Loving cats <> taking care of cats

"-L." wrote in message
ups.com...

MaryL wrote:
I held each of my cats when they had to be euthanized. I was not
watching
their eyes; I was stroking them and taling to them. Was it
difficult? Yes,
very difficult -- but I considered that to be my last gift of love to
a
beloved companion. When I think of these wonderful pets, I think of
their
personalities and the special times we had together; I seldom think
of that
last moment of euthanasia, but I also don't "block" it -- that was a
difficult time but was not traumatic to me because I was
concentrating on
assuring that my cat's last moments would be as peaceful as possible
and not
moments filled with fear (as would happend if they were left alone in
a
vet's office).

MaryL

And people forget that death is *part of* life. I cannot imagine
abandoning my animal at his or her final moments any more than I could
imagine doing so to a loved one. You learn so much when a loved one
dies - whether it be human or non-human.

-L.


Absolutely. My brother-in-law died of leukemia a number of years ago, and
we learned the value of those who were willing to endure some "discomfort"
themselves in order to comfort him. Some who had been good friends never
came to the hospital; they said it made them uncomfortable (but think of how
uncomfortable *he* was). Those who truly could show compassion ignored
their own discomfort in order to comfort him. The same thing is true of our
beloved pets. How can anyone possibly claim to love a cat or dog and then
simply leave that same pet at the vet's for euthanasia because it would
"hurt" too much to see their companion die??? That is simply selfishness.

MaryL

the Furrsome Foursome wrote:
snip

I don't think it's anthropomorphizing to understand the difference
between an anxious, confused, or scared animal and one that is
comforted and calm because their familiar person is right there with
them.

I would agree.

Letting Lucy go was easier, because I knew she was tired and
sick and lonely without her Lenny, but also because I knew she was calm
and comfortable.

Johanna

Now you're anthropomorphizing a bit.

"Philip" wrote in message
ink.net...
-L. wrote:
Philip wrote:

Do you wish to cherish the memory of your pet's last moments as
having its eyes open ... or closed? This I believe is what
separates those who watch their pet's euthanisation from those who
won't.

I don't know what you are talking about as an animals eyes remain open
when it is euthanized. If you are saying you would rather remember
seeing the animal alive, that's just a cop out to spare your own
feelings. Your animal's last memory will be of being scared and alone
at the hands of a stranger. Who deserves to carry the burden - you or
your beloved pet? I know I want my animals to know they were loved by
ME right until the last breath.

-L.

Now you are anthropomorphizing a bit, Lyn.

No- its called compassion, empathy and fulfilling an obligation to a
life-long friend, you ****ing decrepit old piece of ****.

And while they may not understand *words*

I made an observation this morning, it was raining, and cat wanted out!

I said, "rrrain" he cocked his to one side, and went and sat down.

On Thu 19 May 2005 09:55:09p, Brian Link wrote in
rec.pets.cats.health+behav
):

I dunno. Do you guys know what I'm talking about? I want these
kitties to be extremely happy - and have trouble looking past
the short-term problems toward the benefit over the long haul.

Cats have short memories. When they're happy and healthy again (if
they were sick that is) they won't remember what they went through to
get well. Then again, if its something that goes on for a long time
(being attacked by another cat for example, over and over again, for
a long time before the human steps in) it can cause long term trauma
that may never be overcome.

--
Cheryl

"The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited
breath."
- W.C. Fields

On Fri 20 May 2005 12:35:52a, Monique Y. Mudama wrote in
rec.pets.cats.health+behav
):

For me, I think it's the fact that I cannot, and will never be
able to, tell them *why*. As far as the cat's concerned, you're
just being arbitrarily mean. I'll never be able to explain to
Oscar why I have to put her in the plastic thing, subject her to
a noisy moving thing, and then allow a stranger to touch her.

The worse for me is the constant crying in the carrier on the way to
the vet. So sad-sounding. They're usually quiet coming home
though. Hmm, I supose they know they're going home?

--
Cheryl

"The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited
breath."
- W.C. Fields

On Fri 20 May 2005 01:28:27a, -L. wrote in
rec.pets.cats.health+behav
roups.com):

Nothing worse than having to euthanize your own pet. It's bad
enough doing it to a sick animal for whom you are not the
guardian. It's worse doing it to a healthy animal for lack of
home. But doing it to your own animal is one of the most gut
wrenching things you will ever do. It's a power I am glad I
have yet sorry that I have as well.

Agreed. I often think about my 2 most recent - Shadow (Jul-04) and
Marley (Feb-02). They were obviously ready to go, but I wasn't
ready to let them go. It's a gift to be able to do so, though.

--
Cheryl

"The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited
breath."
- W.C. Fields

On Fri 20 May 2005 08:37:52a, the Furrsome Foursome wrote in
rec.pets.cats.health+behav
roups.com):

I made the hard choice,when my dear Lenny became ill but
resisted any definitive diagnosis, to let him have exploratory
surgery, in the hope that what was causing his illness was a
cohesive tumour that could be removed. It wasn't, and he was
euthanized during the surgery, when they found it was hopeless.
*I* wanted him back, but I couldn't put him through the pain and
confusion of recovery, only to have him continue to waste away
for a couple more weeks. The most devastating though is that
the last thing he knew was I left him.

But the thing he knew the most was how much you loved him and cared
for him every day from the time you were united right through to
that day.

He liked his vet and I had spent more than an hour with him,
waiting for the specialist surgeon, while he sat in a window and
watched squirrels and stole the clinic cats' toys and water.

Aww.. I like the sound of that. When my poor Shadow had to be left
at the animal hospital, the techs liked him so much that they made
sure to put him in a cage closest to the window so he could look
outside. I was grateful for their care.

snip

When his companion Lucy passed a couple months later, I was
there with her.

snip
That's rough. Two so close together. Something that anyone with
cats of the same age has experienced.


I don't think it's anthorpomorphizing to understand the
difference between an anxious, confused, or scared animal and
one that is comforted and calm because their familiar person is
right there with them. Letting Lucy go was easier, because I
knew she was tired and sick and loney without her Lenny, but
also because I knew she was calm and comfortable.

It isn't. And I completely agree. I wouldn't have it done without
being there no matter how painful it is.


--
Cheryl

"The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited
breath."
- W.C. Fields

I was with my
cat for *her* comfort, not for mine.

Bless your heart.

"bigbadbarry" wrote in message
oups.com...
I was with my
cat for *her* comfort, not for mine.

Bless your heart.


You would, and will, do the same if you have to face this
with any cat. You're a good old soul. The soul part is old, not you, see.