What would you do 5 months after terminal diagnosis?

[debodun]

I think my cat Adam is starting to feel the lymphoma that was diagnosed in July. The vet said there's really nothing to be done and anything she'd advise would only be palliative measures. He is sitting all hunched up and won't move even when I get out the catnip. I haven't seen him eat or drink in the last three days. He also looks like he's lost weight - his back legs look thin and I can feel his backbone when I pet him. I don't know what to do - I hate to see him like this. If I take him to he vet, she will probably only recommend euthanasia, then I feel like I've betrayed him and that I am selling him short if this is just some temporary funk. I hate when things like this happen around the holidays. I lost one other cat in 1988 the week before Christmas.

[AppleBr]

Rip ,Adam

[Jade59]

I am so sorry for your loss.  RIP Adam.  Hugs to you, debodun.

[Piparskeggr]

Yes, it is a roller coaster.  I hope you do have a good Christmas with Adam and your family.

[debodun]

Adam is having a bad day today. I've been finding hard little pieces of poop around that are not in the litterbox. He vomited twice this morning - just white foam. Then for a while he was under the bed and crying. Now he is on top of the bed all hunched up.

[debodun]

Sadly, I had to have this cat euthanized. Yesterday afternoon he was so weak he couldn't even stand up. I knew than it was time.

[Piparskeggr]

It IS the hardest Act of Love we do for them.  My condolences.

[Jade59]

Hello.  Opus gave you excellent advice.  I am so very sorry to read about your dear Adam.  I'm going to attach a link for you to read that provides what to look out for when it's 'time'.  I found it to be informative and a great comfort (knowing I was doing the right thing) when I had to make that hard but loving decision for Jade two years ago.  

I know it says 'home euthanasia', but please don't panic; that's not what I mean to convey.  There are many articles within that site, and I thought the 'quality of life' one might be of help.  I know it helped me.  

Please keep us posted.  Hugs.

http://www.homepeteuthanasia.com/is-it-time/quality-of-life

p.s. Years ago, my sister found her kitty hunched over the way you describe Adam is.  She was having trouble breathing.  

[Piparskeggr]

We lost our dear, sweet K Sisters to intestinal lymphoma, Kestrel in June 2012 and her younger sister Hildiekatt in June 2014.

Unfortunately, you are describing how both of them acted, which had us ask the vet to perform the Final Kindness.

It is a heckuva bad memory for this time of year, but kitty is not really here any more, in my experience.  I'm deeply sorry.

[debodun]

Adam had seemed better the last few days. He would eat some dry food and drink water if I brought it upstairs (he hasn't been downstairs in a week where I usually feed my 2 cats). He is even lying in what looks like a more comfortable position - on his side and not hunched up. But I've been reading up on lymphoma and some owners say it is a roller-coaster - some days they seem to perk up and the next day they are lethargic. This morning he just sat on the bed and looked at me for quite a while before I got up for the day. He seems to be losing weight by the day, though. I just hope he doesn't go on Christmas Day.

[opus88]

My goodness dear you are not giving up on Adam you've done your very best for him for months, but now he's telling you it's time, he's had enough and he is suffering.
It's time to say goodbye as hard as it is too make that final decision, it's what Adam wants....he's no longer enjoying any quality of life. I know how hard this is, all responsible pet parents understand, but it's what we do for them out of love....please don't prolong his suffering he's ready...xoxox

[debodun]

It more difficult with animals who can't tell you where or how much they are hurting or whether they want to try palliative treatments or just have it over with. They also don't know that your trying to help them by forcing pills or liquids down their throat. I don't know how old 16½ is in human years, but I've never had a cat who lived to be more than 18. If I had to say, my guess would average about 14 for all the cats I've ever had that died a natural death. One was only 2, but he was hit by a car. Now I keep them all inside.

[debodun]

It more difficult with animals who can't tell you where or how much they are hurting or whether they want to try palliative treatments or just have it over with. They also don't know that your trying to help them by forcing pills or liquids down their throat. I don't know how old 16½ is in human years, but I've never had a cat who lived to be more than 18. If I had to say, my guess would average about 14 for all the cats I've ever had that died a natural death. One was only 2, but he was hit by a car. Now I keep them all inside.

I was hoping he'd last at least until Christmas so I could have just one more with him.

[opus88]

When a cat is no longer interested in eating or doing things they once loved that is a good indication they are suffering, I understand how you don't want to let go and wish to hang on just a bit longer....believe me I've been in that spot too, we do this for our sakes and not in their bests interests. He's showing you he's ready, for his sake please listen <3