I had to do a very difficult thing today - euthanize one of my cats. Keiko, a 7-1/2 year old female was originally my daughter's but became mine after she left home. A few years ago she started having some urinary problems (passing some blood in her urine), leading to about a year of weekly vet vists for what was assumed to be an infection. After months of this (and frustration of feeling that it wasn't helping), I took her to another vet - the Cat Clinic - for another opinion before putting her down then. They quickly 
discovered that her problem was due to crystals in her urine, building up in her bladder. After spending about $1000 for surgery to fix her up, tests showed that she would need to remain on special food in order to avoid a relapse. Well, I've done all that but after only around 18 months, the problem returned, even worse than it was originally. I had been watching her for the past few weeks because she seemed rather "bitchy" towards the other cats and me, and was very agressive with the neighborhood cat that lurks outside my window often. I suspected that she might be having a problem, and that was confirmed this weekend when she started urinating blood - BAD. I conferred with all my kids and they all agreed that it was time to end her suffering. I know we were out of options and that I simply couldn't afford another surgry and the releated follow up care. So I called the local animal shelter and arranged for them to put her down after I got her there. I have to say that it was tougher than I expected - I felt so bad leaving her there in a cage, looking at me with those trusting eyes. But I do know that we'd done all we could and this was for the best - but I still cried all the way home. My other two cats will adjust, as will I, and this will make life just a little bit easier for all of us. But nevertheless .... it was very sad.
discovered that her problem was due to crystals in her urine, building up in her bladder. After spending about $1000 for surgery to fix her up, tests showed that she would need to remain on special food in order to avoid a relapse. Well, I've done all that but after only around 18 months, the problem returned, even worse than it was originally. I had been watching her for the past few weeks because she seemed rather "bitchy" towards the other cats and me, and was very agressive with the neighborhood cat that lurks outside my window often. I suspected that she might be having a problem, and that was confirmed this weekend when she started urinating blood - BAD. I conferred with all my kids and they all agreed that it was time to end her suffering. I know we were out of options and that I simply couldn't afford another surgry and the releated follow up care. So I called the local animal shelter and arranged for them to put her down after I got her there. I have to say that it was tougher than I expected - I felt so bad leaving her there in a cage, looking at me with those trusting eyes. But I do know that we'd done all we could and this was for the best - but I still cried all the way home. My other two cats will adjust, as will I, and this will make life just a little bit easier for all of us. But nevertheless .... it was very sad.Goodbye Brat Cat - you were a sweetie when you wanted to be. I will miss you.
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