Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: suzi on March 10, 2007, 21:09:15 PM
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just sitting here with my mum and her cat who is 20 years old. Not sure if he is going to make it through the night. He has been worsening through the week and has lost a lot of weight. He hasn't eaten since Thursday. Cant stand or walk anymore, and my mum has been keeping him hydrated by helping him to drink small amounts of water. She has made him very comfortable and is getting a lot of loving from all the family. Is anyone able to give any guidance on how long we have left with him now. A very sad time for us, he is a much loved member of the family.
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I am sorry to hear this but why havent you consulted a vet?
I think he needs help urgently :'(
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why did you presume we havent. He has been to the vet three time. last time yesterday, just to make him comfortable at home. Thanks for the supportive comment
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Suzi, I'm so sorry. 20 is a pretty good age for a cat.
I don't think Gill was being judgemental. I think what she was worried about was that the cat may be suffering and if that was the case the vet would be able to help.
Sorry, I don't think anyone can tell you how long is left with him, it's not something that can be predicted really. But whatever time he has left, it sounds as though when it's up, he'll go knowing how much he meant to his family.
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No I certainly wasnt being judgemental but assumed that the vet would have told you this, if you had seen one. yes I was worried that he was suffering. :'( :'( Please tell us his name.
When we have a sick cat of that age, I had one 18months ago, it is very very hard and my heart goes out to you and all I can say is to just show him he is loved, which I know you are.
Try not to wish that you had given him another cuddle or stroke cos now is the time for this, sadly it sounds that he is very sick but time is impossible to calculate.
My thoughts are with you and the cat.
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Thanks
Emotions are just very very high tonight. The vet has said that he is not in pain , his body is just shutting down now. I know no-one can really tell us how long he has..i suppose i am just dreading the time to come, and looking for a little hope. Im 26, and he is 20, so he has been in my life for as long as i can remember. Goodbyes are really hard. His name is Basil, and he knows how much he is loved. The family are with him tonight giving him all our love.
Sorry Gill, like i said, just very very upset tonight.
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Thinking of you and you family suzi - from experience all I can say is cherish every moment you have left with Basil xx
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Oh Suzi :group:
I wish I could give you an answer but unfortunately I can't :(
Goodbyes are so hard but Basil has people around him that love him.
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Basil and your family tonight xxxx
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Sorry to hear about Basil :hug: I went through this recently with my beloved Tiggy, in the end I chose to let her go but I was glad that I had spent the day before with her just stroking and cuddling her. Nothing that anyone else says can make it any easier when the time comes but like you have said Basil knows how much he is loved and I bet he has had a fantastic life with you and your family.
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This is such a hard thing to do, but if he is still with you in the morning, please consider taking him to a vet - while a vet might say they are not in pain, watching a cat shut down isn't a pleasant thing to go through, and a lot harder than holding them while a vet lets them go. Big hugs to you through this sad time.
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I am so very sorry to hear about Basil and it sounds so like what happened to my kocka :'( :'(
I am thinking of you at this sad time and totally understand what you are going through, give him a kiss from me .
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Thank you everyone for your lovely messages
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Hi Suzi,
So sorry to hear about Basil. Nobody can tell you how long you have although I guess the Vet has tried to give a guesstimate. If an anecdote will help my Cleo died last November and from the time that she could no longer walk it was only a matter of hours, about eight hours.
I know how hard this is and as you have had Basil since you were a small child it is going to be especailly difficult for you. I am sending positive vibes to you and your family.
Take care. :hug:
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((Suzi))
Just be with him, talk to him, stroke him and tell him how much he is loved - even tell him it is ok to go.
None of us can tell you how much time he has left but i am going to eco what Delsey has said and say that if he is still here in the morning please consider letting your vet help him to cross to the other side.
It must be so hard for you and your Mum tonight - i cant begin to imagine what you are both going through.
I hope it helps you to know that our hearts are with you.
Much love
Michelle xxx
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Suzi my heart goes out to you and your Mum and this terrible time.
