Nursing my 18-year old through her final days

[u/Successful_Flower762]

Last week my 18-year old cat (tortoiseshell) was diagnosed with heart problems. Since then she's been getting daily medication, and at first those seemed to do what they needed to do, but she is showing me the signs it is almost time.

Since today she has stopped eating, aside from a couple of licks from a liquid snack. But at the same time she remains alert, wants pets, and she came to greet me at the door when I came home. She cuddles up to me and walks around a little, but it seems like she suddenly got very old in one week.

The vet has agreed to see how she pulls through the night, but if she no longer wants to eat, I realise I probably have to let her go sooner rather than later.

She's been the sweetest thing I ever knew and part of me hopes she falls asleep in my arms tonight and will go peacefully.

[u/Subbis]

❤️ some cats make it easy, others make it tough. Just keep offering the palliative princess her favourite things but know sometimes once they stop eating and using the box they’re ready to go and need you to help them along

[u/Successful_Flower762 → u/Subbis]

Well, she woke me up this morning demanding breakfast. She did not eat a lot, but she did eat, and now she's found a nice spot in the sun on the bed. Seems like she has decided that today is not the day.

[u/notjustaphage]

So sorry to hear about your baby. I find this chart helpful in deciding when it’s time. I’m also firmly a believer that it’s better to be a day early than a day late. Even still, it’s the hardest, most loving thing you can do for your baby. So sorry and I hope her final days are happy ones.

[u/potatobvbqueen]

Sending you both lots of love and support during this difficult time. 🫶🏻💜🫂

[u/FunTransportation385]

You know her and love her and I think you will know when it is time for your sweet baby to go . Follow her cues to you and keep loving her until that time 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️