Question. Please read. (update: Doesn't seem good...)

[dukedogsmom]

Audrey, you shouldn't worry about what people here think. You know what you should do and can do. None of us have unlimited amounts of money but you know we'd do anything we can for our sweet animals. I also know how your heart must be breaking. You need to decide what is right for you and for Butter. If Duke weren't sick right now, I'd even offer to help you but I think he's got pneumonia I know how sad and frustrated you must feel. It's horrible to have to put a pet to sleep but sometimes it's in their best interest too, you know? I had to do that with my Siamese a long time ago. Whatever you decide, we will back you.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Audrey, If I were you I'd also have them do the PU surgery asap. Storm became blocked 2 times and they only recommended the surgery after the 2nd time because he had developed scar tissue so they couldn't even catheterize him. A lot of vets don't like performing the surgery unless they have to because the cats are at a greater risk of developing infections and some of them may also become incontinent if their bladder has become too stretched out.

I paid a lot more for Storm's surgery than I should have but I needed to have it done by a board certified surgeon because of his scar tissue. The surgeon told me that he had a very small urethra and that it was only a matter of time before he became blocked. She also said that the more times a cat is catheterized the greater the chance of developing very bad scar tissue. If this happens then sometimes even after the surgery, the cat will become blocked. She doesn't understand why most cats are put through so many catheterizations before even considering surgery.

Storm was 8 years old, almost 9, when he had the surgery and he'll be 11 in Jan. He developed some more cystals one time since the surgery but this was because I started feeding him a different food. I learned the hard way so now he's on Royal Canin Urinary S/O for life which helps both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals from forming. Now all of my cats except for baby Ziggy are on it so I hope to never have to go through these problems ever again. If Butter was my cat I would definitely have the PU surgery done. Hopefully his heart problems won't interfere with the surgery. Good luck.

[Catty1]

If it's only the money, hon....

Look, there will be other Christmases. There isn't another Butter.

Find out how much the surgery is.

I am sure you won't have to 'put him to sleep in the end'. The surgery works most of the time.

To take the pressure off you, ask the vet what THEY would do if Butter was THEIR cat.

hugs.

[slleipnir]

I'm sure it's easy for your all to say "it's only money"

but it's not? Ok? It is not that easy. The last thingI want is for butter to be gone. I cried all night thinkng about it...but the fact is, I just am not rich. I'm tyring my best. I'm only 21 yrs old, I don't have a great job, I have xmas coming in which i have gifts for my family, I have 3 other pets who need attention, food and vet visits, I have school to save for, my family does not have money to give either...I'm sorry but if it comes down to it, I just don't know what to do. And I will give leave PT if you all give me a hard time over it, and I already hate myself. I really don't need others hating too.

[slleipnir]

They can't do the surgery till tuesday...so they need to caterter him...the surgery will cost between 1000-1600, ontop of 700 to catertierz and whatever for his heart....i cant do it....i just cant...

[Cataholic]

I am very sorry to hear this. I think to myself, "If only Tenny could be fixed with a surgery. If only.". So, I guess I am just not a good person to relate to this right now. Christmas gifts? Christmas gifts? I can't think of a single gift I could recieve or give that would replace my pet.

[pitc9]

Just got caught up, and I'm so sorry you are going through this.

Many MANY hugs to you both!