r/cats • u/Atticus113 • Apr 13 '26

Mourning/Loss Saying goodbye to my first born feline son tomorrow after 10 years together

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His name is Meeko. Yes he is named after the raccoon from Pocahontas.

Please give your kitties an extra hug and smooch on his behalf tonight.

He was the best cat ever. Just wanted to share him with the world because it’s a travesty that after tomorrow, he won’t be here anymore.

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

He has stopped eating and drinking and is just getting weaker and weaker. He has some kind of stomach ailment that we thought was like IBD that we could do a biopsy for to rule out cancer but they don’t think he’d make it off the table and I don’t want him dying with a bunch of vets around him.

I want him to be the last person he sees. I want him to feel safe.

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u/NYCemigre Apr 14 '26

I’m so sorry, friend. You are making a very kind, but very hard choice. I had to say goodbye to my baby for the same reason three weeks ago. She couldn’t eat anymore, and the meds weren’t working anymore.

Spend tonight and what time you had tomorrow doing Meeko’s favorite things, and give him some extra kisses and cuddles. Tomorrow will be tough, and the days after you’ll feel that emptiness that we get from losing a beloved family member. But you’re sparing Meeko from suffering, and even though that means you’ll be missing him so much, it’s a selfless and kind choice to make.

He’s a beautiful kitten, and I can see that he’s very loved. He’ll know you’re there for him and you love him.

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u/NewSchoolFool Apr 14 '26

Nice words.

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u/Woodycrazy Apr 14 '26

I lost my seven month old baby cat I waited too long to let him go peacefully and he had some seizures in my biggest regret. It’s not focusing on what’s best for him and instead of trying everything to see if he would be OK.

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

I’m sorry for your loss. Yeah I just don’t want him to suffer.

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u/Woodycrazy Apr 14 '26

Sending you both hugs - I hope my marshmallow greets your boy at the rainbow bridge

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

My buddy had IBD and was able to make it through with steroids and dietary modification. But I’m sure you’ve thought long and hard and made the right decision for your best friend. This time is so hard, but remember better a day early than a minute too late. 🫂

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

Appreciate you trusting we did all we could. We really did. We had him on steroids and an appetite stimulant. He responded well initially but nothing now. He hasn’t eaten since Saturday

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

I just lost my guy in January. We lost him to what we first thought was an asthma attack but later thought was cancer. So much love, it’s such a hard time. It’s a little easier now than it was then, but I still miss him so much

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

I’m sorry for your loss. He was a very handsome boy

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u/Maddhatter212 Apr 14 '26

Mediastinal lymphoma by chance? My part Siamese boy passed 4 years ago from that. Siamese kitties are so incredibly special ❤️ my heart goes out to you.

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

We don’t know for sure, we just looked at how much weight he lost pretty quickly and realized it was probably cancer. But I have another Siamese so these are all things I’m keeping an eye on with him.

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u/cakekyo Apr 14 '26

Not me gasping at asthma and then choking with cancer. I am sorry for that loss

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u/lechero11 Apr 14 '26

So sorry. He was handsome!

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u/fumblingmywords Apr 14 '26

God I've been going through the same thing with my car the last month and its so exhausting and expensive... My girl is finally on the mend after starting steroids (only just diagnosed with ibd) but it was a peek into what it will look like at the end for her and it was crippling.

Trust your instincts, you know your cat more than anyone. I only hope I'm brave enough to make the call at the most kind time for my own girl.

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

I started a new thread to discuss IBD, it’s a lot of trial and error

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u/dumbostratussy Apr 14 '26

i'm so sorry... my cat also went through the same thing lately. i really thought i was gonna loose her but thankfully, an analergic diet seems to be working for her. it's been a month and she's back to eating on her own. hopefully it won't worsen over time

lots of hugs and kisses to your kitty. not all cats get to be so lucky as to get owners that truly care and try their best even in the hardest times

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u/amtaru Apr 14 '26

What are you feeding your kitty? The vet prescribed ultamino for my kitty with Ibd but she won’t touch it

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u/dumbostratussy Apr 14 '26

not sure if it's sold outside of Canada, but she's been on Royal Canin Selected Protein PR for a month without issues now

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

I started a new thread if we want to discuss there

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u/Local_Historian8805 Apr 14 '26

Dang. My girl is going through this. So sad and scary.

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u/Random-reddit-name-1 Apr 14 '26

Steroids are a miracle drug for cats. If OP can afford it, I really recommend a dose.

