Deteriorating Kitty

[Friday]

I debated on whether to start a thread about this. Seems kind of silly, but then I thought about all of the other silly threads here and said 'what the fuck'.

Mr. Handsome is "deteriorating". The vet said his heart is failing and the prognosis isn't good.
He is still eating a tiny bit though, so I am feeding him special food, keeping watch over him, and bringing him back to the doc on Monday to see how he is doing.

He is 18 years old and has had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for about 5 years. He has had a long, blessed life and in people years he is around 90 years old or so. And I do understand that eventually all of life has to end... I am aware of the realities.

But as I sit here and keep a constant vigil, I am sad.
He is the last of my childhood pets. The last cat my mom was involved with raising. And I have known him longer than I have known anyone aside from family.
He is my best friend.

I am not sure what kind of responses I am seeking. If I am even seeking any ...

I think I just wanted to write this out loud.

[Foster]

there's nothing silly about discussing about your pet not doing well, especially one you have had for so long and reminds you of your mom. My dog was my best friend too, and it killed me when I had to put him to sleep, but he was in bad shape and he was no longer enjoying life.
it sounds like you're doing right by your cat, taking care of him and showing him you love him. you can't do any more than that.

[west milly Tom]

Sorry Friday, losing a pet is hard. My last childhood pet died suddenly about 3 months ago and it stunk. I'm sad for you, I wish you peace.

[hedges]

I am sorry about the condition of your cat Friday. It is a well-loved cat and that is most important.

[joethebartender]

I hope that things go smoothly for you and Mr. Handsome. Sometimes there's just nothing more to do. I wish for the least amount of suffering for both of you.

[Hottub]

Friday, KC is in the same boat as Mr. Handsome. She will be 14 in June, and has seen better day. I won't go into details about her various maladies, but the energy she has every night for her walk proves she wants to live!! My BEST friend!
I'll go as long as we can without pain and excessive Dr. bills.

And yes, this is the perfect place to vent. I feel your pain.

[drjoek]

Sorry to hear that Friday losing a pet is never easy especially one you've had so long.


You know that wouldn't be a bad name for a band. (Hoping to give you a little smile there )

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Blah... I'm not in the most serious of moods right now... but i'll give it a shot.

four years ago my family's cat of then 17 years suffered from renal failure. the diagnosis was pretty lousy and we were getting ready to make that painful decision. he got a specialized diet and we had to learn how to play basement vet and give him daily shots to help flush his kidneys. The toxicity levels dropped remarkably after a few weeks and he was a happy albeit thinner kitty for 3 more years. It was an expensive thing and I know most people wouldn't spend that much on a pet, but we're strange people anyway so whatever.

Anyhow, had we thought he was unhappy or in pain, we wouldn't have been selfish by keeping him alive for our own sake. We never expected him to survive past 2005, and yet he lived happily until last May when we had to put him down for a different illness that hit him that year. I consider the time we spent with him bonus years and the blessing of his being there during that "extra" time was evident.

He's been gone nearly a year now, but I personally feel he's still with us in spirit.

18 years is a blessing, even if you can't feel that way right now, as I certainly did not when our cat was first sick. I wish you and your kitty the best.

[Lady Resin]

I's so sorry to hear about Mr. Handsome Friday. We never had pets as a kid. Silly allergies. Since we got the two hamsters, I love them more and more each day. I have no idea what will happen to me if one of them becomes ill. Just cuddle and show love to Mr. Handsome.

[Jughead]

Friday...Im so sorry ....This day will come for me sometime ....I'm sure your kitty has a great loving owner... Stewart my kitty is setting here beside me. I'm lucky she is only 1 ..But even after 1 year it would be so terrible to lose her....The years you have had with Mr Handsome are very lucky ones ...

[Friday]

thank you guys very much for your kind words... they made me smile. :)

i may lose my church job, from the sound in my choir directors voice when i told him that i don't feel very comfortable leaving mr handsome all alone for the hours i am usually at church.
... i don't think he has pets. or a heart. oh well.

[Gvac]

It really, really sucks watching a pet deteriorate; especially when it's one that's been with you for so long.

Hang in there, kiddo. A lot of us know what you're going through.

[Farmer Dave]

We all know when we take a pet into our care the day will come that we lose it. Doesn't make it any easy though. May he pass peacefully if the time has come.

[boosterp]

I have grown up with cats all my life, hell my first word as a baby was cat. Each one as they got older, sich, and/or died really pulled at my heart strings. It is never easy especially when there is that sort of attachment. My cat Fiona turns 6 in June and I have had her since she was 3 months old. I can not imagine life without her and would be devastated if I lost her. She has helped me through so much either via distraction or just wanting love.

Friday, your kitty has live a real long quality life. I wish he could be with you for many more years but just enjoy the time you have together.

[Friday]

it's a matter of days now per the vet.
this blows, for lack of a more creative expression.

