If your cat was dying, would you go on vacation? :-(

[Kirsten]

This is more a rhetorical question 'cause I know you wouldn't. But a friend of mine is doing just that, and I can't get over it. Her kitty boy (he's turning two today) was diagnosed with FIV a couple of days ago (his sister died from FIV a year ago), and he's already very ill. He felt better after some shots last weekend, but has taken a turn to the worse now. Tomorrow, she will go on vacation with her kids (until next Wednesday), and cancelling the trip was never an option! We just spoke on the phone (she lives 500 km away) and she was considering to take him to vet today, but was reluctant because she feared he would be PTS on his birthday; she said she could never do that. Then she asked me what I would do, and I replied that, quite honestly, I would cancel the trip and stay with the kitty. I said that going on a journey would NEVER be an option for me with a dying cat at home. She was like, "well, my relationship with this cat is different from yours with Luna and Lily". My reply: "Well okay, then better don't ask me, I cannot give you any advice then". I really cannot believe how selfish some people are!

Another thing: The cat, who is so miserable that he can barely walk, was allowed to go outside. Told her it's irresponsible, also for other cats to be exposed to an FIV positive kitty, but she said he was whining and she didn't want to ruin his birthday (WTF!!) by keeping him inside against his will. All this makes me so sad - and angry! Honestly, I have no words for this! As I'm 500 km away, there isn't anything I could do for this kitty. I hope he'll have at least a peaceful passing.

[chocolatepuppy]

Honestly Kirsten, I couldn't stay friends with someone like that, maybe friends, but not very good friends. If the cat is not doing well, I think she should have him PTS before she leaves. I myself don't think I could ever leave one of my animals that was dying.

[Kirsten]

I couldn't even leave my pets if they were "just" ill! How could I enjoy a trip while my furry friend is suffering at home?!
Probably I shouldn't even have posted this because it's not loyal (towards her), but I'm so very upset right now!

Oh, and I sure hope she won't have another pet after this one! She told me the other day that her kids now want a dog...

[pomtzu]

That's a sad story, and it doesn't appear that the outcome will be a good one.

Personally - I would not go on vacation under those circumstances. Last year right about this time, Myndi almost died (she's now 15 1/2), and I feel that she is living on borrowed time anyway. I am torn by wanting to visit my brother for a week or so, yet I am at the same time, fearful that if I do go, that something will happen to Myndi while I'm gone, therefore I wouldn't be able to enjoy my visit. I'm really caught between a rock and a hard place on this one.

I hope your friend will do the right thing.

[Barbara]

I can't understand how she can think that his birthday matters. He doesn't know that it's his birthday but he will know he is sick and alone. I think she had him better PTS than leaving him alone in a time like this.

[Kirsten]

That's a sad story, and it doesn't appear that the outcome will be a good one.

Personally - I would not go on vacation under those circumstances. Last year right about this time, Myndi almost died (she's now 15 1/2), and I feel that she is living on borrowed time anyway. I am torn by wanting to visit my brother for a week or so, yet I am at the same time, fearful that if I do go, that something will happen to Myndi while I'm gone, therefore I wouldn't be able to enjoy my visit. I'm really caught between a rock and a hard place on this one.

I hope your friend will do the right thing.

She will go on that trip, no matter what...

No, I fear the outcome will be bad, especially for that kitty.

I can see your dilemma, and I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to chose. I have once cancelled a weekend trip because my RB Katz was really ill (she died a few months later). That choice wasn't hard to make at that time. It may be different when you have to go on a business trip or something else you cannot cancel, I wouldn't know what to do in such a case. But I would try to do anything possible to stay with the pet.

[Kirsten]

I can't understand how she can think that his birthday matters. He doesn't know that it's his birthday but he will know he is sick and alone. I think she had him better PTS than leaving him alone in a time like this.

I agree 100%!! It's really beyond me that she cannot stand the thought of him being PTS on his birthday, but leaving him alone for four days, all alone and dying!

[sasvermont]

Kirsten, there is something wrong with your friend's thinking. I would find a new friend, for sure.

Sorry for being so blunt.

You are such a different person than your friend. You deserve much better companionship than your friend can offer. Really.

[Kirsten]

Kirsten, there is something wrong with your friend's thinking. I would find a new friend, for sure.

Sorry for being so blunt.

You are such a different person than your friend. You deserve much better companionship than your friend can offer. Really.

Well, luckily I have my PT friends who share my love and respect for animals (and one real-life friend, too ).

[Catty1]

Sorry to sidetrack - but pom, would an opinion from your vet help you decide whether or not to go for the visit? You and I and all of us know our babies better than anyone...but it's just a thought.

Kirsten - is someone looking after the cat while she is away? Poor kitty. I hate to think what her kids are learning about dealing with pets.

[Kirsten]

Kirsten - is someone looking after the cat while she is away? Poor kitty. I hate to think what her kids are learning about dealing with pets.

A neighbor is looking after him, as far as I know. But the cat is outside right now and obviously starts hiding (you know, the way cats do when they are really ill), so I think it's a very difficult situation for that neighbor to look after that kitty.

[chocolatepuppy]

Probably I shouldn't even have posted this because it's not loyal (towards her), but I'm so very upset right now!

Please don't feel you're wrong in posting this. You needed someone to talk to about it and we don't even know who she is.

[Taz_Zoee]

I would absolutely not go on the trip. Even if I had my mom or brother taking care of the animal I would not be able to go enjoy myself. If the cat is really THAT sick I would let him go and be free so I could have a peace of mind while on my trip. Sure I'd be very sad, but I'd know my kitty wasn't at home suffering in pain.
It makes me sad to think this kitty may pass on his own without his family around.

[phesina]

Oh my God.... I cannot believe how completely cruel and horrible that person is.

What a fine role model for her children.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Not only would I not go, there was a time (or two) I didn't go to the hospital when I should have and mine were all healthy.