My kitty Bootsie

[Whimsy]

We have a 21 year old outside cat. Her name is Bootsie. She had been having it rough lately. She has been losing weight but seems happy. Just lately she has developed an eye infection. DD took her to the vet and they gave her an antibiotic shot and ointment for her eye. She has tolerated the ointment just barely. She has been giving me warning claws but today she wouldn't let me put it in and I could tell the eye was getting worse. She was shaking her head alot. DD took her back to the vet and I was afraid he was going to talk to DD about putting her to sleep. Instead he is keeping her for a few days to see what he can do. He said she is probably going to lose her sight in that eye. She did bite the vet when he gave her a shot.

My question to you all is am I doing this for us or for her? I am afraid if she loses the sight in her eye she will be at risk of danger since she lives outside. I'm afraid she will get hit by a car or not see something on that blind side, an animal, etc. She does not want to live in the house. She is happiest perched on top of the car or the deck and just being free.

When do you know the time is right to help them to the rainbow bridge and how do it bravely? I have been crying off and on all afternoon and evening just thinking about this. My poor DD had to comfort me instead of the other way around. She even told me when the time comes she will go with the cat and I could stay home. Pretty sad as I should be the strong one.

I know so many of you have had to make this decision. We did it for our dog Honey and it still haunts me to this day. You know, I have had to watch so many people die and I was able to help make all the decisions and never have had a regret but I can't stand doing it for a pet.
As you can tell I am a jumble of emotions. While Bootsie may come thru this and do alright I know that with her advanced age this will come up again. I sure could use some guidance.

 

[ShipMaven]

Marie - I'm so sorry you are facing this. 21 years old is an amazing age for an outdoor cat. Not having a cat, I can't offer any intelligent advice, but our pets usually let us know when the time to help them arrives. I was told that about Topaz, and it was very clear to me the day I had to make the decision. Except for the loss of my immediate family, it was the worst day of my life.

Have you sought the Vet's advice? He should be able to tell you about allowing Bootsie to stay outdoors if she loses her sight in one eye. If she's eating well and not in any pain, then probably this isn't the time.

Please keep us posted. Scritches to Bootsie when she returns home.

 

[Calgon1]

ibid. It's one of the hardest decisions we have to face. Prayers are out for Bootsie and you guys too...

 

[TexasSue]

That is a hard one. I too would be concerned about her being outside and all that can happen but would want her to be happy. I agree talk with the vet. Fingers crossed and prayers coming your way

 

[Whimsy]

Thank you to those that responded.

I called the vets office and Bootsie is tolerating being held hostage and tortured. (I'm sure this is the way she is viewing this, as a form of imprisonment and punishment.) She ate some of the gruel they gave her and is hunkered down in the corner, plotting her escape I am sure.

I asked about the loss of sight and her being an outside cat and the risks. They didn't seem to want to answer, instead saying let's wait and see if the eye can be saved. I know Bootsie will not tolerate being and indoor cat. The vet wants to keep her at least another day to keep treating the eye and seeing if there is improvement.

I will keep you posted.

 

[Jeanie]

When the time comes - you will know in your heart what to do.

 

[TexasSue]

Please keep us posted and hugs and prayers.

 

[Cruise cutie]

Hugs and LOVE on this one..and I have Faith you will *know*..keep us updated..Joanne

 

[mrsrocster]

I am saddened to hear of the situation you find yourself in. Speaking from recent experience of having to make the difficult decision with my Callie. I can honestly say that when the time is right, you will know it. I couldn't finish reading your post without crying as my loss is still so fresh, that I had to come back later to post.

If I were in your same shoes, I'd have the same concerns about Bootsie's quality of life with 1/2 her eyesight etc... I've heard of many a beloved pet that has lost some of their senses (hearing or sight) and that pet has lived a very long time as they adapt to the changes. I'd like to think that if Bootsie was a wild kitty and lost one eye, that she would adapt and compensate. So, if you can heal the actual infection, but she still loses the sight, perhaps she'll be okay for many more years.

Please keep us posted and no matter which way it goes, you have my prayers for comfort.

Michelle

 

[KathyC]

I am so sorry you have to face this as I know how difficult it is. In all but 1 of our pets from over the yrs I have made the decision & gone in with my pet as he/she went so peacefully asleep in my arms--sobbing away uncontrollably but knowing it was what was best for my pet. One time I waited too long. Knowing he was failing, I kept putting off what I should have done for Jack & then one night I awoke & he was in distress at the foot of my bed. He suffered needlessly & after several agonizing minutes he passed on. I will never forgive myself for putting my best friend thru that; his entire life he had depended on me to take care of him & I feel I let him down. Your pet has lived a VERY long life; now you need to consider how he is feeling. He can't tell you how much he might be hurting & you know in your heart he doesn't want to be shut in. This is a decision that is so difficult to make. With my Jack, my brain kept telling me it was time to take him to the vet & let him peacefully go over but my heart just wouldn't let go so he suffered. When the time is right I'm sure you will make the right decision. Please don't be haunted by your pet that you did take in long ago because I am sure if he could he would have said "thank you" & you did it out of love. I, on the other hand, am haunted by my Jack's suffering.

 

[MisterD21]

Well... i must say, know exactly how you feel about this. I have just recently watched my cat of 21yrs slowly deteriorate and eventually exhaust all of his nine lives.

A cat often loses body mass(muscle tone, not fat)as they get nearer to death. My cat went blind in one eye ans was beginning to go blind in the other. He had arthritis in his hip and lower back, making mobility a task in itself.

I say that as long as the Bootsie isn't in any real pain i say let her pass with dignity at home, near her family. Although she is an outside cat perhaps for the remainder of her life she should be kept indoors to help her be more comfortable during her time left here. I do not believe in putting an animal down unless there is a lot of pain involved where the animal is indeed suffering...

As with any member of the family, especially after having been a long standing family member of 21yrs(which is quite old for a housecat, and more so for an outdoor housecat). Letting go will be very depressing, and the feeling of loss will be strong. The best advice, or experience i can offer is to go into it thinking that Bootsie led a long, happy, and mostly healthy life. Realize that as she passes this life, she will no longer be in pain, no longer suffering, and wil most likely pass into another life in which she again will be chasing birds , field mice, and squirrels... Because the soul is energy, and energy can neither be created nor destroyed... So mourn your loss certainly, but be assured Bootsie will be in a better place sunniung herself in a sunbeam somewhere...

 

[Whimsy]

I want to thank all of you for your responses. They really helped me think about things. I have posted an update in another thread.

I think Bootsie is going to get over this hump for the time being but after hearing about how she trashed the vets I know that being kept inside will never work for her. She is happiest outside, resting on one of her nearby favorite places. I will be watching her closely to see how this is going to affect her quality of life.