Max

[carole]

Yes try not to beat yourself up about it, easier said than done, but as everyone has said cats are very good at hiding their pain,also unlike us humans they don't think about it.
A good idea would be to get a kitty electric blanket if you can, i have two of them, and they are great for cats with arthritis, being a sufferer myself i know that warmth is a top priority and is really helpful.

I am really sorry to read about Max,enjoy your boy as much as possible while he is still with you,now he had meds I am sure he will be much happier.

Love and Hugs to you both.

[Queen of Poop]

That Cartrophen shot is what gave me more time with Sasha my dogger. Without it I would have lost her much sooner. It is wonderful stuff. Love up that Max boy as much as you can. And give him a little kiss from me.

[ChrisH]

Dearest Vickie, my heart is heavy for you and your dear boy. Prayers continuing and sending much, much love out to you both. {{hugs}}

[Medusa]

Vickie, now it's my turn to remind you not to beat yourself up over Max as you did w/me and Yodie. We would never purposely neglect or harm our beloved furkids in any way but sometimes we just overlook things; overlook, not refuse to see; there's a big difference. Max knows how much your love him or he wouldn't want his snuggle time w/you; otherwise, he'd avoid you like the plague.

Max's story does remind me so much of what I experienced w/Puddy, especially the ice cubes and wanting to be in the tub. I bought little steps for Puddy so that she could get into the sink, which is where she wanted to be first before the tub, but she had the same problem as Max: she could get in but not out. If Max does have burning tongue syndrome as Puddy did, the ice cubes will be a big help plus she loved Fudgsicles! And I loved holding them for her and watching her slurp them up so you might try something like that w/Max. There isn't enough chocolate in them to do him any harm. Or maybe popsicles.

This is such a precious time, Vickie. We don't want them to suffer and yet we want to have them w/us for as long as possible. It's an honor to make the journey w/them even though we must leave them at the gate to the Bridge. Hopefully, you won't have to make the decision as to when that will be; Max may make it on his own but you'll be there w/him, I know. Enjoy every precious moment and know that the Fur Posse and I and all of PT are w/you, praying every step of the way. (((HUGS))) and scritchies.

P.S. There's no shame in wanting to be alone and sort of shutting down during this time. I'm the same way. There's no offense meant or taken. Everyone is different and we all respect that.

[gini]

I wish that I could take your pain and Max's away from you.

[Randi]

Slick, first of all, don't beat yourself up about finding out Max has arthritis, you know how good cats are hiding pain. I really hope the Cartrophen will help him feel better - from what QoP says, it sounds promising.

I loved to hear he's back snuggling with you in the evenings, that must feel so good!

I was thinking... do you know about those flat pillows you can put in the microwave? They keep the heat for hours. Perhaps you could get one of those he could lay on when you're out. It might help the pain.

Will e-mail you later.

((((hugs))) and gente scritches to Max.

[Pinot's Mom]

I was thinking... do you know about those flat pillows you can put in the microwave? They keep the heat for hours. Perhaps you could get one of those he could lay on when you're out. It might help the pain.

That sounds like a really good idea; warmth helps so much.

I'm so sorry about the journey you're taking with Max; many of us have done it and it rips your heart out. The tub reminded me of my own journey with my RB kitty Jamara; up to her last day, she got up on the counter in our bathroom to get water from the faucet. That memory is very tough for me.

Our hearts are with you, no matter whether you can respond or not, this community of people (and pets) will be there in spirit taking that journey with you and Max. Give Max a kiss for me, hugs to you, treasure this time with Max and know we're there.

Maggie