Like everyone else has said just make Basil comfortable and stay with him .... personally I would bed down with him for the night but of course this is just me! The fact that Basil has been with you for 20 years shows he has had a good life and is a very much loved member of the family.
Sending you loves of love and prayers and a big gently hug to Basil.
We are all hear for you and know how upset you must all be feeling.
Sam xxx
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So sorry to hear about basil, suzi :hug: It must be a horrible time for you and your family. It sounds like Basil has had a wonderful life so just be with him and cuddle him as he passes to the bridge. I agree with Michelle - do talk to him and tell him it's ok for him to go. It sounds daft but I do think that in a way they understand.
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:'(
My cat Tigre passed away when he was 23 in 1999. I was 23 at the time, we had got him as a rescue cat in 1993.
His body began shutting down and my parents took him to the vets, they did put him to sleep. Its a horrible time, I was in bits and It felt like a member of the family was gone. People who don't love animals don't understand this but I can imagine how you feel.
I don't know if you are working etc... but I took a few days off (I had to lie about the reason), you need to grieve just as you would a person. Basil is surrounded by the most important people, that is what matters.
sam xxx
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Only just noticed this topic, I am so sorry and do know how you must be feeling. If Basil is still with you now then perhaps you will consider making the the final act of kindness, I know it is difficult as I have been in the same position when mum had an elderly cat who just hung on and on. Eventually i rang the vet and asked him to come out.
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Hi Suzi do you have an update for us please ??
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Hi suzi ,im so sorry to hear about ur mums cat. :hug:
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Suzi, how's everyone doing?
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Suzi ,
Hows the little man doing ?
Michelle xx
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Just a few more kind thoughts for you, Mum and Basil, Suzi. :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
If he hasn't already gone, just to let you know that his last few breaths may sound very ragged and like he's really struggling... I want to reassure you that while his body is struggling, it's a normal part of the dying process and doesn't indicate that he's in any discomfort or anything.
It might be easier on all three of you to have the vet help him over that last hurdle... just, if nothing else, so that you know that his last moments were definitely comfortable, that you are there holding him and reassuring him, and that it is all quick and peaceful. I'd be dreadfully upset if I discovered that my cat had died on its own in the night or something... I'd rather be there loving them right to the end.
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I do hope you are all Ok and if Basil has passed to the Bridge I hope it was very peaceful.
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If he hasnt gone already it would be kinder for you to let him go, its so painfull to watch them die.
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Oh I have to say I do hope that either the boy old boy passed peacefully through the night or else the vet was able to give him something to make the process more beareable, my old girl went into heart failure weeks after an operation, it was the early hours and with no transport it was truly the most awful experience of my life, I still have nightmares and desperately wish I could have expediated it for her. I appreciate that it feels an almost impossible decision but now I have experienced the alternative I can only encourage you to make it, he has had a fabulous long and loved life and it really is the right thing to do.
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Sending Hugs, purrs and prayers!
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Im sorry I have not posted before now.
It's been an extremely hard and emotional weekend.
Basil peacefully passed away yesterday.
Both my mum and her husband were with him, giving him cuddles and talking to him, as he went peacfully. I was at home, but had sent my mum a text message saying goodbye to Basil, for him to sleep well and that I loved him. My mum phoned me minuites later to say that as she recieved my text, Basil was taking is last breaths. Strangely I hadn't spoken to my mum for a few hours before I sent the text. I had sunddenly felt very low, and decided to send the text. It's as if I knew he was about to pass away. Even although we have been preparing ourselves for this all weekend, it doesn't make sayig goodbye any easier. I feel comforted by the fact that I spent hours by his side over the weekend telling him I love him ad saying my goodbyes.
I am about to go back through to my mums house just now, it will feel strange without him there. My mums's other cat who is 19 years will be missing him dreadfuly, and has already been seeking a lot more cuddles than usual. My mum has been looking through all her old photos to find pictures with Basil in them to make up a rememberance album. She has found photos going back to when he was a little kitten, and i was a small child...which makes me realise how long he has been in my life. We have grown up together.
