Vanity: I have a dilemma regarding my cat

self | 6/28/06 | Huntress

[mupcat]

Oooooops that'll teach me to read the whole thread or at least the last part. I'm sooooo happy for you and Norman. May you both have a very long life together.

[A CA Guy]

If you can afford it, then pay the extravagant price for the kitty, if you can not, let it try to get by without the surgery and know you did your reasonable best.
If the kitty were living in the world and not your home it would have already died.
You've probably already given the cat a good life considering what has happened, so no matter which way you go, you are going to be OK.

Don't spend the money unless you have it to spare.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Glad to hear your kitty is doing better. I had an old abyssinian who was, for me the perfect cat. I didn't have to face the dilema you originally posted, but I would have paid any amount to keep him around a bit longer (assumoing he wasn't in pain).

[Ditter]

You are getting advice to spend the money and try and save the cat and advice to put it down. All I have to say is, it is not cruel to put a sick animal down, it is a kindness. Some things to consider, is the surgery guaranteed to fix the problem and save the cat? Will spending the money on the cat hurt you financially? how will you feel if you spend the money and the cat doesn't recover?

[betty boop]

It hurts when you do that, but it gives you better closure.

I agree. Plus the beloved pet appreciates it.

I had to put down a particularly beloved little friend, at age 16, diagnosed a year before with incurable feline squamous-cell carcinoma. She had been suffering for a while, but not so much that she didn't want to live anymore. The day came, however, when she "told me" she'd had enough. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to bear. But i was there for her, and able to help her at the end of her life -- simply by loving her, and petting her, and speaking my love to her. And she let me know she appreciated it.

[U S Army EOD]

Yes, I had that happen also. When Peaches went, she just put her head in my hand and that was it.

[Huntress]

I brought Norman home this afternoon. He is doing very well, and is obviously glad to be home. He hates being in an unfamilar place and the staff at the vet's office all remarked about how stressed and combative he was. He is now out on the screen porch watching the birds and is quite mellow.

Thanks again for all of your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

Huntress

[Huntress]

Could you please re-ping your kitty ping list? Several folks on this thread were asking for an update, and I just posted one. Thanks.

[Slings and Arrows]

Re-ping - update at #187.

[kitkat]

When faced with this dilelmma, I've always had to remind myself of several things.

1. I gave my pet a good life and made him happy
2. If I hadn't adopted him, he may have faced euthanasia as a tiny kitten, or puppy.
3. If you elect to have him put down, you'll be able to give another pet a good life. Somewhere out there is another kitty who is hoping for adoption.

(And I water up just thinking about putting one of my pets down, but sometimes you just have to.)

[Jet Jaguar]

My boys are happy Norman is home again.

[paulat]

I would like to know the diagnosis before delivering an opinion.

[RepoGirl]

Huntress!

Excellent news! Norman (I keep thinking about Norman the cow from City Slickers "Noooooorman... helloooo...") will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery.

[Quix]

Congrats for you and Norma! Prayers for full recovery.

[Battle Axe]

About 6 years ago Miss Peach ate some string and got it wrapped around her tongue and intestines. We live in a weaving studio, so there is plenty of string. She would only eat the stuff off one shipment that smelled like vinegar. I tried to watch her and would grab it out of her mouth, but she was sneaky.

When the vet discovered what the problem was, the bill would be $245.00. Boyfriend had thumbs down. But I gave the boyfriend a dirty look and took Miss Peach in for the surgery. The vet would not guarantee a positive outcome as she said the x-rays showed a huge blockage.

Miss Peach is still here, fat as ever, boyfriend calls once in a while. We used up all that shipment of fabric and she hasn't eaten any more.

But the ball of string in her intestines was so large that the vet keeps it in a jar as one of her trophies.

Miss Peach is 9 now. She sits beside me in the recliner and we watch Nascar.

[counterpunch]

As the voluntary owner of your cat, you are obligated to tend to his well being to the best of your ability. It is both a moral and ethical imperative. You chose to have a cat, in good times and bad, and you are the sole custodian with ful responsibility.

Only a Democrat would "cut and run" when the going gets tough or the bill comes due. That kitty is depending on you, don't let him down.

[Mercat]

so is this the cat who attacks anyone who walks in the door? I like the advice about the really good bottle of wine and the great new kitty. I'll even buy you the bottle of wine. L, MERCAT

[BunnySlippers]

I am so happy you chose the path that you did.
Get well, Norman!

[az wildkitten]

So glad Norman is back home and doing well. My prayers for a continued recovery.

[OSHA]

I recently had to put my dog down. I might have been able to save him but the vet couldn't even give me an estimate of the cost or his chances. Rather than put my family in a financial bind I let him go. It hurt but it was the right thing to do.

Hope this helps...