Well, we had to euthanize our cat yesterday. :(

She was slowing down a bit, and we'd planned to take her to the vet next week with the dogs, but yesterday morning, she laid down on the bathroom floor and just wouldn't move. I saw her and thought maybe we should take her after work, rather than waiting, and my fiancee thought maybe she couldn't even wait that long.

So, we packed her up and took her to the emergency vet. When we got there, they checked her out and found she was severely dehydrated. They put her on fluids and ran some tests, and it confirmed the vet's suspicions of kidney failure. Apparently, she hadn't been eating or drinking for a few days, but since the dogs sometimes get into her food, no one noticed.

Being nearly 15 years old, the vet wasn't surprised to see her with kidney problems; he said that they're the number one "old cat disease." Still, it didn't make me feel any better about her problems going unnoticed.

After talking about all the options, it was agreed that euthanizing her was the best option. It was very hard on the whole family, especially my daughter (whose cat it was, and who is 500 miles away at college). We kept all the test results and X-Rays so that we could show her when she comes home in a couple of weeks, so she can understand everything and dispel any doubts about saving her cat.

Polly was an unobtrusive, sweet feline who mostly kept to herself. Occasionally, she would try to get into your food, or you might find her sleeping in the linen closet. Mostly, you'd only notice her when she was rubbing against your feet or meowing for some love. I'm glad that she was able to have a loving home throughout her life, but I feel guilty too.

Being a dog person, I never really paid much attention to her (she was really more the kids' cat, and Matt was taking care of her while Brandy was away at school). I just hope that didn't contribute to her dying when she did. The vet told us that cats tend to hide their illnesses as long as possible, so we probably wouldn't have caught it in time to seriously prolong her life, but what if we had?

Man, this has been exhausting.

Thanks for listening, er, reading.

:(

The Rev

Rev :hug: . It sounds like you did everything you could, and I don't think being a dog person has anything to do with it. Hugs to your family as well. Lovely Polly...we'll miss you...

My condolences to you, Rev. I know what it's like to lose a cat. Regardless of your being a dog person or not, it's never easy. She will never be truly gone so long as you keep her alive in your heart and your memory.

Best wishes to you and your family. :)

Wow. Sorry to hear about this. My most beloved cat died while I was away at school, too. As much as that hurt, I have to think it was better than being there and having to make that decision myself.

:( I'm sorry you lost your cat, Rev. I can imagine how hard it must be on you and your family. It's never easy to lose a pet. Hugs. :hug:

My best to you and your family. It is never easy to lose a member of your family, whether human, canine or feline. Take comfort in knowing that they are watching over you, thanking you for the love all of you gave.

Oh Rev...I'm so sorry :hug:

Rev :hug:

she was an old kitty, and probably ready to go. She was loved and had a full little kitty life... RIP Polly :hug:

So sorry Rev:(

I'm sorry about Polly. And your vet is right. Oftentimes cats don't let you know until the end. That's what happened with my parents' cat. One day I noticed she was breathing harder than normal, took her to the vet and she died there three days later. It turns out she'd evidently been sick for a while but was still eating and acting like herself. And oftentimes outside cats will go off somewhere and die alone, intentionally it almost seems. So don't beat yourself up over it.

aw :(

I'm sorry Rev. Cats tend to hide their illnesses quite well and I know it's a big concern of mine that I'll miss something that's important but we can only do the best we can do.
Polly was 15 and lived a good long cat life. She'll be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you...count on it.

:hug:

Aww, :( I'm very sorry to hear about Polly, Rev.
:hugs:

I never forget why I love you people so much, but sometimes, it's STILL nice being reminded.

Thanks.

:sunny:

The Rev

Hey veg twin, I am so sorry to hear this. Even though you are a dog person, I'm sure Polly knew that you cared about her. I think it was great of you to keep all of the results for Brandy. Losing a pet is never easy. They are members of the family. for you, Anita, Brandy and Matt: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Thanks, Kitty Girl.

:hug:

The Rev

Sorry to hear about your kitty. :(

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Polly, Rev. :hug:

Aw Rev, I am sorry. It sucks having guilt on top of grief and whether or not it is justified has no bearing on how ****ty it feels. That was an old kitty. I hope you can let of any guilt because you did nothing wrong, and just keep remembering the pleasant things about her.

Take care. Give your family lots of hugs and pretend one of them is from me. :hug:

Awww...I'm very sorry for your loss Rev. :(

I'm sorry Rev :hug:

I'm sorry to hear about Polly. Rest in peace little P.

Rev,
I had to have my 17 year old Yorkie put down 7 years ago. I'd had her since I was 16 years old. It's an extremely tough thing to go through.
Considering her age, anything you did to try to prolong her life would have probably just prolonged her pain. You did the right thing.

Polly is an :angel: now

Thanks, everyone. It really helps to know that I have so many caring friends.

:)

The Rev

I'm soooo sorry Rev. :hug: :cry: