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Sick cat

Groogrux

Groogrux

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Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

Think of it this way. Putting her to sleep will be much worse for you than for her.
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

Never easy to make that decision with a pet. At this point she's miserable, you're miserable, everyone's miserable. You need to be the human and make the decision.

Every pet will give you a clear indication that it's time. For my dog Casey, it was the bone cancer had gone so far that he refused to eat scrambled eggs, a favorite treat of his (well, last few days, we did spoil him). Jynx will give you a similar, but different sign, and you'll just know it.

Be at peace with your decision. It's never easy, but it's one that needs to be made. You're the adult. Not the pet.
 
try introducing a fiber supplement. also, i don't know what you feed her, but switch to a primarily meat (animal protein) diet.
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

You have my deepest heartfelt sympathies. I wish I could give you some sage advice, but this is something you need to decide for you and Jynx. I know that for me, putting down a pet was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. But one thing's for sure, it does end the suffering of the animal.

So sorry. You're in my prayers. :(
 
We have a Chihuahua [16 years old, Medina] with similar old age debilitations.

We feel for you. It's never easy.
 
God bless you for being concerned and troubled about the care and end of life issues of a valued pet. I can only say, as a person who's gone through this a lot during my life and who fortunately/unfortunately had that decision taken out of my hands late last year when my dog died in her sleep, you'll know. One day Jynx will give you a look that says it all - I've seen that look and it breaks your heart but it also strengthens your spine.

Take care
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

It is okay. It will be an act of love and compassion and a fulfilling of trust. She trusts you to take care of her and be her friend, and you will know when it's time for that last trip to the vet's.

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this; it's the terrible trade-off when you have a pet.
 
CanadaJohn said:
God bless you for being concerned and troubled about the care and end of life issues of a valued pet. I can only say, as a person who's gone through this a lot during my life and who fortunately/unfortunately had that decision taken out of my hands late last year when my dog died in her sleep, you'll know. One day Jynx will give you a look that says it all - I've seen that look and it breaks your heart but it also strengthens your spine.

Take care
Click to expand...

I had to have my 16-year old cat put to sleep last week, and I really miss her company. :boohoo: She used to sit by my left arm when I was posting on here - looking at every word I typed, but she was failing fast. We buried her under the tree outside where she used to sit... I just couldn't let the vet put her out in the trash to be disposed of - she was too long a part of our family, and small enough for us to wrap her in a blanket and keep her close....
 
It's always so hard, sigh. All our animals are buried right here at home. Gone but never forgotten.
 
CanadaJohn said:
God bless you for being concerned and troubled about the care and end of life issues of a valued pet. I can only say, as a person who's gone through this a lot during my life and who fortunately/unfortunately had that decision taken out of my hands late last year when my dog died in her sleep, you'll know. One day Jynx will give you a look that says it all - I've seen that look and it breaks your heart but it also strengthens your spine.

Take care
Click to expand...

It's true--if you're listening in your heart, you know.

Early in the morning of September 15th, my Aussie told me. I swear she did with that look. As soon as the vet's opened, I called, and early in the afternoon Iva and I went bye-bye one last time. She knew; I knew. And then a burly vet tech carried her back to my car, and I drove her home.

Good grief, I can't even type about this without crying. But I did the right thing. I owed Iva that.
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

Dont feel guilty about it. Relieving her suffering is doing her a favor.
 
polgara said:
I had to have my 16-year old cat put to sleep last week, and I really miss her company. :boohoo: She used to sit by my left arm when I was posting on here - looking at every word I typed, but she was failing fast. We buried her under the tree outside where she used to sit... I just couldn't let the vet put her out in the trash to be disposed of - she was too long a part of our family, and small enough for us to wrap her in a blanket and keep her close....
Click to expand...

I'm very sorry to hear that Lady P, but I'm fully sure that she had a wonderful life with you and she brought special joy to yours as well. I still sense Mocha around the house, even a year later, and those bumps in the night are just her settling down or moving around. Pets leave us great memories and I always remember a line I once saw long ago - "some of my best friends have been animals".
 
nota bene said:
It's true--if you're listening in your heart, you know.

Early in the morning of September 15th, my Aussie told me. I swear she did with that look. As soon as the vet's opened, I called, and early in the afternoon Iva and I went bye-bye one last time. She knew; I knew. And then a burly vet tech carried her back to my car, and I drove her home.

