Posted on 06/28/2006 9:00:54 PM PDT by Huntress
Dear FReeper animal lovers:
I have a dilemma regarding my cat and could use some advice. I have had Norman the cat for six years and he is a very beloved pet and companion. He got sick this morning, and my vet says he must have surgery or he will die. Here is the problem: the vet quoted me a price of $1800 (yes, $1800) for Norman's treatment; this includes what he has already done in an attempt to cure the cat without surgery, the surgery itself, and care after the surgery. $1800 is a tremendous amount of money but still within the bounds of what I can afford (barely). If I pay for the surgery, it is going to hurt financially. If I have the vet put Norman down, I think I will feel guilty about it forever.
My parents and many of my friends think I'm out of my mind for even considering spending this much money on a cat. What would you do if you were me?
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.
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).
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?
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.
Yes, I had that happen also. When Peaches went, she just put her head in my hand and that was it.
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
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.
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.)
My boys are happy Norman is home again.
I would like to know the diagnosis before delivering an opinion.
Excellent news! Norman (I keep thinking about Norman the cow from City Slickers "Noooooorman... helloooo...") will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Congrats for you and Norma! Prayers for full recovery.
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.
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
I am so happy you chose the path that you did.
Get well, Norman!
So glad Norman is back home and doing well. My prayers for a continued recovery.
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...
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