Knew This Day Was Coming

[furmonster mom]

Loki has been battling kidney and liver issues for a few years now.

Lately, he’s been slowly losing the use of his back legs. He quit jumping up on the bed (but still made it onto the couch and chair), and struggled up and down the stairs. The last day or so, he’s not gotten up on the couch or chair, and has refused to walk the stairs. He was still eating, but peeing and pooping outside the box.

Today he is not staying upright at all. I put him outside for a few minutes and he peed laying down. I carried him upstairs to eat, but he did not seem interested.

This is tough. He’s the last of a litter born into our family 19 years ago, and he bonded to me from the beginning. I was hoping he’d make it to his 19th birthday in just a couple weeks, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

 

[Furballsmom]

Oh, hon, I'm so sorry

 

[furmonster mom]

Thanks

Right now I’m procrastinating. I know I need to make the call, but damn…

He still purrs for me

 

[FeebysOwner]

Would there be any value in having blood tests run to see where his numbers are? Maybe up the dosage of any applicable meds? Perhaps, having a vet check him over to see what might be some options to try?

 

[furmonster mom]

Thanks for the thoughts, but his values a year ago were already high. We honestly did not expect him to hang in for as long as he has. He is already maxed on Milk Thistle (silymarin) and Niacinamide. I’m giving him a little appetite booster and pain meds. At this point there is not much more we can do. Anything more would just be prolonging the inevitable.

He did finally decide to eat; took an hour to get through about 75%, which is better than expected. Then he actually made it down the stairs on his own. So, today may not be the day, but I also know I shouldn’t wait much longer.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I guess the only way I have known how to better weigh the options is when the relapses are much longer and outweigh the rebounds, which become shorter and shorter. You know about rebounds and relapses, I am sure. There is no easy answer any way you look at it.

My heart goes out to you. 19 years is a very respectable life for a cat, but that doesn't make it any easier. Feeby's life span, who is nearly 18+yo (don't know her exact birthdate), doesn't make any difference when it comes to knowing I will lose her. Sometimes, and I hate to say this, when they get to be this age, and they are so much a part of our lives, it makes it all the harder.

 

[neely]

So, today may not be the day, but I also know I shouldn’t wait much longer.

I'm so deeply sorry, this is the most difficult part of sharing your life with a much adored pet. Every time we have had to make the decision my husband says he can't go through this anymore but then somehow another little furry friends finds it's way to our house. Thinking of you and sending special thoughts to both Loki and you.

 

[furmonster mom]

Today is the day

I had made an appointment for next Tuesday because I was hoping to have my vet, who we have a 20 year history with, do it. There’s been a lot of turnaround the last couple years, a lot of new people that don‘t know us. But both the vet and the long time tech are out on vacation, and won’t be back until next week.

Unfortunately, Loki can’t hold out for another week.
Last night he could barely stand or walk. This morning, he walked a little outside, but peed laying down. He hasn’t pooped in a couple days.

So I made the call this morning, we’ll be going in this afternoon.

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[fionasmom]

I am so sorry. You are doing the best thing for Loki to let him go now if he is suffering.

Please remember that we are here for you.

 

[lunasu]

I'm really deeply sorry about Loki. Tears dripped down my face when I'm typing.
Both of you tried very hard to stay together for each other, I think that is the most important thing.
You are always there for each other.
I'm terribly sorry that you have to let go.

 

[neely]

My heartfelt sympathies go out to you. I'm sorry your vet and longtime tech could not be there but you did what was best for Loki as much as it hurts. He was such a handsome boy, thank you for posting his pic. He is at the Rainbow Bridge now and no longer in pain.

 

[furmonster mom]

Thank you for the kind condolences.

Loki earned his name fair and square since he was a kitten. He was also known as ”Butthead”, and in true butthead fashion, as we were spending our last moments with him, he head-butted me then nipped my arm, leaving a little mark.
Still, he went gently in my lap, resting his head against my chest.

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[FeebysOwner]

I am so sorry. I have had trouble commenting on this, as I know all too soon this will be the destiny of Feeby. I will try to take consolation in your memories/experiences, as they apply to so many of us. I was also so moved by your pic of Loki, so sweet and serene. I just want you to know what you already know; you are not alone.

 

[AbbysMom]

I'm so sorry.

 

[Mighty Orange]

It's the hardest call we have to make. I hope the best for your family, and may your love for loki get you through the grief.

 

[artiemom]

I am so so so sorry...(((hugs)))

 

[furmonster mom]

It's the hardest call we have to make. I hope the best for your family, and may your love for loki get you through the grief.

It is
They just don’t have the lifespan that we might wish for.
Loki is the seventh that we’ve been through this with. Lifespans have been from 11 to 21 years. Loki hung in there longer than expected after his kidney diagnosis, and I’m grateful for that.

 

[WMM201]

furmonster mom , I am sorry Loki had to go, always too early, but not a moment too soon for his little body. You gave him the best crossing over the possible, with so much love. This handsome boy will always be with you and your family.