Sad, frustrated and a vent---Neighbor's outside kitty

[ScottieDog]

I feel so down today. My neighbors have the most beautiful long-haired outside cat. He is a love bug and everyone in the neighborhood loves him. He is about 7 years old. Now the key here is "outside cat".

Last night, we were walking our dog. It hit 99 degrees yesterday, so we were trying to get our girl out after it cooled some. A neighbor down our street came to me and asked if I knew whose owned "Kitty", because Kitty was sick. This neighbor is like us, kind, caring and loves animals. Her house was one that Kitty enjoyed spending time (there are 3 main houses where Kitty hangs out). Kitty was in the drive way, lethargic, breathing heavily with his mouth open. He had obvious fluid in the abdomen. His pink nose was nearly white. We both knew this was a dire, emergency situation. My neighbor asked if I would go with her to the owner's house (once I told her where the cat lived). We brought the owner to the cat and kept saying how sick he seemed and how worried we were. I made sure to tell about the emergency vet clinics in the area--stressing that Kitty seemed to be in distress and needed help. My neighbor took Kitty and put him in the garage and said she'd get him to the vet "tomorrow" after she took family to the airport.

My neighbors aren't horrible people, but they just don't put a priority on pets. I wish everyone could value these sweet, gentle creatures the way I do; the way I know that you folks do. It hurts so much and it isn't my cat. But he was my friend. I know he won't pull through this. I know cats get in really bad shape before we know they are sick. I know the family won't spend the money or time to help him (if possible). It is sad, but I'm really hoping they will euthanize him so he won't suffer--if he didn't pass last night. It is such a helpless feeling. I can't take a neighbor's pet to the ER and spend thousands. I can't euthanize my neighbor's cat.

I really believe that cats should be inside, but know that there are farm situations, etc. that let it be more acceptable for cats to be out--this isn't one of those cases. I just feel that this sweet heart could have lead a long life of luxury if he had been inside where he could be treasured and cherished. I'm just feel sad and helpless. I can't have a cat, so I really enjoyed this cat's company. for the sweet kitty I called "Fuzzy Tail".

Thanks, and sorry. I can't help crying about this. I knew you folks would understand. I just feel .