Question:
We had to end our 18-year-old male cat's life last November. Originally, Topsy was my daughter's cat, but she moved to Australia and I became Topsy's caregiver and have adored him ever since. He was howling in pain and could not move his rear legs or walk. My son held him while I drove in a snowstorm to an emergency vet hospital recommended by our veterinarian. They told me that if it were their cat, they would put him to sleep. I believe it was the best decision.
What haunts me is the fact that neither my son nor I were with the cat when they gave him the euthanasia solution. We did spend some time with him prior to that -- they had administered pain medication, his eyes were glassy, etc. Did our cat feel abandoned? Also, when do you recommend bringing another cat into our home?
P.L., Minneapolis, MN Aug 09, 2009
Answer:
This acute, painful and terrifying malady in cats is not uncommon. It may seem like a stroke, but in most instances, there is a blood clot in the major blood vessel in the hindquarters. This condition (called thrombosis) can be treated with some success if the clot is not too large, but considering your cat's age and the minimal chances of recovery and likelihood of recurrence, the decision to euthanize was appropriate.
I am glad that he was given pain medication and deeply sedated. In that state, he would not have felt abandoned when the euthanasia injection was administered. My sympathies go out to you. Any time soon would be a good time to adopt a healthy cat from your local shelter.
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