My Cat close to end, is their anything I need to know?
My Cat close to end, is their anything I need to know?
I'm new here and hoping to find help to handle when my cats time is up. Last November vet told me my cat didn't have much longer with his bad heart. My cat has lived 19 beautiful years but I don't want him to suffer and lately he has been throwing up more then ever before and not using his litter to leave his gifts. And now constant meowing during the night, which he never did before until about 6 months ago. I took him again to vet to see if he was suffering with pain and they said no. But mind thinks about the day I have to handle his passing and I aint rushing it. But I do want to be prepare. Any help or suggestions would be appreicated. Happy meowing everyone.
Take care
from the great City of
New York
Victor
from the great City of
New York
Victor
Re: My Cat close to end, is their anything I need to know?
Victor...to focus on the immediate, the vomiting could be just about anything from a hairball obstruction to sensitivity to his food at this point (does he also have inflammed gums, diseased teeth or oral ulcers?) What are you feeding him? If the vomiting has become frequent, as in more than 3 times a week, time to get a recheck on him and discuss dietary modification if necessary.
The howling at night could be loss of sight or hearing....senior kitties do tend to howl at night when they cannot see or hear, so try leaving on a nightlight on for him near your room so that he feels more secure. But, don't mistake the howling for pain. In end stage heart failure, howling can indeed indicate pain/thromboembolism/stroke, etc, usually the patient will be in a crouched position, seeking a cool place--like a tiled floor or near porcelain--gasping for breath, disoriented, obvious signs of distress.
As for the litterbox issue, try placing it in a more accessible area for him...if it happens to be on the other side of the home, or in the basement or up a flight of stairs, all of these can hamper his ability to get to the litterbox in a timely manner (could also be an arthritic problem surfacing)
What type heart condition has your kitty been diagnosed? (i.e., dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, etc)...Has he ever had to be hospitalized of late for treating pleural effusion or necessitate the need for oxygen support? Is he on any medications currently? Do you feel he is developing slight signs of discomfort or clear distress? (breathing problems, open-mouthed breathing, coughing, wheezing, panting, drooling, overexhertion, increased heart rate, etc) ...If so, no time to waste, get a recheck with your vet immediately and maybe opt for a quick x-ray and/or ECG to monitor heart size, potential effusion or blood flow blockage.
Signs to watch for in an emergency include the above: panting, drooling, seeking to hide or a cool place to hide, gasping for breath, disorientation, crying out, unable to get comfortable, weakness, lethargy, cool or cold extremeties, unable to eat/drink/use litterbox or other normal daily routines, etc....in which case, all necessitate an emergency vet visit ASAP.
I strongly suggest you spend some time talking to your vet about your kitty's condition, medications available to relieve some of the symptoms (if present), availability of his services during emergency hours, and a working knowledge of what to expect. Keeping in constant contact with your vet is important so that you know what your options in treatment are, and so that you know signs and symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
Heart disease is not always a condition in which one could hope to expect a peaceful passing. This is where it's important to talk with your vet about symptomatic care, emergency care should it become necessary, and his availability to you and kitty should you have questions, concerns or need for understanding the condition.
The howling at night could be loss of sight or hearing....senior kitties do tend to howl at night when they cannot see or hear, so try leaving on a nightlight on for him near your room so that he feels more secure. But, don't mistake the howling for pain. In end stage heart failure, howling can indeed indicate pain/thromboembolism/stroke, etc, usually the patient will be in a crouched position, seeking a cool place--like a tiled floor or near porcelain--gasping for breath, disoriented, obvious signs of distress.
As for the litterbox issue, try placing it in a more accessible area for him...if it happens to be on the other side of the home, or in the basement or up a flight of stairs, all of these can hamper his ability to get to the litterbox in a timely manner (could also be an arthritic problem surfacing)
What type heart condition has your kitty been diagnosed? (i.e., dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, etc)...Has he ever had to be hospitalized of late for treating pleural effusion or necessitate the need for oxygen support? Is he on any medications currently? Do you feel he is developing slight signs of discomfort or clear distress? (breathing problems, open-mouthed breathing, coughing, wheezing, panting, drooling, overexhertion, increased heart rate, etc) ...If so, no time to waste, get a recheck with your vet immediately and maybe opt for a quick x-ray and/or ECG to monitor heart size, potential effusion or blood flow blockage.
Signs to watch for in an emergency include the above: panting, drooling, seeking to hide or a cool place to hide, gasping for breath, disorientation, crying out, unable to get comfortable, weakness, lethargy, cool or cold extremeties, unable to eat/drink/use litterbox or other normal daily routines, etc....in which case, all necessitate an emergency vet visit ASAP.
I strongly suggest you spend some time talking to your vet about your kitty's condition, medications available to relieve some of the symptoms (if present), availability of his services during emergency hours, and a working knowledge of what to expect. Keeping in constant contact with your vet is important so that you know what your options in treatment are, and so that you know signs and symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
Heart disease is not always a condition in which one could hope to expect a peaceful passing. This is where it's important to talk with your vet about symptomatic care, emergency care should it become necessary, and his availability to you and kitty should you have questions, concerns or need for understanding the condition.
..........Traci
Re: My Cat close to end, is their anything I need to know?
here is something that may helf, if and when the time gets criticall...but follow what Traci has written first...
http://www.cathelp-online.com/bydavet.html
http://www.cathelp-online.com/bydavet.html
Re: My Cat close to end, is their anything I need to know?
Hi Traci
Yes my cat has been deaf for 3 years now and almost blind, so that would explain the howling at night at times which causes concern. As for his heart, it has some to do with Hypo, the vet said and at times he seems to be breathing heaving, but with mouth closed. Has never drooled or panted. I recently had his teeth clean, so I'm sure they would have told me if he had oral ulsers. He use to special food since he was a kitten for a urainary track problem but last November vet set not to bother anymore that he didn't have more longer, but here it is 11 months later. I will go this weekend buy that food for him. One thing he (the cat) does is cat and cat and cat. He loves attention and loves to be petted 24/7 if he could. BUt I will move the Little box toward middle of the house and schudule vet visit again and ask for x-ray, don't think he's ever had one. He has been 10 lbs all his life until last visit he was 8 lbs, but he does eat alot and off the table, lol. One other thing In the last year I feel his back bone more then ever when I pet him, all the way done to the tail. So I would think he has arthrists too. My cat is family and I will do what I have to do to comfort him. I want to thank all for their contribution on anwsering a diffcult topic. So once again Traci and davet thank you.
Yes my cat has been deaf for 3 years now and almost blind, so that would explain the howling at night at times which causes concern. As for his heart, it has some to do with Hypo, the vet said and at times he seems to be breathing heaving, but with mouth closed. Has never drooled or panted. I recently had his teeth clean, so I'm sure they would have told me if he had oral ulsers. He use to special food since he was a kitten for a urainary track problem but last November vet set not to bother anymore that he didn't have more longer, but here it is 11 months later. I will go this weekend buy that food for him. One thing he (the cat) does is cat and cat and cat. He loves attention and loves to be petted 24/7 if he could. BUt I will move the Little box toward middle of the house and schudule vet visit again and ask for x-ray, don't think he's ever had one. He has been 10 lbs all his life until last visit he was 8 lbs, but he does eat alot and off the table, lol. One other thing In the last year I feel his back bone more then ever when I pet him, all the way done to the tail. So I would think he has arthrists too. My cat is family and I will do what I have to do to comfort him. I want to thank all for their contribution on anwsering a diffcult topic. So once again Traci and davet thank you.
Take care
from the great City of
New York
Victor
from the great City of
New York
Victor
Re: My Cat close to end, is their anything I need to know?
here is something may or may not help...if it is premature, i apologize:
Making The Difficult Decision
submitted By Davet
Making The Difficult Decision
How can we make that difficult decision to end the life of a pet whom we and nurtured, played with and lived with? The pet may have been with us for a short time or for many years. It may protect us, serve us, or just be there when we need something to cuddle.
