We are euthanizing our cat today.

17 years ago

We're taking our old cat to the Humane Society to be euthanized in a little while, and I'm bawling my eyes out.

Alfie is about 18, the best cat in the world. The vet says he's healthy, but in the last two years his weight has gone from 22 lbs to 9 1/2, and he is no longer using his litter box. I think it's just too hard for him to climb over the side these days. He is unable to go up or down stairs.

He's been a good member of the family, though. Very trainable. Neutered but not declawed, he learned not to sharpen his claws, not to jump on the kitchen table or counters, to stay out of the garbage, and most importantly, to stay out of our bedroom! Until this winter, he always greeted us at the door, happy to see us. Very gentle with our gkids, he let them climb all over him, seemingly enjoying playing with them, never once scratching or biting anybody in all these years.

I'm going to miss him.

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Comments (37)

trinitytx
17 years ago
I am so sorry for your pain. You have given him the best years of his life. As hasrd as it is, you need to know you are doing the right thing. It is so hard to watch them age and suffer with no longer doing the things he once enjoyed.

Trin
mcmann
17 years ago
That is so sad and you know you're doing what's best for your old friend. Just try to remember all the good years you had together and maybe that will help you.
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I too am sorry that you are once again approaching this point with another friend. My dog passed away at home 6 years ago. I anguished over the decision for the day or two when I realized she was leaving (she went rather quickly). Even a few hours before she passed away, she was trying to rally (at that point she was still taking herself outside to potty and eating a little too), I figured if we took her to the vet, she would fight to rally and I wasn't sure I would be able to go through with it. We struggled with the decision and in the end allowed her to lie on her own bed until she left. It did get a little difficult for the hour or two before she passed (which was in the middle of the night, so no help available at that point). Had we had access to someone who would have come to the house and done it, we might have, but I don't know because she was such a trooper, fighting until the end. I have second guessed this many times over the years, but in the end feel like we did the best we could with what we had at the time. The cat I lost last year was also a fighter. But things were slower with her and she got to the point that her circulatory system had begun to break down and her hind leg was immensely swollen over just one night. That was the final sign I needed. Despite being like that, she was still running out into the sunshine each time I opened the back door- up until about 2 hours before I took her to the vet. I took her because I was terrified as to what might happen next, and knew her time was already so limited. Her brother who died 4 years ago, had cancer. He just gave up one day a few days after his diagnosis. Once he gave up, I just couldn't make him go on like that. My vet has said when they stop eating, it is generally a good sign that it is time. He was having lots of problems with bloating and dehydration. He couldn't have been comfortable. I'll share what I've shared a number of times and it was about the first time we had a dog euthanized. It was an absolutely awful experience. No sedative, the vet just stuck the dog and she dropped where she was standing. She was watching me at the time. It was not the peaceful passing that I'd heard about from friends over the years. It was haunting and totally unexpected- I was just so unprepared for the process. In the vet assisted losses since then, I've always asked up front if they animal will be sedated beforehand. I would walk out the door and find another vet if one ever said they would not sedate the animal first. My current vet was shocked that a vet would do that, but I have heard it is not that uncommon. With my last two kitties, both were very well sedated, and then the vet did not give the final shot until I indicated I was comfortable and ready-- both those passings were so peaceful that I have no regrets. Our vet is also very supportive and understanding in this process, they never rush anyone to hurry to give the shot, or to finish up with their deceased animal's body and leave. I have been in there on occasion when someone can't bring themselves to leave the body and so the vet will bog down, working out of the other available exam rooms- but NEVER pressuring the person to leave. I love that about them. I have to agree that you will know when the time comes what to do. You won't let your friend suffer, even if that means making a tough decision one way or the other. (((HUGS)))
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yborgal
17 years ago
It's hard to find words other than "I'm sorry", and yet those aren't enough to let you know that I feel your pain and my heart breaks for you. You're doing something that we all dread having to do, but there comes a time when we have to be unselfish and do what's best for our companions.
lindyluwho
17 years ago
I'm so sorry. (((Kitty)))

Linda
FlamingO in AR
17 years ago
I am so sorry. I know the pain you're feeling and it's just gut-wrenching. I hope you're able to remember all the good times and smile when you think about Alfie, really soon.

I wish our pets would live as long as we do. It's so hard to lose them, they're family.
lydia1959
17 years ago
So very sorry. I have a 17 year old cat who is just starting to show her age... I know she won't be around for a whole lot longer.

((((Sherrmann))))
hale_bopp
17 years ago
That is so sad- I totally understand! Saying prayers for you.

Blessings,
Haley
mylab123
17 years ago
We had to do this with our 18 year old Lab about seven years ago - there still isn't a *single* day that goes by where I don't think of her - with a smile.

