Update: Our cat has been put to sleep

[brooklynite]

Last edited Sun Jan 30, 2022, 02:00 PM - Edit history (1)

He's 17 and had health problems, but started to fail last week; stopped eating, increased frailty walking and jumping and increasingly vocal. We were going to spend the weekend with him and then take him to the vet to be put to sleep, but he got into the basement and has crawled under the stairs where we can't get to him. I worry he's going to dehydrate over the next couple of days and we won't have an opportunity to save him from the pain and say goodbye...

UPDATE: We were able to coax him close enough to the hole under the stairs so we could pull him out. We stayed with him and his favorite curling up sweater and then took him to the vet.

First time in 20 years we'll have no cat in the house. We usually tried to overlap them, but Tigger was too set in his ways to accept a change in the household.

[Phoenix61]

1. I'm so sorry. Is it a space a child could get into? nt

[brooklynite]

4. Nope, big enough for a small animal.

[Duncanpup]

2. So sorry

Can you put out food water

[brooklynite]

5. He's stopped eating; I put water down but he won't come out.

[Duncanpup]

7. Hopefully

If he gets thirsty you can get him good luck and I understand on losing furry family

[mnhtnbb]

10. Open a can of tuna and see if that will get him out

so you can comfort him as he passes.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. I'm so sorry. They do this. They often go off to die. He's sparing you the pain, I suppose.

He'll go into a coma and hopefully will be peaceful and pain free.

The best to you all...

[samnsara]

18. dying animals wish to be left alone....

..i agree, leave the water and the tuna and a blanket. Keep him comfortable..hes doing what he needs to do right now.

(((hugs)))

[Wicked Blue]

6. Poor kitty

I hope he comes out and has a peaceful, painless passing with you holding him.



So sorry

[lark]

8. Best wishes to you and your cat.

Our neighbors' cat hid in the ferns when she was dying and he might be essentially doing the same. Maybe if you went and sat on the stairs near him and talked to him, it would comfort him and he might come out? End of life is such a difficult time emotionally, good luck!

[Walleye]

9. It's so heart-wrenching. You have my sympathy

[NanceGreggs]

11. I have had several cats ...

... who hid themselves away in order to die.

I've come to believe that they do so not to ignore those of us who love them, but to spare us of the pain they're passing will cause.

[Yorkie Mom]

12. I'm so sorry.

This is brutal. It's so hard when they get old and we have to make these decisions. I hope he decides to come out. (((Hugs)))

[Bluethroughu]

13. Maybe bring a sweatshirt down there and push it into the hole, so you are holding him from a distanc

[Donkees]

14. You might try removing a stair tread with a pry bar

https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-Stair-Treads

[Bayard]

21. That sounds like a good idea

You don't want him dying under there where you can't get to him. Take the step off now so you can hold and comfort him.

Peace to you, and your good old guy. You gave him a good life.

[LisaL]

15. Can you put some water and food down there, so he can get to it in case he does want to

eat or drink?

[barbtries]

16. I'm so sorry.

It is said, including more than once in this thread, that cats go off to die away from their people. If he's doing this, I hope more than anything that he emerges before he passes. I'm sorry you have this sad dilemma.

My cat was failing and I had decided to put him to sleep on the Saturday, but I had to order a cat carrier. It was supposed to arrive on Friday and was delayed for whatever reason, so I didn't do it. On the Sunday morning, we were sleeping as we always did, with him tucked into my neck, when he made a noise I had never heard from him. I got up, holding him, and he died in my hands. Do cats know more than we think they do?

[duhneece]

17. I'm so sorry. I wish I could help.

I’m grateful for your sharing

[Baked Potato]

19. Our last kitty of 15 went and hid and passed.

We put some water and her favorite tuna near, but she ignored it pretty much.

[femmedem]

20. I'm so sorry, Brooklynite.

It's so hard to know the best time to bring them to the vet. Don't blame yourself; you've given him a wonderful life.

[FoxNewsSucks]

22. I'm sorry to hear this

Dogs and cats are the best, most loyal family there is. It's always terrible when they go.

[LoisB]

23. That is so sad. I am very sorry. I hope you can coax him out somehow.

[Maraya1969]

24. He is probably at peace just like so many animals and people are at this time

It is us; those left behind that project our own distress on them.

