I noticed Tobermory has been losing weight. He’s also been throwing up more. So I called the vet to make an appointment and was able to get him in already today.
From 13.2 pounds a year ago he’s now 9.8. The vet says he’s very dehydrated, not surprising. Tobermory is also very old. When I got him in May of 1999 the vet my sister had taken him to(he was a lost cat) said he was between two and a half and three years old. Based on what else I told the vet, he said it’s probably kidney failure.
So just now I’m waiting on “the call”. If the bloodwork confirms the diagnosis then sometime early next week I’ll have him put to sleep. I could force liquids and the nutrient paste, but Tobermory would really hate that. The vet said he’s not in acute pain, but he doesn’t feel good, and won’t get any better.
Tobermory was the second cat I ever had. When my first was failing, my sister was taking care of Toby as a lost cat, and I think she figured I’d need him soon. So Toby came home a week after my first cat died. There have been three other cats, with one remaining, that one is Attila, and there’s a dog, Nathan. But Tobermory is “head pet” by right of seniority.
I’ve loved him dearly, and choke up at the thought of losing him. But I don’t want him to linger, feeling poorly, just for my sake. So I’ll buy him the kitty treats and soft food he never thought he got enough of, and if he feels up to it he’ll eat. But the vet said not to be surprised if he doesn’t.
The above is a link to the short story “Tobermory” by H. H. Munro, or Saki. It’s where I got his name. After reading it for the first time I always knew I wanted to name a cat for the one in the story.
Ah, Baker, I’m so sorry. It’s heartbreaking to learn there’s nothing to be done other than let them go. It’s a long shot, but will your vet do housecalls when the time comes? It made letting Louie go after 18 years so much easier.
Meantime, enjoy the rest of your time with him, and treat him to all his favorites. I recall another poster’s very touching and kind tribute to making his pet’s final day the perfect one, hopefully a more skilled seeker than I can find it.
I’m sorry to hear that, too, Baker. From your description, it does indeed sound like kidney failure, and your decision to euthanize is probably the best one. We lost a 16 year old cat to kidney failure in December after doing the subcutaneous fluids route, and you’re right - they don’t get better. They just struggle on and waste away and as far as I could tell, feel pretty lousy.
So sorry for your kitty, Baker. Same thing happened with my Tosha 4 years ago; she was 17. I hadn’t realized how far she’d declined until the vet did a subcutaneous injection of fluid between her shoulder blades at one visit (she looked like a little kitty linebacker) - for about a day after, she was positively kittenish, playing around and running about. 'Bout broke my heart to see that compared to what had become her usual. We put her to sleep after that; we knew she just didn’t feel good anymore.
Your kitty had the best life with you. Now it’s your turn to repay him with the last gift you can give.
My cat, Raven, had chronic kidney failure. Once she was diagnosed, I went the sub-q fluids route and used the nutrition paste occasionally. It kept her going for another year and a half, when the vet only gave her six months. It was when I was giving her fluids every day, and she was still creeping around, tired and grouchy and achy that I realized it was just no fun being the cat. So, I arranged for my vet to come out and euthanize her.
It was a difficult decision and a very hard experience for me, but it was very easy for her. I don’t regret it at all. It was my last duty to her to give her a gentle death at home where she was comfortable and loved.
I got the word from the vet. The blood work confirmed his initial diagnosis.
I’ve made an appointment for next Tuesday. It’s the hardest trip to make, that last one. But I’ll bury him in my backyard, and lay him on the crocheted pad he’s always liked to snooze on.
Damn. I wish I really knew if we get to see pets again.
Thanks for the well wishes and the condolences, I’m really bummed at this point.
We had both dogs and cats when I was growing up, but I don’t think we ever had a cat reach old age. They were forever being run over or eaten by dogs other than our own. It’s good your cat enjoyed such a good long run with you.