Good grief, I can't even type about this without crying. But I did the right thing. I owed Iva that.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss too NB - I strongly believe that compassion for other animals is what makes us better and special. And regardless of any of the other crap that crosses our paths in life and disagreements we may have, I've always felt that a person who loves animals is a good and great person, period.
 
joG said:
Think of it this way. Putting her to sleep will be much worse for you than for her.
Click to expand...

eohrnberger said:
Never easy to make that decision with a pet. At this point she's miserable, you're miserable, everyone's miserable. You need to be the human and make the decision.

Every pet will give you a clear indication that it's time. For my dog Casey, it was the bone cancer had gone so far that he refused to eat scrambled eggs, a favorite treat of his (well, last few days, we did spoil him). Jynx will give you a similar, but different sign, and you'll just know it.

Be at peace with your decision. It's never easy, but it's one that needs to be made. You're the adult. Not the pet.
Click to expand...

QuadpolarNutjob said:
try introducing a fiber supplement. also, i don't know what you feed her, but switch to a primarily meat (animal protein) diet.
Click to expand...

countryboy said:
You have my deepest heartfelt sympathies. I wish I could give you some sage advice, but this is something you need to decide for you and Jynx. I know that for me, putting down a pet was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. But one thing's for sure, it does end the suffering of the animal.

So sorry. You're in my prayers. :(
Click to expand...

WCH said:
We have a Chihuahua [16 years old, Medina] with similar old age debilitations.

We feel for you. It's never easy.
Click to expand...

CanadaJohn said:
God bless you for being concerned and troubled about the care and end of life issues of a valued pet. I can only say, as a person who's gone through this a lot during my life and who fortunately/unfortunately had that decision taken out of my hands late last year when my dog died in her sleep, you'll know. One day Jynx will give you a look that says it all - I've seen that look and it breaks your heart but it also strengthens your spine.

Take care
Click to expand...

nota bene said:
It is okay. It will be an act of love and compassion and a fulfilling of trust. She trusts you to take care of her and be her friend, and you will know when it's time for that last trip to the vet's.

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this; it's the terrible trade-off when you have a pet.
Click to expand...

polgara said:
I had to have my 16-year old cat put to sleep last week, and I really miss her company. :boohoo: She used to sit by my left arm when I was posting on here - looking at every word I typed, but she was failing fast. We buried her under the tree outside where she used to sit... I just couldn't let the vet put her out in the trash to be disposed of - she was too long a part of our family, and small enough for us to wrap her in a blanket and keep her close....
Click to expand...

nota bene said:
It's always so hard, sigh. All our animals are buried right here at home. Gone but never forgotten.
Click to expand...

nota bene said:
It's true--if you're listening in your heart, you know.

Early in the morning of September 15th, my Aussie told me. I swear she did with that look. As soon as the vet's opened, I called, and early in the afternoon Iva and I went bye-bye one last time. She knew; I knew. And then a burly vet tech carried her back to my car, and I drove her home.

Good grief, I can't even type about this without crying. But I did the right thing. I owed Iva that.
Click to expand...

PoS said:
Dont feel guilty about it. Relieving her suffering is doing her a favor.
Click to expand...

CanadaJohn said:
I'm very sorry to hear that Lady P, but I'm fully sure that she had a wonderful life with you and she brought special joy to yours as well. I still sense Mocha around the house, even a year later, and those bumps in the night are just her settling down or moving around. Pets leave us great memories and I always remember a line I once saw long ago - "some of my best friends have been animals".
Click to expand...

CanadaJohn said:
I'm sorry to hear of your loss too NB - I strongly believe that compassion for other animals is what makes us better and special. And regardless of any of the other crap that crosses our paths in life and disagreements we may have, I've always felt that a person who loves animals is a good and great person, period.
Click to expand...

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful and compassionate replies. She has given me that look a few times in the last few days. She's also going back and forth between isolating herself and being attached to me every second. I do think it's time.
 
(((Hugs))) I am so, so sorry. But remember, what you will be doing is an act of love and loyalty to the end.
 
CanadaJohn said:
I'm sorry to hear of your loss too NB - I strongly believe that compassion for other animals is what makes us better and special. And regardless of any of the other crap that crosses our paths in life and disagreements we may have, I've always felt that a person who loves animals is a good and great person, period.
Click to expand...

