Is your intent to have her die at home - that is, are you essentially doing palliative "hospice care"? If so, I think you might recognize that her system is shutting down. Not wanting to eat and drink, and losing control over where she pees and losing control over her bowels are additional signs. Have you checked her heart rate, has her body temperature lowered under 100 degrees F.? (If her paws are cool to the touch, it could be a sign of her slowing heart, too, the lowering of body temperature.) She will have a harder and harder time ridding her body of toxins, too, and the smell from her cancer in her mouth could be stronger. She will not want to eat. I hope she is not in pain. Please try not to be sad or shout at her, she is a valiant fighter! I understand your loss, believe me, and how much of a struggle this is. I know your heart is breaking. Hug her and love her and please see that she is not in pain at the end.Bad day today!
She wasn't willing to eat, though she somewhat told me she was hungry. I think this syringe feeding is to her more a torture than a sustaining mean. When I sit her on the chair to start the feeding procedure she often squats in a defensive position. This morning she didn't want to swallow the food I was pushing into her mouth, I was sad and desperate, I lost my temper and shouted at her.
Her tongue is disappearing down her throat. After she had half of her tongue removed she was still able to eat and swallow her food with the syringe, but in the last days her tongue has become shorter and shorter and gives her no more aid in the swallowing process.
Furthemore she has developed a rather unquenchable thirst. I give her water with a syringe several times a day. During a meal I give her at least 30 ml of water, then during a day I shot some water into her mouth as often as I can. But she goes to the water bowl anyway and tries to get some water by biting it.
Could this be one side effect of the life-long therapy with Metacam?
Having a blood test done is the last thing I would like to do to her. She's been tortured enough in these last months.
Then she has started doing pee and poop outside her litter tray. At first I had found some excuses for her, but in the last few days it happened in moments when she was more than able to reach her tray. This morning she stepped into the tray then she walked out and pooped two metres further.
Are these signals of something wrong?
Mia, apart from what I wrote, all other functions are still working. I think I should see other signals in this case.
Antonio,
I think her system is shutting down. She has fought the good fight but I think she is telling you to let her go.
I know how hard this is for you. Perhaps she will perk up but I doubt it. If you feel she is suffering badly
maybe it is time.
Hugs for Lola and your family,
Mia
MollyBlue,
I'm sorry Lola is having a rough go of it. I am not a Vet so this is just random thoughts. Pooping outside the litter tray could indicate constipation, or pain when pooping... and I think that could be attributed to pain meds. I think maybe increased thirst could be too. Not sure about the peeing outside the box when she was able to make it... poor Alex cried to be taken to the box to pee even when she couldn't stand anymore... So anyway, I also am not sure about how heavy duty the pain meds Lola is on are, and if they are strong narcotic, she could be really high. You will have to decide for yourself if feeding her is a benefit or a punishment. And I think Lola will let you know. As hospice care for her giving her fluids when she wants them is kind.. having a dry mouth sucks, but if the food is just prolonging the suffering and you feel okay with stopping it, you will know bests when it is that time. Alex would look up and sniff her favorites when we put them in front of her, but then she would look away and not eat them. She just decided she was done. And of course by that time, she was already weak from her illness and from not being able to eat as well in the months leading up to that point, so it went pretty quick, but each hour was excruciating... We struggled with are we doing the right thing... but in our hearts we knew there was nothing else we could do. Will be thinking of and praying for you and Lola today.
Yes, I give her some fluids once a week, but they were very useful in the past, now it seems that they give some problems in the hours that folllow.
I am so sorry it's come to this. I have to agree with the earlier post. Maybe she's trying to tell you something. Do you have sub fluids to keep her hydrated? I am so sorry it has come to this. Sending you prayers and hugs and flinging my arms at the universe in fury.
I'm so sad for your Omelette, so sad.
God bless you for doing the best you can for precious Lola.I lost my kitty Omelette to cancer on Jan 27.In her last days she ate a very little after seeing the vet,and stopped altogether.
...
Only you can decide what you will want to do.I could not put her down. I had no strength to do it.I let nature take it's course.You will know what to do when the time comes.Hear what the vet has to say before you decide. I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Hug Lola all you can.Sending hugs out to you and her.
PushPurrCatPaws,Is your intent to have her die at home - that is, are you essentially doing palliative "hospice care"? If so, I think you might recognize that her system is shutting down. Not wanting to eat and drink, and losing control over where she pees and losing control over her bowels are additional signs. Have you checked her heart rate, has her body temperature lowered under 100 degrees F.? (If her paws are cool to the touch, it could be a sign of her slowing heart, too, the lowering of body temperature.) She will have a harder and harder time ridding her body of toxins, too, and the smell from her cancer in her mouth could be stronger. She will not want to eat. I hope she is not in pain. Please try not to be sad or shout at her, she is a valiant fighter! I understand your loss, believe me, and how much of a struggle this is. I know your heart is breaking. Hug her and love her and please see that she is not in pain at the end.
I give her around 100 ml of water each day with a syringe. A she gets some water from the wet food.
I wonder if she needs a smaller amount more frequently? My heart kitty angel Floey got 75ml every day instead of 150 every other day. Some cats get 50ml at a time. I noticed in my girl she got hungry after fluids but I don't remember if she got slower.
I think someone else noticed this with her cat. If your cat isn't drinking water on her own she will need more fluids. generally it's 150 ml a day is around the daily fluids required to keep everything going. Wet food can be included in this since wet is what 75% water? I hope you guys can find a happy medium.
At this tage I don't think she is ready to go, she's too present and interactive, she follows me around, greets me at the door when I come back from work. She asks me to get outside, enjoys my cuddles and purrs me back.I know Lola knows all you are doing for her is out of love. And I have no doubt that Lola loves you unconditionally and in no way resents anything you have done for her.
It's a difficult time for you, it's never easy letting go. Lola will let you know when the time is near and you will know in your heart. Your brain might be telling you other wise, but your heart will ache as never before, and you'll know you need to brace yourself as you make your final goodbyes.
The only advice I can give you at this point is, cherish every moment, be strong, look into her eyes - talk to her and tell her how much you love her and how much you've enjoyed her company - keep her close, let her find peace and comfort in your arms.
Be strong my friend, we are all here for you. Lola has touched us all - please know you are not alone
Warmest regards to you and your family as you approach this next stage in your journey. Your friend, Hope
Lola is doing rather fine, she's eating slower lately, but I presume this si due to the fact that her tongue has almost disappeared and she has trouble swallowing.
Antonio,
How is sweet Lola today?
Hugs,
Mia
Artiemom,
Antonia, You have not posted for a bit.. I am not having good thoughts about that..
Please know you are loved, Lola is loved.. we are all here for you...
You have done and are doing the best you can....
((((((hugs))))))