My cat is being put down today in about 4 hours. How am I suppose to cope?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I cried all night because my little Prince is about to be put down do to sever kidney disease. He seems okay today to me to an extent, but after talking to the vet, he said that it’s just a matter of time, and I really don’t want my cat to suffer. I’ve seen pet owners wait too long, in my opinion, and I promised I would do what best for my cat. The doctor seemed to be pleased that I would be willing to let go so soon after getting the horrible news.

I know there’s a lot of shit in the world that going on now, and a cat’s life might not be worth the time talking about. Since I rarely ever console people who going through tragic events in MPSIMS, or tell them they are in my thoughts, I feel guilty coming here for help. I quite honestly don’t know where to go with this, and since I’ve gotten help here in the past, I just… would like to ask you good folks for some advice.

I love my Garby so much. He’s only around five or six, so he’s leaving much earlier than I, of course, want him to.

People would refer to me a his “Daddy”, but that never seemed right to me. He’s more like the best friend I’ve ever had. I loved him like family. I think he loved me too. He always greets me at the door after I had left my apartment, even if it was just for 5 minutes. If I was gone really long, I would here him meow when I was walking up the apartment building’s stares. When I would open the door, I would always spend about five minutes telling him what a good boy he was and was seemingly just as excited to see him as he was to see me.

He laid next to me most of the night as I sobbed.

I’ve gown up with cats… but Garby is MY first cat and he’s got a personality that is so unique to me, that it’s so much more difficult to deal with. He loved to be picked up.

I found him outside, tried to find a home for him, and looked to see if anyone else owned him before me… Not even the SPCA would take him because they were full at the time. I live in subsidized housing where pets aren’t technically allowed, but I got my Shrink to sign a prescription for a companion animal. And he the best companion one could ask for.

I feel horrible, but I wouldn’t trade in the experience for anything, even though I’m a wreck now. I don’t care about being sad, I care about my kitty because he’s so amazing.

I’m worried that as soon as I know it’s over, the tears will stop and I will feel better… I don’t know if I should feel guilty about that or not. The thing that makes me sad is that he’s not going to have the most pleasant end because he HATES car rides and the vet. Maybe I should concentrate on all his other, good, life experiences instead.

I anyone would be so kind to give me some REAL tips about coping, I really would appreciate it. Is it bad that once it’s over, I’ll feel better, probably watch a comedy and laugh to get my mind off of things? Is it normal?

I’m sorry, I feel conflicted about this… it was really something I just learned I had to think about yesterday. So… it’s all happening so fast.

I mean it when I say thank you for reading this far. I really appreciate it.

2

I’m sorry you have to say goodbye, but take comfort in knowing that you are ending his suffering. I was one who waited too long to my cat down. She was in renal failure, but I kept canceling euthanasia because she seem okay…only to have her wailing in pain the following day. In retrospect, I should have put her down right when she started feeling pain, so she didn’t suffer.

The best way to cope with losing a pet is to get a new one!

3

I’v got nothing but kind words and good thoughts for you, MyFootsZZZ. I’m glad you and Garby had a chance to know each other; surely both your lives are better for it.

Mourn however you want and need; no one can tell you the proper way to do that.

But remember all the good things about Garby and about having him in your life, and someday maybe you’ll be ready to let a new cat take up ownership of you.

I’ll scritch Leon & Tina a bit extra today and smoke a bowl to the memory of Garby.

ETA: BTW, you know the rule, MyFootZZZ!

4

Maybe some day… I have to get over Garby first… Thank you so much for kind advice.

I could hug you Snowboarder Bo… Thank you. hug.

Edit: The rule?

5

You gave him the best life he could have, filled with love, noms and happiness.

Now it’s time to end his suffering. To see him over the rainbow bridge with love and compassion. You gave him everything, and in turn, he gave you everything he had. Now give him this final moment of dignity and spare him the pain and weakness.

Because I’ll tell you, the pain of holding on because you don’t want to let go will, in the end, be worse for both of you. Trust me, I know that from personal experience.

And then, for your part, allow yourself the sorrow. Allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness, knowing that they are a sure sign of your love for him and what he meant in your life. Allow it to flow, allow yourself to feel it, don’t try to hold it back in worry about what others will think, or because part of you doesn’t want to feel that much, that hard.

Then allow yourself time to mourn.

6

I’m so very sorry. Take comfort in the saying, “Better a week too soon, than a day too late.” The best way we can show our love for our animals is to make sure they don’t suffer needlessly. The last dog I had to put down, I knew I was doing the right thing at the right time, which helped with my grieving. You are doing the best you can for Garby by making sure he doesn’t suffer. Take some comfort in that, small though it may be.

It’s Ok to do things that keep your mind off of thinking about him, like a comedies, having fun, etc. Remember, that the best legacy you can give Garby is to adopt another cat who needs a home whenever you are ready.

7

Here’s a picture of my prince:

8

I can tell you really do love your kitty. Today you’re doing the hardest, most meaningful thing you’ve ever done for him, and I’m glad you’re able to. I hope the tears do stop quickly and you will feel comfort in knowing that you’ve done the right thing.

9

Thank you. He is so loved. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

10

Aye; that rule. Ah so you had yourself a sink cat, eh; I’ve known one or two of them. :slight_smile:

11

We just had to have our dog put to sleep after almost 8 yrs together, so I know your pain.

He had been relatively healthy until a month ago, we took him to get a vaccination for boarding and he had a runny nose and they gave him an anti-biotic and also said he was having kidney issues and suggested a special food.

In the course of a month, he went downhill fast and I took him in since he was not wanting to eat and could barely walk and they found a big mass that had not been there a month earlier.

I cried talking to the vet over the phone about it. I felt so guilty about making such a decision, but she assured me that treatment was not an option and that the only way to keep him out of pain was to have him put to sleep. She said we could take him home and spend another couple of days, but as he could not walk up and down the stairs and that is all our house is, I could not put him through more pain, just for us.

Just typing this has me tearing up.

Is is easier? Hard to say, I try to think of all the great walks and adventures we shared. I look back at the different pics and remember him the way he was. And I too prefer humor to deal with grief. We could not stay with him when she did it. We left and went to have a family dinner and raised a glass in his honor.

He was the best dog and was perfect for our family.

As our girls are heading to college and we plan to travel more, I do not believe we will get another pet. But Leroy will always be special to us.

Just know that you are doing the best for your cat. Remember the good times. Remember how he was such a great companion and look back at pictures to remember the good times.

I still find myself thinking “time to take Leory for a walk” or “gotta get home and let Leroy out”. It takes a while. Leroy is the second dog we had to put to sleep. It took a while after the first before we got Leroy. All I can say on that is take your time, you will know when the time is right to get another pet.

I feel your pain.

12

Is it possible to find a vet to come to your house? I’ve seen services which specialize in the procedure in-home to reduce the stress for all involved.

So sorry to hear what you’re going through. I don’t have any good advice for being strong, since I’m usually a blubbering fool when I’ve had to go through it in the past. I do know that I feel better by getting all the messy emotions out rather than try to hold them back. Spend time with him now and really let all the wailing, blubbery, messy emotions flow freely. That can make it easier later since there won’t be a wall of emotions ready to spill out.

13

**Rhiannon8404 **and Dung Beetle.

You are all so kind.

I know now that I made the right decision not to wait.

Oh man.

I’m so glad I came here. I really want to be a good person. I’ve messed up on here, and messed up in life and posted about it on here, more than a dozen times… I’m sorry if I’ve come off as a dolt or an ass. When I really need something, people have always been here for me. I this community. I’m afraid to post because I’m Michael Scott basically. But I do care about you folks. I can’t thank people enough. :slight_smile:

14

I’m so sorry for your loss. Leroy sounds like a great pup, and you sound as if you were a great owner.

15

I’m going to go now…

spend some time with him. I can’t personally thank you all… but I think you get the point that I REALLY needed some place to go.

I mean it. Thank you. I’ll try to get back here later to read other responses,

16

So sorry for your loss.

17

I am so sorry. I am nearing this time with my dog and it breaks my heart.

18

Awww he’s so handsome. And I love a cat that curls up in the sink :D. Cherish the good memories.

19

{{{hugs}}} to you. It’s a hard decision. You can only do the best you can. Thank you for sharing your stories.

20

Dear MyFootsZZZ,
You are a very brave and loving person to put the needs of your beloved pet before your own. I am so sorry.