Sad Time Coming for Us!

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi everyone!

It looks like our cat is going to have to be put to sleep. He is losing control of his bladder and we are sure he has diabetes since he weighs about 28lbs! He is 12 years old as well!
Pat is having a tough time with this as she loves animals very much and gets really attached to them. I may get my son and take the cat for a ride up into the mountains and say "Good-bye" to him.
He has brought us alot of enjoyment and love over the years and wish he could live another 12 years but there are to many other signs of him going down hill!
Man just typing this is getting to me a bit and I thought it would not happen! I guess my feeling just don't show like Pat's feelings! Just thought I would share!

Man! I hope I never lose Pat because it would be unbearable!

[Junkzoo]

Johnny, i know where you are coming from,,had to make that call a few times in my life also,,,,can't write down here words to make it better,other than you all will know the "right time",,,, .
in my experiences,it was tough ,,,but i look back at all the great times that was had by both humans and canine(s), i like to think the experience made me better by having them in my life, and hopefully mine in theirs,,, it's never easy,and i'm not sure i'm offering anything in the way of comfort or condolences. just wanted to let you know i feel your hurt, and my prayers are with you, Pat and your buddy,,,,,

can tears short out a keyboard?,,,,,,,sniff

[ShirleyM]

Hi Johnny,
I'm so sorry to hear this. We went through liver disease with our 8-yr old cat and it was just way too early for her -- she was a solid black super smart, loving, perfect cat in every way. It ripped the boys and me to pieces, and we found a good place in a beautiful woods on friends' property to put her.

She's only one of a few we've had to lose...and it's just never easy at all -- Like Jeff said, there are no words, but the feelings are sure strong for our pets.

My heart goes out to you and Pat.
*hugs*
Shirley

[Brooke]

Very sorry to hear that Johnny. I hope you and Pat can find some peace in your decision. It's been about a year since we lost our cat Tuesday to kidney failure. We miss her lots. Hugs for you and Pat!!!

[cath]

((((((((((((((((((((((((Johnny & Pat))))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry!! Our biggest hugs to you!

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Thanks guys for your condolences!
My son called me this morning while Pat is still sleeping and we discussed the issue. He said he was more than willing to take the cat for a ride for us! Great kid I got there!
Anyways I told him that Pat and I discussed it some more and we may take him to the vet and see if anything can be done to help him. I really think we owe the cat the best possible chance to remain with us! Don't want the wife know I'm so sensitive!
Well I just got off the phone and there are a couple of vets in town that will make house calls as our cat has never been in a car or outside much either. I left messages so hopefully we will get a vet to pay a visit.
I think we will feel much better if we know for certain that there is no help for him. Thanks for reading!

[Junkzoo]

Good to hear Johnny,,,,,
it's best to explore your options, b4 you have to make the best decision for all involved,,,,
We are all with you on this,,,,

[Jeremy1973]

Big hugs to you and your wife Johnny. I hope the vet is knowledgable and full of wonderful insight! My cat lived another 5 years thanks to my mom's faithfulness and vet tech knowledge.

[Darkfrog]

My last 28lb. cat patient finally got to about 18lbs with appropriate diet and insulin. He became more spry, and almost got to the point where he could groom himself along his back. He finally sucumbed to cancer.
Talk to you vet about Purina DM canned diet and treating the glucose toxicity with low dose insulin, vs. trying to control the blood glucose with insulin.
In case your vet isn't aware, there is a good source for either pure beef PZI, or beef/pork PZI insulins. The PZI insulins were taken off the market in the early nineties. Cats tend to do better on PZI than human recombinant insulin since it is closer to cat insulin.
Good luck,
feel free to pm or email me if you want.
Ron

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Ron thanks so much for the info!
I talked to a vet today and she said it definately sounded like our cat has diabetes. She recommended we bring the cat in to the vet hospital for about a week for tests and get the cat regulated as far as diabetes goes and that he will probably need one or two shots per day. She said he should be shaved to get rid of the hair balls.
It will cost about $300.00 to get him back on track. My wife as much as she loves her cat is leaning more toward having him put to sleep or have my son take him for a ride in the mountains.
She thinks he may only have 2 or 3 years left and her reasoning has really surprised me as she loves animals as much as any person I have ever known!
So a decision needs to be made soon and hope it is for the best for all concerned.