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Update on Fluffy; when to make tough decision?
Hi everyone,
I've been taking loving care of Fluffy as well as dealing with my own MS issues, so I haven't been around for a while. For those of you I haven't met, Fluffy has a lump on his face that turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive and nasty cancer. I'm putting in a link to my previous post about him if anyone wants the whole story.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cats/My-Fluffy-is-going-away/show/1193536
We're settled in my one bedroom apartment and he seems pretty happy with it, though recently he's started meowing loudly at the apartment door around 4 or 5 in the morning. Maybe he's talking to the paper delivery person?
The lump seems to be growing. He's having some trouble with breathing and sneezes a lot. He's having trouble eating his beloved dry food again, though he tries! He'll drink a lot of water to fill his empty stomach, and he's peeing a lot. I've started giving him canned food 3 or 4 times a day instead of twice. He won't eat very much at once, and he tends to accidentally spit some of it out as he tries to get it in position to swallow.
He's losing weight again. He sleeps a lot; when he's awake he's very loving, wants to sit beside me, body against my thigh. He's never been a lap cat. In bed he'll climb up right in my face, reach out and pat my face, burrow his head against me, lick my chin, my forehead.
Sometimes he looks so miserable. The lump hurts; he won't let me touch it. He looks up at me, and I tell him to let me know when he's had enough, and I'll let him go to the rainbow bridge. How can he tell me?
Other times he seems fairly normal; he was really excited watch crows in the tree outside my 3rd story apartment. He even enjoyed watching Cats 101 on animal planet.
How do I know when to let him go? I don't want him to suffer.
Kathy
I've been taking loving care of Fluffy as well as dealing with my own MS issues, so I haven't been around for a while. For those of you I haven't met, Fluffy has a lump on his face that turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive and nasty cancer. I'm putting in a link to my previous post about him if anyone wants the whole story.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cats/My-Fluffy-is-going-away/show/1193536
We're settled in my one bedroom apartment and he seems pretty happy with it, though recently he's started meowing loudly at the apartment door around 4 or 5 in the morning. Maybe he's talking to the paper delivery person?
The lump seems to be growing. He's having some trouble with breathing and sneezes a lot. He's having trouble eating his beloved dry food again, though he tries! He'll drink a lot of water to fill his empty stomach, and he's peeing a lot. I've started giving him canned food 3 or 4 times a day instead of twice. He won't eat very much at once, and he tends to accidentally spit some of it out as he tries to get it in position to swallow.
He's losing weight again. He sleeps a lot; when he's awake he's very loving, wants to sit beside me, body against my thigh. He's never been a lap cat. In bed he'll climb up right in my face, reach out and pat my face, burrow his head against me, lick my chin, my forehead.
Sometimes he looks so miserable. The lump hurts; he won't let me touch it. He looks up at me, and I tell him to let me know when he's had enough, and I'll let him go to the rainbow bridge. How can he tell me?
Other times he seems fairly normal; he was really excited watch crows in the tree outside my 3rd story apartment. He even enjoyed watching Cats 101 on animal planet.
How do I know when to let him go? I don't want him to suffer.
Kathy
Oh it makes me so sad to read of poor fluffy, he is trying so hard to continue to be with you and hold onto his dignity. its so sad to watch them loose that , they are so proud.
You are a good mommy who loves her baby very much that is evident.....I don't know when you are going on your trip?....I just ask you please not to leave fluffy right now, if he's not wanting to eat it won't be long and I'm sure you want to be with him at the end, or put him down before it gets much worse.
God I know how darn hard a decision that is too make believe me, and I am so sorry for you both.....my heart goes out to you.
You are a good mommy who loves her baby very much that is evident.....I don't know when you are going on your trip?....I just ask you please not to leave fluffy right now, if he's not wanting to eat it won't be long and I'm sure you want to be with him at the end, or put him down before it gets much worse.
God I know how darn hard a decision that is too make believe me, and I am so sorry for you both.....my heart goes out to you.
Thank you so much. I was feeling sad because I came home after several hours away for a doctor's appointment and some testing, and when I got here Fluffy didn't want much to eat, and he had hardly eaten any dry food. I thought he would be really hungry.
I have a jar of stage one chicken baby food for when he won't eat his regular food.
Your words brought me comfort and I will remember to breathe and accept what will be.
I have a jar of stage one chicken baby food for when he won't eat his regular food.
Your words brought me comfort and I will remember to breathe and accept what will be.
I have never posted in this section. You story broke my heart to read. It seems like you really love you cat, and that is sweet. When the time comes you will know, and that is not to say that you will be ready. I once read that if you are having trouble getting your cat to eat that you can give him stage one baby food.
Good luck with your baby, and may you find peace in whatever happens.
Good luck with your baby, and may you find peace in whatever happens.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with me, and for caring.
Fluffy woke me up to be fed at 3 am, then wanted more food at 5 am. We were both awake; him with meowing at the door or in the living room, me with vertigo and nausea. I had 4 good hours sleep before that, and I got another hour or two later this morning.
