Need URGENT good vibes for my 11-year-old Tortie...
...something went horribly wrong with Pepper sometime last night. She's on her way to the emergency clinic now.
This morning I heard her in the basement -- I thought nothing of it because she's usually very chatty this time of day. But when I went to take her breakfast to her, she was curled up in a tight ball under a table where she never is, literally crying in pain. I tried to coax her out, but she could not walk. Her hind legs are totally gone. What I thought was "chat" was obviously pain. I tried stroking and petting her for awhile, but it seemed like when I did (especially around her hind quarters and underbelly) it bothered her, so I stopped. Her bowl was empty and her box looked like she had voided sometime in the night..so what happened???????????
I don't get this. She was fine last night. Jumping up on the chair, kneading my stomach, hopping from the chair to the end table...when I went to bed, she was where she usually is...asleep in the living room. She just had a checkup not two damn weeks ago.
I am so afraid that a decision is going to have to be made, and I'm not ready for it. I just went through a health scare of my own this week and I'm still trying to find my own balance. I'm worried about my kids, especially my younger son, who went with his dad to the vet's. He loves this cat dearly and is also on the autism spectrum, so I don't know how he is going to react. I just called my older son -- who sees Pepper as "his" cat -- a call I dreaded making but figured it would be better to let him know now what is happening.
I am sick on my stomach. Sorry for rambling, but I know you all are great animal lovers who will send a lot of good support and advice. To add insult to injury to this (or sick irony) -- our 5-year-old Dachshund has also become paralyzed due to spinal fusion.
Difference is, she's not in pain and Pepper really is.
Thanks, everyone. This is going to be a long, long day.
= new reply since forum marked as read
cats are notorious for concealing illness. I have been there. Maybe it won't come to the point you fear though. Perhaps she injured herself jumping around? 
Keep us posted, OK?
I know how you feel. I lost one of my beloved bichons three years ago and I still miss him terribly.
Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way, AngryOldDem.
rest easy, sweet pepper. may there be butterflies to chase, sunbeams to sleep in and plenty of scritches on the other side of the bridge.
hugs to you and your family
It's so hard to lose a fur friend.
I am so sorry, OldDem. I have no words. You'll remember your sweet Pepper forever.
My tortie died very suddenly many years ago and we never did figure out why.
I am so terribly sad for you.
torties are wonderful cats.
so very sorry for your loss.
Words seem empty as this time, but please know you are in our thoughts.
you and your family. Please keep us updated. - Fleur
At least she didn't suffer long. We can't take away the pain, but we can at least let you know we care.
Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.
by Isla Paschal Richardson
they do take a piece of our heart with them when they go
They are our family. It's hurts so much to lose one.
My heart goes out to you. I know how bad it feels.
I have several kitty-shaped holes in my heart and they always ache a bit.
She was slowing down a bit, but one morning she was reallllly slow. I held her as her heart stopped (vet said she had an enormous tumor in her liver - could have had palliative care, but I decided against it).
I know how hard it is.
