I'm sorry poor Cookie has this problem. All I would say is I've had experience of a cat with mysterious problems which don't come to light in blood tests and I wouldn't consider euthanasia before you've explored all options and if your vet isn't certain what it is, I would urge you to ask to be referred to a specialist if you have insurance or can afford it. In our case, it wasn't until we did this after months of guessing that we got a clear diagnosis by which time he was too ill to cope with the treatment sadly. Don't give up without knowing exactly what's going on or you'll always wonder if you could have done more.

 

I'm sorry poor Cookie has this problem. All I would say is I've had experience of a cat with mysterious problems which don't come to light in blood tests and I wouldn't consider euthanasia before you've explored all options and if your vet isn't certain what it is, I would urge you to ask to be referred to a specialist if you have insurance or can afford it. In our case, it wasn't until we did this after months of guessing that we got a clear diagnosis by which time he was too ill to cope with the treatment sadly. Don't give up without knowing exactly what's going on or you'll always wonder if you could have done more.

Thank you for the support, I'm having a lot of people tell me I'm keeping her alive for me rather then her, but I can tell she's not ready herself yet. My vet did offer to have me referred and I had her x-rays referred, however a consultation alone was £200 and I'm using my student loan, so that wasn't much of an option She was insured until August when I stupidly decided to cancel it because she'd been so healthy, now I'm hating myself over it.

My vet is still being supportive despite suggesting euthanasia, however it's very upsetting seeing Cookie ill and not know how to proceed

 

Cookie has been ill lately, showing loss of appetite, weight loss, heavy breathing and occassional weakness (i.e. after coming up our spiral stairs).

She's had multiple blood tests, all of which came back within normal ranges and the vet isn't concerned about the results. However, they were very concerned about her breathing and took x-rays, which the vet said were strange and she'd never seen anything like it. They also said her heart had been slightly moved because of this.

Almost all of Cookies left lung was white, initially the vet thought her lung has burst and that euthansia was the only option, or they could try a tap and see what happened - I opted for the tap.

The tap revealed absolutely nothing and Cookie stayed the weekend at the vets on a drip with diuretics and anti-biotics. She was x-rayed the following day and the vet said there was a minor improvement.

She's now back home, on diuretics, anti-biotics and steriods (to increase her appetite) and it's hard to tell if her breathing is better or worse. I'm keeping a close eye on her but I'm unsure if I'm being over-critical and seeing changes were there are none!

I've had diagnosis such as collapsed/burst lung, cancer, hernia and now possibly pneumonia thrown at me and I'm confused, the vet is also still pushing euthanasia but I just don't feel as if it's time.

Cookie has and has always had a heart murmur, is it possible she has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or heart failure? Any experiences would be amazing, I'm still reeling from this and I'm so torn

I am so sorry to hear cookie is so unwell. If it is a question of life and death would you consider getting a second opinion? It could be so many things. I'm not sure whether an endoscopy might be help in case it's a respiratory thing. This is just awful when a diagnosis can't be reached but I would not give up. Shosh might be able to advise what might be the best way to proceed. How old is Cookie? Thinking of you please keep us updated. Hugs X

 

I am so sorry to hear cookie is so unwell. If it is a question of life and death would you consider getting a second opinion? It could be so many things. I'm not sure whether an endoscopy might be help in case it's a respiratory thing. This is just awful when a diagnosis can't be reached but I would not give up. Shosh might be able to advise what might be the best way to proceed. How old is Cookie? Thinking of you please keep us updated. Hugs X

The vet she's currently seeing is the second opinion, the first vet was utterly useless! (couldn't even tell she had a murmur), and the local specialist who offers endoscopy is extortionate in price, and they don't offer payment plans sadly. I've learnt my lesson about cancelling insurance!

Cookie is roughly 14.5 years old, she's been very healthy up until this point Thank you x

 

Well, there's no signs of improvement even after a week of diuretics or anti-biotics, she's been given heart meds but the vet seems to think the issue is more a hernia now Which is a costly and stressful op

Cookie has just vomited up very thick mucus twice in short succession, I'm so conflicted on what to do

 

Well, there's no signs of improvement even after a week of diuretics or anti-biotics, she's been given heart meds but the vet seems to think the issue is more a hernia now Which is a costly and stressful op

Cookie has just vomited up very thick mucus twice in short succession, I'm so conflicted on what to do

Your Vet should be giving you advice on how you should proceed really Hun, this is so sad and you don't want Cookie to suffer. Big ops at his age will always be risky. I hate to ask this question in such a direct way but do you think Cookie is really suffering and in pain now? Can the Vet be more precise instead of all the maybe's? I am really so very sorry, I can imagine how you must be feeling it just makes you want to cry. X

 

Your Vet should be giving you advice on how you should proceed really Hun, this is so sad and you don't want Cookie to suffer. Big ops at his age will always be risky. I hate to ask this question in such a direct way but do you think Cookie is really suffering and in pain now? Can the Vet be more precise instead of all the maybe's? I am really so very sorry, I can imagine how you must be feeling it just makes you want to cry. X

This. Although to be fair without more invasive (and expensive) diagnostics chances are they'll only get to "maybe"

What is Cookie like in himself? If hes not eating, is sleeping a lot and showing little interest in his surroundings or grooming then I feel he's showing you hes had enough. If hes still eating, grooming and showing an interest in life around him then its a tougher call.