Basil will be with my granny now.
He will be missed and loved forever.
Losing him makes you appreciate every moment of your time spent with your loved ones. I have been pampering my own cat even more than normal, with cuddles and kisses. Take a moment to give your cat a wee extra cuddle.
Love always and forever Basil.
You will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.
Sleep well
We love you loads,
xxxxxxx
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Thinking of you and you family Suzi xxx
RIP Basil - Play hard at the bridge xxx
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RIP Basil.
Its a very hard thing to lose a friend that you have had for so long but I am so pleased he passed to the Rainbow Bridge peacefully with the ones that loved him close. Its strange how sometimes one has a moment when you feel that something like you did but so pleased you were able to send the message just in time.
My thoughts are with you and your mum, Basil will always have a pawprint in your hearts
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I am sorry and know how you must be feeling right now.
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Suzi I am so sorry,
Basil make friends with Milly and Cleo,
A soft full tail, exquisite eyes,
soft purring at the door,
playful swatting, frequent naps,
toys strewn across the floor.
With gentle rubs and playful purring
you made your presence known
and, knowing you were always there,
we never felt alone.
You loved it when we scratched your ears,
we swear it made you smile.
We could never stay angry with you,
we couldn’t if we tried.
The soft sweet purring now has ceased,
no gentle rubs to greet us,
just memories of a special friend
and good times are all we see.
Although we miss you dearly,
we’ll try not to feel so blue,
because we know that there’s a bridge
for special cats like you.
Rest in peace Basil :RIP:
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I am sorry to hear this, RIP Basil.
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I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like Basil had a wonderful life and was loved very much. I think he and Parsley (my old girl that passed away last month) are meant to be friends. How could they not be, both having the names they do? :)
RIP, Basil. :RIP:
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RIP Basil xx Thinking of you Suzi, I know how hard it is. I recently lost Tiggy one month short of her 19th birthday who I'd had since I was 10 years old.
Remember Our Love
I was chosen today
I'm learning to fly
the world took me away,
but please don't you cry
And I chose you today
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone
When you're feeling alone
just remember our love,
I'm up near the stars
looking down from above.
Remember our love
In a moment you'll see
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.
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R.I.P ^Basil^ - For ever young and fit at Rainbow Bridge
Big hugs to you and your family Suzi
Michelle xx
[attachment deleted by admin]
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rest in peace
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RIP Basil
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/Fussy_furball/February%202007/c05.jpg)
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RIP Basil - you go and have a lovely time at the Rainbow Bridge - chasing butterflies and lying in the sunshine.
My Beau & Zak will show you round and inroduce you to all their friends so you won't be alone.
Be a good lad till your Mummy & Daddy come to colect you. xxxxxx
Suzi - It is so sad when our beloved babes leave for the bridge, But Basil had a fantastic long life you should be proud.
Big hugs xxxxxxxxxxxx
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Rip Little one
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RIP :hug: :hug:
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Thankyou everyone for your touching messages, they are all so lovely. It helps to know there are so many people out there who understand how difficult it is to lose a pet, as many people don't understand that grieveing for a much loved pet, feels as painful as a family member, coz thats what they are.
The poems are lovely.
Thankyou so much for all your support, it has helped me to read this and my mum read some of your comments yesterday and was truly touched by your messages.
Suzi xxx :thanks:
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:RIP: Basil.
Play hard at the bridge, little one, free of all your aches and pains.
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Suzi we FULLY understand here how painful it is to loose a babe.
Basil will be having fun playing with all his new friends, restored to a youth kit. :hug:
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Suzi we all understand how much losing a furbabe hurts, as you say they are family members and as you have know Basil since you were a little girl he no doubt has been your friend and confidant as you grew up together. They are there when we are happy making us laugh with their funny little ways, they are there when we are sad and need a special friend to cuddle and cry with, they never judge us and never stop giving us pleasure ... even when they have passed to the Bridge. In time you will be able to remember Basil and smile at what a wonderful cat he obviously was but at the moment the pain and heartache is all part of the grieving process.
