Post Punk Kitchen Forum

My cat hasn't been doing well the past two weeks. He lost a lot of weight and I thought he was hyperthyroid. After the vet ran her tests it turns out his thyroid is totally fine, but his liver is out of whack.

We've been trying different things trying to get him to feel better, but he's just getting worse. He has a vet appointment tomorrow morning and it might come down to saying good-bye to him. I can't stop crying. I love him so much, he's my best friend in the whole world and we've been through so much together. I honestly can't imagine my life without him.

I don't really know why I'm posting this. Has anyone else had to make this decision? I've been reading up on what to expect during a euthanization procedure, just in case it comes down to that, and it makes me bawl my eyes out every time I read about it. It sounds awful. My husband thinks that if tomorrow is the day, I should leave before the vet actually gives him the drug, but I feel like I owe it to him to be there. I can't really imagine just dropping him off and leaving. Is that the norm?

Anyway, if anyone has any stories or tips about how to get through this time please share with me. I feel really alone and so...heart-broken.

I'm so sorry : (
I know my neighbor was struggling with this decision and was talking to me about a poster he saw at the vet's office. It was something from the pet's point of view and had some funny little things like, thanks for picking up my poop and taking care of me. And the last line was about this. It was something like and thank you for knowing when to let me go when the time is right.

If your kitty is in bad shape and in pain, then know that you're doing the best thing for him. It's terrible to lose your best friend, and I hope you feel better soon. Hug.

I'm so sorry. I think it goes both ways, some people drop their pets off, some stay. I've always stayed with them to try to keep them calm and it has always given me some level of comfort knowing they passed listening to my voice and being held and/or stroked by me. I've also always tried very hard to stay calm so as to not upset them or make them more nervous.

Again, I'm so sorry. Hugs to you both.

I'm so sorry, lobster. I've always stayed during the procedure, and done what Rohai has- just loved and petted my pups. It's crepe to go through and I'm sorry for you and your cat.

One other thing I just thought of. If your cat is scared of the vet clinic, some vets will make house calls for euthanasia.

Thanks you guys. I agree that it just feels right to me to be there and hold him. He's so scared of strangers, I'd hate for his last thoughts to be "I'm scared, where's mom?" (okay, that's probably anthropomorphizing, but it's how I feel).

I understand that this situation is something that as a pet owner you are probably going to face at one time or another...it's just so crummy.

I don't know for sure that it's happening tomorrow, but there's a good chance and I want to be emotionally prepared (as much as possible, anyway).

This is 100% your decision but is your cat in pain? Do you believe so or does your vet believe so. Can you talk to your vet about allowing your animal to die naturally at home. For me, it's better but my last two cats died very old but naturally at home and I'm grateful. That said, if they were in pain, I'd choose euthanasia also.

Lots of hugs.

I am so sorry. This is probably one of the most difficult decisions you'll have to make. Ultimately it comes down to the animal, and whether he is suffering and euthanasia is the only way to relieve that suffering. I have always stayed with my animals, but that's a personal decision. I just feel better being there and being able to pat or hold the animal during the procedure. The procedure itself isn't that bad. The vet sedates the animal, the animal falls asleep, and then the vet gives the animal another injection and the heart stops. No more pain, no more suffering. The vet will allow you to stay as long as you need to, and they have seen many many people have to go through this, so don't be ashamed to cry. The vet will usually discuss options for a final "resting place" (usually you can opt to have a private cremation, take the animal home for burial, or, if there is a pet cemetery locally, have burial there), but if you are not yet ready to make that decision, just tell the vet you need a few days to decide.

Everyone grieves differently. There are Pet Loss support helplines and websites. Some people need to talk to others. Others need to be alone. I had a really difficult time a few years back after I had to euthanise a dog, and doing a pet grief journal (that I found at Barnes & Noble, I think) helped me immensely. Just remember that everyone is different, and you have to grieve in a way that feels right for you.

I'm so so sorry you have to go through this. I'm sure your cat has had a wonderful life with you, and nothing will ever take away those happy memories.

I'm really sorry not to have any advice, but lots of love to you lobsteriffic.

Lobsteriffic, I'm so sorry. I stayed with my old girl at the end. Hardest thing I ever did but i don't regret it for a minute. Many hugs.

