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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 22:27:07 GMT
I know for fact that we have experts on every aspect of football on the main board, but what about cats - here on the EE.
I am being serious (for once). It is a simple question really "When do you decide that it is time to end the life of your cat?".
Any serious suggestions?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 22:30:29 GMT
The other question would be, that if I am convinced that she is happy and contented, should I let her die here at home, or go to the vet and have her put down?
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Post by FbrgVaStkFan on Nov 18, 2019 22:47:29 GMT
Not an expert, but I had to put my cat down three years ago. She was 16 yrs. old at the time. She was not eating and was essentially wasting away. I was giving her saline intravenously two times daily. I had the vet re-examine her where it was finally determined she had a stomach tumor and not failing kidneys. I decided then that she should be put down to ease her pain. So I guess, you'll know when it the right time to do something which is why you are asking now. Cats just sort of shut down and don't whine about it. See your vet and discuss your options.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 22:58:23 GMT
We had to have our cat put down a few years ago. She was 10 and had suffered with kidney problems for a couple of years but it had been treated with medication. One day we came home from work and normally she'd be there to meet and greet us but on this occasion she couldn't move without being in obvious pain. We took her to the vets and after examining her he said she'd had almost complete kidney failure and there was nothing he could do. We stroked her as he gave her the fatal injection and she was audibly purring as she lost consciousness. It sounds soppy but it was a really emotional and upsetting experience for us that took us quite a while to get over.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 23:20:15 GMT
Not an expert, but I had to put my cat down three years ago. She was 16 yrs. old at the time. She was not eating and was essentially wasting away. I was giving her saline intravenously two times daily. I had the vet re-examine her where it was finally determined she had a stomach tumor and not failing kidneys. I decided then that she should be put down to ease her pain. So I guess, you'll know when it the right time to do something which is why you are asking now. Cats just sort of shut down and don't whine about it. See your vet and discuss your options. Thanks for that mate. Your reply is relevant and very much appreciated.
We have had many cats and dogs over our life - but when the "time is right", we have always known the answer. This one is different.
It is a 14 year old cat. Her tail "flopped" down about three months ago. She has been xrayed, with no firm conclusions. The Vet has treated her with Metacam, and she has had two "three week" injections of steroid.
She hasn't eaten now since last Thursday. She must surely now be on her way.
The thing is, that she still goes out in garden - to lick fresh water from the grass I suspect. She runs around, jumps up on furniture and down again, up and down stairs ..... but she still seems to want to be with us, curl up and sleep. I would prefer her to take a natural death if that is an option.
I do know that seeing pain in cats is different to seeing it in us humans. She just seems so content at the moment.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 23:28:41 GMT
We had to have our cat put down a few years ago. She was 10 and had suffered with kidney problems for a couple of years but it had been treated with medication. One day we came home from work and normally she'd be there to meet and greet us but on this occasion she couldn't move without being in obvious pain. We took her to the vets and after examining her he said she'd had almost complete kidney failure and there was nothing he could do. We stroked her as he gave her the fatal injection and she was audibly purring as she lost consciousness. It sounds soppy but it was a really emotional and upsetting experience for us that took us quite a while to get over. Thanks for that "D"
Cats usually pass away from kidney probs. There are many people that hate cats, but I have come to like them. I was originally a "dog man".
Oh cats are intelligent creatures. Science is just starting to learn about cats. A Vet told me a couple of years ago that "we" are only now starting to learn about cat behaviour.
Get a cat, it will rule your home. Get a dog and then you train it to do what you want to do.
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Post by maninasuitcase on Nov 18, 2019 23:28:50 GMT
Sympathise with you Clem. Im sure you'll make the right decision for your beloved cat. Be strong buddy.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 23:39:52 GMT
Sympathise with you Clem. Im sure you'll make the right decision for your beloved cat. Be strong buddy. The problem is making the right decision. Hopefully I have made the right one. A natural death here at home. Unless anything changes of course.
