So I normally don't show any type of vulnerable sides, but I have something that I must do and I'm finding it extremely hard!!! My cat, Samantha is 7...she's had a benign tumor that has kept growing and growing and growing. She also has asthma :-(. I know, a cat with asthma??? Anyway, the vet told me in 2006 that I'd probably only have a year or 2 left with her because the tumor is right in front of her lungs. Therefore, as it grows it crushes her lungs leaving her out of breath. Yes, we could operate, but the vet did say she would most likely not survive a major surgery of that sort. So I opted to take her home and just love on her for the remainder of her time. Here is where I'm struggling...I KNOW it's getting close to that time because steroid shots no longer help and she is struggling to breath just while she eats. Can someone please tell me where in the *ell do I get the strength to do this AND tell my 10 year old....ugh.....??? I feel like crying....:---(
Your cat will let you know when it's time. You will find the strength, because you want to do what is best for your furry baby. I don't know what to tell you about your child though, I have not owned up to having our dog put to sleep a few years ago, DS thinks we took her to the vet because she was sick and she died there. He was only 4 at the time though. Good luck, thoughts and prayers.
That's a very good suggestion. Don't tell him. Let him think you took her to the vet because she was sick, and while you were there, she died. That's not lying, it's just creative truth telling. Sorry sweetie!
I wouldn't tell you 10 y.o. unless he knows about dying already. Dying is just a part of living and know that your cat is going to a good place eventually. now if i could take my own advice, i'd be alright.
Above is exactly what I did. We had a dog (RIP Moochie 04-10-94/07-23-07) that got sick (lung disease with pneumonia). I took him to the vet. Ended up best thing was to put him to sleep. Of course, I was DISTRAUGHT but he was absolutely miserable & in pain. My daughter (then 9) knew he was sick (she slept on floor with him night b4) & that I was takin him to vet. I held off a few days in telling her - she just thought he was at the vet (had to get my strength up to face her sadness after dealing with mine) and that they were taking care of him. Finally the day came I had to tell her ..... I told her the vet called me to come there because they did all they could to make him better but nothing was working. So I left work to go be with him so he wouldn't be alone @ a vets office during his last moments...... She was really sad (after all, this dog "welcomed Her home from the hospital") but after working thru the tears, she told me she was glad someone from our family got to be with him. She has a "shrine" in a cabinet of hers ... the last blankey they shared from his last nite @ home, a pic of them 2 and his collar. Its not an easy thing but just as the pet is part of family, so is sharing the heartache. Bless y'all.
The decision to help our Elvis cross over was truly the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I didn't want to make the decision prematurely, but I didn't want to wait too long either. If the kitty is struggling to breathe, please think about it. I have asthma and 1 severe attack that landed me hospitalized for 4 days. That was the worst feeling in my life... I wouldn't want anyone to feel that...not even my worst enemy. Elvis did tell me it was time. He also simply went to sleep with his head in his daddy's hand. The Vet even got a "knub wag" when he came into the room.
Just over 2 months ago I had to put my 14 y/o cat to sleep. For the 2 years prior I had tried many conventional and homeopathic treatment modalities. Everyday I worried if I was doing enough.... if I could do more. As mentioned by another poster, she let me know when the time had come. At that moment I realized to keep her going would have been more for my benefit than for hers. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Mendoza as her veterinarian. She let me stay with her right up till the end. I wish there was something I could say or do that would ease your pain. Just keep in mind that you have been a great Mom and the answers will come when needed. If you ever need to vent, I'm only a PM away.