Our domestic pets have maintained many of their wild instincts. One of the most important instincts, however, is to mask pain and illness. Many pet owners advised that their pet is suffering from a serious disease, comment "But he's not acting very sick", what happens to a wild dog or cat who "acts sick"? Invariably, they are killed by other animals, sometimes even by members of their own pack.
When we have to make that final decision we feel guilty, we are torn by feelings of helplessness, guilt, anger and sometimes the misguided notion that we owe it to the pet to keep it alive at all costs. How can I tell my veterinarian to give my pet an injection that will kill it?
When a pet becomes ill or is seriously injured, we must make a decision based on several factors. We must set realistic limits which include emotional expense to the family, physical costs to the pet, and many times, unfortunately, financial cost. It is best for the family members, or the single owner, to sit down with all the facts in front of them and, as rationally as possible, set those limits. This is the fairest thing pet owners can do for the pet and for themselves.
So, we come to that difficult decision making time, we have to decide what is best for the pet, regardless of the decision, we face the possibility of feeling guilty because we made the wrong one. We feel guilty if we elect to have our pet euthanized. We feel guilty if we choose treatment and it is unsuccessful. We should put ourselves in our pet's position. "What would I want done if I were in this situation"? If an owner, after evaluating all the available information, decides euthanasia is necessary, he or she must tell the veterinarian. In those cases, the owner must realize that sometimes we have to love our pets enough to let them go.
The Five Main Criteria For Euthanasia
Can your pet walk on it's own and how much pain does it suffer when walking?
How are it's sight and hearing and what is the prospect that these problems can be reversed?
Is there irreversible organ damage, i.e., heart, kidney, liver, or brain damage?
Is there any humane veterinary treatment available?
Is incontinence through urinary or bowel control a problem?
The final decision must be made by all members of the family, you may have to overcome your feeling of love for the pet and consider what is the fairest for him. Do not let your emotions override the fact that your pet may be leading to a painful, suffering life.
v Can your pet walk on it's own and how much pain does it suffer when walking?
How are it's sight and hearing and what is the prospect that these problems can be reversed?
Is there irreversible organ damage, i.e., heart, kidney, liver, or brain damage?
Is there any humane veterinary treatment available?
Is incontinence through urinary or bowel control a problem?
The final decision must be made by all members of the family, you may have to overcome your feeling of love for the pet and consider what is the fairest for him. Do not let your emotions override the fact that your pet may be leading to a painful, suffering life.
Reasons For Euthanasia
We are never quite prepared for the death of a pet. Whether death is swift and unexpected or whether it comes at the end of a slow decline, we are never fully aware of what a pet has brought to our lives until our companion is gone. Our involvement with the final outcome may be passive. We may simply not persue medical or surgical treatment in an aging pet. Perhaps it's ailment has no cure and the best we can do is alleviate some of its suffering so that it may live the remainder of its days in relative comfort. An illness or accident may take it suddenly. Everyone secretly hopes for a pet's peaceful passing, hoping to find it lying in it's favorite spot in the morning. The impact of a pet's death is significantly increased when, as responsible and loving caretakers, we decide to have the pet euthanized.
Euthanasia is the induction of painless death. In veterinary practice, it is accomplished by intravenous injection of the concentrated dose of anesthetic. The animal may feel slight discomfort when the needle tip passes through the skin, but this is no greater than for any other injection. The euthanasia solution takes only seconds to induce a total loss of consciousness. This is soon followed by respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Doctors of veterinary medicine do not exercise this option lightly. Their medical training and professional lives are dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of disease. Veterinarians are keenly aware of the balance between extending an animal's life and it's suffering. Euthanasia is the ultimate tool to mercifully end a pet's suffering.
