Today is a sad day

I'm going to be having one of my kitties put to sleep this evening, and I'm feeling very sad about it.

She's 15 years old and to be honest, she's been a very difficult cat to love. I've often referred to her as my "autistic" cat. She does enjoy being petted, but the minute you pick her up, she goes stiff.

She's always had potty issues, since a baby of not using the litter box reliably, which was tolerable when it was solid. For the past month, she's been having loose stools, which has not been fun. Because she's always had these issues, I've felt a moral obligation to provide a forever home for her.

In the last month, she's lost weight, stopped grooming herself, and had these potty issues. I decided that it's time to let her go peacefully before she deteriorates further. As difficult as she has been to love, I do love her and am finding myself in tears all day. My vet is the same one that didn't want to put down Noel the rat, but wanted to keep trying to save her. I really don't think that trying to help her and extend her life is really going to improve her quality of life.

I just needed to share with people who understood the loss of a loved pet.

*hugs* It's always a difficult decision. When we consider the last stages, we should consider whether we are prolonging life, or prolonging death. A big one for me is when a cat stops grooming...that often indicates that they have lost interest in even the most basic personal maintenance. It sounds like you are doing what's best for her. A gentle sleep at the end of a long life is the best gift we can give them.

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through today....it is a tough decision to make, but the your kitty will be better off....if you need anything just ask!

It sounds like you are making the right choice although I know it was a tough one.
I commend you for providing a home for a cat with potty issues, many people wouldn't do that.

Not much to say, just big hugs, Robin. I know how I would feel in your place... :hug:

Oh Robin, big hugs hun. Jess put it very well but doing what is in the best interest of our pets does not lessen the pain any. You and your kitty are in my thoughts.

Awwwwwww Robin! :hug: It breaks my heart to see you so sad. I wish I had the words to make it all better. I don't....but at least I have ears and big ol' shoulders. I'm always at the other end of the phone line if you want to talk. :hug:

Robin to make the decision to remove a beloved pet from our lives is one of the hardest decisions we will ever have to make. Take comfort in knowing that you shared your life for that period of time with an amazing animal. That you gave her hugs and scratches when she wanted them ,she found a loving home with you and you have given her what she was after. Letting her keep her dignity and grace as a creature of God is a blessing. They may be painful now but the good memories are what your cat would want you hold on to from the kitten playing with the Christmas ribbon to the content purrs on a rainy afternoon while sharing a good book like two old friends. I am a firm believer that animals go to heaven and just think when she get there what she'll tell God.

Kitty to God:"She did a good job."

comfort is a blanket provided by friends when the chill of life drives like nails.

:( *big huuugs*

Sorry you had to make such a hard choice but for the animal its best time comes when we can only do what is best for them tis the greatest gift one can give anohter to end their suffering in a humane manner when they no longer can deal with life and will just linger and suffer. Me and jo had to do the same with two of our cats she had for more then fifteen years a couple of years ago so we know what your going thru.Our prayers are with you in this hard time.

So sorry to hear about this. :hug: It's a really hard decision to make, I've made it before and it never gets any easier. :(

Sorry to hear about that, it is always a hard decision to make, she has had 15 wonderful years I am sure and now you are only doing what is best for her. :grouphug:

Thank you everyone for your kind words, cyber hugs, and loving thoughts.


I know it's the right decision at this time. On top of this, she is also diabetic, and I've been faithfully giving her insulin shots 2 x a day for the past five years. She has been a faithful friend!

I know how you feel i had put my kitten down this year he was run over by a car.... YOu are greatly loved and so was your cat, she will live on in your heart just like my Rascal. Maybe they'll meet up and be friends.... :oops:

Thanks once again to everyone - we've just returned from the vet. Dr. C gave Tyranny a shot of ketamine to relax her and make her feel good (ie, loopy) and let me spend 15 minutes with her. She was so relaxed, I had to look at her sides to see that she was still breathing. Then he came back and administered the medication to put her to sleep. It was very peaceful, and I got to hold her and tell her how loved she was while she passed. I was strong until she was gone.


It's been rough in the home looking at her favorite spots and not seeing her, but we have Diamond the dog and Chynna the other cat to give extra loving to.

Thanks for all your love and support, it means more than you'll know!

:( I'm really sorry to hear about your cat, Robin. But major kudos to you for giving her such a loving home and taking great care of her all these years. I'm sure she's had a wonderful life. :hug:

Aww, I'm so sorry Robin. I know that is such a hard decision to make, but I know you made the right choice. I can't tell you how much your dedication as a pet owner, just gives me warm fuzzies. No one could possible miss the love you have for your animals. Bless you, and I hope that you can take comfort in all the wonderful memories that you've had over the years. :hug:

Awww sweetie, I know how hard you agonized over this decision but I truly believe it was a loving gesture to give Tyranny a gentle and peaceful release from this plane of life. Our hearts are with you and Karl. I'm but a phone call away my friend if you need to talk.

When the time came for our beloved cats I found this prayer...it comforted me...I hope it can do the same for you.

A Parting Prayer


Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

I'm really sorry you're going through this, Robin. :hug:

I'm really sorry to hear the news Robin. :( Tough but the most humane decision to have made.

So sorry Robin..... :( It's never ever an easy thing.

Sorry about your kitty. I know that had to be hard for you.:(

i am sorry about your cat, and glad you have the courage and wisdom to realize her quality of life, and are letting her go with some dignity. it is a very unselfish thing to do.

i am putting my dog down next week, of over 13 years. he is the son i never had. i understand you pain. best wishes......

that sucks. sorry :(

:( :( Awwwww Robin, I'm soooooooo sorry!!! :hug: :hug: :hug: It's very hard to say good-bye to a life-long, furry friend, but to have to make that choice as you did, doesn't make it any easier.

Hugs and loving prayers, tears and condolences for you and your family!!!! :tears:

Shedding tears for you as it reminds me of Stripe and Peekaboo, but keep it in your heart that you helped her have a long and healthy life despite her potty problems, diabetes and other issues. You gave her love, attention and a caring home. She's out of pain and you'll be able to see her again some day. She'll be waiting across the RB for you.

Love and prayers,

RuLyn