Advice on dying cat

StephyTheobald

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Hi there, wondered if anyone on here can offer any advice, my cat molly, is 20 years old and on 8th June the vet said she had cancer, tumours under her chin! The vet said we would get days and possibly weeks out of her and sent her home with pain relief!
All this time later she’s still going strong, she’s eating and drinking walking around and being very loving, she has never sat on my knee in 20 years but suddenly started doing it!
The vet said not to worry unless she stops eating, but the last few days I’ve noticed a change, she’s very wobbly on her feet, is eating but not as much and just generally looks ill, she doesn’t look like she is in pain, I can’t bring myself to put her down if there is a chance she isn’t in pain, but what happens if your cat dies at home? She’s sat next to me now purring really loudly, so I assume from that she’s still ok! I just don’t know what to do! Any advice welcome especially of how to deal with it if she goes at home! Thank you
 

klunick

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I haven't had one go at home since I was a kid. We just buried them in the backyard. Since being an adult, I always had to make the decision to put the animal to sleep. Got to the point where quality of life was diminished and I couldn't bear to wait for them to pass on their own. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I was at this stage earlier this year and it was agonizing.
 
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StephyTheobald

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I haven't had one go at home since I was a kid. We just buried them in the backyard. Since being an adult, I always had to make the decision to put the animal to sleep. Got to the point where quality of life was diminished and I couldn't bear to wait for them to pass on their own. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I was at this stage earlier this year and it was agonizing.
Thank you for your response, I’m sorry you had to deal with that too! I just don’t know what to do for the best! 😞
 

klunick

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Thank you for your response, I’m sorry you had to deal with that too! I just don’t know what to do for the best! 😞
You will know when it's time. The hardest part is wanting to keep them around longer.
 

Talien

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If your Cat is being more affectionate and purring more than normal, it's probably because she's distressed and/or in pain and is looking for comfort. There is no such thing as "ok" with cancer, I know this from both pets and family members dying from it. The difference between people and Cats is a Cat will hide their pain until it's so bad they just can't anymore.

If she's having trouble walking it's getting near the time when you have to decide whether to end her suffering, or keep her alive longer for your own sake.
 

neely

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If your Cat is being more affectionate and purring more than normal, it's probably because she's distressed and/or in pain and is looking for comfort.
I completely agree. :agree:

Right before our last cat was diagnosed with cancer, (on a compound pain med), she laid beside me with her head on the pillow while still purring. My husband said, "she's saying her goodbye." :bawling: It's a very difficult decision to make but one that only you can make for her. A very wise friend once told me, it's better a day too early than to let her suffer in pain. No one wants to make this decision for you but we all feel your pain and can understand what you're going through. Please take comfort in knowing that you have our full support and we'll be here for you when the time comes. Thinking of you.:grouphug:
 
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StephyTheobald

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If your Cat is being more affectionate and purring more than normal, it's probably because she's distressed and/or in pain and is looking for comfort. There is no such thing as "ok" with cancer, I know this from both pets and family members dying from it. The difference between people and Cats is a Cat will hide their pain until it's so bad they just can't anymore.

If she's having trouble walking it's getting near the time when you have to decide whether to end her suffering, or keep her alive longer for your own sake.
Thank you for your reply! Your right, this is the hardest decision ever to make!
I completely agree. :agree:

Right before our last cat was diagnosed with cancer, (on a compound pain med), she laid beside me with her head on the pillow while still purring. My husband said, "she's saying her goodbye." :bawling: It's a very difficult decision to make but one that only you can make for her. A very wise friend once told me, it's better a day too early than to let her suffer in pain. No one wants to make this decision for you but we all feel your pain and can understand what you're going through. Please take comfort in knowing that you have our full support and we'll be here for you when the time comes. Thinking of you.:grouphug:
thank you so much! She’s been in my life for so long! I’m not sure how I’ll cope! I’m sorry you went through the same thing x
 

vince

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I never had one of mine die at home, but Mom and Dad's last two both died of natural causes at home. Dad just picked the cat up, packed the body in a bundle and took it to a nearby cemetery where they operate a small crematorium. Mom and Dad had both of their cat remains interred in a little pet cemetery they have on site. You might check if someplace near you offers similar services. Most veterinary clinics around here also offer cremation as a third-party service.
 

Tagrendy

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I'm so sorry, but cat purring is not necessarily a sign of being ok, cats purr when in pain as well in order to heal themselves.
 

fionasmom

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I am sorry that you are facing this. It is extremely difficult with cats to tell if they are surviving or in pain and even all these years later I do not necessarily think that I understand either in every case.

It is worrisome that it is cancer, assuming that under the chin might mean oral (?), and that she is weaker, purring, and eating less. Looking ill, for a cat, can mean pain as they turn it inward.

You evidently gave her a wonderful life for her to have reached such an old age.
 
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