In this case, the black cat was his own bad luck.
We have an all black cat we got as a kitten the year we married (11 years ago). He’s Mr. Personality, and sometimes I think he thinks he’s a dog. He plays chase with the kids (where HE’s chasing, honest) and even with my little miniature dachshund. And he’s adorable with catnip, like no cat I’ve ever had.
Today I learned he has Lymphoma. If we spend hundreds of dollars, maybe $1,000, he might live another six to 12 months. Otherwise, we’re looking at four to six weeks.
I really, really appreciate how tactfully our vet handled it — called us personally and immediately, and was very sympathetic when I started to cry (and refrained from saying anything stupid like, “It’ll be OK”).
But I cannot wrap my mind around this. I had no idea he was sick. We went to the vet for a rabies booster, and Mars asked me to point out a lump under his front leg.
I don’t know how to tell the children. I don’t even know how to convince myself. He isn’t even sick, you guys! How could he be dying?!!
And yet, somehow, he is. My heart is heavy.
November 2, 2007 at 2:00 am |
So sorry that your kitty is ill. I empathisize with you. It seems so incomprehensible, I felt that way last year with Pepper. ((hugs))
November 2, 2007 at 2:41 am |
Thanks. It’s nice to have people around who understand.
November 2, 2007 at 2:41 am |
Thanks. It’s nice to have people around who understand.
November 2, 2007 at 2:00 am |
So sorry that your kitty is ill. I empathisize with you. It seems so incomprehensible, I felt that way last year with Pepper. ((hugs))
November 2, 2007 at 2:03 am |
I’m so sorry.
November 2, 2007 at 2:42 am |
Thanks.
November 2, 2007 at 2:42 am |
Thanks.
November 2, 2007 at 2:03 am |
I’m so sorry.
November 2, 2007 at 2:03 am |
I’m sorry to hear this. Poor you, and poor cat!
Were the tests conclusive? Our cat had a suspicious lump under its front leg that turned out to be a harmless fatty deposit.
November 2, 2007 at 2:46 am |
Thanks.
Yes, I’m afraid so. The vet did a needle biopsy and only told us after the lab tests were back.
When she called, she said, “I had a bad feeling about this when I saw him,” and I was surprised. I usually have ubersensitive radar, but I never picked it up. I just thought we were taking smart precautions: doing the lab work just to make sure everything was fine. So the diagnosis came as a hammer blow between the eyes to me.
November 2, 2007 at 2:46 am |
Thanks.
Yes, I’m afraid so. The vet did a needle biopsy and only told us after the lab tests were back.
When she called, she said, “I had a bad feeling about this when I saw him,” and I was surprised. I usually have ubersensitive radar, but I never picked it up. I just thought we were taking smart precautions: doing the lab work just to make sure everything was fine. So the diagnosis came as a hammer blow between the eyes to me.
November 2, 2007 at 2:03 am |
I’m sorry to hear this. Poor you, and poor cat!
Were the tests conclusive? Our cat had a suspicious lump under its front leg that turned out to be a harmless fatty deposit.
November 2, 2007 at 2:10 am |
I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry, honey.
November 2, 2007 at 2:46 am |
Thanks, Sara. I really appreciate it.
November 2, 2007 at 2:46 am |
Thanks, Sara. I really appreciate it.
November 2, 2007 at 2:10 am |
I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry, honey.
November 2, 2007 at 10:08 am |
I am so sorry about your kitty.
I have lost kitties before.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
d
November 5, 2007 at 6:49 am |
You know, we all have. It’s part of having pets (at least dogs and cats, which rarely outlive you). And yet, it still breaks our hearts to lose them.
Thanks.
November 5, 2007 at 6:49 am |
You know, we all have. It’s part of having pets (at least dogs and cats, which rarely outlive you). And yet, it still breaks our hearts to lose them.
Thanks.
November 2, 2007 at 10:08 am |
I am so sorry about your kitty.
I have lost kitties before.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
d
November 2, 2007 at 11:02 am |
I’m so sorry to hear about this Katrina.