Anyone who tells you you are being silly for feeling this way is truly misguided and has obviously never been touched by the unconditional love of a cat.
Take care hun and remember we are all here for you and know how hard it is.
Big hugs to you and your family :hug:
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Suzi I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Basil was clearly a very loved little kit and will be forever loved, we all know the pain and sadness there is when you loose a cat especially one that has been in your life for so long.
RIP Basil xx
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Hello folks just a post to thank you all. I am Suzi's Mum, Its been one week since we lost our dear cat Basil and there have been many many tears . We will miss him for evermore
He was 20 and had a great life as a kitten he used to follow my husband round the district on his Window Cleaning round he would sit at the bottom of the ladder watching the world go by and they would come home together in the evening much to the amusement of our Neighbours , My Husbands workload increased and I think we can partly say this was due to comical Basil.
He was a great mouser and brough us lots of presents ranging from field mice to a massive pigeon still alive that he managed to drag through the cat flap. Lucklily we saved that terrified bird .
His animal companions throughout his life have been our ginger tabby Benji who is very much alive and well although he is only one year younger , He was a great freind to him especially towards the last few weeks he would go with him to the Garden and sit and watch Basil relieve himself and they would come back together. The day after Basil passed he let out the most loud wailing sounds which lasted a few moments and I think this was him greiving the loss.
Basil had the most exquisite taste in food and we did spoill him with fresh salmon chicken tuna and steak mince. He enjoyed us trying to tempt him and sometimes would have full banquet fit for a king for him to decide what he would have that day. His last meal was fresh Salmon which I hand fed him and her purred all the way through , he loved it!!
His other two house companions are our Siberean Huskys but Baz was leader of the pack..They would sit back and let him have first dibs of the fresh water in their bowls.
We also only found out a day or so ago that he frequented a neighbours house and would curl up on there sofa for hours and get lots of cuddles from two girls who live there. They are also devasted at our loss.
Our job now is to look after Benji and the dogs and give them as much love as possible for a long and happy life. I could not go through this pain again for a long time.
To finish all I would say is Basil found us as a stray and we were very very fortunate to have owned and loved him..
Good Night my wee pal
I will love you forever.
xx
Vonnie
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Vonnie, after reading so many upsetting and disturbing posts and articles about how animals are treated it's lovely to read posts like yours. You clearly viewed Basil as a member of your family. (which he obviously was!) I'm so sorry for your loss, and hope his fellow furry family members are coping with his absence.
He sounds like he had a wonderful little personality.
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What a lovely tribute, he sounds a lovely cat.
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:welcome: to Purrs Vonnie
What a lovely tribute to Basil.
Happy Mothers Day
Look forward to seeing you posting :hug:
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Hi Vonnier,
^Basil^ was so lucky to have been loved so much by you and your family.
It is always heartbreaking when loosing such a much loved cat,
although there was nothing practical we could do last weekend i hope it did help alittle to know that we all cared and that our thoughts were with you.
Michelle xxxx
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Hello vonnier
:welcome:
im very sorry for ur sad loss
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Hi Vonnier and :welcome: to Purrs
Sorry to had to find us in such sad circumstances, Basil sounds like he was a right character. Have you seen the Rainbow Bridge animation? It's very moving and always makes me cry so have some tissues ready, Basil will be there by now, waiting for you until you are reunited. http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
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Awww im soo sorry its hard when the time comes so sad :'(
The vet has said that he is not in pain
would like to know how this can be said/how anyone can know as aniamls are very good at not showing pain?
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Vonnie that is a beautiful tribute to Basil. He sounds a lovely cat and was obviously loved by everyone and had lots of friends. RIP Basil
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RR, this thread is over a year old now, and not the time or place to bring painful memories up. I have seen a cat shutting down naturally, and there isn't any apparent signs of pain.
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oopssorry didni know it was year old post :-:
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It was an easy mistake to make Mags as I'm sure others have made in the past :hug:
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I know I have done it too :hug: