Pager, my little girl!!

[whitekingd]

My Pager is a seventeen year old cat that has been with me since she was a kitten. She seems sick now, and I don't know what to do. I don't have much money and can't afford a lot of tests. Yet, I hate to just have her put down. This is a hard thing to deal with, and I know many of you have dealt with it before. Advice?

 

[peterh770]

Talk to the vet. It might be something simple. I currently have one with a feeding tube, one with a urinary tract infection, and just lost Miss Boo to kidney failure. I know about vet bills, but most vets also have a big heart...

 

[j2400]

I'm sorry to hear about Pager. I know how hard it is.

Mentioning symptoms might help--someone here might recognize something. While not a real diagnoses, it might at least give an idea of what might be going on.

Tests might be necessary, however. A friend's dog took ill late last week. Very sudden drop in weight. The dog required X-Rays to find out what was wrong, but the cure was easy.

It's possible that something as small as a diet change will help. I've been told that the standard brands of pet food are not the best possible choice for long term health. I don't know how accepted this is, but someone (who should know, having worked with animals professionally) said that mass market dry cat food should be avoided.

 

[jaxsunst]

My Spock is a 17 year old Siamese that I've since kittenhood. He is showing signs of age also.

I know how you feel, you hate to see them sick, but at the same time you do not know what to do. What are the symptoms? Spock suddenly lost about half his body weight and had no energy. I looked it up on the internet and found that older cats start losing their sense of smell and will stop eating because they use smell a lot. He had always eaten dry. I bought the smelliest can food I could find, now he eats, has energy and is starting to put some weight on.

I'm not saying this is the same problem you are having, but it could be something that simple.

 

[2drumsallergy]

Hi Delmer,
Yes talk to Vet and explain your financial situation upfront, most Vets love animals dearly and will try to help your Cat and you within your means.
Also remember just like Humans animals have periods when they feel a bit down or have a Virus and quickly recover without any medications, there is actually very little in the way of treatments for Viral infections, take the Common Cold in Humans as an example. Do let us know how things work out.

Hi Peter,
I have a Cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and he has to have special food Hills Prescription Diet Feline SD. FLUTD is quite common in male Cats. Despite the special diet Tiger sometimes has a re occurrence of the associated urinary tract infection, my Vet only charges £6.00 for the course of Antibiotics (Baytril) and diuretics (Frusemide), so Vets are not always as expensive as one might think.

David

 

[perc-o-prince]

And, don't forget that some, if not many, vets do some pro bono work to write off. The DVM we take Kiki to does something like a "Case of the Month" and provides all care, surgery, meds, etc. free of charge to the owner.

Best of luck to you and Pager,
Chuck

 

[foraloysius]

Talk to the Seattle Humane Society, perhaps they can advise you what to do.

Home - Seattle Humane

We Are Open During Construction! Seattle Humane remains open and ready to serve our community during ongoing construction along Eastgate […]

www.seattlehumane.org

 

[j2400]

I talked with a friend who knows animals about this. First, she says that getting to a vet fast is often important with cats.

As for the cost, she suggested (like others here) talking to a vet. He or she might be able to help, or refer you to someone who can.

Animal rescue services also can possibly help. I'm not sure who to get in contact with, but I do know one good rescue organization. They serve the Kitsap County area, but they might be able to help or be able to refer you to someone else. The organization is Animal Rescue Families. The link I provide is their home page, complete with contact info.

http://www.animalrescuefamilies.org/

 

[whitekingd]

Thank you all!

I took Page to the vet today, and the initial diagnosis was not good. She was pale and more than likely anemic, and had a slight heart murmur. It was obvious she wasn't feeling well - she didn't even seem frightened on the trip to the vet. As the vet said, you know they don't feel well when they act like they are glad to be there! Anyways, after considering things, I had her put down. She was my only pet, and will be missed. Thankfully, she hadn't suffered long.

 

[goatfarmer]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[vulcanchef]

she had 17 wonderful years with you cherish that

 

[j2400]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. At least she didn't suffer too much...but even so, it's always hard.

 

[mihi]

if you do have to have her put down.....

go with her and stay with her during the process. It will be very sad, but that is the only way you can speak to her and comfort her during it.

My very old Bassett finally had to be put to sleep, she was in just to much pain. I insisted that I take her, as she seemed to like me the best in the family, and cared for her as she slowly passed away. One of the saddest days in my life. but I know she had lived a good life and been loved.

 

[alr2903]

Whitekingd, Just as if you lose a child, having another one won't replace it. But i am willing to bet there is a little bundle of love, down at the spca, that will help to heal your heart. That little bundle of love, would be glad to see you too. arthur

 

[dirtybuck]

I'm Sorry to Hear That.

At least you were with her until the end. When whirlcool was keeping us informed about Kurt a few months ago, and when I found out that he couldn't be with him during his final moments, I cried like a baby.

Just know that Page is in a much better place. And, when the time has come, I'm sure you'll find a new companion.

 

[whitekingd]

They actually did not offer to let me be with Page when they put her down. But, I would not really have wanted to be there. This may sound weird, but my Mother died in 2005 of cirrosis of the liver, and I did not want to be there when she passed. My Stepfather offered to call me, but I said no. And I feel, it was his place to be there , with my Mom. And he was, God Bless him. But Page was very calm when I handed her over. She had slept with me the night before (she usually didn't sleep with me) and we had our goodbye's. I miss her terribly, as I miss my Mother. But they are with the good Lord above. It takes time to heal, but we all do. Thank you all for your love and support. I appreciate you all.

 

[panthera]

DELMER

My sympathies. I lost three wonderful friends in the space of four years, 16, 17 and (probably, she came from the streets), 17.

Money is always a problem. Our animal shelter does excellent work for very little cost, as do many. My vet here in Munich will carry a bill for as long as needed, my parents' vet in Colorado does pro bono one day of the week and people who can afford it donate 10% of their vet bill to buy prescriptions.

Cheyenne, Wyo. has a good system: You can offer to sponsor a pet for someone who doesn't have much money but can offer a good home. There is no way you can ever replace your dear Pager, but when the time comes when you have the place in your heart to love a new four-footed friend, the animal shelter is a great place to meet someone.

Funny, we consider ourselves the height of evolution or God's greatest creation, depending on how egotistical your religious views...but you'll have to look far and wide to find someone who gives you the love and trust cats and dogs offer us.

For what it is worth, when my first three cats all died, money was no problem for me. In each case, my vet frankly said: 'We can prolong their suffering to make you feel better, because all was done that could be done...or we can let them sleep and die in peace. There is no cure or improvement for this condition." I followed his advice. I still miss them.

 

[perc-o-prince]

Condolences from both Rich and I. We both know the process too well, having just put Jojo down in April. Kiki, our remaining ferret, is up in NH with the woman we got her from (shelter) getting straightened out for surgery (adrenal disease). They say we caught it early, but I still worry!

Chuck