Palliative care is all that's left for my beloved Kitty (mammary cancer)

[Grasswire2]

I've learned something important since seeing her tumor two months ago.

This. Shelter cats, adopted at mid-life, often were just spayed when the shelter took them in, and had spent half a life NOT spayed.

Alas, the mammary cancer rate is very much higher for female cats who were not spayed when younger.

My beloved Kitty, then eight, had never been spayed til she arrived at the shelter, and had lived with five other cats meaning that she likely had multiple litters............and was a ripe candidate for mammary cancer.

And here we are. If it isn't discovered very early, the chances of survival are very poor. And I won't put her through (or could afford) extreme means.

I adore her. She is extremely loving, kind and thoughtful. She is alert, aware of what's happening, keeping an eye on me. But beginning to refuse food. Tough times ahead, I know. Will have to act before too long.

I have buried many a dear cat who died in my arms. This one really hurts. We are such close friends.

[onecaliberal]

1. I am so sorry.... It's the hardest thing. 💔 Hugs.

[montanacowboy]

2. So sorry

we just lost our 22 yr old Orange Boi last week. Many years of happy memories and even though he went from old age it doesn't change the deep hurt. We never get over their loss.

[Deuxcents]

3. I can hear your pain in your words. I'm so sorry. These times are never easy 😿

[Hope22]

4. My heart goes out to you two.

She was lucky to find you along her journey. Hugs and love to you. 💗💗💗🙏

[CentralMass]

5. My condolences..

[Bayard]

6. I'm really sorry to hear that, Grasswire

I had not heard that before about shelter cats either. I'm actually appalled at how young some vets are spaying now--still kittens.

You have given her her best life. Good care and lots of love.

Can you get a high calorie nutritional supplement down her? Syringe it down her throat?

Most of us have been where you are now. We are here for you.

[2naSalit]

7. (((Grasswire2)))

[spooky3]

8. What a good kitty. You gave her a much better life. Nt

[Delarage]

9. I'm sorry

She was probably a very good mama and hopefully her kittens will carry her loving nature. Glad you found each other and that she was well cared for. It is so hard

[Grasswire2]

15. I am very sure she was a good mama and have often thought about those days for her as happy ones.

I had RSV this winter -- the respiratory virus. Very sick -- my daughter even had to help me out of bed. Kitty was right there every minute. If I felt miserable, she was right there, watching my face, paying attention to my breathing. Seriously. If I breathe oddly, she focuses on me. I've often thought that perhaps in her earlier life she lived with a person who had lung disease.

We laughingly thought when she was tending me during the RSV that she needed a little white cap with a little red cross on it. Nurse Kitty.

[JudyM]

10. So sorry.

Sounds like you’ve really blessed each other’s lives. Wishing you peace on this painful journey.

[radical noodle]

11. My heart hurts for you

You have given her the greatest gift... your love. I'm so sorry you will have to say goodbye too soon.

[DarthDem]

12. Oh, I'm So Very Sorry

She sounds like such a wonderful companion. All my very best to you and to her.

[PortTack]

13. Awh...that just sucks! So sorry it does really hurts to say goodbye to a dear friend pet!

[lark]

14. So sorry for your pain.

Our fur babies are so important to us. They bring us such joy and contentment but shine so bright, they don;t last for long - so sad.

[Duppers]

16. It's heartbreaking, I know.

Our "pets" are our family and dealing with ending their lives is crushing.

The kindest thing my late mother ever did for me several decades ago was to drive 400miles to take my 17yo Siamese to be put down. I was alone at the time and she knew and loved my Mernie too. We wish they could live forever.

What's your baby's name?

Sending hugs.