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Our eldest cat is not well at all :(
Our eldest cat who is coming up for 19 has suddenly become ill. He has always loved his food and been very affectionate but all of yesterday he slept and is going a bit weak and his back legs are giving up on him. 
He has also stopped eating and drinking. Think we are going to have to take him to the vets later and I'm fearing the worst. Its going to be really tough because we haven't lost a cat for over 10 years now and we've always had them. I get the sense that our other two cats realise something is not right too. Does anybody think there may be hope? I was wondering if it might be cat flu brought on by the bad weather and therefore treatable but the symptoms don't seem to match up. I have a bad feeling its simply old age.
He has also stopped eating and drinking. Think we are going to have to take him to the vets later and I'm fearing the worst. Its going to be really tough because we haven't lost a cat for over 10 years now and we've always had them. I get the sense that our other two cats realise something is not right too. Does anybody think there may be hope? I was wondering if it might be cat flu brought on by the bad weather and therefore treatable but the symptoms don't seem to match up. I have a bad feeling its simply old age. 0
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I won't give you false hope though as he is an old boy BUT until you take him to the vets you wont know, so please book an appointment ASAP.
At least when you know you can do the right thing for him!
Best wishes to you and your family.
As soon as my mum or dad get back from work today, we will take him to the vets.
At the moment he is lying in our lounge on the floor with a blanket over him. When I go to stroke him he still purrs but its much weaker than normal as he has little strength.
I hope they can treat him, but as others have said, with his age, the signs are all there I am sorry to say. You will make the right decision I am sure. I know I have posted this before on another thread, but I hope it will help you in deciding when the time is right
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let this grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm, and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me.
Though my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close we all these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
It makes me feel very sad though.
Many of us have been where you are, all thinking of you. Just spend your day having as nice a time as you can with your little friend as I think it's a day you'll remember forever.
Reno was 21, she went downhill fast. It was a heartbreaking decision to make but I know it was the right thing to do before she started suffering.
If there's nothing that could be done for him, my advice is when the time comes, be there with him and for him. Let him know that you are there and that you love him eternally.
I'm hoping for the best for you and your little fella.:)
What's his name, by the way?
His name is Tink (my sister called him Tinkerbell but we've always called him Tink). Its going to be really sad if the worst happens because we had him from a really small kitten from about 5 weeks old when I was about 7 or 8 years old and my sister was younger than that. I'm 27 now so he has been in our lives for a long time.
Fingers crossed but at least you spent the day with him comforting him. In the future it will be a comfort to you that you did this.:)
My parents have just got back and the vet didn't want to put him to sleep just yet so they are going to monitor him for a couple of days and ring us if his condition deteriorates. I will keep you posted.
Well that's positive news.
I'm so, so sorry
Thinking of you!
So sorry to hear this Jay but Tink knew he was loved very much. I'm glad the poem helped you all.
Sleep tight Tink
That's sad news.
RIP Tink
x Sweet Dreams Tink x
Sad to learn of this I'm sure Tink thought of you as you did of him sleep well puss
I had to say goodbye to Neo two months ago. I turned to DS pet posts and many DS members helped me through it. So I will say to you what helped me... Neo will be waiting for Tink at the bridge and will show him the ropes. Another DS member had his cat Nico wait for Neo, and I truly believe that they will play at the bridge, painless, chasing butterflies and will be waiting for us when its our time.
What I will say is as bad as it is, after its happened there is a sense of relief for Neo and Tink, that the pains gone, it's eased, and you can be left with the happy memories of him, and what you had together.
Stay strong
xxxx