B.B" wrote in message . .. Regardless of the choice I make about her life, I do plan to take her to the vets fairly soon, to once again get her checked over. Well, I think this will help you make your decision, as the vet should be able to give you a reasonable idea of just how much discomfort she is in, if any. I love her to bits, and the thought of going up stairs and not seeing her there is difficult. However my family had a habit of prolonging animals suffering in order to gain more time with the pet, and I am very conscious of not allowing my need to be with an animal overrid an animals best interest. Hense I'm looking for advice I think that's very admirable. I know it's a difficult situation; regardless of whether someone we love is nearly gone, or just getting older, we can't help but remember them how they were and feel a little sad that things have changed so much. But I think you won't be able to make an informed choice for your kitty until you get some input from the vet, especially if she's not very obvious about her pain. I hope the vet is able to treat any of her health problems after all, and that she can have a bit more time with you in comfort, but in any case, please keep us informed. All the Best, Ann Thanks for your input. I'm gonna try and get her an appointment next week, it seems the sooner the better |
#6
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She still has quality of life for a 15 year old. She does what most older
cats do. I would definitely not euthanize her. Gail "Dooies B.B" wrote in message . .. Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. |
#7
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"Dooies B.B" wrote in message . .. Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. Have you taken your cat to the vet for a check up and a blood panel , if not why are you considering putting her to sleep ? You don't have a dilema until you find out your cat has something your vet can't treat . Alison |
#8
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On Fri, 1 Aug 2003 20:20:17 +0100, "Dooies B.B"
wrote: Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. 15 and a half is not really old for a cat these days and unless there is some underlying problem then she should not have slowed down quite as much as you indicate. I think a trip to the vet is certainly in order and make sure the vet checks her eyes. I had one cat down the road with this "withdrawn" sort of problem ant it turned out to be vision related. Good luck to her, hopefully there will be several more years ahead for her. -- Bob. Cat's motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it. |
#9
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Bob Brenchley. wrote:
On Fri, 1 Aug 2003 20:20:17 +0100, "Dooies B.B" wrote: Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. 15 and a half is not really old for a cat these days and unless there is some underlying problem then she should not have slowed down quite as much as you indicate. I think a trip to the vet is certainly in order and make sure the vet checks her eyes. I had one cat down the road with this "withdrawn" sort of problem ant it turned out to be vision related. Good luck to her, hopefully there will be several more years ahead for her. Abuse Report Filed |
#10
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Bob Brenchley. wrote:
On Fri, 1 Aug 2003 20:20:17 +0100, "Dooies B.B" wrote: Sorry to cross post but I have a bit of a dilema. My cat is now 15 and a half, and although she still eats, drinks, toilets, and sleeps, she does little else. I know she has some discomfort from her lower back, and probably kidney problems. Other than that and her increased laziness she seems quite happy, purrs when I go to see her, still comes down stairs when she wants more food (I have 3 cats, and they decided they wanted to divide themselves so Katie got the upstairs, and Gizmo and betsy the downstairs), she doesn't come and see me in bed any more and has no desire to go outside (even though she used to go out days at a time). I realise this is just old age and everyone slows down, but I'm wondering whether I should consider taking her to be put down in a month or so rather than forcing her to go on living when basically she doesn't live the most active of lives, and its not that full of interest. I try and spend time with her, but I just wonder if forcing her to live on to the bitter end is the kindest thing to do. Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved. 15 and a half is not really old for a cat these days and unless there is some underlying problem then she should not have slowed down quite as much as you indicate. I think a trip to the vet is certainly in order and make sure the vet checks her eyes. I had one cat down the road with this "withdrawn" sort of problem ant it turned out to be vision related. Good luck to her, hopefully there will be several more years ahead for her. Abuse Report Filed |
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