Comments on: Hospice Care for Cats

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:43:49 +0000

I’m so sorry about your Alexis, Emily, but I’m glad she was with you when she died and that you feel at peace. A vet once told me that when cats take those final, agonal gasps, they’ve already lost consciousness.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:37:39 +0000

This is one of the websites I consulted in the last few days. Thank you for the information. My sweet 21 year old tabby girl Alexis took her last breaths as she lay on my chest last night. I am glad there is information about hospice care for pets- It totally fit my desires. Although I had never lost a pet before, I knew when she would die within 24 hrs of when she did… she made some quick cries that she had not made before, and she couldn’t walk on her own any more. Remember that your pet will probably urinate or deficate when it dies, and my experience is that the last breaths were not peaceful… she gasped deeply 3 times. It has been less than 24 hours and I think I feel more at peace than I would have if I had her euthanized.

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:56:04 +0000

My heart goes out to you, Kathy. Buckley had restrictive cardiomyopathy, and I, too, feared the possiblity of a clot. I eventually had to make the euthanasia decision for her for other reasons. I cover her specific story in more detail in my book, but here’s a post I wrote about making the euthanasia decision: http://consciouscat.net/2011/08/22/euthanasia-the-loneliest-decision/ I hope it’ll help you.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:11:08 +0000

I am in a hospice situation right now with one of my cats and I have a question. He has HCM that has progressed to the stage of congestive heart failure. I want to be able to let him go gently and at home, but the potential for a cardiac “crash” or a blood clot are great. We live a long way from veterinary care (45 minute drive) so there is the possibility that he could suffer greatly if either of these things happen.

I am looking into at home euthanasia but struggle to know “when”. Do you have any suggestions for this type of situation?

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:51:23 +0000

It sounds like Sitka’s body is starting to shut down, but based on what you’re sharing, it sounds like she’s comfortable. It takes courage to do what you’re doing: allowing the dying process to unfold naturally. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how much longer. You’re in my thoughts.

By: Sharon II

Sharon II — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:29:13 +0000

Ingrid, I can’t thank you enough for your support. Everything you said is what I needed to hear. This is a new experience for me. I raise chickens and have a “mind-set” when they die, but this sure is different.

My cat, Sika, has not eaten or drank essentially anything for the last few days. She also has not had a stool or urinated. She does not seem to be in any distress and will still purr occasionally. A hard question to ask and answer, but do you know how much longer she has to live?

Thank you again for your support.

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:20:50 +0000

Sharon, I’m sorry about your cat. I don’t think there are significant differences in cats physiologically when it comes to the effects of dehydration. I know it’s a controversial topic in human end of life care.

Giving a sick cat subcutaneous fluids can contribute considerably to helping them feel better. Depending on how ill you cat is at this stage, it may be a viable option if your cat easily accepts the procedure.

The big difference between cats and humans with this is that with cats, we do have the option to choose euthanasia, rather than waiting for dehydration to get to the point where it leads to death. It’s a very difficult decision, and one only you can make. There are a lot of factors that will come into play with this decision, from your own personal belief system to your cat’s temperament. You know your cat better than anyone else, and you will know if and when she is ready to let go.

My heart goes out to you – this is such a difficult time, but it can also be a time of an even stronger connection between the two of you. Treasure every moment you have with your cat.

By: Sharon II

Sharon II — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:34:01 +0000

My cat was just diagnosed with cancer with probable metastasis. I have chosen to take her home on pain medication. My vet wanted me to give her subcutaneous fluids at home, but I refused. My vet was not happy with my decision.

I have worked with “humans” on hospice. Dehydration is a peaceful way to die. With the electrolyte imbalance, they go into a euphoric state. Is this the same with cats?

Thank you Clara and Ingrid for your support

By: clara

clara — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:08:06 +0000

Thank you, Ingrid, for your kind words. I am blessed beyond imagination.
clara

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:27:56 +0000

That’s wonderful that you were able to give Enya so much additional time via hospice care, and to let her determine when it was time to leave. You sound very much at peace with everything, which is a real gift.

By: clara elton sharp

clara elton sharp — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:22:36 +0000

I am a hospice nurse for humans, which the same principles apply for pets. The purpose is comfort, both for the patient, and the family.
My nursing experience has helped me in situations with my own pets. I had a 15 yr old GS-x, who had chronic dermatitis and lowered immunity. I thought she was ready to go three years ago, but my wonderful vet suggested increasing prednisone. She lasted until this past March.
I could see a decline the last few months, but I knew she would let me know. One day I got home, and she was lying in stool and urine, crying.
That day, I took her in a beautiful basket with lots of thick padding to the vet, and held her while he administered the euthanasia.
Never for one moment have I regretted waiting, nor knowing the right time. She had it her way.
I put some of her ashes in the Gulf of Mexico, where much of her youth was spent, and she loved being there. One last trip there last Christmas was well spent.
RIP, my sweet beautiful Enya.