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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / June 2007I think it's almost time - TW
Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her ramp. But she's starting to get "lost" in the middle of a room and sits and cries for me to come get her. She can no longer make it to the garage to use her litterbox. I put a litterbox in my bedroom for her, but she didn't use it and continues to use my bathroom rug or a corner of my bedroom. She's having a harder time finding her food dishes (it is *SO* sweet to watch Sammy go over to her and try and guide her to the food - even before Sammy eats!). I now pick her up and put her by her food dishes every time I feed the cats and a few times a day I put her next to the dry food (and I give her treats to try and put a little more weight on her. A few times a day I'll pick her up and put her in the litterbox. I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only get worse as the tumor in her brain grows, and I have to start thinking about quality of life versus a humane end to her 17+ years. I going to call my vet to discuss this further and ask about her coming to the house rather than taking Bandit into the vet, but I'm not going to do anything just yet - I'm still too afraid I'd be doing this too soon. But I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for something like this).  SignatureHugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). You will know when it is "time." I've experienced this. Just go with when you know everything is *enough and too much* for her. I'm so sorry, Lori. ((hugs)) Tweed | Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still | eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] | myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for | something like this). I'm sorry, I didn't even know she had a brain tumor! Is that a painful thing? Does it take away her appetite, or cause vomiting, or seizures - anything but dementia? > | Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] > thing? Does it take away her appetite, or cause vomiting, or seizures - > anything but dementia? That's what the vet said when I brought her to see why she was going blind about a year and a half ago. Her retinas were fully attached, all the blood vessels in her eyes looked fine - there was no physiological reason for the blindness except for a tumor growing on the underside of the front of her brain, pressing on the optical nerves. There was no way to tell for sure unless I brought her to a veterinarian optometrist - and since Bandit has a horrible fear of going to the vet (can't blame her since she was burned over 60% of her body the last time she got her teeth cleaned!!), and since there is absolutely nothing they could do about it even if they did confirm the brain tumor diagnosis, I didn't put her through the stress of more testing. Since then her appetite has been fine. She vomits every once in a while (but she always did that). She hasn't had any seizures, thank goodness. On the whole, her quality of life has been very good the past year and a half despite the blindness. I've had to make some compromises to accommodate her (the ramp to my bed, making sure there is never any obstacles in her paths, but until recently she has been acting quite normally (her usual mean self). But in the past month or so she has been deteriorating, losing weight rapidly in spite of eating at every meal, and the last couple of days has seen her litterbox incontinence and the "getting lost" in the middle of a room and crying. She's not in pain (unfortunately I've had very graphic examples of how she acts when in pain - see above), and as I said has been acting normally until just a few days ago. Hugs, CatNipped > But in the past month or so she has been deteriorating, losing weight > rapidly in spite of eating at every meal, and the last couple of days has [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > CatNipped This is a very hard decision to make, but I support you whatever you do. Bandit is a grand old lady and has had a grand life with a devoted slave. I'm sure she appreciates you as much as you deserve. You'll know when it's time, and I'm already crying, just thinking of it. I'll miss hearing about her. Jane | This is a very hard decision to make, but I support you whatever you | do. Bandit is a grand old lady and has had a grand life with a devoted | slave. I'm sure she appreciates you as much as you deserve. | You'll know when it's time, and I'm already crying, just thinking of | it. I'll miss hearing about her. Yes, she's a gorgeous sweetheart. No cat deserves illness, least of all this one. > > | Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > > still [quoted text clipped - 66 lines] > > CatNipped Hugs and purrs for you and Bandit and also for gallant Sammy. Reading about his efforts on her behalf was a bright moment that I shared with our lot. They are used to my reading to them with tears in my eyes. Anyway, I have nothing to say that others have not said better. You will make the right decision because you make it out of love. Will in New Haven -- "Never try to outstubborn a cat." - Robert Heinlein "I am not stubborn, Mr. Heinlein, I am just in charge." - Feather Oh man, I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I've seen a lot of cases of similar animals that are quite old and don't seem to be in pain, but they are to the point where you have to question their quality of life. There really isn't a way to prepare yourself. But know that all your friends here at RPCA are there for you. If you do make the decision, you might want to take a sample of hair, or even take some clay to make a paw print. We offer that for clients during euthanasias as a free service and a lot of our clients find it very touching. Purrs to you Kristi >Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still >eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for >something like this). My heart goes out to you. I just don't know what to say, except it seems like we're never really prepared for this. It is on the periphery of my mind because my darling Stinky is 16-- and looking and apparently feeling very good, thank Bast. He IS my heart. I know Bandit is the same for you. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh Make Levees, Not War > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! > She's still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for something like > this). Many heartfelt purrs heading your way. Jill > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for > something like this). I'm sorry to hear this. It reminds me of the time I had to make a similar decision about my d*g, a wonderful beagle who had been my best buddy. I dealt with his discomfort as much as I -- and he -- could, and when I asked the vet what he would do if he were his dog and the reply was "I'd put him down" I let him go. I understand being torn between wanting her around for as long as possible, but not if it's a trial for her. As Tweed said, you'll know when it's the right time. SignatureJoey DoWop Dee Remember: It is To Laugh I know you will know when and you will do what has to be done even through it hurts Purrs and prayers for you at this time Lesley Slave of the Fabulous Furballs > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! I'm so sorry, Lori. It's a very hard decision to make. Purrs for you both. Looking back, I think I waited too long with Frank. It's so difficult to know. SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. Lois, whatever you decide for Bandit will be the right thing for both of you. She has given you 17 good years and I'm sure you've given her love and a good quality of life for all those years too. God bless. Lily & her mama SignatureIrulan from the stars we come to the stars we return from now until the end of time. > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! > She's still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for something like > this). {{{{{{{{{{{{ Lori }}}}}}}}}}}} SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy and Bagheera) Cats leave pawprints on your heart. http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > this too soon. But I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, > I know you can't really prepare for something like this). I'm sorry to hear she is doing so poorly. Time is a thief :( > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > CatNipped I'm so sorry, Lori. Give her extra love for all of us. Which I know you're already doing. It's so hearbreaking. Sherry >I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain >or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only >get worse as the tumor in her brain grows, and I have to start thinking >about quality of life versus a humane end to her 17+ years. Purrs & hugs for coping with Bandit's illness and the difficult decisions you are going through. Signatureannoyed@net.spammers Craig, Kathi & "Cat Five" the tabby girl > I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain > or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only > get worse as the tumor in her brain grows, and I have to start thinking > about quality of life versus a humane end to her 17+ years. I going to call You will know when it is time to give her the greatest gift of love, albeit a most painful one. Purrs for you and Bandit. SignatureVictor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! SO sorry to learn this, she's burning up the remains of her fat reserves because she gets no nourishment via her digestive ystem any longer. It's now a matter of fine judgement as to whether she's content to go on living or not - I've done this deciding far too often (let's face it even once is too often) and know that we fallible hoomins do tend to hang on to our beloveds for a bit too long - cats are far too good at hiding problems as they need to for their continued existence in the wild, of course. I know that making a prompt decision to deprive myself of my beloveds' company has tended to be, in hindsight, the right decision to make. Lingering may be OK for us but isn't for said pet I'm afraid. So we're all purring for you now to say goodbye in the best way possible (at home would be perfect - I wish I'[d been able to do it more often) as soon as the moment arrives. You'll be in our thoughts. Gordon & the FF >> Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > You'll be in our thoughts. > Gordon & the FF Well said. SignatureJoey DoWop Dee Remember: It is To Laugh > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). Even if she isn't in pain, and we really can't tell that so often, I'd also go by her anxiety level. Is she upset and afraid a lot of the time or only occasionally. Is she mortified by not making it to the box or does she seem not to care. Does she truly seem to take pleasure in anything for any length of time. It is hard to know. Prayers and strength go with you to help you decide. Jo > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). I am so sorry Cat I wish there was something we could do > Bandit is now getting so skinny ... snip > But I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for something like this). So sorry it's time for you to make that dreaded decision. My father used to say our pets are luckier than us humans because someone is able to end their suffering for them. May I suggest you pick a Friday so you can have the weekend to recover somewhat - each time I had to do it I was at work, crying my eyes out every few minutes, and unable to think straight. Take care, Bobble -- > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). Purrs for Bandit, and also for you aching heart :( (((((((((CatNipped)))))))))) This is the most difficult, and most loving, decision a pet slave can make. SignatureJoy Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them. --Nathaniel Hawthorne > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for > something like this). ".....And you shall shortly know that lengthened breath Is not the sweetest gift God send his friend, And that sometimes the sable pall of death Conceals the greatest boon His love can send..." Mary Louise Riley Smith Purrs and thought are with you and Bandit. MLB > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for > something like this). You really can't. I've tried. It's impossible. {{{{{CatNipped)))))) I am so sorry, and I know what you are going through (I have an almost 17 year old, and a 19 year old, both will problems). Bandit will let you know when it is time; just look into her eyes and she will tell you. In the meanwhile, shower her with love and be good to yourself, too. Ginger-lyn <snipped> > I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain > or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for > something like this). As you said, it's a decision only you can make. Look at it this way: You've done everything humanly possible to give her the most comfortable life possible. And you're being attentive to the signs Bandit gives you. You'll know when it's time. Your idea about asking the vet to come to your house for the final act of kindness is, I think, a good one. I hope the vet can do that for you and for her. In the meantime, we're sending our best purrs both for Bandit and for you. Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > I have to prepare myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really > prepare for something like this). purrs for Bandit and you all Lena Signaturelewe lewemi at yahoo dot se | cats' pics: photos.yahoo.com/lewemi > I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain > or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for > something like this). > Hugs, > > CatNipped I'm so sorry. This is always the hardest decision. Bandit's surrounded by your love and care and I know that awareness cuts through his "fog". Blessings to you both. PatM >I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain >or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for >something like this). Whatever you decide, she's had a good and long life with you. > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's > still eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > she didn't use it and continues to use my bathroom rug or a corner of my > bedroom. Purrs for Bandit and for you to find the right time. Susan M Otis and Chester >Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still >eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for >something like this). I remember vividly when Bandit was burned so badly. I remember the pictures, too. But, despite all that's happened, she has had a good long life, most of it very good indeed, with you. I'm so very sorry that her time seems to be short now. Make her as comfortable as possible, and love her to pieces while you can. Give her tuna, and other special goodies you wouldn't have in the past. Special purrs for quality time for both of you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Life without cats would be only marginally worth living." -TC, and the unmercifully, relentlessly, sweet calico kitty, Kenzie. How you behave towards cats here below determines your status in Heaven. - Robert Heinlein Life is very difficult. Once you understand that, life becomes easier. -Buddha > I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain > or distress (except when she gets lost), but I know the dementia will only > get worse as the tumor in her brain grows, and I have to start thinking > about quality of life versus a humane end to her 17+ years. ///// This is the hardest decision that ever has to be made. The way I have made it in the past, is to think about whether as well as quality of life, does my beloved pet also have their dignity intact? We'll keep you and Bandit in our thoughts and prayers. {{{Hugs}}} Helen M Many purrs for Bandit and for your family. She had a great life with you. What would have happened to her on the streets? Every year she had with you is like a blessing she wouldn't have gotten on the wild side...the average lifespan of a feral cat is 3 years, maybe 6 or 7 for one as badass as Bandit, but still. I think as long as she is eating, alert, interested in things, purring and cuddling with you, she's okay. But if she gets listless, distressed for no apparent reason, wincing/cringing/in pain, agitated, upset...then it will be time to act, quickly. Maybe you don't want it to get that far, so look at her overall quality of life...is she still enjoying herself? (Can she still f*ck up a stranger?) Bright Blessings, Fil > > I'm hesitating with this decision because she doesn't seem to be in any pain > > or distress (except when she gets lost), > Many purrs for Bandit and for your family. