Time, a battle no one can win

[Kazz]

Summer has ended and Autumn is coming to a close. A certain elderly cat is getting less able every day I am sorry to have to say.
Cleo is slowing down. I went to the vets today - to provisionaly book the girls in to be spayed, I didn't take Cleo but did speak to the vet to tell him the time is approaching. I was fine but the vet had tears in his eyes and the receptionist (the one who loves Sal;and Sal adores as I think she is convinced the woman is made of treats ) was sadly in tears as I left.

As I write this, Cleo fast asleep behind me, she is eating well and enjoying life in the way she does, in herself she is well. Yet some days she just isn't - does that make sense? - she isn't ill or miserable (before any one jumps on me thinking she is) just simply not herself, time is not a battle we will win - the time for a descision is fast approaching me; too fast - simply too fast - but the descision I will make will err on the basis of "better a day too early, than for her to ever, ever, ever know even a fleeting moment of unease".

I thought I had better say as I fear I often give the impression she is galloping around like a youngster etc when in all honesty she is aging gracefully - well as gracefully as my old lady ever could. But for now she is a happy and contented ginger and white cat. Who I could with confidence enter in the "Purr for England" competition if ever there is such a thing.

[Jac]

Kazz
My heart is in my mouth, been there done it. You are right though "a day too early" You know your animals and will know when "it's" the time. My heart goes out to you. Not an easy desission but one done out of love. Bless xx

[Mags]

Kazz, you are so brave on here.....how you talk about your darling Cleo, convincing us that the brave old girl will go on for a long time yet..........
But underneath you are watching her diligently, picking up on every sign, knowing that time is against her....

I know you will do what is right for her when you decide the time is right........
Enjoy every minute with your Duchess Kazz, she is priceless ((((hugs))))

[dandysmom]

Oh Kazz, don't know what to say! I know you'll know when it's time, but I do hope it won't be too soon before you have to do that last loving act for her....love and lots of hugs to you both.....

[yola]

Karen - you and Cleo have shared so much time together that only you will know when you have to do what you have to do. You are brave and honest and selfless and one day your beloved Cleo will thank you for your kindness.

I admire you and the love you have for your cat.

[Kazz]

Originally Posted by Mags

Kazz, you are so brave on here.....how you talk about your darling Cleo, convincing us that the brave old girl will go on for a long time yet..........
But underneath you are watching her diligently, picking up on every sign, knowing that time is against her....

I know you will do what is right for her when you decide the time is right........
Enjoy every minute with your Duchess Kazz, she is priceless ((((hugs))))

No disrespect Mags but she is no Dutchess, no princess, merely my cat. Albeit a ginger and white cat for whom I would willingly stop all the clocks if I could but if I did that how would I know if our best moments were yet to have come?
I thought the time when they were kittens was our best - yet it wasn't.
Then the time we spent enjoying the "knife-edge life" as an owner of young adults - yet it wasn't.
As mature moggies - I thought came close yet with hindsight it didn't.
When they reached their senior years I thought this was it - yet it wasn't.
And in their twilight - I really believed this was it. Yet it wasn't.
When our number became merely two, I thought our time had passed. Yet it hadn't
But now I know two is a good number and we are close to our best she and I. But not yet, not yet.
So if I stopped the clocks for her how would I ever ever know.....if the best was still yet to come and it may well be for our moment is now.

Take care Karen

[borderdawn]

She's a grand old girl Kazz, and I think she'll be around a while yet.

Are your Vets open on a Sunday? could save emergency fees that!
Dawn.

[Kazz]

Yes Dawn they are they are open 9-2 on Sunday and Saturdays no evening surgery but thats great.

[Naomi]

She's a good age is Cleo but with age comes illness and heartache. When the time comes she'll let you know but for now enjoy her company

[dinahsmum]

I am so glad you have had this glorious summer together Karen ...........
You are quite right to move your thoughts to the possibility/likelyhood of allowing Cleo to go gently, if her time is approaching.
Thinking of you today, and sniffing now. It's as if I actually know Cleo.
xxx