Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Baitball Blogger

(46,572 posts)
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 07:03 AM Jun 2014

Sad cat story.

So I met my friend's cat for the first time when I went for a visit. I also met their new golden retriever puppy, which was slightly larger than the cat. The social dynamics between the two animals was interesting. The cat was incredibly tolerant as the puppy rough housed with her, the way that puppies do with their litter mates. But it looked pretty intense and not altogether normal when this play was directed to the cat. The way the puppy would grip the cats throat in his mouth was alarming. But the cat's tolerance level was even more so. She would start out with a low cat growl, but it would be a good minute or so before she smacked him, or fled for higher ground.

It was an especially calm cat. I had a moment with her one night when I had trouble sleeping and went to stretch out on the living room couch. Though she fell asleep on my lap, she never moved or woke me up when I finally nodded off to sleep.

So, it was a shock when I heard from my friend that this young, 12 month old cat had died unexpectedly. I don't know all the details, but she had lost control of her back legs and they rushed her to the vet hospital, and her situation only became worse. Within forty minutes they had to make the decision to end her pain and put her down. I think an aneurism may have been mentioned.

I would never mention this to my friend, but I do wonder if the rough interaction with the puppy may have caused this early demise? I just never have seen a cat accept so much punishment from another pet in the house. It wasn't like they didn't like each other. Quite to the contrary, in fact.

Any pet owners out there experienced anything like this?

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Sad cat story. (Original Post) Baitball Blogger Jun 2014 OP
If there is any chance that your friend avebury Jun 2014 #1
I will try to find some diplomatic way to do it. Baitball Blogger Jun 2014 #6
I have a jack russell/chihuahua mix and he has avebury Jun 2014 #8
:( shenmue Jun 2014 #2
I had a cat LiberalElite Jun 2014 #3
if a brain aneurysm caused a stroke, then no magical thyme Jun 2014 #4
So, I'm thinking your friend shouldn't get another cat unless she gets some training for the dog. hamsterjill Jun 2014 #5
These are very conscientious people. Baitball Blogger Jun 2014 #7
Your comment hamsterjill Jun 2014 #9
I'm sure I'll learn more in the coming weeks. Baitball Blogger Jun 2014 #10
I've lost two cats in my life at about the 1 year mark, both unexpected, for no obvious reason. politicat Jun 2014 #11
Thanks for that information. Baitball Blogger Jun 2014 #12

avebury

(10,946 posts)
1. If there is any chance that your friend
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 07:09 AM
Jun 2014

might get another cat you might want to say something to her about the rough play. I would be concerned about the chance that another cat could get seriously injured or worse.

avebury

(10,946 posts)
8. I have a jack russell/chihuahua mix and he has
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 12:40 PM
Jun 2014

killed 2 young kittens (different times) who found their way into my backyard before I could do anything to stop it. He was ok with the cats that were already in the house when I adopted him as a puppy but he will go after any other cat he finds outside. I have since lost both of my indoor cats due to medical issues and I know that I will not be able to bring another cat indoor while I still have my dog.

So I know what can happen either inentionally or unintentionally.

 

magical thyme

(14,881 posts)
4. if a brain aneurysm caused a stroke, then no
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 08:35 AM
Jun 2014

it going to happen no matter what. That would likely have been congenital and at some point in time was going to burst without warning. Happened to a high school classmate of mine. She was walking across a parking lot, collapsed into a coma, died 2 weeks later.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
5. So, I'm thinking your friend shouldn't get another cat unless she gets some training for the dog.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:05 AM
Jun 2014

But...do you happen to know where this kitty originated from? Had it been tested for heart worms?

Baitball Blogger

(46,572 posts)
7. These are very conscientious people.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:24 AM
Jun 2014

Last edited Wed Jun 18, 2014, 01:14 PM - Edit history (1)

The pets were the children they were never going to have.

I'm just wondering how other cat-dog interactions work out for other owners.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
9. Your comment
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 01:03 PM
Jun 2014

"But it looked pretty intense and not altogether normal when this play was directed to the cat. The way the puppy would grip the cats throat in his mouth was alarming."

Most cat-dog interactions in a household don't result in injury. I understand that whether or not this dog injured the cat is unknown. But no, in most dog/cat relationships with responsible owners, with appropriate training and attention, the dog and cat become best of friends.

The reason I asked about heartworms is because IF the cat had them, that might possibly be the cause of the cat's situation.

politicat

(9,808 posts)
11. I've lost two cats in my life at about the 1 year mark, both unexpected, for no obvious reason.
Wed Jun 18, 2014, 02:31 PM
Jun 2014

We never had dogs (I'm allergic) but I did have small siblings. If I had to bet, I wouldn't point at the rough-housing without an indication of injury.

There are a number of feline viri that can cause sudden death in young adult cats (FIV being most common) and some genetic issues that are invisible until they aren't.

The losing control of hind legs points at several factors -- sudden kidney failure or neurological failure, most commonly. If it was an aneurysm, there's nothing that can be done -- that's a genetic weakness in the blood vessels in the brain, like a bike inner tube that develops a bubble.

I'm sorry to hear about it and wish you and your friends comfort. It's never easy to lose one, young or old.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Sad cat story.