UPDATED: I think we've reached the end of the road

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oscarandlucy

Member Since 2010
Oscar is an awesome about-18 (rescue) cat. He is very handsome and affectionate. One of those cats who thinks he's a dog.

He and I first posted here in 2009 when he was diagnosed with diabetes. He was OTJ pretty quick following diet changes and a few weeks of insulin.

Since then, he has just been managed with diet.

About a year ago, he was diagnosed with feline dementia. It has been difficult.

A few months ago, it was kidney disease. Terrible numbers.

It has been a struggle - he needs to be shown his food over and over because he forgets.

A few days ago, he really started stinking. Kidney disease does that.

Then on Saturday he started dribbling urine when he lay down. Kidney disease or an infection?

Yesterday, he ate less and was wobbly, but ok.

This morning, for the first time ever, he did not wake me up nor did he get up when he saw me. He is just laying in his box/bed looking miserable. Took one lick of his food and turned his head.

Waiting to hear from the vet, but I think it is over. I am so very sad. He has been a wonderful baby.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I am so sorry, my prayers are with you right now.

Terri
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Thank you.

He did get out of his bed and wobbled over and sat on my lap for a few minutes. Also took another lick or two of food.

He is so frail now. He used to be strong - about 12 pounds, sleek, elegant. Now, he's about 8 pounds, all the muscle gone. It's hard to watch him try to walk.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I am so sorry to hear this. Eighteen years and all those years of love in your home. This is one lucky cat. If it is time, you know he will be grateful to pass peacefully in your arms. Give him that snot halo and the final bath of tears. It's a badge of honor.

Crying my eyes out here, just thinking about your saying goodbye to Oscar.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Thank you, Deb.

Question - have any of you had your kitties put to sleep at home? There are several vets who offer the service here and I'm wondering about it versus at the vet's office.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Mine never offered to have them put to sleep at home. I would much rather have done that versus the stress of taking them into the vets office. I think it is so much better for the cat, at least they are in the comfort of their own home instead at the vets office with barking dogs and other noise.

Terri
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

His regular vet cannot see him until tomorrow. I put in a request for the mobile vet for this evening. I do think it would be better to do this at home.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

We had a mobile vet come in to help Thomas pass last October. It was a far better experience than
taking him out to the vet. He was 19 1/2 and like your Oscar I knew it was his time. She sedated him on the bed and then we brought him into the living room where she gave him last injection. I swaddled him and rocked him to sleep. We had taken his brother to the vet four years earlier and this just was easier on him and us. It was more expensive,since we had never used this vet but it was worth it
Prayers to you,
Dana
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I am so very sorry for you. 4 weeks today I PTS my George. We went to the vets off but I did not know in advance that that was what was going to happen. I dont know what I was thinking but I was not thinking that it was the day it was going to be over. If I had to do it over I would have had the vet come to my home. I think that its just better since they are more comfortable at home than at the vets office. Even though we know that its the best thing for them it is so very hard for us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terriy
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Of course, as soon as I made the appointment, Oscar perked up, had something to eat, and then had himself a snuggle-fest. Now he is back to sleep

I am going to think of tonight as a consult. Just see what the vet thinks. It doesn't have to be today but I know it will be soon.


Terri - I am sorry for your loss. I hope you have begun to heal.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Thanks, Deb, that is very helpful.

I don't think he's at the very last hours. He's been eating a bit this morning and seems to more comfortable now than just a few hours ago.

I think he is in the last week perhaps and the question becomes when do I let him go? Do I wait for the seizures and coma? No, of course not. But, is it too soon.... very difficult decision.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I am so sorry. I know how very hard it is to see them decline like this. Hugs to you both for a peaceful time when it comes.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I spoke with the mobile vet. It will cost about $1000. That feels like way too much but I don't really know.

I do have the appointment with his regular vet for tomorrow morning, so we shall see.

He has spent the last few hours being more like his usual self. Maybe this morning was extra bad, but I am not too worried about him over night now.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

$1000 for a home visit euthanization? or $100.

My last in vet office euthanization was $44.50 , January 2013, Boston MA area.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I am in Canada so I don't know how prices compare, but we paid close to 800 dollars. That included private cremation and return of his ashes.
Prayers to you both,
Dana
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Sorry, one thousand.

We are in Canada too - Toronto. Private cremation and return of ashes would add $260 + taxes

We may well go with the home euthanization regardless. Just need to decide.

A certain cat is rolling in a sunbeam right now, so is not interested in thoughts of mortality....
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

I'm sorry to hear that his body is winding down. What a wonderful friend he has had in you!
Best wishes on your next steps. I know they will be hard.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

Hope Oscar is rolling in those sunbeams again today. Sending positive thoughts and wishes to you and Oscar.
 
Re: I think we've reached the end of the road

It's been a roller coaster couple of days....

Last night, I thought he was going. Crying, could barely walk, laying on the floor, hiding under the table... and then it passed and he went to sleep in one of his baskets and when I turned in, he came to bed too. At some point in the night, he went to yet another of his beds.

This morning, he is alert but only gets out of the bed for water. He ate a little bit - beef baby food - but did that in bed which is usual because of his dementia.

The vet found a very bad UTI infection and was able to get me some antibiotics before I had to head to work this morning.

I know it is just a matter of days but hopefully the antibiotics will make him more comfortable.
 
I am glad he has you to make him comfortable. Your love does that the most. I am praying for you and Oscar.
 
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