My sister left her cat with us, to live with her other cat family here, when she moved out ages ago. I essentially adopted this thing, and while she's not my personal cat, I still love her dearly.
A day and a half ago, her leg hind leg was splayed out weirdly, like if you were breaking down a chicken, and had popped out the legs for cutting. No lesions, cuts, punctures, no broken bones...
We took her in, not knowing it was a severe dislocation, to the vet in the City, emergency vet services (open 24 hours).
Her hip was popped out, badly, and was deteriorated with severe arthritis. They can pop it back in, which they did, but it kept popping out. A body sling or cast wouldn't work as the joint was just worn out from old age, and while yes, we could force her joint to stay in with a cast or something... but it would never heal and seal properly in position again, it would just keep popping out.
My sister and I made the sad decision to do the right thing. A costly surgery would not gaurantee a success, would hurt her and limit her lifestyle, and might even encourage her other joints to wear out and do the same thing even faster.
We cuddled with my sisters' cat, named "Baby", one last time in their special waiting room/say goodbye chamber. She already had an IV tube set up in her leg. 2 injections, first one a thick heavy paste, the second a clear light green gel, back to back, followed by some Saline to wash it in. It was over way too fast.
I hadn't cried in a long time, not even for when my step-sister passed away a few years ago. This one, this loss hurt me. It's "just a cat" doesn't apply to me, she was a people too, and I strongly care for all my critters. I had a couple cries today, in the office and on the drive home. Still am, on and off.
$1400 for the vet walk-in, euthanization, painkillers, cremation costs, and a little urn. I suppose that's a cheap cost. I would have paid the $4000+ for the surgery to cut off her hip-joint if she was a younger cat, let her squeeze a few more years out of her. Sadly, old age wins in the end, and no amount of money can keep someone alive when their time comes.
A pet is not just some dumb animal; it's family. And I lost a good loyal affectionate kitty that's been with us for 17 years, and never slowed down an ounce.
My sister is keeping the ashes when she gets them in 2 weeks, and her collar. I get to tell the rest of the family when they wake up today.
Sorry I'm feeling sad. Always taught not to have feelings, despite having loads of them. Felt having a journal to remember her by would be nice. Tell your pets and human family you love them folks, every day, and love them even more when they pass. Good night.
