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124426 tn?1239928000

Cat death

Last week I took my 15 year old cat to the vet because he (Kirby) had been loosing weight and generally not feeling well.  The vet took some blood work and a urinalysis and told me to call him in the morning with the results.  He thought Kirby possible had diabetes or some other problem that we could treat.  Kirby had stopped eating the day before and we began to get real concerned about him.  I called the vet the next day and he said that Kirby's situation is a lot worse than we had thought.  He was in complete kidney shutdown and there was no way to reverse it.  I asked him if he honestly thought we needed to put him down.  He said that would be the humane thing to do.  I was just devasted and made arrangements to take Kirby in that afternoon.  I have a friend who is a retired vet and I called her.  I told her Kirby's blood results and she said that definately he was dying and probably only had a few days left.  So, my daughter and I took Kirby and did what we had to do .  I live in Las Vegas on the way outskirts of town, so we brought Kirby home and my husband and son took him up to the mountain and buried him.  Of course we all have missed him so much partly because of the no time to prepare factor.  
My question is this:  When will I know I am ready for another animal.  I have been looking at the rescure shelters in my town and really want to get a dog as soon as possible.  My children are all grown but they can't even think about getting another animal.  I am confused because I feel maybe I am trying to stifle my pain by getting another pet so soon.  I do not want another cat; Kirby was the absolutely perfect cat and no other one would ever compare to him.  I am confused.  Any suggestions about your experiences are greatly appreciated.   I just feel lost without him and feel the need to love another animal.    Thanks.

9 Responses
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363281 tn?1643235611
I am very sorry about the loss of your kitty, it hurst when our beloved "fur baby" dies. As to when is the best time to get another pet, well, it varies with each person, I think you will "just know" in your heart when the time is right, and you will find "just the right pet" as well.
Helpful - 0
353964 tn?1238849719
I asked myself the same question after I lost my Felix. I had no idea anything was wrong so when I came home from college to find that he had major fluid in the heart and had to be put down it was a major major shock. Because he was such a great cat i knew it would take some time, it was about 2-3 years after that I got my Stewie. It really is a personal thing knowing when you're ready for another pet. You'll be out and about and see a cat or dog and you'll just know :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Very very sorry......you will know...your heart will tell you!
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
I am so sorry about your loss.  You will know when it is time for another pet......sara
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am so very very sorry for your loss.  As far as getting another animal, well, you will know when you are ready.  Our first kitty died in 05 and we couldn't even THINK of getting another cat in spite of well meaning friends and family who encouraged us to do so.  We weren't sure if we even wanted another cat because it's so heartbreaking to lose them.  

6mos after our loss, I was still crying when one day some new neighbors moved in next door to us who had a cat.  A very sick cat.  The neighbors didn't seem to care about her at all so we took over.  It was the perfect time for us and for her.  She needed us and we needed her.  My husband and I were talking that morning about *Maybe* getting another cat and there she was that afternoon!

My thought is, go to the shelter.  If there is a dog (or cat, you never know :) who calls to you, then you will know that now is the time.  You will FEEL it.  

I think, if you are ready, that getting another animal will be a good thing.  I was just a wreck for 6mos.  Too long.  

Again, so very sorry : (





  



Helpful - 0
611067 tn?1458591483
I'm so sorry for your loss!  I lost my 16 year old baby due to kidney failure following two years of IV subcutaneous.  He lived a happy two years, but his kidneys were not that bad when we first found out.  It was a routine check up when we found it.  When he finally got to where your baby was, we had to put him down.  They become our children and what a horrible loss!  My prayers are with you.  When Magnum died, I didn't think I'd want another cat (still had his sibling, Robear, and my mother's cat with us).  But, within about 3 weeks I was able to get my baby, Daisy.  I didn't think I'd want another one so soon, but she was therapeutic for me.  I did feel guilty about it for a few weeks, but now I realize that Magnum would want me to be happy.  

I know this sounds strange, but when we lost Magnum I could sense him around me all the time.  Within the same year, we lost Robear (at 17).  Sometimes I will feel that one of my cats is sleeping up next to me and when I look, none of my current cats are there.  I think it's Robear and Magnum.  Okay, I probably sound cookoo now!  But, I believe they are always with us because they become part of our family.  

I'll stop writing a novel now and just tell you that it will get easier and easier.  I still cry sometimes when I think about them.  That never changes, but it gets less and less.  

If you love animals as much as it seems to me, I don't think it will hurt to get another cat or even a dog soon.  

Let us know how you're doing!  

Hugs,
Janet
Helpful - 0
541150 tn?1306033843
I agree. There are many animals out there waiting to give you unconditional love. A dog is a good idea, to me. You will be ready when you feel it. You'll always miss your Kirby, because you spent 15 years petting him, feeding him and caring for him. Personally, I give myself some time to make sure I want other pets etc. You'll know when you're ready to accept another pet in your life, which, after all, isn't really hard to accomplish. Animals win our hearts pretty fast because they are special.

All the luck in the world to you. You'll find the right companion. I'm sure. And don't forget to give us an update, ok?

Hugs!
Helpful - 0
592969 tn?1248325405
There are many animals waiting for a good home.  If you feel that you can give an animal unconditional love now, then go ahead an adopt.  You can never replace the cat you so loved as animals are all different.  Every cat is different as every dog is different.  They have different likes, different tastes for foods, different personalities.  They are all so special in their own way.  Kidney failure happens fast.  It happened to our dog.  He was up running around and happy and down the next day.  It is always hard losing an animal and you will always miss them.  Do not let that prevent you from opening your home up to another animal that so much needs you. Take care.  
Helpful - 0
326505 tn?1304169225
So sorry for your loss : (
Sometimes you just have to trust that you will know when it's the right time.
Helpful - 0
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