I have a date set for PTS in 1 week and I am so confused

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Eve1231

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I know what you feel. My cat had highs and lows for several weeks, and every now and then I thought it was the end, but then she would get perkier, and I was grateful I didn't act hastily. We were together three more months since I started thinking it was over.
The highs and lows are so confusing. But I’ve not seen a low like the last few days. The lows are getting worse.
 

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The highs and lows are so confusing. But I’ve not seen a low like the last few days. The lows are getting worse.
Yes, there were moments when the lows were longer than the highs and I started counting the good days vs the bad days.
Unfortunately it's something that only you can see.
I stopped sleeping and eating because I was so distraught at this thought, then she would give me a few good days in a row.

I would ask the vet for a feeding tube, if possbile. My cat got her feeding tube a few days before she left me. We knew it was the end, there was no way out for sure, but I wanted to give it a try.
You could try it. It can be used long time, and if his liver hasn't been compromised beyond recovery, you could still save him.
 
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Eve1231

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When I take him in, whatever the outcome may be, do you think I should give him gabapentin for stress? It’s mild and I could give him just a little. I don’t want him to feel afraid at all at the vet.
 
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Eve1231

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Yes, there were moments when the lows were longer than the highs and I started counting the good days vs the bad days.
Unfortunately it's something that only you can see.
I stopped sleeping and eating because I was so distraught at this thought, then she would give me a few good days in a row.

I would ask the vet for a feeding tube, if possbile. My cat got her feeding tube a few days before she left me. We knew it was the end, there was no way out for sure, but I wanted to give it a try.
You could try it. It can be used long time, and if his liver hasn't been compromised beyond recovery, you could still save him.
I do think his liver was compromised. He lost 4 pounds in like 2 weeks. Every vet visit makes him more depressed and worse. Clearly I’m not sleeping as it’s 3am and I just took anxiety meds I never take. Plus I even started smoking real cigs again after 10 years ago quitting. I have to pull it together.
 

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When I take him in, whatever the outcome may be, do you think I should give him gabapentin for stress? It’s mild and I could give him just a little. I don’t want him to feel afraid at all at the vet.
Why should you make him feel worse and unable to recognize you?
Is there the chance you have your vet at home for this procedure? I called the vet over, I didn't want that the last thing my cat would see was a scary place.
 

Antonio65

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I do think his liver was compromised. He lost 4 pounds in like 2 weeks. Every vet visit makes him more depressed and worse. Clearly I’m not sleeping as it’s 3am and I just took anxiety meds I never take. Plus I even started smoking real cigs again after 10 years ago quitting. I have to pull it together.
Call your vet as soon as they open in the morning, and tell them what you see. They will tell you what the next step are. If you fear that your cat might feel worse in the weekend when nobody can help him, you could discuss it with your vet.
 
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Eve1231

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Why should you make him feel worse and unable to recognize you?
Is there the chance you have your vet at home for this procedure? I called the vet over, I didn't want that the last thing my cat would see was a scary place.
Oregon is having a big crisis with vet care. I tried to find at home vets and none are taking new clients due to Covid. My vet doesn’t make house calls. Most ERs here won’t even take new clients. It’s on the news. Worse part is due to Covid the vets come get them first from the car without you then bring them back to you. I won’t do the stress meds.
 
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Eve1231

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Call your vet as soon as they open in the morning, and tell them what you see. They will tell you what the next step are. If you fear that your cat might feel worse in the weekend when nobody can help him, you could discuss it with your vet.
I’ll get him in sooner with the thought to figure out what to do next.
 
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Eve1231

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I’ll get him in sooner with the thought to figure out what to do next.
I just have to prepare mentally for the worst and my gut tells me that’s coming. Each hour now feels like a bigger blow. My minds been so up down.
 
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I just have to prepare mentally for the worst and my gut tells me that’s coming. Each hour now feels like a bigger blow. My minds been so up down.
And all this time he’s stayed by my side sleeps by me, cuddles. But tonight he won’t leave his favorite back porch chair outside and I can’t sleep cause I think he may die alone out there. Maybe I’m overthinking it.
 

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Eve1231 I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I've been in the same position and I know how hard this is. You want to keep them with you for as long as possible but at the same time you can't bear the thought of them suffering and want to make their passing as easy as possible.

I've lost cats after a short, unexpected illness and I'm currently losing one who was never supposed to survive as long as she did. I've also had cats disappear and never known what happened to them.

Having the luxury to prepare yourself for the worst and then, once they've passed, knowing what happened and knowing where they are laid to rest is by far the best. Don't fear death because death is a part of life. Everyone that ever lived and loved will someday die. Going without too much suffering, with one who cares for you close by, is the best thing for your sweet cat.

Be strong for him and don't let him suffer too much. I think it's better to let him go while he is still relatively OK rather than waiting until he really is in pain.

Having someone to love us while we live and grieve for us when we're gone is the most any of us can hope for.

:hugs:
 

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You want to keep them with you for as long as possible but at the same time you can't bear the thought of them suffering and want to make their passing as easy as possible.
:yeah:
This is what I felt whan it was time for my Lola. I just didn't want her to go, but at the same time I couldn't stand to see her suffering.
I wanted her with me forever and her suffering to finish at the same time.
 
