Bartie and Elan issues...

[moosmom]

I am missing Bartie SOOOO much, to the point of questioning my helping him cross to the Rainbow Bridge. I know deep in my heart that I did the right thing by him, given all his issues and the fact that they found cancerous lesions throughout his liver. But I still find myself questioning my decision.

Elan is doing great, although my 19 year old man has started peeing and pooping outside the box. The vet says his blood work is within normal limits. He suggested that maybe he's having difficulty getting in and out of my litter "bins" that are pretty high. The poor old man has been using the wee-wee pads. So, I went out and bought a black plastic cement mixing tub. It's low and holds a lot of litter. I put it in my shower as that is where he seems to go most of the time.

I'm pet sitting till Friday. I closed him in my tiny bathroom last night while I was away, with a medium litterbox in the shower and he used it. So today, I left him out of the bathroom to see what happens. If this doesn't work, I'll have to close him in the bathroom when I'm not home. When I left this afternoon, he was curled up on the heated throw with all his buddies.

I've committed to Elan to take care of him in his later years, and I'm sticking to it. I love him so much!!!

[Karen]

Aww, sounds like the low letterbox may be the answer! Thank goodness you are a kitty-only house!

[maerlyn]

I am so sorry to read this; my heart goes out to you. I live in fear of the day when my crew gets old, knowing all that can go wrong. You are a good person, and your love and compassion WILL be rewarded.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I know how much you miss Bartie but you really did do the right thing even though it's such a difficult decision to make. I'm glad to hear that Elan is doing well and hopefully the new lower litter box will do the trick. Good luck.

[phesina]

Oh Donna, big hugs to you as you second-guess your decision about Bartie.. You did the right thing, and it is always hard, isn't it. He is at the Rainbow Bridge, whole and healthy again, sending down his love to you.

And isn't Elan a delight! The new low litterbox sounds like just the ticket. Meanwhile, how nice to think of him curled up on the heated throw with all his buddies.

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} and ~~~~~~~PURRS~~~~~~~ and ,
Pat and cats

[Freedom]

Donna, it doesn't get easier, does it? Bartie was not happy that way, you did the right thing.

Now Elan, explain WHY he can get in and out of the bathtub / shower but NOT the other bins? Glad the new one is working!

[maid25cats]

I am sorry you are missing Bartie so much
Think of all the good thing you did for him in the time you were together.
Dont second guess yourself. you did right by your baby.

As far as the litter box issues.
I use one of those under the bed plastic containers ( without the wheels )
i got it at Walmart for about $10 It is ver y long.
I line the bottom with a 45g or 50g plastic bag
Dimensions: 44'' L. x 19 3/4'' W. x 6 3/8'' H. Sterilite
If its still to high maybe you can put a phone book or something similar to
help him gradually step up into the litterbox.

[moosmom]

Great news! The lower bin worked!! There were no accidents!!