Emotionally wrecked over a dying pet.

This Thanksgiving instead of visiting relatives, I opted to stay home and care for my dying cat. He is resting comfortably, drinking water, a nibble of food here and there, taking his medicine, though looks awfully sad. :-(

I've been crying on and off throughout, the thought of losing him is absolutely devastating. It's not like I haven't been through this before, I grew up with cats and lost one to the highway, old age, illness. Perhaps it is because my current cats were actually MY cats - I adopted them as kittens, raised them, lived with them full time. The others were the family cats and believe me, I was terribly heartbroken when they went too but this cat... man, am I just falling apart. :cry:

Every time I think of not having him waiting at the door when I get home or sitting on the bed after eating, his neck craned begging for a kitty massage, I just break down. He is such a sweet cat, I can't stand that he will soon be gone. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Sorry, I just really need to get this off my chest.

that we have loved and loved well. :hug:

it is so true. :hug:

Thank you for that! I needed to read that! :hug:

I just found out this morning that my 14-year-old cat, Teddy, probably has an inoperable tumor on his jaw, and it's just a matter of time. I know just how you feel; it's so hard to lose them. The only consolation is knowing you've given him a good life and you took care of him as well as anybody could.

It's awful isn't it. Though it helps talking about it. Thank you for listening. :hug:

But be comforted in the fact that he lived a long and happy life with you.

Do whatever you need to do - cry, write, laugh, rage. Now may be a good time to get out pictures of him and show him the pictures and tell him how much he has meant and will continue to mean to you. Write down all of your best memories and read them aloud to him. You can celebrate his presence for as long as you have him and then for a long time after he slips away. I've always loved Jazz Funerals - sad as anything and full of joy - all mixed up together until you can't tell one feeling from the other.

When you are ready, you might tell him that it is okay to go when he needs to - pets, like people, will unselfishly hang on. He is headed for an infinitely peaceful and loving place (I believe).

:cry: O8) :cry: O8) :cry: O8) :cry: O8) :cry:

Just let the grief wash over you. I found that was better than fighting the sadness when I lost one of my dogs recently. Spend lots of cuddle time together. Spoil her. Take pictures and videos. They will comfort you in the days ahead. :hug:

She is holding her own right now, but I know I will be going through similar emotional turmoil in the future.
My heart goes out to you and your little boy.

:hug: 's lots and lots of :hug: 's

...it is very sad at the end. The love you give each other now is a rare and lovely thing.

Passing from this life in the arms of someone you love and trust is great kindness.

LDL

you EVER wanted to say. he will hear you and be comforted. I wish I had more time with my Tippy (in the bottom of this mail) even though I had him for eleven years in my arms most of the time. it comforts them to hear and have you so close. I am sending you hugs, honey.

can give him. It's wonderful you choose to stay by his side.

It's good to cry when you need too but also try to remember that he's had a great life and we all must die and he will go on to wherever they go, in the bet of circumstances.

A big :hug: for you and well-wishes for the poor kitty. :(

I can't imagine what you are going through...we get so attached to the little furkids don't we...sending peaceful vibes.

How old is he? Is there anything that the Vet can do, or it's just his time? We will lite a candle and pray for a beautiful passing.
Namaste,
Serry

I'm calling the vet tomorrow because I'm very concerned about him comfort level.

Normally, when he sleeps, he stretches out. Now he bunches up like he's freezing. His sleeps seems interupted, he can't seem to stay comfortable. Also, he doesn't want to be touched or held. There is no trace of his jovial personality, the cat before me now isn't the cat I have loved for the past 12 years.

Thanks for listening.

water bottle,knitted stocking material...you heat it in the microwave. Einstein used it the last few days of his life & loved it....my prayers are with you. Calvin is a very handsome boy!

I've never heard of such a thing.

warm water. Einstein cuddled with it the last few days of his life

Perhaps you posted early but I wasn't sure what was wrong with Calvin. Just keep giving him love and take him to the vet. Any chance it's something he could pull out of?

there's no way I'm putting him through chemotherapy. He's too old and all it will do is make him sicker than he already is. I'm trying to keep him comfortable but I can't be sure that he's in pain. It's very upsetting.

I think you've made the right decision. Chemo is hard enough on a young person or animal, not worth it for someone older. I'm so sorry but your baby is a lucky one as you know. Your love has made all the difference in his life. Hope that is a comfort in some way. :hug:

They do crawl into our hearts, don't they? :hug:

What a handsome fellow! I'm sure he feels your love and it is a comfort to him.

Grief for pets is now acknowledged to be as intense as grief for people. Also if you are intensely involved in caregiving or nursing a sick animal or person, that amplifies the feeling of a bond and connection... as well as the feelings of loss and grief when they go (called "caregivers syndrome" by psychs).

Besides pics you might want to write down EVERYTHING about him-- tell his story and describe all his funny little quirks and your relationship with him--where he came from, your relationship, his daily routine... It is a way of both saying goodbye and a way of having something which will outlive him-- his story. Im glad I did that with my cat Basil because after a yr. or two I'm sure I wouldve forgotten so much about him -- how he he learned to hunt and kill mice, the time he "helped" us with our yard sale by clawing up the merchandise as someone was about to buy it, his fondness for string, his habit of jumping up onto my shoulder and nearly knocking me over... Cats--they're all so unique!

At the risk of sounding trite, I feel your pain. I lost my boy Henry on May 10 of this year and am still a wreck. I sincerely hope you can find peace. When you do, please tell me how it's done.

I found a great forum for people grieving over their animals, it has helped a lot. You'll see I few posts of mine. It's so much easier getting all your feeling out online.

http://www.lightning-strike.com/

Took a look and can't deal with it here at work but I've got it bookmarked for later. :thumbsup:

Our pets are so lucky to have us there to comfort and love them at the end. Hang in there and just go with your feelings. We are here for you.

For many of us, our furkids are our family and losing them is just as painful as losing a human family member. Don't feel bad about venting, you need to do whatever you need in order to deal with your feelings.

this spring and I can't tell you how often, when I'm hugging him, I think that one day he'll be gone. I do feel for you very much.

If I was in your shoes I would do the same thing. There'll be many ThanksGivings. You are the most precious thing to your cat, and being there for him, as mindfully as possible, is the best thing you can do. Just tell him you love him.

I hope you're doing okay today.

As a mom of a dying cancer patient (Jake the Lab), I sympethize with you so much. My cyber arms are around you - I hope your time with Calvin is special in these difficult times.

I have lost a number of special pets and it's so hard, but I really do remember all of them in such a special way.

My heart goes out to you and Calvin.

so I understand how you feel.

We've been worried about her for a long time, and it was her time to go.

It's painful but everyone has his time and it sounds like you and your cat have made many good memories together.

:hug: :cry:

I can't imagine how much it hurts. Take time to grieve...your furbaby had a wonderful life with you, no doubt. :hug:

Even when you know it's time it isn't easy.