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Post by carshon on Nov 4, 2015 16:38:47 GMT
It hit me hard this morning that it is time to let my cat "Baby Jane" go. He (yes Baby Jane is a boy) has been slowly going blind - one eye is completely clouded over with no sight and the other is getting there. He had a rough spring where he did not groom himself properly and had to constantly be brushed - which he hated. he has long hair so it was a chore for both of us. He has lost a lot of weight and his hind end is getting weaker.
We changed food per vet advice - lock him up when he eats so he does not feel threatened by the other animals and still are having issues. He refuses to use his litter box and has been leaving deposits around the house. Something he has never ever done! He howls constantly when he is awake - which is not often because he has now taken over the dogs bed and sleeps the majority of every day. This morning I went into his room and there was vomit everywhere. Huge mess - all over the floor and his bed. He promptly went into our bathroom and left a deposit - then walked around the house howling until I picked him up and help him - which he hates!
My family had agreed that when he became completely blind we would let him go because the other cats are already attacking him (thus his own room) and the fact that he cannot jump up on the couch or bed anylonger - hubby said this morning that I really need to think hard - the ground will be frozen soon - and it is important to me that he lay to rest here.
This post is really the first time I have said out loud that I think it is time. I love this stupid cat and was going to keep cleaning up messes but I am afraid that one of the other cats (we have 2 others) will really hurt him. Baby is 15yrs old and came to us in a load of hay as a kitten - his brother Otis is still here (there were 2 kittens in that load of hay!) but he attacks Baby anytime they are alone.
Help me be strong as I make arrangements with the vet. I hate letting go but love him too much to make him stay.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749 
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Post by mistersmom on Nov 4, 2015 16:57:40 GMT
Aw, I feel for both you and Baby Jane. It sounds like it is the right time to let him go and relieve him of the pain/misery he is in. I know how hard that is for you though. Praying that you will find the strength to get through this. We are here when you need us.
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Terry
Junior Member
Central Illinois, USA
Posts: 1,466
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Post by Terry on Nov 4, 2015 19:12:04 GMT
I'm so sorry, Carshon. It is so very hard to say goodbye to our sweet furry family members, but it does sound like it's time. :-( I'll be thinking of you during this difficult time. ((( ))) |
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Post by horselady on Nov 5, 2015 2:00:23 GMT
The most difficult decision we make is to say goodbye to our pets. yet in your heart you need to make that decision and perhaps he is wanting you to let him go. when i know it is time i always hold them and pet them and tell them i love them. and it is time to say goodbye and for them to go to sleep. sure i cry and i cry for days later . and I cry for years. but i know i have given them the best life. as i am sure you have given baby.. be at peace with your decision. at this time. .. |
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Nov 5, 2015 3:10:39 GMT
Aww Carshon  I feel your pain. smileys-sad-593832 You gave him a great life. So don't feel guilty doing what is best for him. It's always hard to make that decision. Especially our 4 legged babies. My thoughts are with you and Baby Jane  |
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Post by kskatt on Nov 5, 2015 6:00:50 GMT
It is obvious that you would not have the thought if it wasn't time. He is lucky to have a mom that can put his needs before her own.
It is one of the hardest things we have to do. Be strong for him, then do whatever you need to grieve. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Post by ladymcts on Nov 6, 2015 12:30:18 GMT
{{ }} Both the howling while awake and being attacked by others is a sign that something is seriously wrong. Sure sounds like "it's time" to me. I'm stuggling with some of the same things in my old Tigger, but don't feel it's bad enough for him just yet. His vision is bad, both eyes a little cloudy, and he was howling at night just past sunset. So now the house is full of nightlights in hallways and by litter boxes and food. He's traditionallly been my super obese cat, but in the recent year and a half he's shed so much weight he looks kinda normal now. His hind end is getting very week, and he "hobbles" more than walks. And yes, the litter box has been an issue. He used to leave me presents if the box was not perfectly clean. Now he will leave them whenever he feels like it, and I'd notice a "barf and poop" syndrome, both things close together. But I decided not to go with really expensive diagnostics, and my vet has let me try prednisalone for him, which is definitely having a positive impact on the bowel issues. All that said, the other cats are not attacking him, and he's getting around well enough for now. Good luck with your plans. Tigger and I will be wishing your Baby Jane , nummy virtual treats, and a fond farewell. |
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Dec 4, 2015 10:23:04 GMT
I am very sorry. I am sure you know what to do. 15 years is amazing age for a cat. And you should not feel bad.
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Post by carshon on Dec 4, 2015 14:53:09 GMT
Thanks everyone. Baby Jane is still here. The howling has stopped since he is now completely blind. He seems to get lost in the chair legs in the dining room but when one of us sees him weaving in and out we just pick him up and take him by our pellet burner. The other cats now just ignore him for the most part as he just sleeps in front of the pellet burner. He knows me and follows me around when I am in the house and I lift him up to sit on my lap when we watch TV - he snuggles with my Dachshunds and I. My daughter and I clean a local vet clinic and had one of the vets give him a quick going over. Other than being 90-100% blind now he seems pretty healthy for a 15+ yr old cat and she told us there was no reason to put him to sleep unless it was too inconvenient for us. I don't believe in disposable pets so with us he will stay until he is no longer sleek and shiny- he has put some weight on with his new kidney food and seems happier tummy wise.
I hate to admit this but it is kind of funny to watch him walk - he makes it around pretty well but if he senses something he puts his paw out and taps around. He has also learned to follow the dogs when the walk through the house - guess he figures they know where they are going.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Dec 4, 2015 16:02:51 GMT
Aw, sounds like Baby Jane is doing better and adjusting to his new, dark world. And bless you for continuing to care for him.
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Post by horselady on Dec 5, 2015 0:33:31 GMT
Great news he is doing better. animals are so resilient. and take things in stride. if that were a human they would be in a chair moping and being all bummed out. We could take lessons from them. and  you for being such great pet owners.  |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Dec 24, 2015 21:31:39 GMT
Well that's good to hear, that the howling wasn't from pain, probably kitty-cursing. Really glad to hear the other cats aren't bothering him.
But that name! Geez, I can't help but remember Bette Davis creepy performance in that movie, ugh! I name a cow Carpet but... I can't even type "that" name, creeps me out lol To each their own :-)
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Post by kskatt on Dec 25, 2015 6:54:19 GMT
Hmm, he's got his own "seeing eye dogs". How cool is that! So glad he is doing better, and will continue I bet. He's figuring it out, just don't rearrange the furniture!
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)))
I feel your pain. smileys-sad-593832 You gave him a great life. So don't feel guilty doing what is best for him. It's always hard to make that decision. Especially our 4 legged babies. My thoughts are with you and Baby Jane 
you for being such great pet owners. 
