vilakins | Stray cat, and Claudia

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Stray cat, and Claudia

Greg called me from the salon where he was getting his hair cut and asked me to bring one of the cat carriers over. A few days ago, one of the hairdressers found a cat living under the local diary (convenience store?) and wanted to take him home for the night as the salon will be very cold tonight. So of course I had to look at the cat. He's about four years old according to the vet she took him to, and unfortunately not microchipped (most animals aren't here) and is lovely! He's obviously been well looked after and loved as he's friendly and likes company and being held. He's at least part-oriental with a long face, green eyes, and solid light brown fur. I'm sure that if they can't find his owners (he may be far from his home) he'll find a good home.

I'd be tempted to see if our cats would accept him, but I don't want to stress Claudia. I think she's near the end now, being so thin, frail, and no longer eating much (anything at all today) or able to walk well. Yet I saw her jump onto the deck railings last week, and she did come outside with me today. I suppose the end comes quickly when they finally stop eating though, and I think she's hit that stage. I'm well prepared this time as she's been ill for so long; Tessa's passing was a huge and unexpected shock. I'm hoping that this time, for the first time ever, I'll be able to have a vet come here so that she goes in familiar surroundings. I just don't know at which point to call them. I don't want to end her life prematurely.

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You've got a dilemma there, right enough. I know you want her to have every minute of life she can use, but you don't want her suffering any more than she has to suffer. If she's no longer hungry, it might be time to let her go, but it's still a hard decision to have to make. *hugs* to you because I know you'll miss her when she goes, no matter how prepared you are :-(

She doesn't seem to be suffering; just run out of energy. She spent part of last night and this morning in bed with us which was very encouraging as she doesn't go upstairs much any more.

I just don't know. :-(

Further *hugs* to you while you watch over her. That's all I can usefully add :-(

*HUGS* to you and Claudia. I think you'll know when it's time. How nice that a vet will come to your home--wish that were possible here.

They'll apparently make an appointment, and come if there's not an emergency. I suppose I could try it, or see if a mobile vet could come. Either way, it's still ending a life and I find that really hard.

Oh, I know--it's always a heartbreaking experience.

{hugs}

Thanks.

*hugs* to you and to Claudia. I know you'll make the right decision.

I hope I will. I'm not certain of that. It's extra hard with Greg too; he should be there too so he'd have to come home from work.

She's still looking up at me with interest when I talk to her and stroke her, but she's in her bed when she'd usually be with us right now. She spent some of last night in our bed, but I doubt she'd even come upstairs tonight. The tuna which she licked at yesterday, a favourite, didn't even interest her today.

I'll be thinking of you all.

Thanks. She actually jumped (not very well, but successfully) into bed with us at 4pm and spent the rest of the night curled up against me, and this morning licked at some tuna. She's had kidney disease for over two years (maybe three) and done remarkably well, but I think it won't be long now.

Ah, tough to hear about Claudia, but the salon boy sounds like a real keeper. I'm of the belief that cats come to you when you need them, so I wouldn't rule out adding him to the family just yet.

The ones I have get on so well though! The girl who found him could give him to the Lonely Miaow (the people who had Ashley) but doesn't want to yet as she knows they'd find him a home and she's trying to find where he came from first. But we'll keep in touch and find out what happens. :-)

I think you'll know when it's time... but it's hard, I remember Lacey went the same way but there just came a point where we knew it was just too much harder for her to keep going...

But I still get a touch weepy when I remember it.

{hugs to you and Claudia}

And I think Claudia's at that point. At least it's come quickly.

I hope, when the time comes, you won't be too upset. and I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

I think I pretty much have.

Poor Claudia, and poor you, it is such a difficult decision to make. I've only ever had to do it twice and those are why I'm pet less, I can't do it again. It sounds to me as if she is saying goodbye to her favourite things and is ready. With any luck she will just go to sleep and not wake up again. You will know when it is time to intervene though. Hugs

We're taking her in tomorrow; they said hydration might help, but I think she's past temporary measures like that.

It's the hardest thing you ever have to do for them and one of the things that make it hard is that you can never be sure that it was the right moment. As long as Tessa still looks interested and bright, I think you can keep her with you just a little bit longer. When that stops, then it's probably time.

She's interested when we stroke her and talk to her, but not otherwise. The vet I spoke to today said that even when thy're miserable, they'll still respond to those they love. The think is, I don't think she's enjoying ife any more, like she was a few days ago.

I'm sorry, it's a very hard time for any pet owner. Looking back I realise that a problem for me when i had to have Woody put to sleep was trusting my own judgement - but now, thinking about it more clearly, I think I did do the right thing. So, what I'm trying to say, is that you should trust your judgement, because it is rooted in your whole history of caring for Claudia, and so you will know what is right.

And I think I do now. It's a matter of coming to terms with it. Thank you.

awww, poor Claudia :0(

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Poor Claudia. And poor you. I know it makes the decision harder, but I'm glad she doesn't seem to be suffering much. I can only hope for as much when I get to that point. *hugs*

She's spending most of her time curled up asleep in her bed. I'd rather it didn't get worse, and she has deteriorated so much just since the weekend.

Oh, poor Claudia. I hope she goes peacefully. *hugs*

I think she will. She's asleep most of the time now anyway. [hugs back]

*hugs* As long as Claudia isn't in discomfort, I'd wait. I never can bring myself to do it until I'm *sure* they're not enjoying life. There comes a point when you just know it's their time.

I don't think she is any more, even though she managed to get onto the bed last night and slept with me. I haven't heard her purr for days, and she seems blank and rather out of it some of the time.

*hugs* Poor kitty.

Aww poor Claudia. It is a hard decision to make, especially after losing Tessa too.
Having a home appointment would at least remove the stress of a vet visit too.

I tried to get one, but we're taking her in tomorrow. They'll look at her and see how she is, but I'm pretty sure it's time. I don't think she'll even realise she's at the vet if we take her in her bed, borrowed under the covers like she's been the last couple of days.

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Stray cat, and Claudia

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