Page 1 of 1

I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 12:23 am
by SkeeterLove
I got Skeeter when he was 9 weeks old, and we were buddies for the next 18 years. He's been sick and losing weight for the last 2-3 months, and throwing up horrible black vomit. The vet tried all she could, and some weeks he would be just fine but other weeks really off his food. He was down to about 7 lbs, from his youthful 12 lbs, and I just tried to keep him fed and watered and comfortable. Last weekend, after a week of being off his food again, he decided to finally eat when I offered him salmon and other hand foods. I was so happy that he seemed to be getting his appetite back! But by mid-week he was back off again, and I took him to the vet on Friday (he's been several times during this ordeal). The vet said that he had a lot of feces in his intestines, and they were giving him medicine to try to relieve it, but it was not working. They couldn't recommend a surgical clean-out because of his age and poor health, he probably wouldn't make it or heal. They sent me home with more medicine for the weekend to see if we could have a bowel movement. Nothing worked, he tried but couldn't.

On Saturday he ate well! But no poop. Then threw it all up Saturday night, and didn't eat again. I slept with him on the floor to comfort him (and me). Sunday morning it was apparent that he had gone further downhill...no food or water cravings, barely getting around, just so tired and weak. I decided then that I couldn't keep my 18 year old buddy with me any longer, it just wasn't fair to him to try to make him drink from the syringe, etc. Sunday night we cuddled on the floor again, and he went downhill fast. I hoped he would pass in his sleep, because he was so restless. He didn't, so this morning I called my vet and took him in at 830 to go to sleep. I held him as it happened, and he was a peace.

I then took him back home in his blanket, and laid him on the bed while I bathed him with a warm washcloth to clean him up, then brushed his coat shiny. I had an appointment at the crematorium for an hour out, so had about a half hour to hold and rock him.

This is the hardest decision I have ever made, and I hope so much that it was right. It felt so wrong for ME, but I felt like he needed his human to take care of him til the end so I did. I'm just full of grief; I've cried all weekend and especially today. But surprisingly, after he died, I just wanted to honor him and make sure he was ok in body, and rock him one more time and I felt no grief then, just love.

Say a little prayer for Skeeter if you would. I love him and I miss him.

Skeeter's Mom

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 6:30 am
by hgale
I'm so sorry to hear about poor Skeeter.

Having read your story, there is no doubt at all that this was the right decision for him (but not for you as you say). Its always hard to know "when" the time has come but please don't doubt this - you did everything you could for him.

I will ask my Kitten and Mischa to greet him at Rainbow Bridge. RIP dear Skeeter.

{hugs} from Helen and Denver

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:09 am
by bobbys girl
So sorry to hear your news. I've no doubt you did the best thing for Skeeter and it was lovely the way you honoured him.

He is at peace now, whole and healthy and playing at the Bridge. I will say a little prayer for him and you. RIP Skeeter. Big (Hugs) to his Mom.

Sue x

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 4:33 pm
by SkeeterLove
Thank you both so much. It means a lot when others understand the pain. I feel like people think It's only a cat! But he was my little boy.

Thanks again.

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 10:45 pm
by Grace56
I am so so sorry for your loss, Skeeterlove. I really know how you must be feeling now. My thoughts are with you and your little one at 'The Bridge'. xx

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 6:45 am
by jillyvillyvoo
Oh you poor thing! Everyone on here understands your pain. No such thing as only a cat, they are the most beautiful and amazing companions. A huge chunk in your life. Your so full of love for him and no one would know this more than him. Loved, happy and cared for that's all they need. You did this right to the end for him, bless you for giving him all these years, I'm sure he will be with you forever, in your heart and your memory. I had to do the same for my wee 13 year old girl in April, still miss every whisker on her face but have a good old chuckle to myself now and then when I remember the stupid things she got up to. As time passes it a allows you to do this. Take care x

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 8:41 am
by nanny pamy
Thinking of you.

Re: I had to put my 18yr Kitty down today. so sad

Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:03 am
by Crewella
I have no doubt that you made the right decision for your boy, and the way you honoured him brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss, rest in peace much-loved Skeeter. (((hugs)))