We have no fear of Vet bills.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 23:41:51 GMT
Yes all the best Clem - I think you'll know when it's necessary to do anything. Cats certainly do have different characteristics that you get to know during their life and you can usually tell when they're not well.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 23:56:44 GMT
Yes all the best Clem - I think you'll know when it's necessary to do anything. Cats certainly do have different characteristics that you get to know during their life and you can usually tell when they're not well. I don't expect her to last this night. How can she? She hasn't eaten since last Thursday. She is curled up on our bed, sleeping comfortably.
I just hope that she just dies in her sleep.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2019 0:03:06 GMT
Hopefully she'll slip away peacefully in her sleep as you say. If not perhaps take her to the vet tomorrow ? It needs to be what's best for your pet doesn't it ?
All the best.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2019 0:16:48 GMT
Hopefully she'll slip away peacefully in her sleep as you say. If not perhaps take her to the vet tomorrow ? It needs to be what's best for your pet doesn't it ? All the best. I just checked.
My wife is fast asleep. The cat is asleep - on my side of the bed. Animals are never allowed in our bedroom - Mimi has been allowed an exception.
How can she (the cat) not be in a terminally ill condition not having eaten since last Thursday morning? She is sleeping peacefully.
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Post by FbrgVaStkFan on Nov 19, 2019 0:19:42 GMT
We had to have our cat put down a few years ago. She was 10 and had suffered with kidney problems for a couple of years but it had been treated with medication. One day we came home from work and normally she'd be there to meet and greet us but on this occasion she couldn't move without being in obvious pain. We took her to the vets and after examining her he said she'd had almost complete kidney failure and there was nothing he could do. We stroked her as he gave her the fatal injection and she was audibly purring as she lost consciousness. It sounds soppy but it was a really emotional and upsetting experience for us that took us quite a while to get over. Thanks for that "D" Cats usually pass away from kidney probs. There are many people that hate cats, but I have come to like them. I was originally a "dog man". Oh cats are intelligent creatures. Science is just starting to learn about cats. A Vet told me a couple of years ago that "we" are only now starting to learn about cat behaviour.
Get a cat, it will rule your home. Get a dog and then you train it to do what you want to do.
I don't think people really hate cats. I think it's more that they (are probably guys) and think it is "cool" or "funny" to say they hate cats because they're embarrassed for some reason to do otherwise. Best of luck to you. They do really become a big part of the family and I didn't really notice it until they were gone. I still miss that damn cat.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2019 0:29:27 GMT
Thanks for that "D" Cats usually pass away from kidney probs. There are many people that hate cats, but I have come to like them. I was originally a "dog man". Oh cats are intelligent creatures. Science is just starting to learn about cats. A Vet told me a couple of years ago that "we" are only now starting to learn about cat behaviour.
Get a cat, it will rule your home. Get a dog and then you train it to do what you want to do.
I don't think people really hate cats. I think it's more that they (are probably guys) and think it is "cool" or "funny" to say they hate cats because they're embarrassed for some reason to do otherwise. Best of luck to you. They do really become a big part of the family and I didn't really notice it until they were gone. I still miss that damn cat. Well if you ever have an inclination to get a little furry friend that you can love and look after, go for it mate. You soon realise that that furry little friend controls you.
A cat can look at a king.
I don't know quite how they manage to do it, but they do. Even amongst a household of dogs (big dogs I might add) - the dogs respect the cat.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2019 0:50:40 GMT
Hopefully she'll slip away peacefully in her sleep as you say. If not perhaps take her to the vet tomorrow ? It needs to be what's best for your pet doesn't it ? All the best. As long as she is sleeping peacefully I will leave her as she is.
Getting her in a box, going out into the cold weather, driving to the Vet - sitting in a waiting room with dogs barking - that stresses a cat ... at the moment I will leave things as they are.
You are most correct - it is what is best for Mimi. Thank you mate, I do appreciate what you have suggested.
