We got some really hard news today. My cat, whose presumed 14th birthday will be next month, was diagnosed with cancer.

He presented with a loss of appetite and a bloated belly. Bloodwork, imaging, and a physical exam showed that he has fluid in his abdomen. Other causes of fluid in the abdomen, issues with kidneys, liver, or heart, were all ruled out via blood tests and the physical exam. That leaves one other explanation, and it's an answer we didn't want.

Captain is on palliative care, with anti-nausea and appetite stimulant meds. Right now, he's himself, and the meds they gave him at the vet's today perked him up. He ate half a can of cat food for them, and was looking for more, so we gave him more food when we got home.

I don't know how much time we have left, but I'm going to see to it that he has the maximum amount of quality time that we can achieve.

But I really, really hate that our innocent furbabies have to deal with the same blasted diseases as we humans get. It's just not fair.

So please send some prayers and healing energies in our direction.

Sending healing energies

Thanks!

I'm so sorry.

The anti-nausea and appetite stimulating pills did help him rally. He has had a string of really good days.

But now his appetite's off again. We have an appointment in the morning. I am going to have a heart-to-heart talk with the vet about what his prognosis is. If there are other ways to get him to rally again and have more quality time, I am open to it. But if we are out of options for attaining more quality time, I want to know that, too. I will do right by my kitty. But this is breaking my heart. Every pet person on here can understand how it hurts to be at this particular crossroads.

I wish our innocent pets never had to go through these things. All they do is make the world a better place by being in it.

But for now, he's purring on the sofa next to me, so I will revel in that.

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this issue. Maybe you can get some good news tomorrow and have more quality time with him before you have to give him the final act of mercy.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, when we went to the vet this morning, it became clear that we were right at the beginning of what was going to be the final decline. Though he was still alert, he was getting lethargic, his appetite was mostly gone, and he was showing signs of anemia (pale gums, paw pads, and nose). He was dehydrated, as the fluid was collecting in his abdomen again. Analysis of the fluid drained from his abdomen last week showed a lot of white blood cells, so his immune system was compromised. There were no obvious cancer cells in the fluid, but the appearance of the fluid led my vet to believe lymphoma was the likely issue.

So what we were facing was a few days where lethargy and sickness would increase, discomfort would escalate until it became pain, and the few days remaining to him would see a swift deterioration. No amount of palliative care exists to prevent this from happening or reverse the symptoms.

So, knowing that the only option was to have a few increasingly bad days, I decided the only thing I could decide. I could not let him suffer.

But my heart is broken today. I will miss him forever.

HUGS

I am so very sorry for your loss. You gave him the mercy of a peaceful passing and though it is the hardest thing to decide, it really is a gift to skip days of suffering. Your friend will always be with you in your heart

I am so sorry for your loss & suffering! Losing a beloved pet & friend is never easy-I know, I have been there & I still mourn some days because I miss them-If you have any questions I will do my best to answer them, it's up to you!