 

What kind of tests have the vets done? Have they done a heart scan? Does the x-ray show any enlargement in the heart? How are her kidneys?

I'd advise to go for a specialist - one of the animal hospitals like North Downs. It is expensive but if you want to save her that might be your best chance.

Your vet is like a GP. It's harder for them to diagnose specialised conditions precisely.

My cat has heart issues. When he first went into congestive heart failure, he was lethargic for about 2 weeks afterwards. And we slowly saw recovery. But not all cases are the same. It sounds like there are no fluids in your cat's lungs but he's experiencing breathing difficulties and you said her heart is mishaped (Am I right?). It does sound like heart related.

Where are you based? I've done some research on facilities around London. I must admit it is expensive but I'd phone them first, get the price range and make a decision based on that.

 

I'm sorry to not have updated sooner, Cookie was pts at home in front of her favorite heater on the 23rd of October. In the time between me creating this thread and the day we made the decision, she declined severely to the extent that on the morning of her death she was cold to the touch, hiding, irritable and unable to lay down and she hadn't eaten in 3 days.

We were considering having her referred to a specialist but by the time the need for a specialist was identified it was obviously too late, I truly believe it was just her time, as hard as that is to admit.

The vet agreed with me that any referral at that point would have been purely selfish and I would have been keeping her alive for my sake rather then hers, so I made the heartbreaking decision.


Thank you all for the help, I'm missing her so much then I can put into words, she was my best friend since I was 6 years old and life isn't the same without her.

I am however taking the steps to adopt another cat to try and take my mind off of how empty the house is, currently feeling guilty for considering other cats though.

Again, thank you all for the suggestions

 

I'm so sorry that you have lost Cookie. Its heart breaking but please try to console yourself that you did everything that you could for her and that you gave her the gift of a peaceful passing in her own home.

I know how much it hurts. You feel as though everything that you loved has gone and that the world is empty without Cookie. Many of us on this forum have felt like that and understand what you are going through. (Whilst typing this post I'm fighting back my tears for a boy I lost 20 years ago). Cookie may no longer be here but your love for her will never end. Love however is infinite. Wanting and loving another cat is natural , it doesn't mean that you loved Cookie any less.

It certainly sounds as though you are now ready to love another cat. Please don't feel guilty for looking. I'm sure that before long you will see another cat and sense that they were sent to help heal your hurt.

Sending ((( hugs )))

 

I'm really sorry to hear about Cookie. I believe that pets can tell you when it's time to let go and you listened to Cookie.

I'm glad you're looking to take on a rescue. A cat out there needs you as much as you need him/her. Cookie knew she was loved and love is not finite, even when you adopt a new cat you won't stop loving Cookie.

 

I'm so very sorry about Cookie, its very hard when you've had her since childhood but I'm sure you did what was best for her as it does sound as if she was very ill. Don't feel bad about wanting another cat, it doesn't detract from your feelings of grief at the loss of Cookie and I'm sure she would want you to give a nice home to another cat. I've got another cat twice within a fortnight of losing mine as I hate the house being so empty and quiet and it does help you to have someone to bring some happiness to your life again. RIP Cookie

 

I'm so sorry that you have lost Cookie. Its heart breaking but please try to console yourself that you did everything that you could for her and that you gave her the gift of a peaceful passing in her own home.

I know how much it hurts. You feel as though everything that you loved has gone and that the world is empty without Cookie. Many of us on this forum have felt like that and understand what you are going through. (Whilst typing this post I'm fighting back my tears for a boy I lost 20 years ago). Cookie may no longer be here but your love for her will never end. Love however is infinite. Wanting and loving another cat is natural , it doesn't mean that you loved Cookie any less.

It certainly sounds as though you are now ready to love another cat. Please don't feel guilty for looking. I'm sure that before long you will see another cat and sense that they were sent to help heal your hurt.

Sending ((( hugs )))

Thank you so much, I still come home expecting to see her curled up on my bed and the shock still knocks me for six sometimes. I'm very at peace with the decision though, I know it had to be done to stop her suffering more

I'm really sorry to hear about Cookie. I believe that pets can tell you when it's time to let go and you listened to Cookie.

I'm glad you're looking to take on a rescue. A cat out there needs you as much as you need him/her. Cookie knew she was loved and love is not finite, even when you adopt a new cat you won't stop loving Cookie.

