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Cats/Terminal illness

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Expert: - 12/12/2008


Question
My beloved 16 yr old cat had to be put down two months ago. I watched him as he lost all muscle and lay down in his litter pan to go. The next day I administered his IV drip, and he suddenly began to convulse. He had always been so attentive to me and now, I wondered if he even heard me tell him that I loved him and remember our pact to meet at Rainbow Bridge, and then I asked my farmer husband to take him out back and relieve him of his sick life. He had been under a vet's care for half his life. Oh God, I hope I never see another horrible thing like that again. I loved him so much. Thank you for all the advice you give people. It is comforting to us all. I used allexperts a lot.

Answer
Trish,

I know how difficult this last while must have been for you. As pet parents we have to realize all aspects of loving our furry companions. Love is unconditional between pet and parent, responsibility is a part of loving a special pet. Sometimes I find it difficult to understand that the toughest part of a pet parent's responsibility and love for their pet is to decide when to help their friend die with dignity. It's heartbreaking to have to make decisions that will ease a much loved friend's pain forever and yet cause us significant pain and heartache. I do believe that these precious souls truly know and understand that this decision is never easy for their human caregiver, I am sure that they are eternally grateful to be loved so selflessly by their special human. I can tell that you loved your cat very much. I'm sure that you would have given anything to have kept him close to you - in fact he is still close to you because of the many ways that he has touched your life and the paw prints he has left on your soul. It will take time for you to grieve, that's perfectly acceptable, you've lost a special family member. When the pain lessens the special memories you have had to treasure during your kitty's life will provide you with significant warmth and happiness. Don't allow anyone to try and tell you that your friend was somehow less than any human friend you may have, often pets are closer to us than most people - after all they have always seen us at our worst and best, they know us inside and out and they still give us the precious gift of unconditional love even knowing that we aren't perfect. I have no doubt that your boy is happy, young, healthy and having fun playing with his new friends while he waits for you at the Rainbow Bridge. You'll see him again someday and you will have the joyful reunion that you're hoping for. If you would like I can certainly send you the full text of the Rainbow Bridge - don't hesitate to ask.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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