To request euthanasia of a pet is probably the most difficult decision a pet owner can make. All the stages of mourning may flood together, alternating rapidly. We may resent the position of power. We may feel angry at our pet for forcing us to make the decision. We may postpone the decision, bargaining with ourselves that if we wait another day, the decision will not be necessary. Guilt sits heavily on the one who must decide. The fundamental guideline is to do what is best for your pet, even if you suffer in doing this. Remember that as much as your pet has the right to a painless death, you have the right to live a happy life.
Each of us mourns differently, some more privately than others, and some recover more quickly. Some pet owners find great comfort in acquiring a new pet soon after the loss of another. Others, however, become angry at the suggestion of another pet. They may feel that they are being disloyal to the memory of the preceding pet. Do not rush into selecting a replacement pet. Take the time to work through your grief. To help you prepare for the decision to euthanize your pet, consider the following questions. They are intended as a guide; only you can decide what is the best solution for you and your pet. Take your time. Speak with your veterinarian. Which choice will bring you the least cause for regret after the pet is gone? Consider the following:
What is the current quality of my pet's life?
Is my pet still eating well? Playful? Affectionate toward me?
Is my pet interested in the activity surrounding it?
Does my pet seem tired and withdrawn most of the time?
Is my pet in pain?
Is there anything I can do to make my pet more comfortable?
Are any other treatment options available?
If a behavioral problem has led me to this decision, have I sought the expertise of a veterinary behavior consultant?
Do I still love my pet the way I used to, or am I angry and resentful of the restrictions it's condition has placed on my lifestyle?
Does my pet sense that I am withdrawing from it?
What is the quality of my life and how will this change?
Will I want to be present during the euthanasia?
Will I say goodbue to my pet before the euthanasia because it is too painful for me to assist?
Will I wait in the reception area until it is over?
Do I want to be alone or should I ask a friend to be present?
Do I want any special burial arrangements made?
Can my veterinarian store the body so that I can delay burial arrangements until later?
Do I want to adopt another pet?
Do I need time to recover from this loss before even considering another pet?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Making The Difficult Decision
submitted By Davet
Making The Difficult Decision
How can we make that difficult decision to end the life of a pet whom we and nurtured, played with and lived with? The pet may have been with us for a short time or for many years. It may protect us, serve us, or just be there when we need something to cuddle.
Our domestic pets have maintained many of their wild instincts. One of the most important instincts, however, is to mask pain and illness. Many pet owners advised that their pet is suffering from a serious disease, comment "But he's not acting very sick", what happens to a wild dog or cat who "acts sick"? Invariably, they are killed by other animals, sometimes even by members of their own pack.
When we have to make that final decision we feel guilty, we are torn by feelings of helplessness, guilt, anger and sometimes the misguided notion that we owe it to the pet to keep it alive at all costs. How can I tell my veterinarian to give my pet an injection that will kill it?
When a pet becomes ill or is seriously injured, we must make a decision based on several factors. We must set realistic limits which include emotional expense to the family, physical costs to the pet, and many times, unfortunately, financial cost. It is best for the family members, or the single owner, to sit down with all the facts in front of them and, as rationally as possible, set those limits. This is the fairest thing pet owners can do for the pet and for themselves.
So, we come to that difficult decision making time, we have to decide what is best for the pet, regardless of the decision, we face the possibility of feeling guilty because we made the wrong one. We feel guilty if we elect to have our pet euthanized. We feel guilty if we choose treatment and it is unsuccessful. We should put ourselves in our pet's position. "What would I want done if I were in this situation"? If an owner, after evaluating all the available information, decides euthanasia is necessary, he or she must tell the veterinarian. In those cases, the owner must realize that sometimes we have to love our pets enough to let them go.
The Five Main Criteria For Euthanasia
Can your pet walk on it's own and how much pain does it suffer when walking?
How are it's sight and hearing and what is the prospect that these problems can be reversed?
Is there irreversible organ damage, i.e., heart, kidney, liver, or brain damage?
Is there any humane veterinary treatment available?
Is incontinence through urinary or bowel control a problem?
