Sad decision made this morning

[Elphaba]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:12pm

I made the decision this morning to put down my cat.
He's 17.5, and has been peeing on the carpet for some time now. He is eating very little and drinking tons of water, and has a balance problem at times when he walks, and we think he is suffering some dementia.

And I think he's telling me it's time. I was set to board him for all of July when we are gone, but we both feel this would be worse for him, as he's never been boarded.....

I feel absolutely terrible, have been sobbing on and off all morning, and am waiting for a call from the Vet.

yes I know he is a cat, but he's been with me 1/3 of my life, and I thought I could be non-emotional, but that ain't gonna happen.

I'm just putting this here as I needed to see it and read it.
No replies are necessary........I needed to do this for me.

[ElphabaRose]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:19pm

Elphaba, I know that you said that replies aren't needed, but I just wanted to express my condolances. I know how hard it is to lose a pet, they really become part of the family. Just remember how greatdful your cat will be that you are thinking of him instead of being selfish.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:22pm

My heart just broke for you...I had to put my 16 year old cat to sleep a few years ago, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

She told me she was ready too. Cats are tough to read on a good day, so you are likely doing the best thing for him.

SO sorry...take care ;(

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:26pm

No, he's not "just a cat." He was "just a cat" when you adopted him, 17 1/2 years ago. Living with you, he became a gentleman.

And I'm sure he felt like the luckiest gentleman-cat in the world, to have you to take care of him.

Can you post a picture of him?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:27pm

It can be just as hard to lose a beloved pet than to lose a member of your family. They ARE a member of your family. Just know you are doing the right thing. He had a good long life full of love. I'm sorry, I know how you feel.

Updated On: 6/14/06 at 12:27 PM

[liotte]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:28pm

I'm sorry to hear your sad news, Elphaba. I know what you are going through, please feel free to PM me if you want to chat!

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:30pm

It's so hard to lose a pet. I just lost my pug two weeks ago and he was only 7. Just remember that all cats (dogs) go to heaven!

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:30pm

Elphaba... it takes a lot of courage and a good heart to come to this decision. It is not one made lightly, and a very unselfish one at that. Anyone who says "it is just a cat" should be smacked.

I'll be glad to do it for you if you're not up to it.

[Anastasia_Beaverhausen]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:31pm

My cat died at the age of 18 when I was about 22. All of my memories included my cat. It was horrible so I know what you are going through my friend.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:34pm

Even though it was the right thing to do, it is never an easy thing . . .

I know this was hard, but you were both lucky to have each other for so very long.

[shira467]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:35pm

My condolences, Elphaba. I am very sorry.

Fortunately, I've never had to do such a thing, but I can only imagine how difficult it is.

Interestingly enough, my dog is out in the desert right now having sex.

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:38pm

*hug*
i know how you feel... august 1st will be one year without my lucky.
this helped me after i lost him: http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

[staticradar]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:40pm

it's always hard to lose a pet, my cat died about 2 years ago and it was heartbreaking. He was 11 and I woke up and he was having seizures on the floor and he was already gone I knew that and it was only a matter of hours before he was completely gone and it was scary and sad and just one of the hardest things I've ever had to see. My heart goes out to you, but it's better than letting him suffer, best to have them die in peace and when you can say goodbye then suddenly.

[cpnchicago]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 12:59pm

I'm so sorry. My husband and I had to make this decision a month ago and it was SO hard on both of us. It was hard for several weeks, as I found fur of hers in various places throughout the house. It does get better, but it takes some time. This will be a hard time for you as you grieve the loss of your little companion. What a lucky kitty to have had such a loving owner all of these years!

[Color and Light]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:00pm

I can't begin to express how sorry I am, Elphaba. My dogs have always been a part of my family, and every single time I've lost one, it's utterly heartbreaking. At least you and your cat had those wonderful years together.

[best12bars]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:12pm

We just went through this exactly a year ago (this month) with our 16 year old cat Sabrina (aka "Mrs. Poo"), and it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. I still grieve about it from time to time. It catches me completely off-guard after all this time.

We now have a lovely, crazy, ornery and delightful young gentleman named "Luigi." He’s a fabulous terror, and has a wonderful personality. But he will never replace our “old girl.” We miss her so.

I'll be thinking about you in the coming days. You have my full support and understanding.

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:14pm

I'm very sorry, Elphaba. My family has always had cats, and I've loved each one dearly. One thing I've learned is pets never really leave you as long as you have your memories. I know that sounds terribly cliche, but it's true. If you need to talk, we're here.

[xxnewgirlxx]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:24pm

As a cat owner myself, I feel your pain. You are making the right decision for your cat, though. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

[yodamarie78]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:24pm

I'm so sorry Elphaba. It cannot be an easy decision, but it sounds like you are doing what is best for your cat. I just want to reiterate that he's certainly not "just a cat." No pet is ever "just a pet." They are our children and our friends. You have every right to grieve as much as you need.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:25pm

Just had to put my 17 old cat, Fu, down three weeks ago. It was the hardest decision I have had to make in a very long time. In the end it is they who truly decide and let you know.
I swear she is still hanging out in my apartment though, I see her out of the corner of my eye sitting in her favorite spot on top of the armchair!
The apartment has never seemed so quite, even with the little Pomeranian running around!

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:32pm

i never thought i'd hear you talk this way about a p*ssy, ephie. did you throw something at the monitor? no? good. you have my my condolences. you're all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this.

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:42pm

I am going through the same thing with my dog(s). Both were diagnosed with cancer of the liver almost two years ago. Miraculously, they are still hanging in there. Shiloh who is 16 is exhibiting the same behavior as your cat. I keep wishing they'd both die peacefully in their sleep, so I won't have to make the decision when they will die. My pets are the great joy of my life and I won't part with them until they tell me it is time.

Updated On: 6/14/06 at 01:42 PM

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:48pm

We put down our beloved cat of 20 years, about 5 years ago. We had another one (her daughter), who lived to be 19, but died of natural causes. Both deaths were very sad; but the one where we made the decision (the only thing to do, she was suffering so), was devastating. I feel so sorry for you. Go out and get another one, immediately! It doesn't replace your previous pet, but it sure helps you cope with the loss.

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 1:58pm

I am so sorry that you are going through this at the moment, but I'm sure you know in your heart that it is the right decision. My thoughts are with you on this.

I know that me and my partner will be facing this problem in a few years with two of our three corgis....the two older dods are brother and sister and are now 13 years old. We have had them since the first year the have been together, and as a result they are very much part of our life together.

[DBillyP]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 2:03pm

I recently read a chapter in a book about euthanizing pets. It talked about pets hanging on for their owners' sakes. I think you are doing the right thing. You just have to reassure your cat that it is okay. You know our thoughts wil be with you.