I’m really struggling right now with my cat, Wybie. We adopted him from an animal shelter in 2021 when he was just 1 year old, and he’s now 4 and a half. He became my best friend really fast. I moved out for school and took him with me. He’s such a sweet and affectionate cat. About 2 and a half weeks ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes and went into DKA. After coming home, he started having seizures. We’ve been in and out of the ER every day since then. The vets suggested that one of us, either me or my boyfriend, needs to stay up at night to watch him to make sure he doesn’t have any seizures. We are so exhausted from lack of sleep, and on top of that, we’re both students and I also work. Financially, I can’t handle another vet bill. Everyone has already pitched in as much as they could, and it’s almost a thousand-dollar bill every other day from the ER at this point. He’s also been constipated, and the vets think there might be something stuck in his intestine and want to do surgery. We’ve spent so much money just to hear that the vets don’t really know what’s going on. My mental health is really taking a hit with all of this. I’ve heard people say diabetes isn’t a death sentence, and while I totally agree, I just can’t afford another appointment, and neither can anyone else. I feel so guilty. We’re considering going to the humane society today to euthanize him, but I’m so conflicted because he has good days and very bad days. He’s my best friend, and going through this has just been so painful for me. Oh, and I forgot to mention that a vet a week ago said euthanasia is an option due to his seizures, but doing more blood work is also an option. We chose to do the blood work and keep fighting for him, but knowing a vet suggested euthanasia really changed my thought process.
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. It must be so hard to see him like this. Have you thought about what the vet said regarding his quality of life?
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot. Have you considered reaching out to a pet hospice or palliative care service? They might help you manage his symptoms better.
Honestly, it’s such a tough situation. I went through something similar before. It’s okay to focus on your mental health too. You’re doing your best.
I’m really sorry to hear about Wybie. It’s clear how much you love him. Make sure to take care of yourself too during this time.
Just know you’re not alone in this. Many people have been in similar situations. Whatever decision you make will be the right one for you and Wybie.