I can’t even imagine…I mean…you go to the vet for a routine visit and then BAM…you get socked with that news. Not that a person can really prepare themselves for bad news – but when it kind of catches you like that off guard, it’s worse than ever. I just can’t even imagine. And the kitty not even being sick makes it even harder to comprehend I suppose…and very confusing for you…and probably even more confusing to the kids.
It’s normal to have a heavy heart…you’re facing a “family change” because no matter what way you look at it…your cat has been around a long time and is in fact part of the family – and there is no way to learn that you will lose him without having a heavy heart.
My heart goes out to you guys because I know that there is no “easy button” in this situation.
((((KATRINA))))
November 5, 2007 at 6:51 am |
It’s the family thing, exactly. He’s part of the family. Adorable sometimes. Really annoying occasionally. One of us. Just thinking of removing him from the equation leaves a hole.
Thanks.
November 5, 2007 at 6:51 am |
It’s the family thing, exactly. He’s part of the family. Adorable sometimes. Really annoying occasionally. One of us. Just thinking of removing him from the equation leaves a hole.
Thanks.
November 2, 2007 at 11:02 am |
I’m so sorry to hear about this Katrina.
I can’t even imagine…I mean…you go to the vet for a routine visit and then BAM…you get socked with that news. Not that a person can really prepare themselves for bad news – but when it kind of catches you like that off guard, it’s worse than ever. I just can’t even imagine. And the kitty not even being sick makes it even harder to comprehend I suppose…and very confusing for you…and probably even more confusing to the kids.
It’s normal to have a heavy heart…you’re facing a “family change” because no matter what way you look at it…your cat has been around a long time and is in fact part of the family – and there is no way to learn that you will lose him without having a heavy heart.
My heart goes out to you guys because I know that there is no “easy button” in this situation.
((((KATRINA))))
November 2, 2007 at 11:20 am |
Being a cat person (with about 15 of our own at any given time) I sooo feel for you with this.
Even the little newborn kittens we lost recently weighed really heavy with us. How much harder is it with a cat who has been family for so long. No matter which way you choose, there’s a tough time ahead.
I’m so sorry….:(
November 5, 2007 at 6:52 am |
Thanks. Funny, isn’t it? With newborns, we grieve the lost potential. With older animals, we grieve the loss of memories.
Thanks for the support.
November 5, 2007 at 6:52 am |
Thanks. Funny, isn’t it? With newborns, we grieve the lost potential. With older animals, we grieve the loss of memories.
Thanks for the support.
November 2, 2007 at 11:20 am |
Being a cat person (with about 15 of our own at any given time) I sooo feel for you with this.
Even the little newborn kittens we lost recently weighed really heavy with us. How much harder is it with a cat who has been family for so long. No matter which way you choose, there’s a tough time ahead.
I’m so sorry….:(
November 2, 2007 at 11:40 am |
i’m so sorry. our thoughts are with you.~paul
November 5, 2007 at 6:53 am |
Thanks, Paul. Appreciate it.
November 5, 2007 at 6:53 am |
Thanks, Paul. Appreciate it.
November 2, 2007 at 11:40 am |
i’m so sorry. our thoughts are with you.~paul
November 2, 2007 at 5:28 pm |
I too send you my sympathy and empathy, for whatever comfort they can bring. These things are just hard, no matter what. I’ve lost two dogs to cancer over the years–both were tough experiences. Pets dies too soon. It’s the price we pay for the love and pleasure they bring us. Virtual hugs to you and the rest of your family.
November 5, 2007 at 6:53 am |
Yes and yes and yes. Sigh. I wouldn’t be without them though.
Thanks for the hugs.
November 5, 2007 at 6:53 am |
Yes and yes and yes. Sigh. I wouldn’t be without them though.
Thanks for the hugs.
November 2, 2007 at 5:28 pm |
I too send you my sympathy and empathy, for whatever comfort they can bring. These things are just hard, no matter what. I’ve lost two dogs to cancer over the years–both were tough experiences. Pets dies too soon. It’s the price we pay for the love and pleasure they bring us. Virtual hugs to you and the rest of your family.
