Hope is rapidly losing weight- she has lost four pounds in the last week. We are wrestling with what to do next for her. She is an old kitty with possible cancer. She is highly aggressive to the other cats and if you pet her for a long period of time, she will nail you. Do we put her through the additional stressful tests to confirm the cancer diagnosis adding to our financial responsibility- or do we just let her live out the rest of her life on her terms and take her in when we know that she can no longer cope? It is not an easy decision to make. She is eating, drinking and using the litterpan but she will not come out of her cage on her own and should another cat jump up to greet her-she aggressively will attack.
Pumpkin continues to improve daily. Manchester is keeping close to home and we are working on his earmites yet again. Alaska may be going to new home next week- the woman is still trying to sway her husband. She is another one of Mike’s caregivers and she has fallen deeply in love with this Siamese beauty.
I fell the other day in the mud and injured myself to the point of being unable to do a lot right now. No breaking of bones, just a heavy sprain and bruised shoulders. I fell against the west side of the barn. I can’t even scoop litterpans at this time so my volunteers have graciously offered to help out.
When we were down to one can of canned cat food, miraculously cat food began to arrive through Amazon- so THANK YOU those of you who are helping these cats. Right now, they need a lot of help as the weather is getting pretty dicey. Sorry I haven’t posted, but it kills my shoulders to sit here.
Mike is coming along great- his one leg no longer needs to be wrapped and they are only seeing him twice a month in Portland instead of four times a month. That pretty much catches you up with our life here. I would appreciate your thoughts about Hope and what to do. IF she does have cancer, she will have a life here for as long as she is comfortable. I can’t adopt out an older cat with so many issues. But just as Blake-she is a victim of early neglect and apathy and so how far do you go to let her know that life matters? Do we keep them both in comfort, or do we add to the stress and the financial burden here and risk their lives to give them one or more years with us? It’s a tough call because neither have teeth so age cannot be determined, and both are pretty old cats who never had a chance at a decent life in the years that really matter.
I was wondering where your blogging was for the last few days. I think you should keep a chart of who feels poorly and who feels good: I think they continually balance out. I’m glad that Mike is doing well, and his visits to Portland are being reduced.
As for Hope, I think you should let nature have its way. It sounds like something very serious is happening to her, and though she may not be feeling pain right now, she is probably in discomfort, which is making her angry. The poor girl may have to leave you sooner than later. It is a cruel thing, but since so many depend on you, it may not be fair to the others to increase your financial burden with Hope, especially as it may not do her any good.
And if it is confirmed as cancer would there be anything different you could do for her? An older, difficult-to-handle cat is not a good candidate for the followup care necessary after surgery. If she even IS a candidate for surgery. Hospice care would seem to be the better, kinder choice.
For yourself – do you have any Epsom salts? A nice hot bath with a cupful or so of Epsom salts is my go-to for too much gardening aches and sprains. Shave some orange or lemon peel into the water for a pleasant citrus scent to make it even nicer.
Poor Hope! Poor you!
First, Hope…. I agree with John and Judy, as long as she’s not in pain. If and when her condition deteriorates, then I think you will have to help her out of this “valley of tears.” You will have done what you could to give her a good home with lots of love and attention.
Judy also has a good suggestion — the soak in a hot/warm tub will do wonders even if you have no Epsom salts. Do it a couple of times a day if you can, until the stiffness subsides. Could Mike (or one of your volunteers) rub some Deep Heat or some such ointment on the worst places? I’ll warn you that some cats fall in love with the smell of those rubs, so if you use it, you may be attacked with affection! Which might not be such a terrible thing…. 🙂
I wish I could do a soak. No tub, just a shower. Our hot tub was carted off a few years ago when it started showing signs of cracking. I have ointment that I use for the pain and the docs gave me pain pills which make me a bit goofy. Moreso then I already am- *G*
With Hope and Blake, we have to choose our battles wisely. Coming up pretty quickly we have 12 female kittens and 5 male kittens that need to be neutered. That’s our next financial challenge before us. Both Blake and Hope will be kept in comfort for as long as possible and we will do all we can to be sure they don’t suffer. Once they start to suffer-we will stamp their exit pass and be there as they cross over the Bridge. In the end, they will know that yes, in their later years, they were loved.
As hard as the choices are you have to put first things first. And I know you’ve already done that. These two older cats are in safe harbor now and sometimes that’s all that can be done. If even for a very short time, there is some love for them to hold onto as they pass through the last bit of time in this world.
If you have just a shower, make it a long, hot one. I always feel good after a hot shower, winter or summer. They also help relieve stress, I’m sure.
Years ago, my beloved six year old cat was diagnosed with cancer. Back then, the treatment options weren’t there and we had no choice but to choose to keep him comfortable as long as we could. He lasted about six weeks. Two years ago, my eight year old dog was diagnosed with cancer. With treatment, we got another good year out of him. I have seen both sides. There is no right or wrong, but if I had to make the decision today for an elderly companion of mine, I would choose to keep them comfortable.