Got some bad news today

[Rebkeh]

God, I hate this.

First though, I'm relatively new as a DU member DU and been mostly lurking for a while now. My pets are my world so it seemed natural to join this group.

Our 19 year old cats (litter mates) are sick. One has a thyroid problem that is mostly under control for now, with meds. The other one, who has always been the hardier of the two, very healthy and strong, gave us a scare last week with dehydration and a (very) distended abdomen. There was too much fluid to see much on an X-ray so she went in for an ultrasound this morning. She has cancer.

At the moment we are numb but we know that at their age, we are very lucky.

I really hate this place we are in. We've been through pet loss before but these two have been with us for so long - it's unreal to me.

[Wilms]

1. I imagine it's never easy.

[glinda]

2. Been there recently with a mom cat and her son. Blessings to you....

[hamsterjill]

3. I have an elderly guy.

I wake up every morning and look for him to make sure he made it through the night. The vet estimates that he's probably around 20. I've had him for 16 of those years. He's skinny and slow, but he has certain rituals that he still loves (ice water in a bowl!) and he is still eating and moving around. As long as he's happy being here, he will stay with me. When he is no longer enjoying his time here, I will make that hard decision.

Hugs and comfort to you. Thank you for obviously taking GREAT care of those two littermates for them both to have made it to such an old age. Thank you for loving them. Enjoy the remaining time. I read something recently that I though was profound. It went something like - - - don't worry about how they're going to do tomorrow. Just think about how they're doing today. Because if you worry about tomorrow, you'll miss the chance to enjoy them today.

[Rebkeh]

8. Thanks, good advice there

I'm tempted to forego the holiday "festivities" this week (it's just the two of us) but I'm rethinking it. I'm thankful I have more time with them and I'm going to enjoy it. If I'm miserable, they will be miserable too and that's unacceptable.

20 years is a long time for a cat - good on him (and you). I read that Siamese cats tend to live very long, is he a former resident of Siam?

[hamsterjill]

18. No, he's not Siamese.

He is polydactyl however. He's always been a character, and oddly enough, has had his share of health issues over the last several years. We have an amazing vet who takes a real interest in him. He sees her about once a month now for meds, etc., and overall evaluation. His coat is starting to get matted in areas that he can't reach any more, and he absolutely hates to be brushed. Last time he was at the vet's office, I asked them to please try to do SOMETHING with him because he looks so bad, and I was afraid someone would see him and report me!!! LOL (Just kidding as anyone who knows me would KNOW that I do all I can for my furrbabies!) The vet and vet techs did as much as they could and gave up because it was making him angry. She advised me to just let him be and not to worry about his coat, and I agreed. He is still able to jump up on the kitchen counter and demand his bowl of ice water - - - something he has done for as long as I've had him. He wants two ice cubes in a bowl filled with water, and he's content to sip for a few minutes and then go back to sleep. He's not eating well these days, of course, but I see to it that he eats something every day. It may be just baby food, or it may be some A/D, or whatever I can come up with that he agrees to consume, but he eats something. I know time with him is very short, and that saddens me greatly. When the time comes that he's ready not to be here - then he will not have to be here any more. That will be a most sad day for me, as he is my old friend.

I sincerely DO hope that you enjoy the holiday!

[yellerpup]

4. So sorry for your little girl

and you, her family. Please bless yourself for the life you have given her; I'm sure she loves you with her whole heart. Wishing you peace and strength.

[Rebkeh]

9. Thank you and I will n/t

[Rebkeh]

5. Thanks all

Too few get it, our pets are our babies. I'm going to cut corners this holiday season and spend as much time as I can with her. Moments are precious now.

[Omaha Steve]

6. .

[mopinko]

7. so sorry. such a tough place.

even tho i have been through it many times, it still sucks.
hug them now. all you can do.

[Rebkeh]

10. Such a nice group. Warm here.

[Phentex]

11. So sorry to hear this...

yeah, try to focus on how long you've had them and the love you've had for all these years. I know it hurts. When the end comes, I hope it is as painless as possible.

[grntuscarora]

12. so sorry.

enjoy each moment you have with them.

Your post has me missing my 3 legger, Max, who left us almost a year ago...

[japple]

13. Just hold them and love them, keep them comfortable

and wait for them to tell you when they're ready to go. It is never easy to say goodbye. You are lucky to have had them in your life. They know you love them and are grateful to you for what you've given them. Blessings and peace to you in the days ahead. Bless you for giving these kitties such long and happy lives.

[Curmudgeoness]

14. I am so sorry for your situation.

It always sucks to have a fur baby get sick, and there is nothing you can do for them. You are very lucky to have them for so long, but it is never long enough. But we know that going in, don't we? Just love them and let her go in peace.

[eridani]

15. The love is worth it though

Our furry family members have shorter lifespans than we do, but it never gets any easier to deal with. Wishing for a return to health for both, or safe passage if necessary.

[Duppers]

16. I'll 2nd Wilms: it's never easy.

They are loved liked our children. Some cannot understand but most here do.



Just hug them softly.

[polly7]

17. I'm sorry Rebkeh, it's so hard watching them get older and ill.

I know it's small consolation right now, but I always tell myself when it happens to me - they were loved, safe and well cared for and hopefully content for every minute of it.

Best wishes their health improves.

[shenmue]

19. I am sorry

[Rebkeh]

20. Thanks all n/t

[nadine_mn]

21. I am so sorry your kitties are sick

I know what you mean about having them so long makes it bittersweet - years of memories and good times make it that much harder.

Our cat is 16, one dog is 14 and one dog is 10 - so everyday is a blessing yet we know their time is limited.

Much love to you and your dear ones.

[Rebkeh]

22. In decline tonight

She doesn't seem to be in pain, which is good. I don't think she'll make it til morning.

It's a sad night.

[shenmue]

23. Peace

[Judi Lynn]

24. So painful to experience. It's hard to imagine life without them.

It seems horrendous they can leave when you love them so much.

Best wishes, and comfort. You will be happy you got to know her when the pain subsides.