This is one of my cats, Luther, and I've had him for about fifteen years. I noticed recently that he was losing weight, and got him into the vet's office on Monday. Today the vet called me and told me that Luther's liver numbers are out of whack. He will do additional blood work and prescribe a pill to help protect the liver. When I pressed him, he said there was a pretty good chance that it was cancer. He would like to do an abdominal ultrasound, but that's several hundred dollars and a couple of hours away. I can't see putting him through all that, and frankly, I don't know if I can afford the several hundred dollars more that the ultrasound would cost.(I spent nearly $400 at Monday's visit.)
i feel terrible no matter what: I feel terrible about NOT treating him, but I would feel terrible about putting him through a regimen of treatments that he wouldn't understand. I guess I just need someone to tell me that it will be okay to let him go if I have to. I know many people will say, "It's just an animal," but to me it's one of my babies and it is breaking my heart.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I had a female cat that became diabetic in her later years. I regret putting her through the days at the vet while they figured what level of meds to give her. She steadily went down hill. Yes, they are not "just an animal", we do have to be willing in life to accept loss. We have to recognize when it is time to say good bye. My current vet told me the average life span of an indoor cat is 13yr. Luther has had a good life by that scale.
I_dont_know
Level 7
June 22, 2018
0
@citronella Please don't beat yourself up. Luther is clearly loved and whatever you decide will be in the family's best interest. Just be there for him however much longer he has. He will know he was not alone. <3
GinaKay
Level 7
June 21, 2018
1
The trouble with our babies is that they can't tell us how they feel. For me and my kitties quality of life is above quantity of life. Only you can make that judgement. Work with your budget issues for what you can do for him and what gives you peace. I'm sorry you have to be in this position, and sorry your best bud forever is sick. It isn't fair, cats don't live long enough.
HippieChick58
Level 9
June 21, 2018
1
Sometimes we just realistically cannot save our babies.
TaraMarshall
Level 7
June 21, 2018
4
Oh no! Many of us here, especially in this group have gone through this exact same thing. Balancing what you can afford with what you want to put your beloved through. Yes he is not a person but he is still part of your family. I hope you figure out what is best. Peace.
kmdskit3
Level 8
June 21, 2018
7
There's no reason to make him suffer any more than necessary. My cat's almost 17 years old. For now, I've been giving her a gel in her ear for hyperthyroidism and trying to get her to eat prescription cat food for her kidney disease. I've told my vet that I'm not willing to do more and that I'll feed her whatever she'll eat. I had to put a cat down last year and it was very peaceful. I wish they would have allowed me to do the same for my mother when she was dying.
PhoebeCat
Level 7
June 21, 2018
8
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