I guess the meowing in the other room isn't new; when we were staying at my friend's townhouse, he would go out in the hall and try to wake her up. He would usually respond to my petting and loving him to get him calmed down and go back to sleep after eating a few bites of dry food.
I need to clarify; Fluffy doesn't stay sitting in his urine, he does climb out of the litter box. He only has one back leg, and it doesn't seem to be able to hover over where he urinates, so he gets it on himself as well as kitty litter. I cover his urine for him. I scoop the box after each use, to make things as clean as possible for him.
Funny, while I was typing the above, Fluffy used the litter box, almost covered up his urine, and had very little kitty litter stuck to him. Almost like he had to show me that he could still do it right, lol.
Fluffy woke me up to be fed at 3 am, then wanted more food at 5 am. We were both awake; him with meowing at the door or in the living room, me with vertigo and nausea. I had 4 good hours sleep before that, and I got another hour or two later this morning.
I guess the meowing in the other room isn't new; when we were staying at my friend's townhouse, he would go out in the hall and try to wake her up. He would usually respond to my petting and loving him to get him calmed down and go back to sleep after eating a few bites of dry food.
I need to clarify; Fluffy doesn't stay sitting in his urine, he does climb out of the litter box. He only has one back leg, and it doesn't seem to be able to hover over where he urinates, so he gets it on himself as well as kitty litter. I cover his urine for him. I scoop the box after each use, to make things as clean as possible for him.
Funny, while I was typing the above, Fluffy used the litter box, almost covered up his urine, and had very little kitty litter stuck to him. Almost like he had to show me that he could still do it right, lol.
I have had to make this decision a few times. It will never be easy.
He is a strong cat and won't go over the rainbow until you tell him it is ok or make the decision to let him go and do it for him. Mostly the former.
If he is sitting in his own urine, it is time. He is in pain and does not seem to have the energy to leave the litter box when he is finished.
I always remember our dog Sophie who had Cushings disease. We went through every treatment possible to help her.
In the end she 'seemed' happy and had a good appetite and wanted to play, etc. After a few days of that she went into renal failure and passed away.
If I had known she was that far along in her disease I would have made the tough decision. But I didn't know, because I had never dealt with a fatal illness in any of the animals we lived with at that time.
I am not saying it is time. I am just saying it is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make.
The question is who will benefit more...
He is a strong cat and won't go over the rainbow until you tell him it is ok or make the decision to let him go and do it for him. Mostly the former.
If he is sitting in his own urine, it is time. He is in pain and does not seem to have the energy to leave the litter box when he is finished.
I always remember our dog Sophie who had Cushings disease. We went through every treatment possible to help her.
In the end she 'seemed' happy and had a good appetite and wanted to play, etc. After a few days of that she went into renal failure and passed away.
If I had known she was that far along in her disease I would have made the tough decision. But I didn't know, because I had never dealt with a fatal illness in any of the animals we lived with at that time.
I am not saying it is time. I am just saying it is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make.
The question is who will benefit more...
Bless his soul. This is so heartbreaking :-(
One thing that helps me make a decision is when I see the animal having difficulty eating, breathing, walking, the animal is non responsive and just has that look that you just know the poor thing can’t take it anymore. Some cats will even cry when there are about to take their last breath.
Poor fluffy. I hate that he is suffering. He will let you know, dear. He will!
One thing that helps me make a decision is when I see the animal having difficulty eating, breathing, walking, the animal is non responsive and just has that look that you just know the poor thing can’t take it anymore. Some cats will even cry when there are about to take their last breath.
Poor fluffy. I hate that he is suffering. He will let you know, dear. He will!
Thank you both for the hugs and empathy.
Jade, I appreciate your input, its very good and helps a lot.
Fluffy isn't on any pain meds. He has such a hard time swallowing pills; with the lump it would be like torturing him to force him to take a pill. I suppose I could see how much the cat vet that a neighbor of mine has come to his home to care for his cat would charge to give him injections here, if he seems to be in unbearable pain.
I haven't tried to check out Fluffy's gums. When I thought he was having dental issues I tried to take a look and he wouldn't tolerate it, even used claws. I'll see if I can look on the "good" side of his mouth.
He seems weaker; he keeps sitting in his urine and coming out covered in kitty litter, something he hates to have on him. I've trimmed his fur back there, but it still gets matted in the short stuff that's left. It's clumping litter, so its a bear to get off. He doesn't head into the kitchen to eat unless he's sure I'm going in there to fix him something to eat. He doesn't want to use the box to climb up on my bed; he waits for me to lift him up, meows his demands, lol. I've heard him try to do it a couple of times, went in and found him sitting on the floor looking insulted; he must have not made it all the way onto the box.
As long as he keeps eating and drinking and not having to much trouble breathing, he'll stay here with me.
I'm worried, though about a trip I've had planned for a long time; a long weekend out of state, Friday through Tuesday. My friend/neighbor/catsitter will be looking after him, but I worry that she won't be able to provide as much care. She's in a wheelchair and has several health issues. She's known him for 13 years, so I know she'll do her best. Still, I worry. He'll miss me. In the past, he's lost his appetite for a day or two when I've gone away; that makes more difference now. He's still not skinny, but I know he needs to keep getting nourishment. I'll talk to her, and leave her detailed instructions.
