h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

She's unsteady on her pins, stumbling a bit on her way to her water bowl. this little cat who once could sit back on her haunches and bat at a string for a minute without putting down a forepaw.

Her arthritis makes it difficult for her to get into a regular cat box. I've replaced it with a very low pan, then surrounded the area with disposable hospital bed pads.

The vet said her kidneys are down to 15% function entirely normal for a cat of her estimated years. (She was rescued, then adopted.) We give her fluids subcutaneously three times a week.

She hasn't groomed herself in quite some time, so we've been combing her as much as she'll permit. Unfortunately, she still looks like a bit raggedy, for which I feel a little guilty, as she's a very pretty tortoise.

Elderly cats can get senile, and she gets lost in corners, yowling piteously in confusion. If either of us is home, we call to her or pet her to get her reoriented. If we're not at home, I'm fairly sure she just sleeps where she finds herself, lost or not. Sleeping accounts for at least 23 of 24 hours.

It's easy to know when a cat is in pain, it won't eat. Even if she doesn't have the appetite she once did, she's eating, so I know she isn't suffering yet.

Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't just put her down. But she's still affectionate when she's awake, and takes pleasure in warm sun beams and being petted, so I'm tempted just to let Nature take Kitty in her own time.

HN

HN

*gentle pet so as not to hurt the joints*

Kitty is no more.

Yesterday morning, she went for a short early morning slow-motion stroll outside, had a bite of breakfast, and went to sleep after her subcutaneous fluid injection. By late afternoon, she had crawled behind the piano, and wouldn't come out for dinner. This morning we offered different foods and water, but she wanted none of it.

Mr. Nerd and I had tuna burgers for lunch, and I poured some of the tuna water in a bowl for Kitty, and slid the bowl behind the piano. Kitty struggled to her feet, tried to taste the tuna juice, but turned away and collapsed.

When Mr. Nerd petted Kitty before leaving for work, she cried piteously.

We agreed I should take her to the vet for euthanasia. Sarah drove me there so I could hold Kitty and support her head.

I dug a grave for her in the yard. Tomorrow we'll swing by the nursery and buy a nice bush to plant above Kitty.

Condolences from the Lair.

Sometimes you just have to let a loved pet go. Strengthen in the memories of a loved one and the long time you had together.

My Condolences