Have To Say Goodbye To My Coco Tomorrow

I found out my cat has FIV a few months ago, the vet suspects he has had it for a few years now but the symptoms slowly started showing the last couple of months. Ive taken him to the vet a couple of times when he was doing poorly and they give him a drip and some vitamins but a few days later he would get sick again. This past week he has deteriorated drastically, lost a bunch of weight and has pretty much just been sleeping all day. This morning I saw that he is struggling to walk, he walks a few steps and will fall over. He wasn't able to make it outside to relieve himself, which he has never done before and when I picked him up he meowed in a way that sounded like he is in pain. I made an appointment for tomorrow morning. At the moment I'm just trying to make him as comfortable as possible but I'm absolutely gutted. I have had this cat for 11 years and losing him is going to be very very hard. I'm also nervous about taking him in tomorrow, he hates going to the vet and I don't want him to be scared in his last moments, they said I would be able to stay with him but still...
Anyone who has been through this have any advice on how to keep him calm or just reassurance of the whole process, I'm imagining its going to be quite traumatic?

I am so sorry. Of course there is no way around the trip to the vet unless there is a vet willing to do this at your home. I know in this area there is a vet whose entire practice is home euthanasia but you have to make an appointment well in advance.

The euthanasia itself won't be traumatic for your cat. If you want to hold him while he passes they will put in a catheter otherwise he will need to be laying on an exam table and you can be beside him and petting him. Most vets now use two shots. They will give him a sedative so that he goes to sleep and then the euthanasia med. It will be quick and peaceful. I just had one euthanized almost two weeks ago. I didn't know that he had passed until the vet listened with a stethoscope and told me that he had passed.

He is a handsome boy. He will be free of his failing body but of course you will miss him terribly.

Of course it will stress him out, but deteriorating into a world of nothing but pain is worse, and you can't let that happen to that sweet boy. You could call the vet and see if they can come to your house, or even ask for a sedative that can be given before the vet visit. Make sure it is in liquid form, or an injection, which is much easier to give.
You will be entering a world of pain and grief. There is nothing you can do to prepare yourself for it either. We try, but until you actually go through the process it is uncharted territory to our heart. Somehow you will find this last act of love that lies deep inside of you. You will find the strength through the love you have for him. He is telling you it is time. Remember he would NEVER want you to be so sad because of him, he loves you too much. just having you there is the greatest comfort of all.
Come here again and let us help you through the pain of a broken heart, it helps to have others to lean on. May the good Lord welcome your little one with open arms, may He bring peace to that valiant little heart, and healing to your own......

Thank you for your kind words, I know its the right decision, he is obviously in pain and has very poor quality of life at the moment. Its just hard knowing that today is the last day I will be with him, Ive been through alot the last couple of years and this cat has always been there for me. I cant imagine not having him around anymore, my hearts already breaking just thinking about tomorrow. I've just been sitting with him most of the day so he knows hes not alone. I've asked my dad to come with me when I take him tomorrow to make it a little easier. At least I know he wont be in pain anymore, its hard to see him like this as well.

My heart and prayers are with you.....

I am so sorry that you are facing this, there is no easy way to go about it, you just seem to trudge ahead and do it, but you are doing one last, loving favor by your kitty by ending the suffering, and know that he will be relieved to leave his pain ridden body and will be whole again in his next life.

"Their last breath on Earth is their first breath in Heaven"

I pray that God gives you all strength, Lord Bless you.....

It was much harder than I expected, I miss him so much, I know people say he was "just a cat", but he was my best friend and a piece of my heart died with him today.

NEVER "just a cat", he was your best friend, your confidant, your little boy....... My heart goes out to you for your pain, it can take your breathe away at times, it can fill your world. Try to concentrate on the good he brought to your life, the happiness, the love. Don't dwell on the end, it changes nothing and only brings on more tears.
He did take away a piece of your heart when he left, but he also left behind a piece of his. The bond of love you forged with him will be with you forever, not even death can take away something so strong because it is spiritual. Just remember he would never want you to grieve overlong for him, how do I know this? Because that is what love is and love wants only happiness and sunshine for the one left behind, the one he loves above all else. Just as you would want for him if you were the first to go.
He left behind a legacy of love. Use this and your precious memories to bring you comfort, and know in your heart he will always be near, his new path will always parallel yours until the day it crosses once more. You gave him everything in life he wanted, because he had you. He thanks you for that and will always cherish his time with you.
These coming days will be hard to get through, surround yourself with those who understand your pain and know we are here if you need to unburden yourself of the pain. My thoughts and my prayers are with you, I cry for your pain because I know it well. Take care...... RIP sweet little boy. You will never be forgotten and will forever be held in a loving heart. May the good Lord bless and keep you, until you meet again. Good night, sleep tight, little Prince!