He still has his appetite even if he has trouble eating. Today I was eating a couple of rice cakes, and he had a fit! That was one treat that I used to give him small pieces of. Today he kept asking for more so I gave him several small puffs of rice. Then he ate a good dinner, almost an eighth of a 6 oz. can. Then he went to sleep in his bed in the closet. I'll give him more food before I go to bed.
Jade, I appreciate your input, its very good and helps a lot.
Fluffy isn't on any pain meds. He has such a hard time swallowing pills; with the lump it would be like torturing him to force him to take a pill. I suppose I could see how much the cat vet that a neighbor of mine has come to his home to care for his cat would charge to give him injections here, if he seems to be in unbearable pain.
I haven't tried to check out Fluffy's gums. When I thought he was having dental issues I tried to take a look and he wouldn't tolerate it, even used claws. I'll see if I can look on the "good" side of his mouth.
He seems weaker; he keeps sitting in his urine and coming out covered in kitty litter, something he hates to have on him. I've trimmed his fur back there, but it still gets matted in the short stuff that's left. It's clumping litter, so its a bear to get off. He doesn't head into the kitchen to eat unless he's sure I'm going in there to fix him something to eat. He doesn't want to use the box to climb up on my bed; he waits for me to lift him up, meows his demands, lol. I've heard him try to do it a couple of times, went in and found him sitting on the floor looking insulted; he must have not made it all the way onto the box.
As long as he keeps eating and drinking and not having to much trouble breathing, he'll stay here with me.
I'm worried, though about a trip I've had planned for a long time; a long weekend out of state, Friday through Tuesday. My friend/neighbor/catsitter will be looking after him, but I worry that she won't be able to provide as much care. She's in a wheelchair and has several health issues. She's known him for 13 years, so I know she'll do her best. Still, I worry. He'll miss me. In the past, he's lost his appetite for a day or two when I've gone away; that makes more difference now. He's still not skinny, but I know he needs to keep getting nourishment. I'll talk to her, and leave her detailed instructions.
He still has his appetite even if he has trouble eating. Today I was eating a couple of rice cakes, and he had a fit! That was one treat that I used to give him small pieces of. Today he kept asking for more so I gave him several small puffs of rice. Then he ate a good dinner, almost an eighth of a 6 oz. can. Then he went to sleep in his bed in the closet. I'll give him more food before I go to bed.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm so sorry...you Did say Fluffy was having some difficulty with breathing :(
Up until a week ago, like Fluffy, dog next door was sleeping alot but still showing some interest in trying to go for a walk. This last week, just sleeping so when interest in normal things end, a sure sign :(
Up until a week ago, like Fluffy, dog next door was sleeping alot but still showing some interest in trying to go for a walk. This last week, just sleeping so when interest in normal things end, a sure sign :(
So sorry to hear that. Thats such a hard decision and I have had to make it a couple of times. I think Jades answer pretty much sums it up. Again, Im so sorry for you and Fluffy.
Hug Hug
Hug Hug
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Kathy, I just went through a similar situation with my neighbor and his dog a few days ago. He just wasn't sure when the right time was to let him go these last months. The time became apparent this last week when his dog stopped eating...even out of our hand. I think that's when it's time. It sounds like Fluffy is still getting nutrients and still able to eat enough to keep his energy up somewhat. Is Fluffy on pain meds? I'm sorry, I forget. My neighbors dog was on pain meds and like Fluffy, he was relatively comfortable (other than the tumor on his leg growing and obviously painful) 'til this last Monday when he quit eating.
Just my opinion, but I think when the day comes and Fluffy can't/won't eat at all, then you'll know it's time. Another indicator with the dog next door was his breathing. It was obvious he wasn't breathing quite normally so that is another sign you can watch for. Also, when the vet came to the house to give the shot she noticed the dogs gums were very pale so yet another sign to watch for. If the meowing at the door is something new, it could be an indicator that Fluffy is getting confused. Just a guess, though. You know him best.
I'm so sad for you, Kathy. You and Fluffy have such a unique and special bond. This is going to be so hard for you. From what you've written, Kathy, it sounds like Fluffy has a bit more time. Not too much, but some...I hope.
(((Hugs)))
Just my opinion, but I think when the day comes and Fluffy can't/won't eat at all, then you'll know it's time. Another indicator with the dog next door was his breathing. It was obvious he wasn't breathing quite normally so that is another sign you can watch for. Also, when the vet came to the house to give the shot she noticed the dogs gums were very pale so yet another sign to watch for. If the meowing at the door is something new, it could be an indicator that Fluffy is getting confused. Just a guess, though. You know him best.
I'm so sad for you, Kathy. You and Fluffy have such a unique and special bond. This is going to be so hard for you. From what you've written, Kathy, it sounds like Fluffy has a bit more time. Not too much, but some...I hope.
(((Hugs)))
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