I know this will seem ridiculous to some, but I am in an awful state.  My cat Wiley, whom I've had for 17 years, longer than 2 of my children and my husband, has taken a serious turn.

About 2 months ago he developed a growth on his cheek, at first we suspected an abscessed tooth, but it turned out to be some form of tumor.  The only way to know for sure was a biopsy, a very expensive one, and one that I honestly don't think he would have survived - he was a rescue animal, and vets terrify him to the point he will not eat for days afterwards and will hide from everyone for at least 2 days. 

He had been eating and drinking, doing all his normal activities just fine, so I decided to wait it out.

I awoke this morning to find that there was blood all over 'his' bathroom.  I keep his box, food and water in a separate location for his sole comfort so he doesn't have to fight with the other cats (although he'd win..he's always been alpha male, even with the dogs.)

I checked him, and his mouth is bleeding, not just a little bit either.  Clark is on his way home so we can take him to the vet.  I don't know if I can go....if this is the end....I don't know if I can do it....he's slept beside my head purring for 17 years, how do you say goodbye - how do you make an animal understand, and if I don't go, will he never forgive me? 

I'm such a mess.  Any suggestions would be welcome.

Cat who is about to want to change her name.

:'(

Ah, Cat, I know how hard this is for you.  I know it does't help, but, look at it this way.  For 17 years, Wiley has had a life that most people would envy, and that is because of *you*.  I know about *not* going when an animal has to be sent across the Rainbow Bridge.  After Casey left us, I haven't been able to go on that last ride with any of our animals.

love,
me

Peace and prayers coming your way.  It's never easy at this time in their lives.

We're here for you.

Sorry you're in such terrible shape as well as your friend. It's harder on us than on them. It's crappy that our pets don't have longer. You're doing all you can and I hope that he'll recover. You too.

The others are right. He's lucky to have you. My Aunt always says that if there's re-incarnation, she wants to come back as one of her dogs. What a deal they have had.

Charlie

Sorry to hear about your kitty. They do become family.

Cat,

I'm sorry about your little friend.  I'll be thinking of you both....

Jeannie

catlind wrote on Nov 9^th, 2009 at 8:08am:

I don't know if I can go....if this is the end....I don't know if I can do it....he's slept beside my head purring for 17 years, how do you say goodbye - how do you make an animal understand, and if I don't go, will he never forgive me?

For 17 years he gave you comfort, now it's time to return the favor.  BUT, if it really IS too much to bear for you, he will understand as he has given you unconditional love all his life, and will continue up till the end.

I'm very sorry Cat, I truely am. :'(

Our pets work their way into our hearts and stay.  I am so sorry to hear that Wiley is not well.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth

My Dearest Cat... Been there done that...

Whether we call them pets, companions, critters, furballs, fuzzies or any of the endearing names people use, the loss of our precious animal friends can be a devastating experience.

The following sight was very helpful when I lost Princess Marie (my Toy Poodle)....

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

I will keep you in my heart and Prayers..

Peace & Blessings
LadyLuv

Both are on their way...

-Dennis-

My girlfriend just had to put down her cat a month ago and she was 19.5 years old, it was very tough on her but she focused on the fact that her poor kitty was in pain and had been for a long time even though she never showed it. It is a compassionate thing you are doing if your kitty is in pain, he lived a very long life and probably a very happy one so remember that you gave him a great life and if it has to be done you are giving him a compassionate ending to the wonderful life.

Oh Cat, we are so very sorry. All our prayers are on the way. Wiley is so fortunate to have you as his owners, and whatever decision you make it will be from your heart.

We too are dealing right now with our 9 year old Siamese. Ceaser has been at the Vet's since Saturday and is stiil there. He has very low potassium levels and could not have a bowel movement, so more tests are being done.

We know exactly what you are going through and you will be in ours thoughts and prayers until you get this sorted out with your kitty.

  B&A :'( :'(

Thank you everyone for you kind words, thoughts, prayers and encouragement.

At 10:25 a.m. Wiley passed peacefully in my arms, purring the whole time.  The vets checked and agreed, with an oralfacial tumor there is little to nothing that can be done.  It seems the tumor went necrotic and burst, and to have left him - even with pain medication, would have risked aspiration.

Wiley looked me straight in the eye, and he knew, and I swear he was telling me it was time.  I held him close, and I gave him all the love I could possibly give. 

17 years ago, when I went looking for a kitty, my Daddy was with me, and he was a sailor and an avid boater.  When they brought Wiley out to me, he was purring so loud Dad said "You have to take that one, he has an Evinrude" (Boaters will know what I mean).
That Evinrude motor has run beside my head for 17 years now.  My Dad passed away almost 10 years ago now, so I am trusting that now Daddy is taking care of my little Evinrude running Wiley.

Again, thank you everyone for your support.  I am truly lost, after 17 years I just don't know what to do.

Luv ya all
Cat - who doesn't feel very cat like right now.

Oh Cat,

I'm so very sorry. :'(   

Jeannie

I'm sorry, Sweetie....so very sorry.

Love & Comforting Hugs,
Mom (the other one)

I'm sorry Cat.  It is amazing the level of love between people and their pets.  They do become family, because the love they give is not conditional based on what you do for them, just that you are there.  Unfortunately, death is a part of living.  It comes to all of us and always leaves a hole.  You do have the memories though that will last.

Jerry

Oh man, I'm so sorry Cat.  I can't imagine when Peanut's time comes.  It was beautiful to read that Wiley went peacefully in his mommy's arms though.  :'(

Langa

Cat, you had to make one of the toughest decisions today that a pet owner faces. Wiley is no longer in pain. RIP Wiley.
We are all here for you Cat, be strong.

  Barry & Angie [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif]

He'll still be near your head tonight Cat.  I promise you.

Love you and I'm here if you need me...
(((((Cat)))))

...mel

Cat,

You are in our thoughts and prayers tonight. Doing the right thing is rarely ever doing the easy thing.

Oh Cat...so sorry for your loss...and keep the name...it fits.

Wiley will always be there....wrapped around your heart...as you were his.

Best,

Jon

That's really heartbreaking.

I wouldn't be surprised if you hear that purring again one night when you're dreaming or in a half waking state.

And it's not really "just" a dream - it's your kitty stopping by to let you know everything's good, and that he loves you.  :'(

catlind wrote on Nov 9^th, 2009 at 2:08pm:

Wiley looked me straight in the eye, and he knew, and I swear he was telling me it was time.

He DID tell you it was time, and you loved him enough to let him go, to free him from pain.

It's never easy to love and lose.  But you did the right thing and you are a better person having had him in your life.

Peace and healing to you my friend.  There are many grieving with you this night, myself included.

sorry, Cat.