I just had to have my cat put to sleep...literally...I am so sad

Hi Friends,

Merlin, my cat of 13 years (he was almost 14, I got him when he was 8 months old) got sick rather suddenly 4 days ago. I took him to the vet yesterday and they thought he would be all right but they did some blood work just to be sure. As I was leaving work tonight, I got a phone call from his vet saying that the results from his blood work showed him to be in kidney failure.

Apparently, that is not unusual in a cat his age but she said that he wasn't likely to get better and he was suffering terribly. After discussing it, we agreed that the most humane thing to do would be to put him to sleep.

I am feeling pretty devastated if you want to know the truth. I never imagined when I got up this morning that I'd be taking my beloved pet to be put to sleep tonight.

I started this thread because I felt the need to reach out to friends.

Dear Diana,

I am so sorry to hear about your beloved pet. Yes, it is a devastating blow to have your Merlin for  14 years and then to say goodbye to him.

Pets become so much a part of the family and give a huge amount of pleasure and affection; asking very little in return.

You did the right thing Diana, Merlin would not have improved and he would have been in pain and discomfort. You have spared him that; even though you feel wretched at the moment, you can take comfort that you have eased his suffering, and you gave him a great life because of your love and care.

Ray. 

I am so sorry to hear this Diana. 13 years is a long time to have pet, and I'm sure you will feel his loss for a long time.

Allow yourself to mourn his passing, and know that your friends are here to comfort you  .

I'm so sorry, Diana.  We just had to put one of ours to sleep about 2 weeks ago.  It really hurts, especially when it's sudden like that.  As Ray mentioned, they really do become part of the family.  You hang in there, kiddo.

Diana,  I am so very sorry (you too Ruth)  My cat of 16 years went through this too a few years ago.

I'm sorry to hear that, Diana.  I know this may sound bad to say at moment, but I wish you Merlin 2 might come along your way soon.

My dear friends,

You have no idea how much your kind words comfort me.  Thank you so very much.  It's amazing how important people you haven't even met in person (yet) can become to you. All of you mean so much to me and I have come to look forward to our daily banter.

Ruth, you posted about your pet didn't you, or am I thinking of someone else?  I am so sorry for your loss as well.

Yes, I know I made the right decision, and the end was actually very peaceful.  I held him in my arms all the way to the vet's office (my sister drove). Once there they put us in a cozy little room in the back of the offices where he wouldn't hear the other animals so much.  There was a table with a little quilt on top that was positioned right across from a window overlooking trees and an open yard.  The evening sun spilled into the room and over the table, which he loved.  He curled himself right up in the sunshire:)  We had plenty of time to say goodbye and he actually seemed very calm with my sister and I there petting him and talking to him.  When the moment came they removed him from the room very briefly to insert a catheter into his leg, and brought him back in to the room. After a few more precious minutes to say goodbye the doctor came in and administered the anesthetic. I was amazed at how gentle and peaceful and quick it was really.  I was glad I had made the decision to stay with him to the end. I think my familiar presence put him at ease.

Thank you again everyone...