I am heartbroken today and need help to develop some strength. My beloved 14-yr old cat, Snoopy, has been experiencing declining health all summer. We have been treating him for a heart murmur for a couple of years now, and this summer added irritable bowel and hyperthyroidism treatments as they were needed.

For the past couple of days, his appetite decreased. This wasn't completely unusual - - it happened a couple of months ago and the vet did fluids and B-12 to stimulate his appetite. It worked and he was great up until this weekend !! This morning I called to bring him in for another "boost". Upon examination, the vet found two large tumors on his belly, under the skin back between his legs. She immediately let me know that this was trouble. Upon xray, you could see the HUGE tumor(s) that have engulfed his stomach. Given his continued weight loss - - down to 6 lbs now - - and age, the vet left me with a difficult decision. She does not recommend any further attempts at treatment.

I couldn't do anything immediately.....I had her give him more fluids and vitamins to buy be at least another day to prepare. He is home now, and ate a small bit, but definitely didn't get the "boost" from fluids. He is lethargic and sulking, and I am bawling and scared. I know the right thing to do is to end his suffering before it gets any worse, but I am devastated as I look into his eyes and know that I have made such a decision.

I am already grieving and missing him beyond belief........and trying to love him as much as possible. Please give me any advice on how to handle...... my heart is broken and I just can't think rationally right now. He is my sweet baby and has been with me through so much.

Thanks for any support/help you can give me.

You have definitely come to the right place. I am so sorry for what you are going through with your cat Snoopy. From the way it sounds, you have done everything you can for your Snoopy. I know it hurts so bad, unbelievably so. I have been through what you are going through, as has everyone who writes here. What you are going through, is absolutely heartbreaking. I feel for you so much.

We, too, had to make the decision to put our cat to sleep 3 weeks ago. He was 6 and suffered from kidney failure for 18 months. We helped him and gave him a great quality of life back. But 3 months ago, he declined very quickly. He stopped eating, and the fluids did not help. We cried all week before we finally came to the decision that it hurt to see him decline and not enjoy life anymore. We all only want what is best for our pets. So, we made the only loving decision we could, and that was to put him to rest. We held him in our arms while the vet gently eased him of his pain.

You have to make this difficult decision now. And, I think you know it is time from what you said. It is never easy, but you have loved Snoopy for 14 years, and don't want him to suffer any more. Your Snoopy will let you know when it is time, but I think you already are seeing signs from your Snoopy, that it is time.

I hope you have family and friends to help you through this difficult decision. And, there are plenty of other people here who are so helpful too. They helped me through my pain, and I know they will help you too.

I will keep you and your Snoopy in my thoughts. If you need to, please come back and we'll help you all we can. Let us know how we can help you.

Trish

Shortrish - - thanks so much. It has been such a lonely day...... I am a stay at home mom and have been waiting for my husband to get home. Your words remind me that I am not the only person to every feel this way.

Snoopy looks at me with sad eyes, and wants to eat but just can't. He is TERRIFIED of the vet and being in the carrier.........I can't imagine his last moments on earth to be such frightening ones. However, I don't want him to be in such pain here at home, either. Determining the timing to do this is almost as difficult and working up the courage to do it.

I am so thankful to have had him all of my adult life......I hope my instincts show me the way to repay him for all he has done for me.

Thanks again for responding to me......it really means a lot today.

Stacy

I am so sorry to hear about Snoopy's decline...I too went through this recently. I cared for Cleo for almost a year with kidney failure...he kept losing weight and was down to 4.5 1lbs. I carefully considered ahead of time the quality of life things I wanted him to still be able to do and came up with a list. Then I would know it was time if he was not able to do the things....

He declined so quickly in a couple days. He was just miserable and kept looking at me. He couldn't walk and just laid on the floor. I knew he needed peace. I kept hoping he would go naturally, but after a long night together with no sleep. I knew he needed help. Euthanasia is such a tough decision. But, it was the most loving thing to do. We had 18 yrs together.