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Post by FbrgVaStkFan on Nov 19, 2019 1:02:46 GMT
I don't think people really hate cats. I think it's more that they (are probably guys) and think it is "cool" or "funny" to say they hate cats because they're embarrassed for some reason to do otherwise. Best of luck to you. They do really become a big part of the family and I didn't really notice it until they were gone. I still miss that damn cat. Well if you ever have an inclination to get a little furry friend that you can love and look after, go for it mate. You soon realise that that furry little friend controls you. A cat can look at a king.
I don't know quite how they manage to do it, but they do. Even amongst a household of dogs (big dogs I might add) - the dogs respect the cat.
Where cats really excel over dogs is in house training (well, that and cats don't bark). I literally carried the cat (she was probably 6 weeks old at the time) to the litter box, took her two front paws and rubbed them in the litter a couple times. Done, 10 seconds and trained for life. Anyway, yeah, I've been thinking about getting another cat these past few months (it was three years this past May since the sad vet visit). I've seen a young black cat in my backyard these last couple of weeks, so take that as a sign. Wouldn't mind having that black cat, but seems a bit too feral to deal with. Probably get a kitten after the craziness of Thanksgiving and Christmas dies down. Would like to have a dog as well, but they are a lot more maintenance than I'm up for currently although the daily walks would do my lazy-ass some good.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2019 6:31:11 GMT
Hopefully she'll slip away peacefully in her sleep as you say. If not perhaps take her to the vet tomorrow ? It needs to be what's best for your pet doesn't it ? All the best. As long as she is sleeping peacefully I will leave her as she is. Getting her in a box, going out into the cold weather, driving to the Vet - sitting in a waiting room with dogs barking - that stresses a cat ... at the moment I will leave things as they are. You are most correct - it is what is best for Mimi. Thank you mate, I do appreciate what you have suggested.
How's things gone Clem ? I hope things look brighter this morning. Any signs that your cat is interested in having any food or water ? All the best mate !
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Post by Etain Tur-Mukan on Nov 19, 2019 6:43:42 GMT
The other question would be, that if I am convinced that she is happy and contented, should I let her die here at home, or go to the vet and have her put down? If and when it comes to it have the vet put her to sleep at home rather than heading to the vets and waiting in a queue and all that. I hope she has perked up this morning matey.
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Post by bigjohnritchie on Nov 19, 2019 6:51:32 GMT
The other question would be, that if I am convinced that she is happy and contented, should I let her die here at home, or go to the vet and have her put down? Clem, I've got two 18 year old cats who are holding their own at the moment but I can certainly empathise...they are not what they were... I'm hoping for the death at home option. All the best.
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Post by bathstoke on Nov 19, 2019 7:24:04 GMT
Don’t cats take themselves off to die in peace...
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Post by Northy on Nov 19, 2019 7:25:49 GMT
Just after birth is normally the best time IMO
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Post by trickydicky73 on Nov 19, 2019 7:36:42 GMT
I am cat sitting at the moment, while my mum is in hospital. Her cat is acting strangely. He is all over me, sitting on my lap every day, whereas he never did before, or maybe twice in ten years.
He is also eating differently, not as much and has completely gone off those cat treats that he used to wolf down. Is this just a response to stress? He's also shit a few times in the house, which is very unusual for him.
Anyone had similar experiences with cat behaviour?
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Post by trickydicky73 on Nov 19, 2019 7:38:12 GMT
Just after birth is normally the best time IMO Swine! 😁
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2019 7:51:57 GMT
I am cat sitting at the moment, while my mum is in hospital. Her cat is acting strangely. He is all over me, sitting on my lap every day, whereas he never did before, or maybe twice in ten years. He is also eating differently, not as much and has completely gone off those cat treats that he used to wolf down. Is this just a response to stress? He's also shit a few times in the house, which is very unusual for him. Anyone had similar experiences with cat behaviour? He's most probably pining (not for the fjords !) for your mum. Even though he's still in his normal surroundings it will probably feel as though it's a strange environment without your mum around which may feel quite stressful to him. His normal life has been changed particularly with you around a lot all of a sudden.
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Post by clarkeda on Nov 19, 2019 7:52:05 GMT
I am cat sitting at the moment, while my mum is in hospital. Her cat is acting strangely. He is all over me, sitting on my lap every day, whereas he never did before, or maybe twice in ten years. He is also eating differently, not as much and has completely gone off those cat treats that he used to wolf down. Is this just a response to stress? He's also shit a few times in the house, which is very unusual for him. Anyone had similar experiences with cat behaviour? I’ve noticed my cat being a lot mor affectionate like yours, just had it down to the change in weather and trying to be warm. Sorry buddy! And the post above makes some really good points.
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Post by musik on Nov 19, 2019 10:26:12 GMT
I am cat sitting at the moment, while my mum is in hospital. Her cat is acting strangely. He is all over me, sitting on my lap every day, whereas he never did before, or maybe twice in ten years. He is also eating differently, not as much and has completely gone off those cat treats that he used to wolf down. Is this just a response to stress? He's also shit a few times in the house, which is very unusual for him. Anyone had similar experiences with cat behaviour? He is worried about her. They feel those things.
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Post by musik on Nov 19, 2019 10:40:19 GMT
A sidenote.
On the news over here today. Liberals want to impose active death help for people. Well, Hitler and Stalin among others have tried that before.
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Post by Pretty Little Boother on Nov 19, 2019 11:43:05 GMT
Cats are ace. I love a cat.
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Post by somersetstokie on Nov 19, 2019 11:43:44 GMT
Cats are very resilient and they have a very high pain threshold which helps them generally as survivors in the wild. Generally their health and well being as they get older depends on their previous life style. For example if cats have had to struggle for food and shelter for any significant period in their lives they are often inherently tough and strong, in the same way that humans learn to cope with both bad times and better times, taking the rough and the smooth in their stride. If cats have had a pampered lifestyle with too many home comforts this is reflected in their health and behaviour as they get older and they exhibit many symptoms of regression such as the aforementioned Kidney problems.
Generally for cats you have to make a judgement on their quality of life, and whether it is fair or unreasonable to let them struggle on in pain or discomfort. Little things can be indicators of wider problems. For example if a cat that would usually dig in the garden for excretion then starts to regularly use a litter tray this could be because they no longer find it easy to dig or perform instictively outdoors. Similarly Cats that have previously been tidy eaters but who now pull meat out of their dish and chase it around the floor probably now have teeth or gum problems. On the other hand a cat that sleeps for longer and longer periods is possibly lazy, but more than likely just old. If they are comfortable you may as well let them carry on and share their company for as long as possible. If they can no longer see clearly or are unsteady on their feet, is it fair to let them struggle? Cats may know that there is something wrong with them but probably otherwise can't understand why they can no longer do certain things that they would have taken for granted. They also can't tell you how they feel except by their actions, so if your cat seems to be telling you something by their behavious try and listen and be patient with them.
It is a balance thing. You know your cat best and many humans share a great empathy and mental connection with their animals. You should realise when the right time is to part with your pet, however hard it is to accept. Your cat, if it has been a much loved and valued companion, should always come first.
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Post by Clem Fandango on Nov 19, 2019 11:44:24 GMT
In my limited experience (I lost one cat a few years ago at the age of 14) they can go a surprising amount of time without seemingly eating a lot. Jack would regularly go days without eating then all of sudden he'd be back on it. He did that for years the fussy little sod. Drinking water was also another one where he never seemed to drink from his bowl but he clearly drank from somewhere.
Not sure when the time is right but we decided not to have him put down when his thyroid was playing up and the vet had exhausted the options. He went downhill very quickly and lasted only another week which shocked us and he didnt seem that ill. In the end he couldn't make it outside to do his business so we used a cat litter tray for the first time in about 10 years and he couldn't use the stairs. We were going to take him the vet when that started but he didn't make it and went one afternoon when my missus went to pick my daughter up from nursery.
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