She’d been drooling and having trouble eating for a couple of days. And she seemed to be physically uncomfortable. We thought it was a toothache, and brought her to the vet. It was an inoperable tumor on the tongue. The vet is pretty conservative, but he was clear in his recommendation to put her down. She was already uncomfortable, and the natural death would have been unpleasant for her. (and for us.) My daughter feels guilt that she didn’t bring the cat home and have someone come to the house to euthenize the cat, but it was so painful that she wanted to get it over with.
Qwerty was a gorgeous cat, gray with stripes, and incredibly soft, dense fur that barely shed. She slept with my daughter, and hung out with her most of the day. My daughter is still in shock, but will be a wreck.
I’m so sorry to see this, and especially that what you thought wasn’t going to be a major health issue turned out to be so. My condolences to you, your daughter, and everyone else who loved your cat.
If you think your daughter is beating herself up about not bringing Qwerty home to die, it might help to remind her that the car ride itself would likely have been really unpleasant for her. Qwerty sounds like a lovely kitty, and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sending hugs and supportive vibes to you and your family. The loss of a beloved pet can be so devastating. I hope your family’s grief can turn to cherished memories soon.
My cat, St. George, developed an ulcer near his left canine, which eventuality worked its way in and weakened and broke his jaw. He could not eat. He was 18, so a good timeline for a cat.
I cried.
I cried so much as I held him and the vet injected whatever vets inject.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet. I really sympathize.
On the other hand, St. George was a complete arsehole of a cat. I loved him anyway.
I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to let a pet go (I still hurt over my Velcro in September 2020), but this was the best thing to do for Qwerty, and it was a choice made from love. Then she was with someone she loved at the time. None of those things make it easier now but will hopefully make things easier later.
I’m so sorry @puzzlegal. Your poor daughter, and poor you as well. Qwerty was being a cat in not letting you know something was wrong, but the abrupt loss is so tough.
I, too, have lost a cat to mouth cancer, but I had a few months to get used to the idea and spoil my baby rotten before he told me it was time to go.
R.I.P Qwerty (and let your family know you are feeling better now).
I’m so sorry about Qwerty. I hope your daughter doesn’t feel terribly guilty about not bringing her home. Quite likely Qwerty was spared a lot of pain by doing it right then.
Harvey had a sudden respiratory problem. I took him to the vet, expecting she’d give him a shot or something, and went back home to work. Harvey died at the vet’s. I still feel guilty about not being there for him. We knew Creamsicle was dying. We wanted to be there with her; but it would have been selfish to prolong her suffering for another four or five hours, and the vet did not allow visitors until after closing. So Creamsickle went away without us. Yes, I feel guilty about not being there for her; but it was the best thing for her. Hugs to your daughter, as I know the guilt.
This is always really hard. Always. A few years ago our dog had a few health issues, but that day I took him into the vet for a cough that suddenly came on I had no idea he was not coming home with us. Same thing - xrays showed 12 or more tumors in his lungs and the vet recommended putting him down. It’s so hard…and the sudden emptiness. I am sorry.
