… love won’t keep us together.
Last Friday, DH and I took 3 of our 4 cats to the vet with the intention of figuring out two things. One, who was doing all of the peeing (litter box has been loaded lately and someone peed outside of the box). Two, if any are in such a severe state that euthanasia might quite possibly viable. Three blood tests and one urine test later (plus, a sizable vet bill), we found out that basically they are all in relatively good health. The vet, understanding our situation, assured us that even though Captain and Tennille are old since they are in good health there is a good chance they will get adopted if we found the right shelter (if you had read the referenced post, Captain and Tennille’s kidney values are perfectly normal now it seems). Duzee, while in good health, still requires medication to remain so and is therefore, not a viable adoption. Per the usual, still a tough decision.
We’re just getting to the point where we can’t keep all four. The vet determined that Tennille has an UTI caused by her being fat and not being able to clean herself. Vet said she would probably continue to have them unless she loss weight and is most likely our culprit for the pee outside of the litter box. We haven’t been able to get her to lose weight because we just don’t have the time to monitor her intake. Other than that though, Tennille is in good health. Captain, being the healthiest and youngest was the most viable for adoption according to the vet.
Therefore …
Today I took Captain and Tennille to a shelter we found. It had openings but is unfortunately not a no-kill shelter. However, their adoption rate is really high and it seems promising. The shelter was huge and very clean. I was impressed by the facility and their staff.
It was a very hard decision and I could barely keep myself from breaking down until I got outside of the facility. Their “adoption counselor” was very nice though. She assured me I was doing the right thing by them and had done much more for them than most owners who show up with their pets there.
In the end, I know our two remaining cats will get more attention, our cat expenses will be less and there will be less cat funk to clean. But still … Captain and Tennille, you will be missed.
aww. the end of an era! that must have been hard, but it was the best for everyone. Way to be strong – If I were in your position, I don’t think I coulda done it. I’m too much of a softy when it comes to cats.
Aw FATTY! Seems like you did the right thing. I bet it was really hard for you, I can’t imagine. 2 will have to be WAY more managable than 4, for sure.
My sister just put down her long-time kitty this week (a Philly stray). She was so upset. The cat was really sick and she was basically keeping him alive with the fluid injections and meds. It really is hard to say good-bye when these pets have been a part of your life for so long.
I am so sorry you had to make such a hard decision. I know those cats were part of your family, and were basically your babies too. In the long run I agree with Dana 2 cats will be a lot more manageable and you be able to get the 2 remaining cats more attention. I will be thinking of you.
I’m really sorry about this hard decision and am certain it did not come easy. I will pray they get adopted quickly, and I hope things are easier for you guys now.
Thank you to everyone for their comments. I still feel guilty but things have already improved in the cat funk area. I’ve noticed a huge change in the amount of litter used and the cat food devoured. Tennille (a.k.a. Fatty) used to hear the click of our auto-timer feeder and be the first one to the bowl. Now we have a back up of food. I guess we’ll have to change the timer.
We’ve reclaimed the “cat room” as our home office once again which means Monkey will have more playarea in the basement to run around and be a little boy.
Overall, I know it was a logical decision but still rough to deal with.