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ShazzieB

(22,246 posts)
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 12:32 AM 8 hrs ago

Willow is slowing down.

I haven't posted anything about Willow in over a month, and it feels like time for an update. Basically, she's sleeping more and eating less these days. She has less energy than she used to, and she's also lost a bit of weight, which makes sense with the appetite decrease. (Not a scary amount of weight at this point - she was a bit of a chonk to begin with - but it is noticeable.)

She still loves to get pets and snuggles, which we are happy to provide, and she enjoys getting frequent drinks of water from the bathroom sink, so we know she's not getting dehydrated. Mr. B and I both feel like she probably doesn't have a lot of time left. We talked about it the other day and agreed it might be time to say goodbye in a month or two. Maybe sooner, depending on how things progress. We'll see how it goes.

The thought of saying goodbye makes us feel sad, but as we watch her showing more and more signs of going down hill, we are grateful to know we will be able to call an end to things as soon as we can tell she's really not enjoying life any more. I really appreciate this group's support and will post again when there is news.

P.S. For anyone not familiar with what's been going on with our little lady, here are links to my last 2 posts about her:

Update on Willow - Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 1:45 am
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1161103946

Willow's trip to the vet (3rd attempt) - Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 10:13 pm
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1161103966

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Willow is slowing down. (Original Post) ShazzieB 8 hrs ago OP
So sorry. Enter stage left 8 hrs ago #1
Thank you. ShazzieB 7 hrs ago #4
Very sorry. Sounds like Willow is very loved Whyisthisstillclose 8 hrs ago #2
Yes, she is very much loved, thanks! ShazzieB 7 hrs ago #3
I'm so sorry, Shazzie. 🥲 sheshe2 7 hrs ago #5
The hardest part SuzyandPuffpuff 7 hrs ago #6
It's a hard thing to go through. byronius 6 hrs ago #7
I'm so sorry Laurelin 5 hrs ago #8
I'm glad and I'm sad. JMCKUSICK 5 hrs ago #9
Willow is in good hands. Dear_Prudence 2 hrs ago #10
I am so sorry, ShazzieB. I had a cat for over 20 years brer cat 29 sec ago #11

SuzyandPuffpuff

(417 posts)
6. The hardest part
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 01:51 AM
7 hrs ago

We know going into it that we may end up saying good bye someday. The joy they give us during their too short lives is immeasurable. Enjoy each moment

byronius

(7,920 posts)
7. It's a hard thing to go through.
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 02:52 AM
6 hrs ago

Cats are people just like dogs are people.

I always tried to focus on the time we spent together.

Laurelin

(777 posts)
8. I'm so sorry
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 03:35 AM
5 hrs ago

I've said goodbye to so many cats and dogs. I feel like it should get easier but it does not, ever, not even a little bit. You're doing your best for her and that's all you can do. All I can say is, despite the grief, they're worth it.

JMCKUSICK

(5,209 posts)
9. I'm glad and I'm sad.
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 03:38 AM
5 hrs ago

What a wonderful opportunity to say good bye somewhat on your terms. I hope it's a formal process for you guys in the sense that whether Willow has days weeks or months left, that you guys say those special things, cry those grateful tears, and enjoy that chill down your spine when she does that really cute thing and it flashes you back to earlier days and memories.

The most wonderful thing I learned from saying good bye to my friend Rory is that every minute spent saying good bye is creating the most special memories of them all.

Trust Me lol

Thank you for sharing your journey with us ShazzieB

Dear_Prudence

(1,058 posts)
10. Willow is in good hands.
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 07:00 AM
2 hrs ago

You are doing your best for her. It is good that you and Mr B can manage this together. I am so sorry that your family is going thru such a difficult time.

brer cat

(27,387 posts)
11. I am so sorry, ShazzieB. I had a cat for over 20 years
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 09:00 AM
29 sec ago

so I do know what it is like to watch them go down and try to decide the best time to intervene. When they don't appear to be in pain it is much harder.

My best wishes to you and Willow.




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