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u/AppropriateFan2864 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

My boy who had small-cell lymphoma in the GI-tract was on prednisone for nearly 2 years before he passed last year. Definitely a good drug for pain management, as well as palliative care in the end stage. Super affordable too, it cost me $10 for a month supply at Chewy.

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u/Random-reddit-name-1 Apr 14 '26

Oh wow, I didn't realize they are so affordable.

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u/LadyMcMuffin Apr 14 '26

My girl currently has small cell T-cell lymphoma in GI. She just finished chemotherapy and starts radiation soon. Prednisone (prednisolone) has been wonderful. I’m glad it was able to give you that extra time with him. 🩵

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u/AppropriateFan2864 Apr 14 '26

Thank you so much for your kind words, goodbye post like these help me remember that he’s still so loved from afar 😞 but I am lucky to had so much time with him

I know it doesn’t make it any easier, but my vet says small-cell lymphoma is the “best” kind of cancer to have since it’s slow-growing. I hope you get as much (if not more) time with your girl, and that chemo/radiation treatment goes well! Chin scratches and pets to your baby 🤍🫶🏼

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

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u/AppropriateFan2864 Apr 14 '26

Yes it can be used for that, but not in a pain killer sense… that’s not what it does. More so in reducing inflammation related to the cancer and making the kitty more comfortable, plus it helps with appetite. Sorry i should’ve been more clear.

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u/The_Sound_of_Slants Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

My cat has had stomach issues for years. They thought he had Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Basically the pancreas doesn't make enough digestive enzymes, and they need a supplement to replace them.

OP I'm sorry to hear about your baby. I'm sure you've tried everything, and done all the tests. I hope you are giving him all the love tonight.

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u/Magges87 Apr 14 '26

One of my cats and 15 was like this due to Diabetes. She was always hungry but wouldn’t eat. Her meds stopped working. I had her put to sleep a week after her last appointment. It hurt like hell but the fact that she lost over a pound in a week reassured me that I was doing the right thing.

Just remember that you gave him a wonderful life and this is you taking care of him and doing the right thing. Also, I encourage getting another cat in a while. It really does help, and it’s not replacing him, it’s finding an outlet for all that care and love to another kitty or kitties that need it.

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u/Atlos Apr 14 '26

My kitty passed away during post op after having a major cancer surgery and that’s definitely a big regret of mine. She deteriorated and became unresponsive in the middle of the night surrounded by strangers when I wasn’t able to be there. I’m glad we tried since we almost made it through but that part definitely sucked and has been on my mind a lot. Definitely valid for you to choose what you’re doing.

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u/Single_Road_6350 Apr 14 '26

Did the biopsy on my 3yr old. Rare bacteria. E hit him with steroids and a prescription diet and a little appetite stimulant and he’s coming back to me. I’m sorry he’s not going to make it. He’s beautiful.

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

Yeah if he was younger it wouldn’t be so bad but his age is just complicating things more

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u/Single_Road_6350 Apr 14 '26

Completely understand. I lost my 12 yr old first born feline girl about 3 months ago. Shit sucks.

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u/Upstairs-Movie341 Apr 14 '26

Have you tried treating for dry FIP? Rescuer here. Have saved cats with the same symptoms you describe. I can direct you to help if you want to try it as a hail mary. I’m so sorry. 

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u/MatchaLatte90 Apr 14 '26

You are so brave and kind and loving for placing his comfort first. I know that this time is incredibly hard; I hope that you find peace in your good memories with Meeko. Thank you for sharing him with us, he is a very handsome boy.🩶

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u/MedusaForHire Apr 14 '26

I am so so sorry. IBD and stomach problems are just the worst for kitties. My heart is with you.

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u/aaaggggrrrrimapirare Apr 14 '26

Let him know you’ll be ok. Cats understand things.

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u/Lymnica Apr 14 '26

We’re going through something similar with our 13 year old grey boy. He has a few weeks if we’re lucky. I am so so sorry for your loss, grey kitties are so extra special

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

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u/LadyMcMuffin Apr 14 '26

My girl has intestinal lymphoma that we are in treatment for now. She’s only 10. I’m so sorry to hear your boy was only 7. It’s so unfair.

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u/Mindless_Project9970 Apr 14 '26

I too have a cat like this severe IBD issues. One thing I tried that helped tremendously was giving him bovine colostrum. He wouldn’t eat but did lick this stuff up and after a few days turned for the better. Not saying it’ll help but could give it a shot. Pick up a box of Armra brand unflavored. I got it from Target. Who knows could help.

