I think my cat is dying

[carbonel]

I forgot to give Gandalf his thyroid medication when I got up, so I went to give it to him after I came back from exercising. He wasn't in his usual place on the upper left corner of the bed. Instead, he was half buried in a sheet on the floor, with his head and shoulders inside and the rest of his body sticking out.

He didn't have the usual muscle tone, and his breathing was a bit raspy, though that could have been because his face was buried in the sheet. He didn't seem to be able to walk properly. I picked him up and cuddled with him on the bed for a while, but then he wanted to get down. He definitely can't walk properly, but it appears to be overall weakness rather than a stroke. He can shuffle forward. He's had cataracts, but now he doesn't seem to be able to see at all.

I took him to the litter box, but that didn't seem to be what he wanted, and then I took him to the kitchen and tried to tempt him with cat treats, which he totally ignored.

For a while he wandered around the kitchen, until he bumped against a paper bag. Now he's trying to shove his way into the bag, which isn't working very well because a) the bag is standing up and b) the bag is full of stuff. But he seems very intent on it.

I suspect what he's really looking for is a secluded place to die. I'd rather he stayed with me, of course, but I don't want to make him any more uncomfortable than he already is. And since it's the weekend, if I decide he's come to the end of the road and I want to have him euthanized, I can't take him to Dr. McMenomy, but there's still the U of M.

He's 18 years old, and he'd been doing well after he started with the hyperthyroid medication (for an elderly cat, that is), but I think this is it.

I'll miss him terribly.

Comments

[tournevis.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

I'm so, so sorry. Oh, Gandalf... ::Hugs::

[pameladean]

Wah. I'm very sorry. He's such a great quirky cat.

The U is very, very nice to people who have to have their cats euthanized -- we ended up taking Minou there because the Kitty Klinic didn't return our call in time. But it's still very sad.

P.

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Sympathies. I hope he goes peaceably.

[webbob.livejournal.com]

My most profound commiserations to you and best wishes for whatever comes next for Gandalf.

[dhole.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. Sympathies.

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

[ckd]

I'm so sorry.

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

[tanac.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. He sounds like a great cat.

[redbird]

I'm sorry.

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. This reminds me so much of the day our old Mickey (about 16-17) died. He didn't seem to be in distress, and it sounds as if Gandalf isn't, either, which is good. I'll be thinking about you today.

[gerisullivan.livejournal.com]

My heart is with you.

[moondancerdrake.livejournal.com]

HUGS!!!

If it is his time to go, may he leave peacefully knowing how much he is loved.

[daedala.livejournal.com]

My condolences. This is so sad.

[the-shoshanna.livejournal.com]

I"m sorry. I hope things go easily for him.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

I remember when you got those kittens. I'm sorry.

K.

[laurel]

I'm so sorry.

[yarram.livejournal.com]

*plaintive mew* I hope it all goes as peacefully and painlessly as possible for Gandalf.

[beadslut.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

[buttonlass.livejournal.com]

Oh no. I'm so sorry.

[badger2305.livejournal.com]

Dear Beth - I'm really sorry to hear about Gandalf, and I hope you aren't beating yourself up about the thyroid medication. Eighteen years is a respectable age for any cat, and you should remember all of the time he's been with you and loved.

[parsleigh.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I know how that goes. My 19 year old cat died in our arms while we were waiting for the vet to euthanize her. That was much better for all of us, I think. Hugs.

[1crowdedhour.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. He's a wonderful cat. You've taken such good care of him for so long. My sympathies.

[jenett]

Oh, so sorry.

[davidschroth.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. I've enjoyed my infrequent interactions with Gandalf, and I'll regret not having the opportunity for future interactions.

[lydy.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. I'm so sorry. I like the silly cat. Even if he did try to beat me up when I helped you move furniture.