edlib Posted September 7, 2001 Share Posted September 7, 2001 My cat is dying. She's about 15 or 16 years old. I think I got her in 85 or 86, but I don't really rmember now. I've had her since she was about a week or two old. Her mother killed the rest of her litter and had to be put down, and she was the only survivor. She came to us in a empty Kleenex box. At that time she fit in the palm of my hand and had to be fed from an eye-dropper. Her name is Tempest (yes, after the game, but it was a very appropriate name when she was young) but we all call her Boogie, or Booga-Booga, or even occasionally Her Majesty The Queen. I think the stress of the move must have weakened her to the point that she was vunerable to an infection, and earier this week she got a head-cold. I didn't think anything about it at first, but she wasn't able to shake it off, and now she's fading fast. She's not eating, and is barely drinking any water. We managed to get her to drink about a half-cup of Pedialite this morning, but I suspect it's too late to really help. She's gotten skinnier and weaker over the last year or so anyway, so it wouldn't take much. It was the toughest thing I've ever had to do, but we made the decision not to rush her to the vet's and take all kinds of heroic measures to pull her out. At best I figure we might have been able to give her a few more weeks, or maybe months before the next time, and any treatment was bound to make her remaining time here more miserable. We kept her at home and tried to make her as comfortable as possible. It's a decision I'm still questioning, and have to fight from changing my mind about a million times a day. I kinda feel like I'm betraying her in some way by not trying to help, but then I would probibly feel worse forcing her to go through a lot of uncomfortable treatments. I don't know. I hate being in this position. I really wish she could tell me what she wants. I suspect she'll be gone by the time I get home from work today,... at least I hope so, but I was very surprised to see she made it through the night this morning when I got up. If she's still hanging on when I get home I might have to have to take her to be euthanized. A totally selfish act on my part, because I can't stand seeing her like this and don't want to remember her this way. I don't think she's in any pain, just confused as to what's happening to her. It kills me to see this once graceful, dignified animal reduced to this. I think that's what's getting to me the most. Sorry about this. I didn't mean to vent on this much, but I guess i needed to get it off of my chest. Thanks. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue Nine Posted September 7, 2001 Share Posted September 7, 2001 Dood, I totally sympathize with you. It's really really tough making that decision. It's like you lose a part of your family, a part of yourself. I know how close a pet can be to someone, as I've lost a few myself. You love them so much that you don't want to see them suffer. It takes an act of selflessness, not selfishness to make that decision. I'm behind ya all the way, man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K_Kinnison Posted September 7, 2001 Share Posted September 7, 2001 here for ya man. myself i am a cat lover, and i had a wonderful Grey tabby named skeeter. Got him in 86 i think. this cat was a gem, great mosuer, comforter, and freind Each time when i came home, he would come outside thru the cat door to greet me. A cheerful meow, and a purr for when i petted him. It was later found out my Niece was allergic to cats. My parents had to decide between the cat, or their grandaughter, i then got the cat and moved him to my apartment. I coudl ahve been the stress, or just being an old cant, but he had a urinary blockage, and it was either $500+ operation, or putting him to sleep. I knew that by putting him to sleep, i was giving him a peaceful rest. it was probly one of the most difficult decisions in my life, and it hurt inside a lot for a few days. I got a picture of him, and always have fond memories of Skeeter. belive me, you are doing the right thing. 12 years is a long life for a housecat. and any more is a blessing from God. After you have made your decison, know that ANYTHING you do is right. becasue you do care for your cat, by doing this for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Sceltor Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 Sound like when my last cat died. She went blind somehow, and would wonder around outside. She'd stray off for days at a time. She'd always come back but it scared the crap out of us everytime she left. Finally, a neighbor up the road called and said they had found Bugs. She'd been hit by car, and while nothing was broken, she was in pretty bad shape. After that we kept her in the garage or inside. It didn't help though. She kept getting worse until she died the day after my birthday. I suppose it was one last present from her to stay alive for my birthday... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Beastie Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 I'm here for ya too man. My cat was the best friend I had growing up, including humans. He was a stray, just a kitten when we got him, and I couldn't have been more than five. He and I grew up together; he was my only brother, as surely as if we'd shared the same blood. It's been close to two years, and I still haven't forgiven my "dear" mother for having him put down. Being so snobbishly callous with me when she did it didn't help her case. I literally didn't know about it 'til a coupla' days later. I was at college, and during my usual weekly phone call to mom, she told me "by the way, I had Dynamite put down the other day." Mother or not; If I'd been in arms' reach I'd have hit her. She didn't even give me a chance to say goodbye. Originally posted by K_Kinnison: 12 years is a long life for a housecat. Dynamite was pushing 16 (and remarkably healthy), though we never knew his exact age (we celebrated his birthday at Christmas, 'cause that'd when we got him). R.I.P. Dynamite 198? - 1999 ------------------ "Don't f_ck with the Jedi Master, son." --Mark Hamill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Sceltor Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 I'd disown my mom if she did anything like that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cmdr. Cracken Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 Beastie, that would qualify as an Instant-Death. 50000 n07 l337. