Complete Care for Your Aging Cat - Amy Shojai [63]
Golden Moments: Arthur’s Broken Heart
Bonnie Cheak, a programmer/analyst in Westminster, Maryland, loves her cats without reservation. She’s spent many years caring for cats that have developed everything from diabetes and cancer, to liver disease, high blood pressure and stroke. She knows cats develop affection not only for her, but for their cat friends, and may mourn them as deeply as any human. Arthur is a prime example.
The tiny gray tabby weighs almost 7 pounds and has lived with Bonnie since he was 8. “People think he’s a Scottish fold because the previous owners broke the vessels in both his ears,” she says. Despite his rocky first home, Arthur is very sweet and affectionate. “He’s my baby,” says Bonnie. Arthur is over 20 years old.
He’s been through a lot in two decades. In 1997, Arthur developed a tumor on his neck, nearly overnight. He was diagnosed with cancer and received chemotherapy through April 1999. The lymphoma immediately went into remission and hasn’t returned—and Arthur’s whiskers also grew back.
Bonnie says the cancer was nothing compared to Arthur losing his lifelong kitty companion, Deerface, in May of 1999. “He was looking in corners. I’d open a cupboard and he’d immediately run over to look to see if she was there,” says Bonnie. “They just loved each other dearly. He’d scream and cry when he couldn’t find her. I really thought it would kill him.” Arthur also began showing health problems and was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Bonnie believes stress over mourning Deerface had a lot to do with it.
Bonnie keeps a sharp eye on Arthur’s health, but today he’s doing very well. “He still jumps up on the counter—pretty good for an old cat,” says Bonnie. Various medications to support his kidneys, fluid therapy at home, and regular blood pressure checks help keep him physically fit.
As far as his emotional health, a new love has healed Arthur’s broken heart. “Now he’s attached to my little five-year-old Katie, and he’ll actually chase her up the stairs. They clean each other and kiss each other,” says Bonnie. She believes cats not only can mourn, they can love again—when given the chance.
Understanding Euthanasia
Before the time comes, ask your veterinarian to explain the usual procedure so you’re prepared. Private rooms are generally provided so that you have time alone with your cat before, during, and after the euthanasia. Usually a catheter is placed in the vein as a first step, to make it easier to administer the euthanasia solution when the time comes. Chronically ill cats may already have an IV catheter in place.
Dr. Garrett prefers to place the catheter in the back leg so you can interact with your cat’s face throughout the procedure. Sometimes the cat will be sedated first, and that makes her very sleepy. You may prefer to forgo the sedation so that she remains alert up to the end, and you are better able to interact with the friend you know and love during your goodbyes.
The veterinarian will return after you’ve had time to visit. As the drug takes effect, it relaxes the cat and she’ll sometimes involuntarily urinate, so if you want to hold her on your lap, cuddle her in a towel. If she’s not been sedated before, she may receive that injection now so she’s relaxed and has a smoother transition. Then a slow IV injection of the euthanasia solution, an overdose of a barbiturate anesthetic-type drug, is administered. It can be very quick-acting.
Usually the