Conference misery::feline_v1

    This is how I would look at it if my cat were 22:
    
    1) Kitty has control of bladder and bowel functions.
    
    2) kitty follows its own 'normal' eating and drinking habbits.
    
    3) Kitty is aware and alert, knows and reacts to the family as usual.
    
    4) Movement around the house is done without falling over things,
       or falling off chairs etc.
    
    With any pet I have had if I could answer no to any of the above
    I start to worry that somthing is wrong. If I can't find the cause
    I go to the Vet for advice.
    
    I have had both dogs and cats that in old age were overcome with
    their final illness. I have always been able to notice when things
    were wrong to the point that my pet was suffering. A good Vet will
    educate you.
    
    A Vet that is the kind of person who cares about and understands
    the bonds between people and their pets can tell you what to
    watch out for, or what to ignore. 
    
    Remember, Just like a person who has reached advanced age an old
    pet will have some bad days, will slow down, and without doubt have
    some aches and pains. In spite of that many dogs and cats live on
    happily without suffering.
    
    Kirk
     
    

    My step-grandmother just lost her cat who was almost 23 years old.
    He died of kidney failure, but he died in his sleep.
    
    I lost my Jesse James in February.  He was suffering from concurrent
    liver and kidney failure.  We put him to sleep cause he was in pain.  
    I didn't want to do it at first, didn't want to let go.  But, he had 
    to be hospitalized at the vet, and I went to see him and found him 
    to be utterly miserable.  His excitement at seeing me caused him to 
    have a slight seizure.  He and I talked it over and we agreed that 
    the end was very near and that we both wanted it to be painless and 
    quick.  I scheduled his euthanasia for the next day to give my family 
    members time to go and see him and say goodby.  Unfortunately, I was 
    not able to get there in time to be with him while he received his 
    injection.  He was not alone though, my mother was there with him.  He 
    had started to falter and I rushed to be with him, but since he was in 
    pain, Mom and the Dr. decided they shouldn't wait for me.  They were right.
                                              
    I think this is a very individual thing.  You have to weigh the
    circumstances and decide what is best for you and the cat.
    
    Jo

    I agree with Jo Ann, this is a very individual thing.  A month after
    Jesse James had to be put to sleep, my mother's cat had to be put
    to sleep.  She was having problems with her balance and could not
    walk without falling over.  She had been gradually having more and
    more problems over the last years starting with abcesses, arthritis, 
    etc. but until she started having balance problems it seemed that 
    she was able to continue to live a fairly normal life.
    
    The vet found polyps in her ears and a biopsy was done.  It was
    determined that she had cancer and that it was systemic (in other
    words it would spread).  Momma Kitty was quite old.  We weren't
    sure how old but my mother had had her at least 13 years (she came
    to her our house one day and just stayed).  Surgery really wasn't
    an option because of her age and because the cancer was going to
    spread anyway.  She couldn't be left the way she was cause she fell
    over everytime she took a step.  So, my mom made the decision to 
    have her put to sleep.  It was very difficult to do this but we
    know we made the right decision.  It was especially hard since we
    were still grieving for Jesse James too.
    
    I think you'll know when it is time.
    
    Jan

    A friend's cat had kidney failure, and the first symptom was
    drinking a great deal of water.  I don't know if this symptom is
    always present.  If kidney failure starts, the cat's diet can be
    adjusted to possibly help the situation (don't delay).  I believe
    I've heard of cats living to be nearly 30, in rare instances, so
    your puss may have several years left.
    

    I have mentioned my two Siamese in other notes, but they were 20
    an 24 when they died. They both looked good until about a week before
    they passed on. Then they deteriorated within a week. I think you will
    recognize when the end is near - especially when a cat reaches 
    his/her 20's. But just because a cat is old, don't make decisions
    too quickly.  Rely on your vet. He can tell you fairly well if
    the cat is in pain or not. Your cat may have several more years
    left. I was going to a vet who was treating 3-Siamese cats (not
    mine- because then mine were younger) who were 23,25 and
    26.
    
    

    My boyfriends mom's cat is 23 and they thought she had leukemia.
    They brought her to the vet and he said she was completely healthy and
    in no pain.  Over the weekend she started walking funny and does not 
    seem able to hold her head up.  She is eating and drinking and using
    her box normally.  Could the heat be bothering her(as it is us?)?
    
    I think they are again thinking of euthansia, however, they are having
    a hard time with the decision.

This doesn't sound like problems with the heat...maybe a trip to the vet?
It's never an easy decision, but the vet will surely help them make the
best decision.

    I think she plans on that(I spoke w/ her Friday and not since then).
    She was real upset and waiting for her daughter to come down and go 
    with her.
    
    

    Hanging the head down and walking funny has shown up twice in my
    household.  Once, it was loss of eyesight that caused it.  The other
    time it was an inner ear infection.
    
    Good Luck at the vets.
    
    Jo

    Jo-
    
    That sound possible.....Its weird, she was just given a clean bill
    of health weeks ago, and now.....

    I sometimes wondered if Peppermint knew what I was thinking.
    
    It's been a week since I wrote this note and I guess I must have
    esp.  My parents called me last night to let me know that Peppermint
    had died.  She had been off and on since last Friday and my Dad
    said he fed her before he left for work and let her out when he
    came home and she headed straight for the dog house.  He said her
    knew she wanted to be left alone when she crawled so far back he
    couldn't reach her.  He came back a few minutes later and she was
    dead.
    
    Thank you for your replies.  You were right, we knew when it was
    time.  I'm just glad it was short and she was able to go in her
    own time.
    
    I and my family are very upset.  After 22 years a pet is as much
    part of a family as any other living member. Grade school, high
    school, college, first love, first job, first apartment, marriage,
    divorce, moving away, and so many other life events no matter what
    Peppermint was always there.  She is certainly going to be missed.
    
    Cyndi

    I am so sorry about Peppermint.  Her time had come and she knew
    it.  You and she had many happy years together and you will always
    have those wonderful memories.
    
    Jo

    We're very sorry about Peppermint.
    
    karen, Sweetie and Holly and Little Bit
    

    I'm sorry to hear about Peppermint. It is wonderful to think she
    had such a long and happy life, and is part of so many memories
    for you. She will always live in your heart. And what a blessing
    that she went so quickly when her time came at last.
    
    Shayne (NZ)

    	I'm sorry to hear about peppermint.
    
    	Michele & Nippa
    

    I secretly hope that all my cats will die quietly in their
    sleep.  I know that's not very realistic, but it seems like
    the best way.
      I'm sorry to hear about Peppermint and am glad that she was
    able to die in her own way, in peace and in familiar surroundings.
    I remember how I felt when my parents put Lassie, our 16 yr old
    half-collie, to sleep.  She had been with me from age 9 to 25 and
    had seen me through some of the toughest times in my life.  I still
    have a lock of her hair.
      I've added Peppermint's name to our list for the Q1 Silver Lining
    Memorial Gift.  I hope it helps.
      Nancy DC
    

    I'm really sorry to hear about Peppermint.  She had a wonderful, long
    life, and you we're lucky to have shared it with her.
    
    Doesn't make it any easier, though...
    
    Our thoughts are with you,
    Mary and the brats