Sad news about Scooter the cat

[tenaya]

I think he's dying.


He's very old and this morning about 10am, he was sitting on my chest as I was reading in bed. He suddenly made a biting movement, jumped up and screamed in pain. He ran around the bed to get away from the pain.

He came out to the living room and moved slowly from place to place, introspective and physically unable to get comfortable. Mom and I both thought he might be having a heart attack. He was restless and wanted to go outside to lay in the sunlight. So, I called in sick to work and went out and sat with him for hours so he'd be safe. He seemed more comfortable out there and didn't twitch like he did in the house. And when the sun left the courtyard, I picked him up, cuddled him to my chest and turned to the sun so he could feel the last of it and be warmed by it.

Next, I brought him in and sat in the easy chair with him on my chest for hours. Mom is spelling me now so I can have dinner and because she wants to hold him for awhile. He can barely lift his head now, won't eat or drink and keeps licking his lips (which I hear can be a sign of nausea.) He doesn't move any of his limbs. I'm not sure how long this will last. He's not in pain so there's no reason to take him to the vets. I just want him to go peacefully.

I suppose part of this is the guilt I still feel over Reggie's death, that I wasn't there for him. We both feel we want to do this for Scooter.

He came to us as a middle aged stray about 12 years ago. He couldn't see very well and I could see this desperate cat on the hillside trying to catch his dinner and failing miserably. We put out food for him, but by the time he gathered his courage to go to the plate, the skunks would have eaten it all. So I put more food out for him. Finally, I grabbed him, and locked him in Mom's bedroom with a litter box, food and water. When we checked a couple of hours later, he was passed out on the middle of her bed, just exhausted from trying to survive. After that, he stuck to us very determinedly.

I rather imagine I'll be sleeping on the easy chair tonight with a cat on my chest. It seems the best way to keep him warm and comfortable.

Comments

[khek.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. I'm so sorry. Poor Scooter.

This sounds like what happened with Twinky, our family cat. She was almost 21 at the time. It was difficult for everyone.

I think Scooter had a wonderful, caring family once he got to you. I'll be thinking of you all, and hoping that things go well.

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Thank you. {{{hug}}}

At the moment he's comfortable if listless. He won't take any water.

[obelix]

*hugs*

It's really hard when they get sick and there's nothing you can do :-(

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

We've been expecting him to leave us for a couple of years now. He just gets thinner and older and his attitude was "I'm not going anywhere." Even now he's being stubborn. *g* We just want him to be comfortable...and we fret if we're doing the right thing for him.

Thank you. :)

[rosawestphalen.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry sweetie, very sad and so difficult to let them go. I am thinking of you and your dear kitty. Your such a compassionate and caring person, he's a very lucky kitty.
{{{{{hugsandlove}}}}}

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

And just now, he just had a little water and a taste of some food. God bless his little soul, he is such a fighter.

[amalthia]

I"m so sorry for your cat. :(

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

He's lived a very long time and has been loved. I thank you for your kind thoughts.

[gateruner.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

So sorry to hear about poor Scooter. But I'm glad you are able to be with him and comfort him. Still though, I know it's tough. My thoughts are with you.

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think holding him yesterday did help as he is doing better today. :)

[deej1957.livejournal.com]

Oh my dear, I'm so sorry. I'm there in spirit and will be thinking about you and Scooter today. Sends hugs to you and lots of petting to Scooter

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Scooter is a little better today. The old guy says he's hanging around for a while longer and has starch in him today. Thank you. :)

[sg1scribe.livejournal.com]

Hugs to you both. I'm glad he's had you to care for him in his twilight years.

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

I really do like old cats; they get bossy and cantankerous and that's kind of amusing in a little fur ball. He's better today and is appreciating all the attention. :)

[graculus.livejournal.com]

Having been there recently, twice over, I know there's nothing I can say which can make it better, but at least Scooter will know he's loved right to the end if it's his time and what more could anyone ask?

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

You've had a terrible time with your ferrets. They don't seem to give you much warning that they're ill.

He's better today. I think keeping him warm and comfortable though his crisis was helpful. The old guy is eating and drinking again so we're hopeful. Thank you.

[moonchildetoo.livejournal.com]

Awww, dammit! :-( I'm so sorry! He will definitely know what you're doing, and appreciate the effort, and know how much he's loved. Wheelz did. {{HUGS}} and love from me and Snicky

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

He is much more with it today. Talking--well, complaining--and moving about to change his position. It's just not right to see a cat not move for hours. He does seem appreciative. Thanks for the loving thoughts...I'll pass them on to Scoots.

[margec01.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear he's a bit better. Hopefully, he will recover and be happy for a little while longer.