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Help with hard decisions for kitty

Jeanie

Veteran

Our older kitty (17) has kidney disease and took a turn for the worse today. His blood work looked bad so they gave us a choice of the hospital or euthanasia. He has been a very hardy fellow so we chose to at least try the hospital. If he doesn't respond to treatment, we are going to have to make that hard choice. My question is has anyone ever had a mobile vet come to there house to perform euthanasia? I have never been through this with a pet and I am bothered by taking him to the vet because he just gets so stressed out there and it doesn't seem right to take him somewhere so scary for his last moments. We had to wait for a long time for test results today and he tried desperately to get out of the door of the patient room. He usually just lays in his carrier. It's like he knew. I would have to call a mobile vet that we wouldn't know. I still have hope that he will revive but since his disease is terminal I am trying to figure some things out. Sorry this is not a fun post but you all are always so helpful during good and challenging times.

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Beth Ann

Veteran

So sorry to hear this! You are doing all you can to make your kitty feel loved and comfortable, and I know it is heartbreaking to know see him distressed. I've not had a mobile vet before, but, when we had a lovely golden, Galahad, die tragically and unexpectedly, we did call a friend over at 5am to help us with the difficult details. Just to have someone who cares for you and your kitty alongside you would give some comfort.

Best wishes to you and kitty.

Natalie

I'm so sorry you're facing this situation. Sadly, it's a fact for many of us as pet owners.
I haven't used a mobile vet for this reason (I took our retriever to our kind vet), but I understand this is an increasingly common request and service. Don't hesitate to call now to find out t h e details in the sad event you need these services. Anything that can ease those final moments for you both is worth it.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I'm so sorry Jeanie. Losing a pet is so hard. We had to euthanize one of our two cats recently and it was really tough. We brought him to the vet, but I have heard of mobile vets and it sounds like a good option to keep your kitty comfortable. Either way, they'll do whatever they can to help make him as comfortable as possible. Hugs!

approprio

(website)

Veteran

So sorry. I know how hard this is, because we had to make the same choice for our dear, evil kitty.

She was terribly sick. I'm really pleased the vet came round to the house because I don't think either I or Mr Edge could have dealt with a trip to the surgery, let alone poor Magick. She was in her own space and her last act on this earth was to urinate very deliberately in Mr Edge's gym bag. She never did like him very much.

The Kitty Undertaker came around the next day to collect her, and we had her cremated. We keep the urn containing her pure, concentrated evil on the mantlepiece. I still miss her and I'm tearing up right now.

My sympathy at this difficult time. Be strong. I know you'll do what's best.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jeannie, I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's so hard to see our animal friends sick and in pain and then to let them go. They become so much a part of our lives, especially after as many years as your kitty has lived.

I have not had an animal companion euthanized at home but I used to have a mobile vet and she performs this service. (Right now she is focusing entirely on offering euthanasia which is why she is no longer my regular vet). Having seen how care works in the home, I would strongly recommend it. It's bound to be very emotional, but at least there's no additional stress of travel for kitty, and you can express your own feelings more freely and cry without worry about others seeing you. It just feels more natural, and that is what I would do if I were in this position tomorrow.

Sending you hugs.

Helena

Veteran

Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear this. My sister just went through this with her cat, and she too opted for a home visit to euthanize. Her cat became very distressed about being taken anywhere and in the end, my sis decided it was kinder to allow her to stay where she was comfortable and end her life peacefully, without the trauma of being carted from here to there. It was terribly difficult and sad, but in the end she felt confident she had made the right decision. I am sure whatever you choose will be right; surely animals can perceive the love that goes into these choices. Lots of hugs to you and kitty.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am sooooo sorry about this awfully sad situation.

Yes. I have heard of mobile vets, although not in the US (I hope you find one though). In the past, we have called the Vets office in advance insisting on immediate service upon arrival. This is not a time to wait in the waiting room. That part of it has helped.

Wishing you and kitty lots of luck and much love. xo

Summer

Veteran

This is always so hard. I'm so sorry for you and your poor cat.

If you think he will be stressed by a further visit to the vet, I would definitely recommend a mobile service. I've always had someone come to the house when I've been in this position, as it seems kinder to let a pet pass away in its own, familiar environment, but if you have to take him in, I'm sure the staff will ensure that he is comfortable and cared for, and he will know you are there with him.

Best wishes
..

Kristin SF

Veteran

I'm so sorry about your little guy. This is always such a hard decision and the worst part of having an animal as part of the family. They truly are family members.

Well, we've had 2 home visits for euthanasia for our two Siamese cats. I would not have brought them to a vet for this final visit, since vet appointments always stressed them out to no end.

The first visit - we picked someone off yelp. She was OK, in general, and did get good reviews on yelp. But she didn't provide a lot of special aftercare. She brought a large tupperware type of bucket and no blanket. Sigh.

The second visit - we used our vet, he made home visits just for this sort of thing. He brought 2 vet assistants with him, and they could not have been nicer. They brought their own special blankets and a basket, and it was just done in a very calm, quiet, and respectful manner. It was more costly overall, but it was also 3 years later, so prices might have just increased, generally.

I would ask your vet to recommend someone.

Also, have a special blanket ready at the end, just in case the mobile vet doesn't think to bring something along.

Again, I'm so sorry about your kitty, and I wish you and your family all the best.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I am so sorry. This is so very difficult. I've gone through it multiple times, and it never gets any easier.

I don't have any experience with mobile vets, although it sounds like it could be a good alternative to adding stressful travel to the situation. All things being equal, I'd prefer to have our vet, with whom we already have a relationship, perform this final act, but it's never worked out that way anyway -- it's always been after hours, at an emergency vet. I have to say that in each case, everything was handled very well and we have no regrets.

Whatever you do, I'm sending hugs and good wishes your way. Seventeen years is a good run for a kitty, (the last dog we let go, Rocky, was about that same age) but I know it always seems we have to let go too soon.

Laurinda

Veteran

So sorry to hear this too.
Sending you warm hugs.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Jeannie, I'm so sorry. I've done the same as Angie. Also had my regular vet come to my house for my 17 yo dog but I'm in Australia.

carter

Veteran

Oh, I am so sorry. We lost all four of our old dogs in a terrible 16 month period a couple years ago. We used a mobile euthanasia doctor (I think that's all she did) for one of them. Maisy had been with my husband for 14 years. She was riddled with cancer. When she lost her will to eat and drink, it was time to help her. She died peacefully (and I think gratefully) in my husband's lap. They took a paw print and a lock of hair for us to keep. They then took her with them and coordinated the individual cremation and delivered her ashes back to us.

Jeanie

Veteran

Thank you all for sharing your hugs, advice and stories; it means so much to me. I wish I could hug you all back. It's comforting to know that these mobile services are out there. I will talk to my vet about it. I'm still praying for him. The Hospital says he's eating well. That cat never misses a meal even in the ICU

jackiec

Veteran

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I don't know anything abut mobile vets. Your last post about your cat eating in ICU made me smile. Take care.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, Jeanie. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Much love to you and your kitty. xo