She definitely told me she was ready, I woke up cuddling her the morning before her death, which normally she hated (she was more of a fan of sleeping on my head!) and the morning of her death she just looked exhausted, she had this look in her eye that is very hard to describe - she even smelt different to me, ridiculous as that sounds.

I'm trying to turn the grief into something positive, I've had a homecheck and have been approved and they apparently have a cat in mind, so fingers crossed I can give this cat a long and happy life like Cookie did while she was here

 

Very sorry to hear about Cookie. You obviously loved her very much. Don't feel guilty about preparing to share the next part of your life with another cat - Cookie had a wonderful home and a wonderful life, and now another cat has the opportunity to be as lucky as Cookie was. Take care x

 

I'm so very sorry for your loss

I do believe that you made the right decision and hopefully in time you will be able to give your love to another poor cat that really needs somebody like you xx

 

Thank you so much, I still come home expecting to see her curled up on my bed and the shock still knocks me for six sometimes. I'm very at peace with the decision though, I know it had to be done to stop her suffering more

She definitely told me she was ready, I woke up cuddling her the morning before her death, which normally she hated (she was more of a fan of sleeping on my head!) and the morning of her death she just looked exhausted, she had this look in her eye that is very hard to describe - she even smelt different to me, ridiculous as that sounds.

I'm trying to turn the grief into something positive, I've had a homecheck and have been approved and they apparently have a cat in mind, so fingers crossed I can give this cat a long and happy life like Cookie did while she was here

I only just caught up with this thread, and I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Cookie that final, great gift, you let her go with dignity, in the comfort and safety of her own home, engulfed in your love.

She gave you a farewell cuddle, many cats that normally don't like cuddles do that, they really come and hug you goodbye. I know the smell you describe, I smelled it on Gaudi too. It is a sign it really was her time to go to the Bridge. From what you describe, I think the lung was, for some baffling reason, probably filled to the brim with mucus, poor girl.

I am sure she is watching over you from the Bridge, and she has probably already chosen a cat she deems worthy to tread in her pawsteps. Trust her, she will know when you are ready, and she will find you the right cat.

 

This is such sad news I am so sorry you will have another friend like Cookie it will happen when the time is right. RIP darling Cookie. xxx

 

I am so sorry for your loss, you gave Cookie a great gift in setting her free from the body that was causing her discomfort and in comforting her in her last hours.

I know what you mean about coming home and her not being there, it is like a body blow, also about feeling guilty about wanting another cat. Don't feel guilty. It is an honour to Cookie to feel that you would like to share your life with another cat who needs a home and to be loved.

We gave Lewis a home only a month after the sudden and devastating loss of Bruno earlier this year, and Lewis has helped to heal our broken hearts. He was the feline friend we needed, and he needed us. He is nothing like Bruno, but he is a great friend and comfort to us and we love him.

I think Bruno would have approved.

 

Please, accept my condolences.

 

Thank you all so much, her going downhill so quickly makes it so much harder. I was just flicking back through my photos and 12 weeks ago she still looked so healthy and now she's just gone. But I'm looking forward to spoiling another cat when the rescue find me my best match, it would be lovely to give a needy cat a home in time for Christmas

 

I am so so sorry about Cookie, I've been having a cry reading your thread and although different there are also many similarities to my cat who passed away 10 years ago and having to make the decision to let them go.

You did everything that you could and I think its brilliant that you are looking to get another cat, just as you say there are so many cats out there who are in need of a good and loving home, something which you can give to them xx

 

Thanks again everyone, it's lovely to have somewhere where people don't think I'm daft for being crushed over her death.

On a brighter note though, it looks as if we're adopting a male ginger tabby who is very timid and needs somewhere for his confidence to grow. Cookie started out like this so I'm hoping we can help him the way we did her I'm currently online shopping for cat bits

 

That's lovely news. Look forward to hearing about your new boy and seeing photos. I'm sure Cookie will be looking down and smiling, bless her.

 

Thanks again everyone, it's lovely to have somewhere where people don't think I'm daft for being crushed over her death.

On a brighter note though, it looks as if we're adopting a male ginger tabby who is very timid and needs somewhere for his confidence to grow. Cookie started out like this so I'm hoping we can help him the way we did her I'm currently online shopping for cat bits

I am really happy for you. Nothing will ever replace what you lost with cookie but no reason at all why you can't make a new friend who needs you. So why delay. X

 

Thank you all so much for the support in this thread. Cookie has been gone over 2 months now, which is absolutely crazy

I'm having a tattoo of Cookie done in 8 days time (which was actually booked before she died!) and that almost feels like closure, as she'll always be with me in a way. The tattoo is of her surrounded by flowers, as sunbathing in the foliage and flowerbeds was her most loved past time!

I did however adopt a cat from my local independent rescue, he's a lovely boy called Chester, having something to dote on is helping tons.