As time passes and allows the ache to lighten, your memories of your friend will keep your heart filled with joy for the place she filled in your life.
susanjf_gw
17 years ago
oh this was bad post for me to open today! dd1's first cat/pet of her adult life just passed suddenly...she was crying so bad last night i could hardly understand her...

(((sherrmann, and family)))
sandy_in_ia
17 years ago
I am so sorry...it is the hardest but best decision you can make. Hugs to you and your family.
monica_pa Grieves
17 years ago
So Sorry
grammahony
17 years ago
I'm sorry for what your having to go through. It's not easy. It sounds like my kitty Maggie I had to put down 3 yrs ago. She just kept losing weight no matter what we tried.
Leslie
matti5
17 years ago
I'm so sorry and I sure feel your pain. We had to euthanize our 12 1/2 year old black lab on May 5th. He was my best buddy, we were attached at the hip. I cry everyday. I still have his bowls in the kitchen and his dog bed is still untouched next to my bed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and sending a big hug.
linda_in_iowa
17 years ago
I feel your pain.
mrsmarv
17 years ago
(((Hugs))) to you and yours, sherrmann. I know how difficult this must be for you. Know that Alfie is depending on you to do what's best. He will love you always for your years together and for the care and love you gave him. My heart aches for you.

Nora
kim_okla
17 years ago
I'm so sorry.
Marilyn Sue
17 years ago
A big hug for you. I know how you must feel. He sounds like a very special kitty.

Sue
Granlan_TX
17 years ago
My heart hurts for you and your sweet Alfie..what a special cat and friend he's been. ;(

I have a senior, too; my Stash girl is about 17, is my little soul mate and one unique cat. Can't even think about facing what you are today.
donna_loomis
17 years ago
I know that you know you are doing the best thing for Alfie, but I also know how much it hurts to do it. I'm sending you a hug. We have an Alfie, too. He and his brother, George, are part of a litter we adopted a couple of years ago. I hope the pain subsides and although you'll never forget Alfie, I hope you store the best memories in your heart.
jel48
17 years ago
I am so sorry to hear about Alfie. I'm sure he knows how much you love him and will gently drift off to sleep. My thoughts are with you.
jennmonkey
17 years ago
I'm so sorry about Alfie. I feel like crying just thinking about it.
janie_ga
17 years ago
oh, so sorry, sending good thoughts your way
susan_on
17 years ago
I am so sorry. That is so hard to go through.
alisande
17 years ago
So sorry. This has got to be one of the toughest decisions of all time. I'm struggling with it right now with my two dogs.

I'm sure of two things: You've made the right decision, and you will be reunited with him one day.
clubm
17 years ago
I'm so sorry. I know how heart wrenching it is to lose our
pets.
LorifromUtah
17 years ago
I put Ern's old dog Ruby down last week.
I cried all the the way to vet.
As soon as I got there and knew she would be 'better' I stopped.

Alfie had a good life and a wonderful mistress who loves him dearly.

Lori
ronm80
17 years ago
I am so sorry. Just remember what a wonderful life you have given Alfie.
jannie
17 years ago
I am so sorry. Hope you will consider getting a kitten, not a replacement, but in tribute to your years woith Alfie. I've put so many feline friends to sleep. My current cat Whisper is one of the great ones. But she's losing weight, doesn't groom herself or use the litterbox. I know our days together are numbered.
bigbaby
17 years ago
That is such a tough decision to make. I still remember all the times we have done that and our dear pets dying in our arms. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done. My last two cats have died at home, though. Oscar, a good boy like your Alfie just died about two months ago. I'm still trying to decide to get another kittie yet or not.
sheesh
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for your kind words; they mean a lot to me. Yes, this is an awful day, but it was the loving thing to do. Thank you for reminding me of that.

Sherry
marilyn_c
17 years ago
Sherry, just now seeing this, and want to add my condolances.
He sounds like he was a wonderful cat. Thank you for giving him a loving home and being able to do the right thing when the time came. It isn't easy.
intherain
17 years ago
I am so very sorry! (((hugs)))

Sheryl
User
17 years ago
Been there so many times. It never gets easy. You love them so much but you're doing the last gift you can. I'm sorry for your loss.
lisa_fla
17 years ago
So sorry to read this. He sounded like the perfect cat in every way. It must be so hard to deal with. So sorry you are going thru this.
czech_chick
17 years ago
Just want to say I'm sorry.
Linda Wayman
17 years ago
I didn't see this yesterday. Sherrmann, I am so sorry. I know there's a lot of heartache and pain and it takes a long time for it to ease up, but it was a loving thing to do. Just remember Alfie was taken care of and was loved to his very last moment. Hugs to you.
Linda
orie
17 years ago
Oh gosh, there is nothing that will ease your pain except the knowledge that Alfie led a great life with you and you are ending his suffering. I'll pray for peace for you and your family.

We are euthanizing our cat today.

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