I'm so, so sorry. It's the most difficult decision you'll ever have to make, but ultimately one you'll make out of love. I stayed with my cat Porter at the end so he wasn't scared and could be comforted by my touch and my voice as he made his transition. It was the hardest thing I've EVER done, but I'm comforted by the fact that I could put my hurt aside and be there for him, he deserved to be be surrounded by love in his last moments. Be well, lobsteriffic.

i'm so very sorry, lobster. i'm sending you many hugs and will be thinking of you and your cat.

i stayed with both Jasmine and Penne (2 of my older dogs from years ago) and i do believe it does give them comfort to have you there, and gives you a little closer, too. it's peaceful and painless - and one of the most compassionate decisions a person can make for their companion animal, but that doesn't mean it isn't hard. being with Penne and Jasmine (many years apart from each other) was one of the toughest things i've ever done, but i don't regret it and will be there for Julie, should the same decision need to be made when/if the day comes.

<3

Sorry to hear this. <3

I stayed because it made everything feel real for me. I don't think I would have been able to process everything if I wasn't there. Actually, it gave me a lot of peace because the process was quick and my dog just looked like he was sleeping.

It's not easy, but euthanizing is definitely the best decision if your cat is in pain. Hugs to you.

I'd choose to stay too. Andy don't worry about bawling your eyes out in front of the vet or whatever. They've seen it many times and would probably do just the same if it was their own pet. I know I will. It's never an easy decision to make though. My philosophy is that it's better a day early than a day late.

((((((( Huge hugs ))))))) I'm so sorry.

I couldn't be there when Muckerbee went to sleep. I know she had no idea what was going on, as she was already under general anaesthesia but I wish I'd been able to say goodbye to her.

Sorry lobster. We put Sophia down last July and it was the saddest thing I have ever been through. She stopped eating, and her back legs just gave out. As much as I didnt want to say goodbye, I wanted to put an end to her pain as quickly as possible. We brought her into the vet, laying in her little bed, and she was usually terrified of the vet, but this time was just serene and purring. The vet came in, spoke really quietly and explained what they would do. It was painless and she wasnt scared at all. We took her home and jeff buried her in our yard. For some reason, that was the most important thing for me.

During the time her legs quit working, we made the call, and a full week after I cried almost nonstop. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it! Its hard, but it gets better and if you know you are doing the right thing for her, it feels right.

I think if you leave him there, you'd regret it later. Stop reading about how its done, and just focus on closing the loop. If you can bury him in your yard, do it. If you can have him cremated, do it. But be there during the whole thing. I just can't imagine doing anything else.

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty, lobster. You will do what you know is right for him. It is a hard decision to make, but I greatly regret that I once made one of my cats suffer for a few more days while I selfishly tried to make him better for me. If you end up having to euthanize him, I also think it would be good to stay with him. You'll probably regret it if you don't.

I just wanted to send all of my love and say I'm so sorry you're going through this. Big, big hugs.

I've both worked at a vet clinic as well as put several of my own cats to sleep. I always stay with them. Just to prepare you, sometimes it looks like they take a rough breath after the euthanasia drugs are given. They aren't struggling to breath/live, this is a reflex.

Please remember that euthanasia is a kindness to a sick animal. It's an act of love.

I'm so sorry you're at this point...much love to all of you, especially the little kitty.

My mom left one of our cats to be euthanized,and she said she felt guilty after for not staying with her, so she went with our other cat and our dog...it was rough, but she said it was better knowing they weren't with strangers...

so many hugs and good thoughts to you.

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet cat, and sorry you have this decision looming. You'll be in my thoughts and I hope that whatever happens, you get some time to hold and love your friend and say your goodbyes properly.

Lobsteriffic, I am so sorry you are up against this. I find it so upsetting that I wasn't even able to comment until now; when I think about this possibility for my cat I start to cry. I think it's amazing that you can choose to end your cat's suffering if necessary and I think it's your choice to stay or not during the procedure. There are good reasons for both, and I think in the moment you will know which works for you. Please trust your intuition and be easy on yourself. I hope for the best, but if you are grieving when you read this, please know there are lots of PPKers who care about what you are going through. <3

Thank you for all of your kind words everyone. They really do help. We go tomorrow morning to talk with the vet. At this point he isn't doing well at all and I am pretty sure we have exhausted our options.

I'm sorry you and your sweet cat are going through this.

We all knew when it was time for our dog. He knew too. His quality of life was becoming very poor and he was starting to suffer a hreat deal. We stayed with him the entire time and held him close.

It was obviously a very sad experience, but our memories of that vet visit are actually positive. As aim writing this, I have tears in my eyes remembering him, but it was the loving ,compassionate thing, and we were together as a family, and he knew we were there and that we loved him.

Best wishes for you through this.