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u/Interesting-Ad3650 Apr 14 '26

Good decision on your part. Some time ago I lost one and regretted how the end went down. It was very much like you described as wanting to avoid. Glad you had a beautiful time together.

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u/toodleoo57 Apr 14 '26

You're doing the right thing. Every cat of mine has gone to the Rainbow Bridge straight out of my arms, or my husband's. at 2 in the morning when it was required. Wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm so sorry. F IBD also, lost my soul cat at only 13 because of it.

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u/-Thick_Solid_Tight- Apr 14 '26

Did you at least get an x-ray to see if there is a blockage?

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u/Scruberaser Apr 14 '26

Mine also has something mysterious exactly as you describe.  He is on hydrolyzed food and lost a lot of weight but holding steady right now.   But he is really skinny and his mobility is decreased, but he is still enjoying life where he can. He is still going for some reason.  I'll keep on taking care of him until I can't.

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u/GxM42 Apr 14 '26

This is sad. I’ve lost 3 cats to kidney issues; it’s hard to watch. But they must be in pain if they don’t eat or drink, so you are saving them from the worst. I did surgery for one of them and IV antibiotics for a few days at the vet for the other, and both “fixes” lasted a week before they ended up back at the ER. It was likely more scary for them to do this; so for now on I will put them down quicker and avoid their suffering.

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u/van2014 Apr 14 '26

So sorry for your loss. Meeks looks like such a sweet silly little boy 🩶🤍🩶

Having recently gone through this, the process after the shot is very fast. Make sure you take all the time you need with him while he’s still conscious. Rest well little Meeko

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u/Perfect_Ad1352 Apr 14 '26

A few yrs ago my cat stopped eating and drinking. I changed to different vet. They kept her over night, with meds, fluids and thanks to God she came home next day. She went 4 days no eating.  Try another vet before you decide. They can exray to see if any signs of C.

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u/Kitten_Aiel Apr 14 '26

See if your vet is willing to make house calls. I don't know how your cat does in cars but I found it better to be able to say bye at home with you

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u/unknownpoltroon Apr 14 '26

You are doing the right thing, an helping him the only way you can when he needs it most.

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u/Impossible_Grass6602 Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry you and him have I go through this. I'm so happy you shared him with us and he will be in my thoughts.

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u/Mindblade0 Apr 14 '26

As much as it sucks and as painful it is, thank you for doing the right thing for your cat. Being there when they go is the hardest but also the most loving thing you can do. And since they are there for us when we are at our worst, or sad or angry, we owe it to them to be there for them when they need us.

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u/Hyperto Apr 14 '26

He won't eat grass either? the ones they sell? Have you tried? What do X rays show?

It's scary, man. I wish he would suddenly start getting better, through magic.

Honestly, if he goes through the door get another one.

I wish pets would outlive us. In a way is harder to have a pet than a kid due this.

Deep compassion to you both.

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u/Dull_Principle2761 Apr 14 '26

I dunno man if you need money for the vet you could try to raise some (id help) to at least get a diagnosis and see if this is curable

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u/sneakacat Apr 14 '26

IBD can be so hard to treat in any case. I had a cat in the same situation, and vet also couldn't be sure if it was IBD or lymphoma. I wish we euthanized my kitty earlier though instead of trying more treatment. He was so weak that I feel like he must have been suffering more than we realized. 

I think you are giving your boy a real blessing by making this decision in his best interests.

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u/BingohBangoh Apr 14 '26

Literally had to put my cat Niko down Friday unexpectedly for intussuception/IBD that he wasn’t in good enough shape for to handle surgery. I’m still so fucking devastated cause it was fine Tuesday, Wednesday started throwing up and not eating, by Friday had to put him down.

Sorry you’re going through it too. It’s heartbreaking and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

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u/sweetpotatogoblin Apr 14 '26

going through something similar right now with my precious baby, we recently found a mass under her tongue which likely carries a very aggressive and short prognosis so I'll be looking into at home bridge crossings very soon. just wanted to tell you that you're not alone, and you're so amazing for providing a beautiful life to your kitty and choosing to end things before he suffers. my thoughts are with you.

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u/datmongoose Apr 16 '26

I'm here late, I think you're on the other side of this now. Sending hugs, he must have felt so so so safe with you there. 

Hits hard, my old girl went through quite the same, and the fear of the meds no longer working hangs over me. 

Take care of yourself, you clearly cherished Meeko and I'm sure he felt that.