And those who rescue animals, especially the ones that are hurt and/or sick, are heroes in my book.
 
Groogrux said:
Thank you everyone for the thoughtful and compassionate replies. She has given me that look a few times in the last few days. She's also going back and forth between isolating herself and being attached to me every second. I do think it's time.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that, but that too is one of the signs. Many animals will wander or break away from their loved ones in order to die alone. I didn't know it at the time, but I remember being young and having a Samoyed who was old and ready to die and he liked to go outside and he'd go to the farthest corner of our property and just lay down and stay there for hours and hours and I didn't appreciate why he was doing it until I was older. It seems they don't want their suffering to cause you suffering. Take care.
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

I love animals.My advice comes from that place. In my opinion, it is time yo love her enough to send her to Rainbow Bridge. She is uncomfortable and unhappy. You've loved her all of her life. Now it's time to love her enough to do the right thing.

If you have Lap of Love in your area, they will send a remarkably compassionate vet to your home to euthanize net. Barring that, take her to the vet and stay with her telling her what a good little kitty she is until she's gone. It's hard. But it is your final gift to her...

I'm sorry.
 
Here at DP we had a cat rescuer, Specklebang. He apparently was well-known and respected for his work and was one of those quiet heroes.
 
Yes, Rainbow Bridge.
 
Groogrux said:
Our cat Jynx is 14 yrs old, has diabetes and what I suspect to be nerve neuropathy in her hind legs which I'm assuming is due to the diabetes. She was diagnosed with the diabetes a few months ago and the recommended treatment was twice daily insulin injections which also required ear pricking for testing her blood. We decided against the insulin treatment considering her age, the fact that we travel a lot and how miserable she'd be living out the last of her life being pricked 4 times a day. We put her on a strict high-protein diet and she seemed to be doing well until last week. Her litter boxes are in the basement and because her hind legs are bothering her she won't go down there. So all last week while we were on vacation she peed and pooped all over our family room carpet. So we have moved the litter boxes into our dining room for right now (gross!). There really isn't a good place to put them on the main floor. She was a wild cat her first 6-8 months so she never learned to cover her poop. When she goes it stinks up the whole room.

I'm trying to convince myself it's ok to euthanize her. She's lived a good life. We've given her lots of love and attention. But I've got this ball of guilt in the pit of my stomach about doing it.
Click to expand...

I'm just so sorry to read this. I've been in your shoes more times than I can list, both personally as well as with the many fosters and seniors and shelters animals we've cared for over the years.

The important thing to remember about euthanasia is it's actually a gift we can give them when they no longer have quality of life. In all honesty, what you describe to me indicates her quality of life is gone. Diabetes in cats can be very difficult on them, just as it is on humans. She probably has other aches that you don't even know about because animals are so resilient and are often able to work through pain without letting it get to them.

It sounds like you have provided her with a wonderful home since she was well under a year old. She is now 14, which is a good long life for a kitty. I would give serious thought to freeing her of discomfort. Talk to your vet. Talk to your spouse and kids, if you have them. Don't keep her alive for you. Keep her alive because you think she wakes up every morning, ready to conquer the world like cats do. If you don't see that spark in her eye, you know it's time.

My heart goes out to you. I know this is very very hard but it sounds like you already know what I just said. Kiss her and love on her while you can. And when she's gone to the great Catnip factory in the sky, remember, there are lots of great homeless kitties in your local shelter who need love like you can give.
 
nota bene said:
Here at DP we had a cat rescuer, Specklebang. He apparently was well-known and respected for his work and was one of those quiet heroes.
Click to expand...

We adopted a senior cat for my youngest son for Christmas a few years ago when he said he wanted his own cat. We named him Specklebang in his honor. My son adores him. The cat's mean as a snake, and tries to tear the dogs to ribbons whenever they even look at him. The real Specklebang would have loved him!
 
CanadaJohn said:
I'm sorry to hear of your loss too NB - I strongly believe that compassion for other animals is what makes us better and special. And regardless of any of the other crap that crosses our paths in life and disagreements we may have, I've always felt that a person who loves animals is a good and great person, period.
Click to expand...

Me too, CJ. I judge people on how they treat animals. People who hate them, are cruel to them, have no use for them, don't feel a thing when they see stories of abuse and cruelty....not anyone I can respect.
 
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