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Eve1231

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Eve1231 I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I've been in the same position and I know how hard this is. You want to keep them with you for as long as possible but at the same time you can't bear the thought of them suffering and want to make their passing as easy as possible.

I've lost cats after a short, unexpected illness and I'm currently losing one who was never supposed to survive as long as she did. I've also had cats disappear and never known what happened to them.

Having the luxury to prepare yourself for the worst and then, once they've passed, knowing what happened and knowing where they are laid to rest is by far the best. Don't fear death because death is a part of life. Everyone that ever lived and loved will someday die. Going without too much suffering, with one who cares for you close by, is the best thing for your sweet cat.

Be strong for him and don't let him suffer too much. I think it's better to let him go while he is still relatively OK rather than waiting until he really is in pain.

Having someone to love us while we live and grieve for us when we're gone is the most any of us can hope for.

:hugs:
Thank you for the supportive words. Usually I am stronger than this but just running on fumes being in survival mode a month now. I am very thankful I have had time to process this and prepare. My last 20yr old cat died with a sudden event that came out of nowhere. Brain tumor seizure. I had to make decisions in a state of shock. So many I regret to this day. Titus is just such a cool soulful cat to let go. The coolest cat I’ve ever known. His suffering seems minimal for what I know is going to get much worse soon. He’s eating some today and that makes it harder. I’m keeping my Wed date for now. At this point I have to trust his vet knows best because I am out of answers. 🙏🏻
 

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I was in your shoes two weeks ago. I ended up calling the vet in on Sunday to help me set my baby free.

My vet told me that I, as my kitty’s owner, would be the one to decide when it was time. She said not eating, incontinence, lack of interest in activities or people, clear pain or lack of mobility are all reasons to PTS. In my case, the lack of eating and drinking, some bowel incontinence and a vacant look in Brillo’s eyes made my hard decision possible. Like Titus, she was skin and bones.

Almost two weeks later I can tell you that I do not regret my decision. I miss Brillo like crazy, but am so happy she is no longer suffering.

I am sorry your kitty is so sick. I am also so sorry you are faced with such a terrible decision. You will know when it is time if you just listen to your kitty.

Hugs to you both.
 
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Eve1231

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I was in your shoes two weeks ago. I ended up calling the vet in on Sunday to help me set my baby free.

My vet told me that I, as my kitty’s owner, would be the one to decide when it was time. She said not eating, incontinence, lack of interest in activities or people, clear pain or lack of mobility are all reasons to PTS. In my case, the lack of eating and drinking, some bowel incontinence and a vacant look in Brillo’s eyes made my hard decision possible. Like Titus, she was skin and bones.

Almost two weeks later I can tell you that I do not regret my decision. I miss Brillo like crazy, but am so happy she is no longer suffering.

I am sorry your kitty is so sick. I am also so sorry you are faced with such a terrible decision. You will know when it is time if you just listen to your kitty.

Hugs to you both.
Thank you so much. 💕 Yesterday I was sure it was time and then today he ate a little more and seemed improved. But I’ve been here before and learned not to get my hopes up. He still goes to the bathroom and drinks water but is so scary skinny. He’s always been my husbands bestie which made me jealous 😆 but since he got sick he only wants me now and would not leave my side for long. But last few days he’s withdrawing from us. I keep trying to drag him back to bed with me, selfishly, to cuddle as usual and he leaves to his isolated spot. Sorry you lost your baby Brillo. I know I will be ok when once this is behind us. Just not ok going through it all day everyday feeling helpless. Its a mental challenge to be on guard constantly concerned with little sleep for so long. Hear a meow at 3 am and I’m up putting out fresh food and milk that doesn’t get eaten most times. On Wed maybe the vet will say give the meds more time to work. Likely not. I’m ‘almost’ ready for either outcome.
Thank you 🙏🏻
 
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Eve1231

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Updated pics. This is scary skinny right? Or is this normal after 4 weeks of thyroid meds? Does it just take longer to work? He refuses force feeding now. Will not open his mouth. But seems to be eating a little bit more.
 

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It's hard to tell by the pics how thin he really is. He actually doesn't look too skinny, but that could be just the angles. That is more a call on your part since you know what he looked like before. But, I am glad to hear he ate on his own!

Perhaps, the oral meds were just not agreeing with his digestive system and that combined with his lack of eating before he started the meds, it was just too much for him. With you keeping at it to ensure he was eating something, and the use of the transdermal meds at a lower dosage instead, perhaps he just needed some time to get 'back on track'.

Let's hope that is what it was, and that he continues to eat on his own!
 

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I'm sorry that you are in this place. End of life care is so hard.

I wanted to mention a resource that I found to be so helpful when my 18 year old cat was dying, and then when my 14 year old dog was diagnosed with bone cancer.

Brighthaven.org

There are lots of free resources on their site, but the woman who runs the organization is wonderful and does consultations. I had a consultation when my dog was approaching hospice care, and it was so so helpful.
 
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