On Friday, I took my beloved best friend of 12 years, Tanji (aka Fluffy), to the vet. She hadn't really been eating for a few days and had been somewhat lethargic. Over the last several weeks, I had noticed that she had become even more loving then usual. She's been following me around and sitting next to me and sitting down in the middle of my mail as I was trying to organize it. By the way, Tanji is a cat.
Anyway, back to the worst experience I've had in quite some time; the vet. After examining her for about 2 minutes, he said he an unfortunately easy, yet disturbing diagnosis. She had a large tumor in her abdomen, more than likely cancerous because of her age. X-rays confirmed this, along with news that it looks as if it's spreading to her lungs. The only way to confirm if it is cancer is to perform exploratory surgery. If they dertermine it is at that time, then they recommend euthanization, as cancer and recovery from surgery don't really go together. He said she has .1 hour to 2 months to live. She could die anytime
So I decided to bring her home and let her live out her days in dignity, until I am forced to do otherwise. Why didn't I spend more time with her? Why didn't I get her to the vet sooner? Why was I annoyed when she sat in the middle of my mail? I think she knew she was dying, and tried to extend herself to me to the fullest in the previous weeks. I would give anything to relive these last few weeks with her. I love her so much. She never judged me and just loved me unconditionally. How do I stay strong for her? I have beencrying for 4 days.

I am in the same boat as you, only my sweet pet is a dog.
She is not even as big as a cat.
I cried and still do everyday, and am so sad all day.
I decided to tell myself ( for now) I will cry 3 times a day hard as I want, then since I know she can sense my feelings ( since she follows me everywhere and lays on my feet) I will try and make the other times happy, positive and always smileing at her face so she will feel happy and maybe take her mind off her pain.
She has not been eatting much lately and I really feel like skipping her dose of nasty medicine even though she forgives me when I (gently as I can) force it in her...
I am dreading the future and can't believe how heartbreaking this is either!
I am so sorry for your kitty, I know she is happy to just be with you so try and be positive around her, we have later to not be.
Hope this helps.

I am so sorry about the news regarding Fluffy!!

Please try to NOT be hard on yourself. You're human, and none of us do everything perfectly (and mail does need to be looked at ). This type of guilt is actually part of the grief process. I too can remember so many times when I was impatient or neglectful of something one of my furry kids wanted... It wasn't until I came to this site and realized how universal this is that I could forgive myself for those seemingly little things.

All that matters is that Fluffy knows you love her, and she surely knows this! She wouldn't trade her life with you for anything. And when it's her time to pass from her body, she'll be fine in that realm where there's no distress of any kind, and no sense of separation from you. You'll be reunited when it's your time.

Please keep in touch and please take it to heart that you ARE a great Mom and Fluffy knows!

Love and understanding,

Kathy

This morning Tanji wouldn't eat. She also stopped purring for me, and even growled a few times. So I made an appointment with a mobile vet for 5:00pm today. She has about 4 hours left with me, and then I have to say goodbye. This is by farthe worst day of my life so far

I'm so sorry! You and Tanji will be in my thoughts today. Please come back and let us know how you are. Remember: Tanji knows and feels your love.

Heartfelt prayers to you both,
Kathy