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > distressed for no apparent reason, wincing/cringing/in pain, agitated, > upset...then it will be time to act, quickly. That's what I keep thinking... she is eating (although not very much) - to do so she gets up and down from my bed using her ramp. She still comes to me every night for her ritual pettin's session (and purrs up a storm the whole while). She finally learned where thelitter box was in my bedroom (I put it in the middle of one of her "paths" to her food bowl so she won't have to hunt around to find it). She stil pops the sh*t out of anyone who "gets in her face" (or breathes in her air space) - even though she's swiping at thin air since she can't see at all). The only thing that really worries me a lot is how painfully thin she is - you can feel (and would be able to see if she weren't long-haired) every rib bone on her and her hip bones are really prominent. Her normal weight was always around 9.5 pounds - she's down to a little over 6 now. She walks extremely slowly (although I thought the blindness was the cause of that, but it could be arthritis). And then the two times in the past couple of days where she seemed to get "lost" in the middle of the room and sat there "mrow-ing" for me. I just don't know what to do - I don't want to end her life if she is still enjoying it most of the time. But I certainly don't want her to suffer any longer than necessary if she's not. I'm going to try to get a good picture of her tonight to post here so you all can see what I mean about how she looks. Hugs, CatNipped > Maybe you don't want it > to get that far, so look at her overall quality of life...is she still [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >> > pain >> > or distress (except when she gets lost), > > Many purrs for Bandit and for your family. > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > me every night for her ritual pettin's session (and purrs up a storm the > whole while). That's good. She's telling you there's pleasure yet for her to get, and give. I know it's bittersweet for you, but she is still herself, although diminished. She finally learned where thelitter box was in my bedroom (I > put it in the middle of one of her "paths" to her food bowl so she won't > have to hunt around to find it). Good. It usually bothers them so much to miss the litterbox. She stil pops the sh*t out of anyone who > "gets in her face" (or breathes in her air space) - even though she's > swiping at thin air since she can't see at all). Good for her. She may not be all she once was but she is still there and not to be trifled with. > The only thing that really worries me a lot is how painfully thin she is - > you can feel (and would be able to see if she weren't long-haired) every rib [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > enjoying it most of the time. But I certainly don't want her to suffer any > longer than necessary if she's not. You are there and only you can know, and the time will probably be soon. But I think it is not yet. > I'm going to try to get a good picture of her tonight to post here so you > all can see what I mean about how she looks. Just remember, she has a very different picture of how she looks than you do. She's still the same cat and you're still the same mom she knows. And you will make the right decision at the right time. Will in New Haven -- > Hugs, > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > - Show quoted text - I wish I could send a big fat hug to both of you. You will indeed know when it's time. Bandit may even let you know, and you'll both go to that time bravely. Bandit sounds like a grande dame indeed and will give you a memory not only of great love but of great dignity. She knows you love her like mad, and will make the right decision for her. It's never easy. Please remember you have friends here who are purring away for you both. Blessed be, Baha >Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still >eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for >something like this). > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ I am so sorry to hear this. It is a very difficult decision. Purrs for you and Bandit. Winnie & Rusty > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ It seems to me you're thinking both clearly and compassionately about this, Lori. It's hard to think of letting them go--that never changes. Especially not after spending so many years together. I think though, that it's still a little soon. You will know when Bandit's life becomes a true burden to her. It doesn't sound as if she's there, yet. I knew when Pan was ready to go--he told me in every way that a cat can without speaking. Same with Izzy. Melissa > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > myself for the inevitable (yeah, I know you can't really prepare for > something like this). I don't know what to say. Lots of purrs and hugs, Polonca and Soncek My prayer for you both is twofold: that you have as much quality time as possible, and that when it's time for the final Act of Mercy, that Bandit makes matters crystal clear, so there's no reason to ever second-guess the decision. I know you'll do what's best for Bandit. Bless you both. Donna, Captain, and Stanley > Bandit is now getting so skinny her hip bones are sticking out! She's still > eating - even being blind, she can get up and down from my bed with her [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ |
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