The final decision must be made by all members of the family, you may have to overcome your feeling of love for the pet and consider what is the fairest for him. Do not let your emotions override the fact that your pet may be leading to a painful, suffering life.
v Can your pet walk on it's own and how much pain does it suffer when walking?
How are it's sight and hearing and what is the prospect that these problems can be reversed?
Is there irreversible organ damage, i.e., heart, kidney, liver, or brain damage?
Is there any humane veterinary treatment available?
Is incontinence through urinary or bowel control a problem?
The final decision must be made by all members of the family, you may have to overcome your feeling of love for the pet and consider what is the fairest for him. Do not let your emotions override the fact that your pet may be leading to a painful, suffering life.
Reasons For Euthanasia
We are never quite prepared for the death of a pet. Whether death is swift and unexpected or whether it comes at the end of a slow decline, we are never fully aware of what a pet has brought to our lives until our companion is gone. Our involvement with the final outcome may be passive. We may simply not persue medical or surgical treatment in an aging pet. Perhaps it's ailment has no cure and the best we can do is alleviate some of its suffering so that it may live the remainder of its days in relative comfort. An illness or accident may take it suddenly. Everyone secretly hopes for a pet's peaceful passing, hoping to find it lying in it's favorite spot in the morning. The impact of a pet's death is significantly increased when, as responsible and loving caretakers, we decide to have the pet euthanized.
Euthanasia is the induction of painless death. In veterinary practice, it is accomplished by intravenous injection of the concentrated dose of anesthetic. The animal may feel slight discomfort when the needle tip passes through the skin, but this is no greater than for any other injection. The euthanasia solution takes only seconds to induce a total loss of consciousness. This is soon followed by respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Doctors of veterinary medicine do not exercise this option lightly. Their medical training and professional lives are dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of disease. Veterinarians are keenly aware of the balance between extending an animal's life and it's suffering. Euthanasia is the ultimate tool to mercifully end a pet's suffering.
To request euthanasia of a pet is probably the most difficult decision a pet owner can make. All the stages of mourning may flood together, alternating rapidly. We may resent the position of power. We may feel angry at our pet for forcing us to make the decision. We may postpone the decision, bargaining with ourselves that if we wait another day, the decision will not be necessary. Guilt sits heavily on the one who must decide. The fundamental guideline is to do what is best for your pet, even if you suffer in doing this. Remember that as much as your pet has the right to a painless death, you have the right to live a happy life.
Each of us mourns differently, some more privately than others, and some recover more quickly. Some pet owners find great comfort in acquiring a new pet soon after the loss of another. Others, however, become angry at the suggestion of another pet. They may feel that they are being disloyal to the memory of the preceding pet. Do not rush into selecting a replacement pet. Take the time to work through your grief. To help you prepare for the decision to euthanize your pet, consider the following questions. They are intended as a guide; only you can decide what is the best solution for you and your pet. Take your time. Speak with your veterinarian. Which choice will bring you the least cause for regret after the pet is gone? Consider the following:
What is the current quality of my pet's life?
Is my pet still eating well? Playful? Affectionate toward me?
Is my pet interested in the activity surrounding it?
Does my pet seem tired and withdrawn most of the time?
Is my pet in pain?
Is there anything I can do to make my pet more comfortable?
Are any other treatment options available?
If a behavioral problem has led me to this decision, have I sought the expertise of a veterinary behavior consultant?
Do I still love my pet the way I used to, or am I angry and resentful of the restrictions it's condition has placed on my lifestyle?
Does my pet sense that I am withdrawing from it?
What is the quality of my life and how will this change?
Will I want to be present during the euthanasia?
Will I say goodbue to my pet before the euthanasia because it is too painful for me to assist?
Will I wait in the reception area until it is over?
Do I want to be alone or should I ask a friend to be present?
Do I want any special burial arrangements made?
Can my veterinarian store the body so that I can delay burial arrangements until later?
Do I want to adopt another pet?
Do I need time to recover from this loss before even considering another pet?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------