My poor cat Jasper

[crosby]

Jasper has just been diagnosed with lymphosarcoma and has been home a few days for some "quality time" with us after a week of in-patient investigations. The vet agrees he is beyond treatment other than palliative but too alert as yet to consider euthanasia. However, I find his condition very upsetting - our once proud, handsome and dignified cat now poos and pees everywhere uncontrollably (on the floor rather than in the lit tray), cries incessantly for food. He is reduced to skin and bone and has sore swollen paws and is half bald. He has a few moments of relative contentment sitting on my husband's knee in the evening and still purrs sometimes when stroked.

I personally can't see any quality of life here but my husband does. I don't know what to tell the vet when I ring her as arranged tomorrow - I just don't think I can cope with seeing him like this day in day out. Thanks for allowing me to share this with you.
Clare

[sugarcatmom]

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry about Jasper. It's hard to see our loved ones deteriorating like that. I found a website that has a pretty good method for evaluating quality of life, maybe you and your husband can take a look at it and come to some sort of consensus on Jasper's state.

http://www.animalnetwork.com/vpn/det...3927&category=

I wish you and your family peace at this very difficult time.

[badger]

I can only imagine how painful this is for both of you. Letting go of a precious animal is agonizing.
Is Jasper getting any meds for pain?

[Love4himies]

I feel so sorry for you. I know how you feel and you will know when it is the correct time to allow him to pass on. It is an extremely difficult decision, but you will know when it is best for Jasper.

Take care.

[crosby]

Thanks all for you wise words, and for the helpful website Sugarcatmom. I think we will struggle on a day at a time for now. It was good to share

[kiara]

Many years ago we were in the same situation. Our beloved 21 year old female cat started peeing everywhere and had a hard time going up and down the stairs, because of arthritis. My husband and oldest son had to go to the vet to get her euthanized, because I just could not face the fact, that my beloved cat was leaving us. It is just like losing a family member. It is so hard to face. Good luck to you.

[crosby]

Just to let you know that Jasper died peacefully yesterday evening sitting outside our house on my husband's lap looking out over the horizon. The vet came to us and helped him go quickly as he had been showing signs of being in pain and was getting distressed. It was as good an end as we could have hoped for in the circumstances - we told him how much we loved him and what a wonderful companion he had been and we buried him in a secluded part of our garden. We will miss him sorely but we're glad his ordeal is over and we are fortunate to have two other little friends to distract and comfort us.

Thank you for caring.
Clare

[badger]

What a beautiful life you gave him, and a peaceful end. He was a most fortunate cat. Run free, Jasper, no more suffering.

[rainbow]

It's always sad to lose a cherished pet but at least Jasper didn't suffer for long. He will surely leave a pawprint on your hearts. My deepest condolences to you and your husband.

[sugarcatmom]

All the best to you and your family. You gave Jasper the ultimate gift, after a life full of love and caring, and I'm sure he knows that.

[Jim Hall]

god bless you and Jasper

[CyberKitten]

I am so sorry for your loss! It's tough to go through the death of a beloved et - or any family member and my heart goes out to you. I commend your vet for making it easier for you and your kitty by coming to your home. I do hope you will remember all the wonderful experiences you shared with Jasper to sustain you during this time and when you think of him as time goes by. Take care and give yourself time to grieve!

[TeriM]

So sorry to hear of your loss . It sounds like Jasper had a wonderful life with you and you shared some lovely last moments together. .

[growler~GateKeeper]

I am sorry to here of your loss :sad: I too know the pain of having to make the decision when to let them go. Take comfort in the knowledge that you did what was best for Jasper, he lived a good life & knew he was very loved.

[Lukka'sma]

Jasper. You will never be forgotten

[dudabug]

Im so sorry for your loss. Sounds like Jasper had a great loving home and was lucky enough to be surrounded by you and your husband as he passed.This forum is a great way to help you as you get through this tough time.Soon you will be able to think of Jasper and smile. We love you "J".

[marko]

Crosby, I am so sorry for your loss and offer my deepest condolences.

Our cat Zak died in March from the exact same thing..so I know full well what you are going through and how difficult it is.

Our forum is an amazing resource for grief because we understand that pets are part of the family and we ache profoundly when our pets pass on. It may take you quite a while to get over this tragedy and this is normal.

Just know that we are hear to listen and support our fellow pet lovers.

RIP sweet Jasper

Sincerely,

Marko

[cpietra16]

My condolences to you and your family..RIP Jasper

[krdahmer]

:sad:

[Breezer]

So sorry for your loss Crosby Find peace in the knowledge that Jasper had a wonderful life with you and your husband.

Breezer

[crosby]

This forum has really been a comfort. Just to know that you folk on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean care and understand when most of our friends here simply couldn't. Thanks for being there, guys; you really helped. Love from us here in Wexford, Ireland.xxx