Please Help - I Need A Friend Options

[maccasmum]

Hi to anyone who's reading this... I found this site while I was at work today, and it's been so comforting to me to see that there are so many people out there with so much kindness and support for others who are grieving.

I'm about to lose my beloved Macca, my beautitful tabby cat. He's 10 years old, and was diagnosed with an intestinal tumour at the end of November. He's never been a well cat (he had cat flu when he was a baby, has had teeth trouble, skin problems, eye problems and, most recently, kidney disease), but he's fought back against everything, and I've always pushed for the best treatment and care for him. And somehow the fact that he was so prone to getting these crazy illnesses (he's had Athlete's Paw!) just made me love him even more, and vow to stand by him. Finding out he had kidney disease (I found that out last May) was a shock, but he was doing well, and I thought it was under control. And then this tumour comes along... Well, there's nothing I can do for him now. He's on steroids which are helping in terms of his appetite, but he's very sick - and it seems like he's getting sicker before my eyes. The vet told me to prepare myself for having to make the decision to euthanise. I'm in bits over it - when is the right time? At the moment Macca's eating well, he can walk about just fine, and his eyes - his lovely green eyes - are big and clear and as beguiling as ever. But he's not himself. How do we judge quality of life? He's skinny, he likes hiding rather than company, and he has terrible problems with his bowels. How do I know when is the right time? How can I even do it? It's like I'm grieving already, and he's still around. I love him so much - it hurts more now than it did when he was first diagnosed. It's like having razors blades in my chest, and a heavy weight on my ribcage. I do have another cat, Trixie, and thankfully she is strong and healthy and I'm grateful for that. But I'm in so much pain knowing that Macca's time is coming.

I'd be so grateful if anyone could offer any advice, or just words of comfort.

[karen - casey]

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear about Macca. I went through the same thing with my cat Casey (he was 12 years old). He was diagnosed with cancer on Oct 24 and we had to say goodbye to him on Nov 13th (two months ago today). I too grieved for him even before he was gone. When the day came, we just knew it was time and we had to release him. It is a hard decision to make, but one you make out of love for your pet. We miss him very much, but it does get a little easier with time. I look at his picture daily and tell him how much I love. I know he is happy in heaven and that one day we will be united again.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen