Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello ...I am the perosn that ask you the question about my sick cat having a swelling in  the stomach . Yes you are right I should take to the cat to a vet and I believe you are right the cat stomach does fill like a collection of pus in the stomach. It might of being cause by a cat fight. . What is the SPCA?

ANSWER: Alma,

The SPCA (or some places SSPCA) is the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They are a national organization and are in most cities. They are an animal shelter where you can adopt an animal, they take animals in that people can't take care of, they spay and neuter, and have vaccination clinics, etc. They are like the city or county Animal Control except they don't go around picking up strays and they try not to euthanize (put to sleep) animals unless they are overcrowded. They are a non-profit organization rather than a city or county agency. The SPCA is also the one to call to report animal abuse and they will investigate.
You can Google (or whatever search you use): SPCA
to learn more indepth information.

To help prevent cat fights...and abscesses or other injuries you really should have the cat  neutered (if you haven't done it already). It helps the cat settle down, you have less behavior problems, and less vet bills!

Let me know how he is and what the vet says if you take him. If it is an abscess (hopefully, nothing more serious) then the vet will probably drain it and give him some antibiotics.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I just want to let you know my cat passed away. I am so depress you can't imagine how much we have cry  because he was the sweetest thing.  Next time if my other cat gets sick I will definitively take him to a vet. Thank you

Answer
Alma,

Oh my God, I'm so sorry! Poor baby (you AND the cat)! It might have been cancer. That happens  to cats too. Unfortunately, short of taking the body to a vet for an autopsy, you may never know what happened.

Cats are only ours for a short time, and sometimes that time is shorter than normal. And when you have pets, unfortunately things can happen to them, either medically or an accident. Remember, he KNEW he was loved. There are SO SO many poor cats and kittens out there dying everyday who never knew what being loved was like, never had a home, never had enough to eat, and never had anyone to even care. He was lucky to have had you.

Go somewhere quiet and peaceful (a park, the mountains, the country, etc.) and grieve for the the cat....and send him on his way. Then keep busy...don't dwell on his death...it's over and NOTHING can change that. He will be pain free and happy. It does get easier in time, but it is like losing a beloved human family member and best friend. Many people have argued that comment and said it is NOT like losing a family member, that it is just an animal. I disagree with them. My cats are "furmans"...little creatures with fur who THINK they are human.

A suggestion: make a donation to a shelter in his name, OR save a kitty that is bound to be put down because of over-crowding and/or because it is unwanted. Maybe an older cat who lost his owner, or they didn't want it anymore, and the cat is now sad and confused and will be put to death only because no one wants an older cat. When your cat passes, have his death have meaning by doing something positive for another poor kitty. Another cat will NEVER take the place of your kitty, but it can share a place in your heart and take away some of the emptiness in your home. Your other cat may grieve for up to 6 months for his 'friend', that is normal. Getting another cat about his same age and temperament may or may not help. It would depend on the cat's personality, temperament and age. An old cat is happier without the stress of a new cat in the household.

I am including some excellent links on losing a cat and support:
(copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.2ndchance.info/grieving.htm
http://www.pet-loss.net/links.html

And, here is a WONDERFUL website where you can have a lasting memorial for your pet, or share your pain with others who have lost beloved companion animals. It's a very beautiful and moving site:

http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm

Again, I'm sorry.

Tabbi