November 2, 2007 at 5:31 pm |
Sorry about the double hit. Blame my fumble fingers.
November 5, 2007 at 6:54 am |
No worries. I deleted the extra one.
November 5, 2007 at 6:54 am |
No worries. I deleted the extra one.
November 2, 2007 at 5:31 pm |
Sorry about the double hit. Blame my fumble fingers.
November 4, 2007 at 4:45 am |
I’m so sad!
Hi Auntie!
I’m so sad for you! It’s just sickening! I’m so sorry!
Summer
November 5, 2007 at 6:54 am |
Re: I’m so sad!
Thanks, Summer. We’re all very sad, but what do you do?
November 5, 2007 at 6:54 am |
Re: I’m so sad!
Thanks, Summer. We’re all very sad, but what do you do?
November 4, 2007 at 4:45 am |
I’m so sad!
Hi Auntie!
I’m so sad for you! It’s just sickening! I’m so sorry!
Summer
November 4, 2007 at 10:22 pm |
I’m so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. It’s like having a family member develop an illness with the added problem of the whole euthanasia issue.
We went through a similar experience 2 years ago when a cat of ours developed liver cancer. We provided supportive care until the poor thing was unable to manage his bodily functions and then made the exceptionally tough decision to put him down. We were standing in the vet’s office with tears streaming down our faces. The vet said something to the effect that it was supposed to hurt but it was the merciful thing to do. He was right, but it didn’t make it any easier.
Take care and be kind to yourselves.
November 5, 2007 at 6:58 am |
Yes, exactly. And decisions to make about much to spend on care. You don’t have to make those decisions with other members of the family.
It really helps. We have to make a decision by tomorrow, and I’m struggling to accept the decision I know needs to be made. It really helps to hear your story. Thanks for sharing it, Lowla.
November 5, 2007 at 6:58 am |
Yes, exactly. And decisions to make about much to spend on care. You don’t have to make those decisions with other members of the family.
It really helps. We have to make a decision by tomorrow, and I’m struggling to accept the decision I know needs to be made. It really helps to hear your story. Thanks for sharing it, Lowla.
November 4, 2007 at 10:22 pm |
I’m so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. It’s like having a family member develop an illness with the added problem of the whole euthanasia issue.
We went through a similar experience 2 years ago when a cat of ours developed liver cancer. We provided supportive care until the poor thing was unable to manage his bodily functions and then made the exceptionally tough decision to put him down. We were standing in the vet’s office with tears streaming down our faces. The vet said something to the effect that it was supposed to hurt but it was the merciful thing to do. He was right, but it didn’t make it any easier.
Take care and be kind to yourselves.
November 5, 2007 at 2:58 pm |
I’m so sorry to hear about Raven. What an unexpected blow! Wolfie was groomed last week and received distemper shot. The vet called me to say that his teeth are in very bad condition and desperately needs dental work. (I’ve been told this 2-3 times previously, but this was a different doc)At 12 1/2 years I’m not willing to pay big money for all the needed work: cleaning, tartar build-up removal, red gums, loose teeth, and “seems to have pain in his mouth.” I figure when he can’t eat dry dog food, I’ll buy canned so it’ll be easier on his mouth. Is this heartless??? This seems so minor compared to YOUR situation.
November 5, 2007 at 8:22 pm |
Thanks, Mom. Teeth are bad enough!
November 5, 2007 at 8:22 pm |
Thanks, Mom. Teeth are bad enough!
November 5, 2007 at 2:58 pm |
I’m so sorry to hear about Raven. What an unexpected blow! Wolfie was groomed last week and received distemper shot. The vet called me to say that his teeth are in very bad condition and desperately needs dental work. (I’ve been told this 2-3 times previously, but this was a different doc)At 12 1/2 years I’m not willing to pay big money for all the needed work: cleaning, tartar build-up removal, red gums, loose teeth, and “seems to have pain in his mouth.” I figure when he can’t eat dry dog food, I’ll buy canned so it’ll be easier on his mouth. Is this heartless??? This seems so minor compared to YOUR situation.