When is the right time?

[KrissyCat7]

My 19 year old cat is starting to have some serious issues. She has chronic renal failure and this weekend she started experiencing problems with her back legs. She has been in and out of the vet's office for the past two weeks. I know the end is coming and it's extremely hard for me. Everytime I even think about it, I break down.

How do you know when it's the right time? I don't want her to suffer but I dont want to give up on her.

[kam]

Describing her condition and her age, I would never ever say you're giving up on her. I'm so sorry you're being torn in this way.

I've said this before so if you've heard this forgive me, but my in laws were having problems giving up their very old and very sick dog. The vet told them to think of 3 things the pet likes doing (big or small). Once he or she can't do those things or has big trouble doing them, one by one, they are no longer living in peace and it is the time you should let them be at peace.

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time and I hope no matter what decision you make, you'll know that you are a good cat mom.

[May27JnJ]

My ILs had a hard time letting go of their 18 yr old Poodle. My MIL talked to me about it and the best thing I could say was...Are you holding on for him, or for you?

I'm sorry you're going through this. 19 years is a long, full life.

[KrissyCat7]

Thank you for the support and words ladies.

I have left this decision in the hands of our vet. I am far to attached to my cat to make a decision and our vet has been with us the entire time I have had Fluffy so I really do trust him. He seems to think we can manage the CRF and that Fluff still has fight left in her. We are taking it day by day but hopefully we will still have some good quality time together.

[ptcrn]

I'm so sorry you are facing this. It is such a tough decision, knowing when to let go. We had to put our little pug to sleep on Friday and it was the hardest decision I've ever made in my life. The situation was different, as he was only 6 years old and had a cancer that would not be treatable. But it is always tough, not knowing if you are "giving up" or if they do have some quality of life left.

I've said this before so if you've heard this forgive me, but my in laws were having problems giving up their very old and very sick dog. The vet told them to think of 3 things the pet likes doing (big or small). Once he or she can't do those things or has big trouble doing them, one by one, they are no longer living in peace and it is the time you should let them be at peace.

I totally agree with this. Once she gets to that point, it is better (for them) to let them go. I'm sorry you have to go through this.

[KrissyCat7]

Well Fluffy made it another 6 months from my first post. She has taken a turn though and we have an appt. to take her in this afternoon. My heart is breaking. This is by far the hardest thing Ive ever had to do. Please say a prayer for Fluffy...she has lived a good long life.

[diam124]

I'm so sorry KrissyCat - you and Fluffy will be in my thoughts.

[fuzzy]

I'm so sorry. Thinking of you and Fluffy.

[sdianems]

Ah, KrissyCat7, mine and my fur-babies prayers are with you, Fluffy, and the vet staff today...

[ignutzz]

You have my deepest sympathies.

[MLA]

Oh, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you and Fluffy. I hope her passing is peaceful and that you take some comfort in knowing that Fluffy was a lucky girl to have a cat momma like you.

[kindermom]

KrissyCat7, My thoughts are with you as you go through an experience that no furmama wants to experience. My deepest sympathies.

[cr8zyforaf]

My thoughts are with you and Fluffy as you go through this.

[jajacobsen]

I know this is small solace, but please kneo you gave Fluffy a wonderful, loved and full life. I have a 13 year old female cat with kidney disease, and while we do treatment, it is unlikely she will make it to 19. However, we will do the best for her as long as we can.

I think KAM had some really good advice as to how to tell when is "when." I 'll keep that barometer in mind when we have to make out own decisions with any of our pets.

[Cali*Girl]

Krissy,
It makes me tear up just to think of losing Toby. My thoughts are with you and Fluffy.

[KrissyCat7]

Fluffy passed in my arms today. We got to the vet and before they could do anything she looked up at me, took a deep breath and passed. I love her so, but I am at peace knowing that she is no longer in any pain.

I appreciate all of your sympathy and support. The world will be a little less bright without my Ms. Fluff Pants.

[ysolde]

I have tears in my eyes, but I know how comforted Fluffy was, dying peacefully in the arms of her person. I cannot think of a better way for any of us to make the transition from this life to the next.

[jajacobsen]

I'm sure you gave her a great life. We should all have the opportunity to die in our own time, loved and comforted.

[diam124]

I'm sure it was a tremendous comfort to Fluffy that you were with her every step of the way.

[mkredhead]

My thoughts are with you and Fluffy. As a PP mentioned, what comfort you must have brought her - knowing you were there with her each moment.

Peace to you.

[greenbunny]

I can't imagine how you must feel. The thought of losing my girls makes me sick to my stomach.

Please know that doing what was best for her, no matter how much it hurt you, is the most loving thing you can do as a furmom. No pet could ask for better.

[Purple]

Krissy, so sorry to hear about Fluffy but it was wonderful that you were there for her as she passed. I hope that you have peace during this time.

[Foley42]

My condolences as well. My heart goes out to you with your loss today. Thinking of you and Fluffy.

[rileyandfredsmom]

She knew you had let go when you got to the vet and that is what gave her the peace to go ahead....as hard as it was for you, she made the decision for you and that is a wonderful friend. You had an amazing journey, cherish it.

I will say a soft prayer for Fluffy tonight and for you as well. That you feel in your heart you are such a lucky person to have held a friend for so long and that you had the strength and courage to be there when that friend needed you the absolute most. You are an amazing person.

[kam]

I'm so so sorry.

[Hello Kitty]

Please know that doing what was best for her, no matter how much it hurt you, is the most loving thing you can do as a furmom. No pet could ask for better.

A thousand times, yes. Hugs to you.

[KrissyCat7]

Thank you all so much for all of the comforting words and support. This has been by far one of the hardest things Ive been through. It's been really really hard, but Im at peace knowing she isnt hurting anymore.....and it makes me happy to know that she is lounging in the sun in kitty heaven.

My DH and I decided that in Fluffy's honor we would go to the humane society and give another cat a chance at life. We ended up adopted two sister tiger kittens. They are so cute and very playful. It certainly has been a great distraction and Im excited to be able to give these girls a great life just like Miss Fluffy had.

Here are our new girls.

Kiera (AKA Trouble)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc39b3127cceb2117f36ee9100000026108AZt2TJy5as-
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc39b3127cceb26a9c5e4fea00000026108AZt2TJy5as-

Chloe (AKA Fatty)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc39b3127cceb2697db66f3e00000026108AZt2TJy5as-
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc39b3127cceb26a9c5dced900000025108AZt2TJy5as-


Thanks again. Your support has been a great comfort to me.

[HeatherFL]

Krissy, I am so sorry for the loss of Fluffy and I could not have worded things more beautifully than ysolde did. I adore Gio's kitty, and I don't know what he'd do if something happened to her.

You are wonderful for taking in two more kitties and giving them a good life.

~H.

[diam124]

Aww, they're sweeties. I'm sure they will bring you some comfort (and keep you busy)!

[jajacobsen]

I think that is wonderful. I know these kittems will enver erase your loss, but they WILL bring into your life (and a few headaches, I am sure!)

[rileyandfredsmom]

EEEEHHHHH, new kittens!!!! they are adorable and there is no better way to honor her memory. They have some pretty big shoes to fill!