Stray cat, and Claudia

[vilakins]

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.

Comments

[jomacmouse.livejournal.com]

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 :-(

[ultrapsychobrat.livejournal.com]

*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.

[kerravonsen]

{hugs}

[trixieleitz]

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

[vandonovan.livejournal.com]

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.

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

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}

[crycraven.livejournal.com]

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

[linda-joyce.livejournal.com]

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

[jthijsen.livejournal.com]

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.

[communicator.livejournal.com]

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.

[zoefruitcake.livejournal.com]

awww, poor Claudia :0(

[snowgrouse.livejournal.com]

:((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

[astrogirl2.livejournal.com]

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*

[kalinda001.livejournal.com]

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

[entropy-house.livejournal.com]

*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.

[jaxomsride.livejournal.com]

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.