I had Scruffy put to sleep Monday, she was OK on Friday but went downhill over the weekend. I put the heating on Sunday so she wouldn’t get cold overnight. She slept on my bed and I let her sleep in while I went to work. Vet tests on Monday morning, it seems her kidneys and pancreas had more or less shut down. I sort of hoped the vet could stabilise/re-hydrate her enough so she could come home for a (last?) quality night on her electric blanket but she was too sick. The vet was hinting on the phone that trying to do more for her was not going to help, so I called back and said we’d let her go. I stopped by the vet’s to say goodbye, she was very weak but tried to nuzzle a bit. I bottled out of actually watching when she was put down, she already had a line in for tests so they didn’t have to give her any more distress with another injection.
She was so old and frail she was never going to get another summer, but she got a few weeks of sunbathing this year. And she enjoyed chasing the birds on Springwatch. And I think she liked to “help” me out around the garden, a month ago she ventured with me right out into the road out front.
Until last week I was feeding two cats, so I’d stocked up on their favourite food. Now, one way or another they’re both gone so I’ve got a bit of a surplus.
So, no need to put nibbles out when I switch on the Today program any more. And I can practice guitar any time I like without someone trying to sit in my lap. This is going to take some getting used to
I’m very sorry to hear this. I can sympathize–I lost a 19-year-old cat in August under similar circumstances when her kidneys suddenly gave out. Only she went so quickly that she spared me making that hard decision, which I’d been dreading all summer.
Coming back to a house with all her little toys and things, but without her, was the hardest part.
Oh man - sorry for your loss. We had two litter mates that turned out to have genetic kidney issues so we lost both way too soon. Hard when they are part of the family…
If you don’t plan on getting re-adopted anytime soon, or if the sight of the surplus food is too painful right now, you can call your local shelters – they’d probably be grateful for it.
Of course, by going into the shelter, you might accidentally find another companion …
Glad you got to say goodbye, and I’m sorry your home is a bit emptier now.
Yeah, our feline overlords don’t give you up that easy. I give you until Christmas, even-money chance. Well done for doing right by her, and sending hugs your way.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I had a near miss with one of my cats and pancreatitis a few months ago. $500 at the vets, and now she’s on prescription food for the rest of her life.