[Chip196]

I'm very sorry Friday

[Foster]

I'm sorry Friday, make the most of the time he has left

[Friday]

I'm sorry Friday, make the most of the time he has left

i am savoring every purr!

right now he is hiding under my couch and my kitten has set up camp in there on the other side of the room. it's almost like he understands something bad is happening and is keeping watch too... it's very heartwarming.

[Hottub]

For Mr. Handsome.

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[Friday]

he hasn't eaten for over a day and a half.
barely taking water.
he can't walk other than a step or two before his legs give out.
he is just laying next to me on the bed... half sleeping... and his breathing is starting to become labored.

it wouldn't be fair of me to keep him here any longer. not in this condition.
so i am doing the right thing and taking him to the vet today to be put down.

i know that this is the only way that i can serve mr handsome at this point.
but my heart is breaking.
i am not sure how this "final act of love" could ever feel right. it just feels painful.

[boosterp]

Friday,

I really feel for you and my heart sunk reading your post. This is the most difficult decision a pet care giver has to make and I dread that day. I give you e-hugs and know that you are going through a tough time. Right now it is difficult for me to find any more consolable words beyond what may appear cliche. I'm truly sorry though for your loss.

[BlackSpider]

he hasn't eaten for over a day and a half.
barely taking water.
he can't walk other than a step or two before his legs give out.
he is just laying next to me on the bed... half sleeping... and his breathing is starting to become labored.

it wouldn't be fair of me to keep him here any longer. not in this condition.
so i am doing the right thing and taking him to the vet today to be put down.

i know that this is the only way that i can serve mr handsome at this point.
but my heart is breaking.
i am not sure how this "final act of love" could ever feel right. it just feels painful.


Friday,
My dog was all I had left.
I had him 14 years. I had to put him down this past August.
Over the course of 3 days, he went from going for walks with me,
To the point where he couldn't get up of the floor.
After 2 days of taking him to the vet He was no better.
His breathing was labored and He couldn't drink at the end.
I left for work and decided that when I came home,
If he was still in the same spot when I got home, I would end it.
When I got home he was still the same.
I was able to get an appointment with the vet that evening.
It felt like forever waiting to take him in.
Knowing how he was suffering.
I wanted to be there with him when they did it,
I felt I owed it to him.
It ripped my heart out.
He was my best friend, and probably my last tie to humanity...
I never regretted my decision though.
It's no good to let them suffer...

[Hottub]

You are doing the right thing. Our friend is no longer living, but trying to exist. It isn't fair to either of you.
Rest well Mr. Handsome. You have earned it.:glurps:

[drjoek]

Sorry again, Friday

:glurps:

[Farmer Dave]

Rest in peace Mr. Handsome. You did it in love and that's all you could do. May your mourning of him bring you comfort.

[Thebazile78]

I can't read this without thinking about Shadow.

Jopey took really good care of him for the whole time I was at college, but when he died, we both took it badly. We'd had Shadow since he was an 8-week old kitten; Jopey took good care of him and even helped me give him baths.

It sounds like your Mr. Handsome has had a good life with you and it's really sad hearing about how he's been failing the past few days.

It also sounds like you need a hug and a reminder about the Rainbow Bridge (http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm).

[Lady Resin]

So sorry to hear about Mr. Handsome. May he rest in peace. My heart goes out to you Lady Friday.

[Foster]

I'm sorry Friday, you're doing the right thing even though it makes you feel like crap;

losing a pet sucks

[Friday]

my friend sarah came with me. she made me laugh through the tears. she's the best.

and thank you, Liz.... the Rainbow Bridge has always been something my mom and I were big on. this whole week i reminded mr handsome that his grandma will be waiting for him there with all of his old friends. someday i will meet them all there too.


goodbye my sweet friend! i will miss you every day...

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/Haskellitoberg/handsome.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/Haskellitoberg/handsomeandmommy.jpg



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this song always makes me smile... even if it's in a sad way.

[Hottub]

I knew you would pick that song.:glurps:

Rest well Mr. H. You did good during your time here.

[jetdog]

what a beautiful cat...sorry for your loss.

[boosterp]

My heart is torn, I do not know if I can come back to this thread.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Try not to regret but rather be grateful. A memory should not be a toe tag. It should be a strength. 18 years of good memories, never let them sour. that is all i can offer.

RIP kitty.

[Gwen]

I'm so sorry to hear about the hard times. You did the right thing to not let Mr. Handsome suffer any longer and you have many great memories to last you a lifetime. (hugs)

[WampusCrandle]

hey Friday,
im really sorry this happened to what was obviously a great companion. it will hurt for just a while, and hopefully you get to a point where you can feel better sooner rather than later. you're great Friday, and you awesome cat is in a way better place.

[Friday]

mmd reminded me of this song.
for my best friend

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[hedges]

Friday, my cat that passed away last year looked exactly like your cat. Tuxedo cat. Losing him was hard, I have one picture of him on my fridge, and I'm sure you are going through some tough times. The amount of love you have for that cat is great. I still haven't got another cat, because I can't imagine replacing the one I had. I'm hoping that will subside, because I want another cat. My thoughts are with you and you cat..