Maybe ask your vet if they would do a house call or give a sedative pill for you to give Snoppy for the ride?

Stay close to Snoopy and listen....you will know what is right and when it is time.

You are not alone. We care and Snoopy will always be in your heart.

I think we all know how terrible you must be feeling. My Furry was ill for 21 months before she had to be pts at age 12, just 2 1/2 weeks ago. Like you I agonised over having to do it. But I think I left it too late, I should have done it just a few hours sooner for her sake. So for Snoopy's sake & if there is no chance of further treatment then it's kinder for her to have the vet come to the house, before she is in acute pain.
I'll be thinking of you - it's the hardest decision to make when you love them so.
Judith

I'm also so, so sorry about this heartbreaking situation. I've been in a position to make the decision but thank God, the decision was made for me when my cat Heidi passed away the night before she was to go in to the vet's. I didn't want to make the decision, felt that Heidi would miraculously get better overnight, and was just shattered when I realized that this miracle was not going to happen. I'm afraid that this is just what is happening with Snoopy - I really don't think he's going to get better, and has one path to peace. 14 years is a long time, and you've both been blessed for this time together. When a cat can't eat, they're so miserable. Having to go through this is hard on him, indeed, but it's also so hard on you, and he must sense that.

I know this breaks your heart, and it breaks mine too to hear of your pain. Fortunately, we "owners" of cats are able to make this decision for them, and it won't be under the wheels of a car, or through cruel means, which so many other cats go through. That doesn't help you personally, because there will so much shock and pain for days, weeks, and months, and you'll proably feel as if it will never end and you'll feel empty and lost.

You've done everything right for Snoopy. He's maintained his health - with your help - for awhile now - but I think you're coming to the realization of what he needs. I honestly think that there exists a bond between cats and their owners, especially when it's such a long bond as you two have had, that will tell you definitively when it's time. And from what you say, that time is coming.

I agree with the idea of asking your vet to make a house call, or if she/he doesn't do them, ask if you can be referred to someone who does do house calls. Going to the vet in and of itself is so traumatic for these kitties, especially when they're in pain. I truly hope your vet will come to you, it's a much more humane way to do this.

The last night I had Heidi I put her and her blanket in a low box on the bed, and stayed there with her. She had been being incontinent (and so embarrassed by it) that I really blanketed her, so she was comfy and knew I was there. Talk to Snoopy, pet and love him, put him on your bed, (I even used to feed Heidi in bed), and let him know how cherished he is. Your voice will comfort him if you stay calm, and he'll take his cues from you. Save the crying for later, cause that's when you'll be more free to do that, not in front of him.

Please come back and let us know how it goes. Personally, I've found so much comfort on this site that I was positive I'd never feel again. The loss of a pet is one of the most traumatic things that can happen, but others here have helped me, and we care very much. Take care, and pass my best wishes on to Snoopy - Barbara

Finding a vet who will do a house call for the euthanasia would really ease your mind. I wish I could offer some advice on how to keep Snoopy going longer, but it sounds like it is time. Being in your own home, able to greive without self-conciousness is important. Remember, if cats aren't eating, they go into liver failure as well. Do one last thing for him and let him die with dignity. It is about the only thing left you can do for him at this point.
I know it's hard, I've been there, but it's a gift only you can give him - to end his suffering. He will be with you forever, watching over you.
There is nothing anyone can tell you that will make this decision any easier. Just look into his eyes and ask him if it is time. He will tell you, trust me.
I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you.

You're Snoopy is a lucky cat to have a loving mom like you. This is definitely the place to come for support. I lost my cat Chestnut a month ago and I was also in the same hell as you were before he was put to sleep. I know he was ready to go. I just wasn't ready to release him. The grieving starts before they go when you're dealing with chronic illness. I know that well. You celebrate small successes, but in your heart you know it's just a matter of time. I know, I've been there. But do know that your Snoopy will always be with you and you will be reunited someday.

Take care of yourself and keep posting. It does help.

Chestnut's mommy (Catherine)