Ravenrogue said:

It was much harder than I expected, I miss him so much, I know people say he was "just a cat", but he was my best friend and a piece of my heart died with him today.

Click to expand...

He took a piece of your heart with you today, but when you see him again someday it will be put back and you will be whole, just as he is now, no more pain or suffering, just fine now.....

I'm so sorry. There's no easy way to let go of our babies. When I lost my first cat I thought my heart was going to break in a million pieces. She was my best friend, too, and got me through some tough times. You will get through it, though, and as time goes on, you will have more fond memories than pain. My thoughts are with you. RIP, little Coco.

I am so sorry. It is so hard when we have to let go of any of them but it is especially hard when they are one of the very special ones. He wasn't 'just a cat' and everyone here understands that. It will take time and you can post here anytime with anything that you want or need to say.

I'm so sorry. I lost my little boy 9 days ago to IBD. It's so hard to say goodbye. I know no words I can say will make you feel better. Just know you are not alone. Each day will be new and different, some with tears and intense grief, but over time you will begin to feel yourself again. it just takes time.

I am so sorry.

Ravenrogue said:

It was much harder than I expected, I miss him so much, I know people say he was "just a cat", but he was my best friend and a piece of my heart died with him today.

Click to expand...

I know, nobody is ever prepared enough to what they are going to face during that moment, let alone how they feel afterwards.
Sometimes you will feel lke you can't breathe, sometimes your tears will flow unexpectedly. It could take weeks, months, years, to get over this pain.
For some people that moment may never come.
I'm still in deep pain for the loss of one of the most gentle cat I had ever know, he passed away in 2013, but I cry every single time I think of him.

Follow the avice of other members, they have been more helpful than me.
I just want to tel you that I'm sorry!

RIP, beautiful kitty, you're free of pain now.

Thank you for all the kind responses, it helps to know that there are people that understand how much these little kitties can mean to a person. He was a very special cat, he was very fearful when I got him as a kitten and it took many months, almost a year for me to gain his trust, but once I did we were inseparable. He followed me throughout the house all day just hanging out in whatever room I was in, he was my baby and we had a special bond. I miss him very much and will continue to do so for a very long time, I keep forgetting that he is gone, thinking that's its time to feed him or that I should open the window so he can go out etc. But even though its painful I'm still very grateful to have had him in my life, and I'm relieved that he doesn't have to suffer anymore, he wasn't himself the last couple of months when his health started deteriorating. Just before he went he rubbed his cheek against my hand like a final goodbye, but he looked at peace, and I just try to remember that, that he was safe and peaceful, I'm glad I stayed with him even though it was hard. My heart goes out to anyone that goes through this kind of loss, it makes it even harder because people don't always understand how profound the loss can be when you had such a special connection to a pet. I want to thank you all for understanding and for your support, your words really did help me feel better.

My heart is with you, it WILL get better in time.

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could offer words of wisdom that would in turn offer you peace, but I'll simply say we know and understand your pain. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Ravenrogue said:

It was much harder than I expected, I miss him so much, I know people say he was "just a cat", but he was my best friend and a piece of my heart died with him today.

Click to expand...

I totally, totally understand, and I'm so sorry for you having to go through this. I had to put my buddy down of 18 years back in late September, and I cried like I did when I lost my mother. three days later, out of the blue, I broke down in tears at a red light. our pets really bring lots of joy into our lives, and unfortunately, we will typically outlive them. they seem so innocent and pure, it's almost unfair how we have to say goodbye to them sooner or later. I literally had to take days off from work when I lost my German Shepherd of 16 year of age to that Hip disease they get. when Gunny was taken from me by the vet, all 265 lbs of me dropped to the floor when I heard his meow growing weaker as they walked down the hall. my wife did much better than I did... and I hate the times when they leave us. these two girls have given me lots of joy (and frustration!) so far, but I still miss gunny and still sigh when I think of him.