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyan Farlander Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 Originally posted by Flying Beastie: I'm here for ya too man. My cat was the best friend I had growing up, including humans. He was a stray, just a kitten when we got him, and I couldn't have been more than five. He and I grew up together; he was my only brother, as surely as if we'd shared the same blood. It's been close to two years, and I still haven't forgiven my "dear" mother for having him put down. Being so snobbishly callous with me when she did it didn't help her case. I literally didn't know about it 'til a coupla' days later. I was at college, and during my usual weekly phone call to mom, she told me "by the way, I had Dynamite put down the other day." Mother or not; If I'd been in arms' reach I'd have hit her. She didn't even give me a chance to say goodbye. Dynamite was pushing 16 (and remarkably healthy), though we never knew his exact age (we celebrated his birthday at Christmas, 'cause that'd when we got him). R.I.P. Dynamite 198? - 1999 My mother had my dog put to sleep in pretty much the same way. She really didn't have a choice. He got very sick very fast, and to make him live until I could see him again would have been cruel. Plus, she wasn't "snobby" about it, so it wasn't really the same thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted September 8, 2001 Author Share Posted September 8, 2001 She's still with us, although I don't understand how. I got delayed at work yesterday and ended up staying a lot later than I wanted to, so by the time I got home it was too late to bring her anywhere. She made it through the night somehow. I'm starting to get ready to take her now. Thanks for the support everbody, I need it so bad right now. My mother is going to be with me. I'm so happy she's here. I'll let you know when it's over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K_Kinnison Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 we're here for ya man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rune Haako Posted September 8, 2001 Share Posted September 8, 2001 I'm really sorry to hear about that. Few things in this world pain me as much as hearing about a cat dying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted September 8, 2001 Author Share Posted September 8, 2001 It is done. I keep telling myself it's for the better, and I know it is, but it doesn't make the pain in my gut feel any better. This was the most painful thing I have ever had to do in my life. BETTER DAYS That's how I always want to remember her. [This message has been edited by edlib (edited September 08, 2001).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Admiral Alistair Posted September 9, 2001 Share Posted September 9, 2001 sorry to hear about your cat man... My parents are going to be putting my dog to sleep in the next year or so, her breed usually lives to be about 9 years old and well she's 9 now and doesn't get around too well. I will probably personally take her for her final walk in the woods as she has been a great hunting companion and family dog over the years and I'd like to be there at the end... Anyways our cat's been around for 12 years and we expect she'll be around for another 10 or so Her mother lived 16 years outdoors without EVER seeing a vet and having 2 liters of kittens a year throughout its life Our cat drifts back and forth throughout the day between indoors and out, so unless a stray gets her one of these days she'll be around for quite a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zargon Posted September 9, 2001 Share Posted September 9, 2001 my friends dogs and mine are all about the same age..10 or 11, with mine being the oldest....we all know its coming....and none of us are looking forward to it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K_Kinnison Posted September 10, 2001 Share Posted September 10, 2001 My kitty sat by the window To watch all the birds fly past. He turned to look at me, Such sadness in his eyes , And gave a great big sigh And in a mournful voice, Did cry, Said tell me please oh, Why can't I, Be like the birdies and fly. I watch them there, Up in the sky, And wonder why, A kitty cat like I Can't join them, In the sky. I wish I was a birdie, Instead of a kitty cat, I'd fly across, The heavens, Laugh at all Other kitty cats, That tried to Catch my I, As I flew by. Cats are clever, This I know, They find trees To climb, But it would be Much more fun, If you didn't have To run I'd rather be a bird And Fly. Fly Tempest Fly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Juggernaut Posted September 10, 2001 Share Posted September 10, 2001 Sorry . I understand you, years ago (1999), my dog, a cocker called Roger, left me and my family . You will understand me that for me he wasn´t a pet, he was part of the family. ------------------ "All your base are belong to us", "Surrender for your own good" - Kanon Siege Forces, 2001 Kanon´s Robotic Facility Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyan Farlander Posted September 10, 2001 Share Posted September 10, 2001 Originally posted by Air Juggernaut: ...for me he wasn´t a pet, he was part of the family. I'm sure we all felt that way about our pets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted September 10, 2001 Author Share Posted September 10, 2001 True. Very true. Thanks for the poem K_K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Sceltor Posted September 10, 2001 Share Posted September 10, 2001 My cats love to sit on the window sill and stare outside. They've spent more time inside than out, though, so I think they're used to it. We wouldn't let them out anyways, it's just not worth the risk to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zoom Rabbit Posted September 10, 2001 Share Posted September 10, 2001 Sick kitties bummer sadness dying no good! Had too many experiences like that myself. I've always believed that the pets we're really, really close to come back to us sooner or later through reincarnation; next time you pick out a kitten, see which one comes to you first. KK, your poem is great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted September 10, 2001 Author Share Posted September 10, 2001 Well, I always imagined that Boogie was the reincarnation of Larry my pet skunk. Thay had very similar personalities, and little quirks in thier behavior that were very similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue Nine Posted September 11, 2001 Share Posted September 11, 2001 You had a pet skunk? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zoom Rabbit Posted September 11, 2001 Share Posted September 11, 2001 Why not? We have one for a mod, fer crissakes... *(Runs away.)* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted September 11, 2001 Author Share Posted September 11, 2001 Originally posted by Rogue Nine: You had a pet skunk? Yeah, I did. He was the best. These are my sigs from another forum featuing him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUNNER Posted September 12, 2001 Share Posted September 12, 2001 don't know why I didn't read this earlier. Ed ,sorry about your kitty. We had to put down our kitty too. We had a white pursian. She was at least 10 and her bladder started to go. She would go in corners of the house every so often ,then it got worse. We tried everything. When we bought our new home we knew she couldn't be let out on the carpet so I made a fence out of baby gates to keep her in the kitchen which is about 20X15. But you could see in her eyes that she didn't understand why she couldn't come sit with us on the couch or follow us around the house like she used to. We finally decided to put her down, my sister had to take her to the vets. The same one who delivered her kittens, she had a c-section, and had been her doctor for her whole life. We had her cremated and had her ashes put in a box that we have kept. We loved her very much.. We miss you Cadeaux...Mommy and Daddy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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