I am so sorry for your heartache and I completely understand it and your desire to "fix it" for him. I like the tuna fish and a towel to keep him warm idea.

[Raven123]

25. Sorry for your pain. Wishing you both peace.

[Cozmo]

26. I'm so sorry. Animals isolate themselves during this time.

I know you want to be with your cat at this time to share your love and say goodbye, but this is what our animals do. Your cat knows of your love and please take comfort in that. Understanding your cat's behavior is your final act of love.

[highplainsdem]

27. I'm so sorry, brooklynite. As for getting the kitty out from under the stairs, I agree with the

suggestion above of removing a stair tread.

You might also try seeing if your cat might respond to the voice of a visitor he particularly liked, in case he might come out because he's surprised they're at your place. Possibly someone you could reach on the phone who could call the cat. Or even a recording. Many years ago I had a cat who would always come running if I played a tape of my niece and nephew singing Christmas carols. Another cat always responded to my mom's voice during phone calls when Mom was in a nursing home.

[llashram]

28. have you tried catnip

sometimes works...always a sad time to lose a furbuddy...

[BlueIdaho]

29. My heart aches for you and your kitty.

May your cat pass peacefully and may you find peace.

[paleotn]

30. Just awful. I'm so sorry.

Poor kitty kitty.

[Phentex]

31. Hugs!

It hurts but sounds like you are doing all you can. Take care.

[cayugafalls]

32. A last final gesture of respect. What a Noble Warrior he must have been.

He does not want to burden his pack with his death.

May his final journey be one of peace.

[mzmolly]

33. I'm so sorry.

It's so difficult to say goodbye to our beloved pets, and to watch them decline in health. I hope you'll have an opportunity to get him to the vet as planned.

[Solly Mack]

34. I am sorry this is happening to you.

I hope he comes out and you can say goodbye.

[Deep State Witch]

35. My sympathies

I just had to put our 18-year-old cat, Cosmo, to sleep for the same reasons.

[area51]

36. I'm so sorry.

I just lost my 15 year old cat to a stroke.

[patphil]

37. When ill or dying, cats have a tendency to find some place to hide.

If you have to open up your stairs to get your cat out, I suggest you do so.
It would be better if he died with you, and not alone, both for the cat and for you.

[Niagara]

38. I'm sorry to read this.

Unfortunately, our beloved family members have instincts to hide from predators will they're sick or injured. Provide some favorite foods and water close by, he might not eat or drink but he knows it's there for him.



In the meantime, prepare a list of things that you might want to keep of your cat, for example we had our last cat cremated and those ashes came back to us in a wooden cedar box; we keep this wooden cedar box on an end table in the living room.


Start printing and framing photos of your precious boy. Also, ask the vet or cremation provider for inked paw prints. We have several inked paw prints of our deceased cats in frames displayed in our home.


I wish you and your family better days ahead. I know how difficult this can be.

[Big Blue Marble]

39. I would suggest you see if you have a hospice vet in your area to advise.

Check the website Lap Of Love. Their vet here has been a godsend during the last days of
my 3 cats who have died in recent years. The vet will come to your house and assist you in
helping your cat have a peaceful passing.

[cate94]

40. I'm so sorry

[Karadeniz]

41. This sounds exactly like my Marie a few weeks ago...she'd lost a ton of weight and didn't

have muscles left. Strangely, she was still eating, but it didn't do any good. They tell you when it's time. Try to remember what a good life he had!

[milestogo]

42. ...

[pandr32]

43. Awww--they leave us too soon.

[calimary]

47. They sure do...

[momta]

44. We have a couple of 17-year old cats right now.

Litter-mates. They're slowing down. We see it coming like a freight train.

So sorry for your loss.

[calimary]

45. Awwwwwww... I'n so sorry. Been there and suffered that.

My husband calls it “looking for the river.” We’ve had a few cats who did that. Crawling in behind the commode in the bathroom and hunkering down. They were weak and tired and depleted by then. They weren’t getting better, no matter how we tried or what we tried. We finally had to take each of them to the vet - for “that one last time”…

Heartbreaking. You love ‘em and they grow and get old and eventually start heading downhill toward failing.

I know that heartbreak all too much.

