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sue kelso - 03 Sep 2003 02:57 GMT

Hi all. I just found this group and I need your help. I have cat 17 year
old cat name Phloyd. I have had him with me his whole life. He started
slowing down a few months ago. In the past 2 weeks it has really become
noticible. The past 5 days have been horrible. He is still drinking water
but I have only seen him eat once since Sunday. He has always been skinny,
now he is bony. He lays in one place the whole day. I think he may have
wet the rug he was lying on today. Is it time for me to let him go? Am I
selfish to let him go or am I selfish to have him stay? This is so hard.
When do you know it's time?

thanks

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Ivor Jones - 03 Sep 2003 03:12 GMT

> Hi all. I just found this group and I need your help. I have cat 17 year
> old cat name Phloyd. I have had him with me his whole life. He started
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> thanks

Hi Sue, so sorry to hear your story, it sounds like you may be right, but
let your vet have a look to be sure and to set your mind at rest. If it's
his time, try and have the strength to let him go with dignity, remember
the good times you had together.

Of course I could be wrong and he may have several years left, I hope I
am, but at the same time don't let him suffer if he's in pain.

Purrs and hugs to you both,

Ivor

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bewtifulfreak - 03 Sep 2003 07:10 GMT

Is it time for me to let him go? Am I selfish to let him

>> go or am I selfish to have him stay? This is so hard. When do you
>> know it's time?
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Of course I could be wrong and he may have several years left, I hope
> I am, but at the same time don't let him suffer if he's in pain.

I agree....take him to the vet for them to determine whether he's suffering
or just fading away. If he's not in a lot of pain, you may want to let him
pass at home; so many people forget that it's okay to do this if the pet is
not unduly suffering, to let them just pass away naturally instead of
putting them down. But ultimately, it's your decision, but that decision
will be easier made if you get the vet's educated opinion on the state of
his health and whether he's in a great deal of pain or not.

I know it's a difficult situation, and you have my most heartfelt sympathy.
It doesn't sound like you're being selfish at all, because you want to make
a decision based on Phloyd's best interests, and that shows a lot of love.

More hugs and purrs for you both,
Ann

--

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/bewtifulfreak

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Troy - 03 Sep 2003 11:39 GMT

> Is it time for me to let him go? Am I selfish to let him
> >> go or am I selfish to have him stay? This is so hard. When do you
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> More hugs and purrs for you both,
> Ann

I agree too. You need to get a vet's opinion on Phloyd's current state
of health. There is obviously something wrong if he hasn't eaten for a
few days - how serious it is or if it can be treated is only something
a vet can tell you. Don't put this off because it may be something
that can be treated or cured relatively simply - and minor illnesses
can be quite devestating for a 17 year old kitty.

At the end of the day the only important factor is his quality of life
and that should be your only reason for making a decision either way.
If Phloyd is any sort of pain or discomfort, for which there is no
relief or cure, it is unfair to let him endure it but, as long as he
is happy and content, you are not being selfish in any way.

I know how hard this must be for you...best of luck for you and Phloyd
and let us know what happens...

Troy.

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bewtifulfreak - 03 Sep 2003 11:49 GMT

> At the end of the day the only important factor is his quality of life
> and that should be your only reason for making a decision either way.
> If Phloyd is any sort of pain or discomfort, for which there is no
> relief or cure, it is unfair to let him endure it but, as long as he
> is happy and content, you are not being selfish in any way.

I wholeheartedly agree, though I just wanted to mention that degree of
discomfort is also a factor; if he has a few aches and pains, but his
condition is treatable to the point where he is otherwise in generally good
condition, I don't think that necessarily merits putting him down. A lot of
people, particularly the elderly, live with chronic pain, but if it is to a
managable degree, are able to lead otherwise satisfying lives. So do
discuss all this with your vet, and see what he or she thinks. If he is in
a great deal of untreatable pain, then of course, it would be kinder to free
him of his misery, but if he just has a few aches and pains, but is
otherwise able to be returned to a decent state of health, than it might be
just as kind to let him carry on and enjoy the rest of his life with you.
Good luck in making the best decision for Phloyd.

All the Best,
Ann

--

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/bewtifulfreak

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