Merlin

[slick]

Catty: The steroids are supposed to help shrink the tumour. Honestly, I don't see the point as technically he's at stage 4 and there really isn't anything we can do for him except keep him as comfortable as possible with the pain med. I do see signs of struggle when eating and today he has not eaten very much at all.

The antibiotics are usually prescribed after tooth extractions and he's had his dosage so I feel comfortable in stopping that one.

He can still jump on and off the couch and he still uses the litter box OK but if he continues to struggle to eat then I fear I may have to make a decision sooner rather than later.

[Moesha]

That was what helped me to determine when to let Morgan go. When I got the terminal diagnosis, I made up my mind then that I was not going to let him suffer at all. I didn't think it was fair to him and I didn't want to remember him suffering at all. We tried the pain medicine. He absolutely hated getting it. He loved his food, but as soon as I saw that the tumor was affecting his ability to eat, even preventing him from doing so, I knew that was time to say good bye. We had great times together in those few weeks after his cancer was confirmed. I even stayed home from a trip to Disney to be with him. I don't regret it a bit. We spent quality time together that I will always cherish. I wish the same for you and Merlin. I'm so sad thinking of you going through this with your baby.

[Pinot's Mom]

Slick, I'm sorry not to have commented more earlier; Moesha and I have been through this together and it's hard. I lost my kitty Jamara to this almost 12 years ago and it feels like yesterday. Please take all cues from Merlin - he will let you know if you're open to listen. I was not. I was selfish and wanted my baby with me (I knew I couldn't get through this without tears...) and I think timing would have been different if I had listened. Please PM me if you want to talk, or message me on FB, give me your number and I'll call.

Much love - Maggie.

[Catty1]

{{{hugs}}} Slick. More kissies and cuddles from me for Merlin...as many as he'll take.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Slick, as you know I've also been through this with my beloved Sunny. I was the one that found the lump in his lower jaw. I had asked my vet about using pred but she said it wouldn't work in his case but I could try a different drug that would them probably cause kidney disease. I didn't want to go through this with him so I never tried it. My vet estimated that he had about 3 months left. I had to say goodbye to him a bit sooner because he was having problems eating or he'd throw up his food shortly after eating. He was losing weight and he was also showing signs of being in pain. I did give him some pain medicine but this made him very sleepy and not want to eat at all. Usually you can also tell by a cats eyes when it's time to let them go. I hope that Merlin will be able to be with you for a while longer. If you ever need to talk I'm only a pm away. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[smokey the elder]

Steroids also boost the appetite, so maybe Merlin will eat better.

[Randi]

I know how hard it is to see our babies getting old and sick, and to take that final decision, but he'll tell you when it's time. Just keep him free of pain and give him lots of loving until then. I so wanted to take Fister back home for just a few more days, but his quality of life would not have been good. So, even though I miss him, the decision was a good one. You will know, too.

Give Merlin some gentle kisses from me!

((((hugs)))) to you, dear Slick.