Mr Mistoffelees has cancer

[Mr Mistoffelees' Mom]

I am in the last stages of having to decide to let my beloved "Stoffie" go. He has tumours in his bone marrow and is producing no white blood cells. He's lost 6 of his 18 muscular pounds in just over a month. Our vet has been supportive and careful during this month, administering IV when necessary, putting him on supplements, encouraging and informing me. However, he has not eaten for two days now and he won't play anymore with his string toys or silly mice. He just wants to sit on my lap or cuddle close to me. In my heart I know it's probably time, but I'm having trouble making that so final decision. I'm probably procrastinating, hoping he will relieve me from having to decide, but that's maybe not fair to him. He doesn't seem to be in pain but he's certainly not himself, either. Any thoughts for me?

[momPaws]

Just empathy as I went thru that with my dog, Honey, this year. She was 15. I suffered with her for months and then one day it became totally apparent that I couldn't let HER suffer anymore. My heart goes out to you. I know how hard a decision it is to make. Now when I look back on how she was doing I think I did exactly the right thing at the right time. I hope you will get that peace. Hugs((((((Stoffie)))))

[Traci]

In all forms of cancer, pets go through ups and downs, good days and bad. You have to work with your vet to help you determine if this might be one of those down times. Many times, the pet seems to fare well, then won't eat for a couple days, then bounce back, but usually not without some intervention on the help and advice of your vet. Like an appetite stimulant, extra fluids, or mild medication to relieve an acid/upset stomach or nausea.

Have you tempted him with a variety of cat foods? Normally, in a healthy cat, you don't want to do this much, nor do you want to keep switching/giving different foods, but in an ill cat, it can make a big difference, because it is better he eat SOMETHING, than nothing. Your vet also carries bland prescription diets that are easy on the stomach and intestinal tract, so those can help too. He might also have the liquid diets that are prescribed for cats, they are fortified for ill cats and can be used to supplement when they are anorexic.

A bit of extra sub-q fluids might perk him up considerably. If he's nauseous, your vet also can prescribe a mild medication or antiemetic to curb that so he's more interested in eating again.

If he is in pain, your vet also has pain medication available for cats. Some of these medications also help with appetite and help them feel better to enjoy their normal foods and routines.

Many people often feel that medications only prolong the inevitable. But many people also have difficulty in determining if these instances are simply a bad day and many times, just a simple mild medication can perk them up considerably. Call your vet and tell him your concerns and ask if there is something available or more you can do.

If however, you feel he is in unmanageable pain, is not truly enjoying his surroundings, is obviously uncomfortable, suffering with vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, is weak and lethargic or withdrawn, you may have to have a heart to heart with your vet. The following is a guide to help, but it's only a guide, every pet and every owner is different and percieves things differently. You know your kitty best, your vet knows his health best. Please call him promptly and discuss your concerns/questions and first try to see if medications can help alleviate a symptom before making a rash decision.

When Is It Time?

My heart and prayers are with Stoffie and you, (((((HUGS)))))...

[slvrwhispr]

I've got nothing else to offer in the way of advice, but you have all my condolences during this hard time.

[Mr Mistoffelees' Mom]

Thank you all for the kind comments and support. Traci, excellent advice, thank you. My vet and I are in almost daily contact and she is wise, empathetic and knowledgeable. We've given Stoffie many food choices and he is on vitamins, supplements for appetite and bone marrow stimulation. I think he's likely due for more sub-q fluids although he did just have a drink from the bathroom tap. We'll continue to monitor his eating (or lack thereof) and believe me, there won't be any rash decisions made. Thank you again for letting me know you've been where I am!

[Tambrey]

{{{hugggs}}} it is never easy to watch our furkids go through difficult times....or to know when to make that decision....

My prayers for you and Stoffie....

I keep telling my husband the next male cat will be Mr. Mistoffelees...but they never look right....my last one (other than my latest rescue Tripod) was a gray and white tabby, so he became "Munkie" from the start....

[Mr Mistoffelees' Mom]

Sadly, Stoffie has used up all of his lovely nine lives. He developed a very aggressive tumour in his stomach, and stopped eating altogether, despite our best efforts to stimulate his appetite. For the past 30 hours or so, he experienced difficulty lying down - no position was comfortable and he was vocalizing his discomfort. After a sleepless night for both of us, I realized it was time. He slipped away in my arms, after licking my hand and rubbing his head against my face.

Thank you for the support and prayers - the house seems very strange and empty. Even our Cocker Spaniel is missing Stoffie. I wouldn't have traded the past twelve years with him, despite the sadness I feel now.

[Auntie Debbie]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. He was certainly well loved and i'm sure he'll be waiting for you from across the bridge.
(((HUGS)))

[Traci]

I'm so very sorry, my heart and prayers go out to you. Stoffie was obviously so very loved and cherished by you, thank you for giving him 12 years of love and happiness, he knows just how much you love him.

Safe and gentle journey, sweet sweet Stoffie.....((((((((HUGS))))))))))

[momPaws]

Am so sorry. I know you did everything you could. (((hugs)))