So hard to say and hard to do, but when that dreadful day comes, try to think that you’re ending the suffering of a dear little friend, and sending your kitty to the Rainbow Bridge where lots of new friends are there already. And your little sweetheart will be giving you a last gift: creating a new opening to give a loving home to a new little one who needs it.

We have three young cats. But as I write this, my heart aches to think that’ll eventually be what we’ll face, yet again.

Your little love will be releasing you to eventually rescue a new little one in need of love and confort exactly like yours. Just as you did with this one.

[IbogaProject]

46. So sorry

So sorry. But glad you were able to coax him out. Their instinct is to hide weakness, injury and they flee when they get like that.

[Vinca]

48. I'm so sorry. It's the hardest thing to have to make that decision, but you always

know when the time is right. I've always found the house feels empty when there's no cat around, but it was for the best.

[wendyb-NC]

49. So sorry for your loss

They leave an indelible place on your heart. !7 years is a long time for a pet, he must have been well loved by you.

[llashram]

50. I'm glad

have had a cat in the household since 1975...understand the heart tug loss.

[aocommunalpunch]

51. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm very happy you had the opportunity to spend his last time with you in comfort and attentive love. The void they leave behind always seems bigger than it should. Hugs and love at you, brooklynite.

[Marthe48]

52. My deepest sympathy

You did the right thing for him. My best friend says they will let you know when they are ready. He lived a long life, with people he loved and who made it a good life.

[MeNotThatKindOfOrc]

53. (Huge Hugs)

[George II]

54. Sorry to hear that, it's never easy. But you made the right, albeit tough, decision. Unfortunately..

....pets can't tell you how they feel. No doubt he was very uncomfortable and in pain.

I won't take the focus off him with our own story, but when we lost our cat about ten years ago it was the only time in the 30 years I've known her that my wife broke down and cried.

If it's any solace, you did the right thing.

[PatrickforB]

55. I'm so sorry. We had a 19 year old tuxedo who was dear to me.

He was a soul-cat for me. I loved that cat and it tore my heart out to put him to sleep, but he just couldn't go on.

So, I get the pain you're in and wish you the best. In the meantime, there is another cat out there who needs a forever home with a good, loving family. I hope you find that little furry fellow. He's waiting for you.

As to the precious baby you just put to sleep, he has crossed over the rainbow bridge. He will be waiting for you.

[Backseat Driver]

56. You have my deepest sympathy; losing a fur baby is so heartbreaking.

Be comforted (((hugs))) in that household silence.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

57. I am so sorry for your loss

It is hard to say goodbye to a family member

[Donkees]

58. Farewell to Tigger 💙

[Coventina]

59. {{{{{hugs}}}}}}

[Ocelot II]

60. So sorry - it's really hard to lose a loved animal friend.

R.I.P., Tigger.

[Fla Dem]

61. I am so sorry Brooklynite. Tigger crossed the Bridge with him forever in your hearts..

[Kali]

62. had to make that decision myself this week, too fast and on the fly

sweet Lupe the illegal Mexican dog. started having convulsions Tuesday night. Wednesday morning vet said very unlikely she would survive or have much quality of life. it is hard.

[electric_blue68]

64. Oh, dear, so sorry for you & Lupe.

[Kali]

65. thanks

[electric_blue68]

63. So sorry for losing your fur bud Tigger.

[Piasladic]

66. Glad you did the best thing for him

I am sorry for your loss.

[DashOneBravo]

67. ...

[ProfessorGAC]

68. Bummer!

We've had to do it, too!
It's a drag. Take care. Both of you.

[MineralMan]

69. Sorry. That's hard.

We had to do that with ours this month, too. Hate that!

[highplainsdem]

70. I'm so sorry, brooklynite. I've had to say goodbye to 4 senior cats in the last

19 years, two who were nearly 17 and two who were a few years younger but dying of cancer. It's always hard. When I lost the last one, it was the first time in 35 years that I didn't have a pet here.

You gave Tigger a good, long, love-filled life. And I believe there will be reunions.

[hamsterjill]

71. I'm sorry for your loss.

They take a part of our hearts with them when they leave. It takes courage to help a friend, and I’m glad you were able to allow him to pass peacefully.

As a cat rescuer, when the time comes - and only YOU will know when that time is - I hope you will consider opening your hearts to one that needs a home. So many do, and your old guy will approve.