I'm having a tough time deciding when to let Nima go

[days_unfolding]

I'm having a tough time deciding when to let Nima go. We took her for a subcutaneous fluid treatment at the vet yesterday, and the vet was hinting that it might be time without directly saying so. Nima did eat a half-can of food last night, but slept most of the time. I tried petting her yesterday, but she didn't purr, and she got up while I was petting her and walked over to her bed. Since then, I've been trying to come to terms with having her put to sleep on our next vet visit on Monday.

Today, Nima ate a little and went back to her bed. I was on the couch petting Harlee (my other cat), and Harlee was purring loudly, and suddenly Nima tried to get up on the couch! I lifted her up and got her settled on a cushion, and started petting her, and she purred and purred. My mom thinks that she gets a "bounce" from the sub-cu treatments. I haven't seen it before, but now I see it.

So now I don't know what to do again, but I'm happier.

The one good thing about Nima's condition is that it's reminding me how much I love Nima. My other cat, Harlee, is more talkative, has a stronger personality, and is much more high-maintenance, so she tends to get more of my attention. But I love my little Nima girl too.

Comments

[ravengirl.livejournal.com]

Quality of life can sometimes be a difficult thing to *see* in animals. The fluid is likely providing Nima with a bit more energy because she has become much less naturally hydrated. I have learned since working at the cat shelter that cats also use purring in different ways and while Nima may very well have been appreciating pets and affection, cats do sometimes "self-sooth" with a purr. Also look for "lip licking" as some cats do this to calm themselves in stressful times.

I'm not there with you and even if I was, again, it's tough to tell sometimes. The vet likely does know best from so much experience, so putting your trust there is not a bad thing.

I wish you a lot of luck. I know this is a difficult time and I hope you will find some grace in the process.
*love*

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

I do trust the vet's opinion, but I also know that I've known Nima for nine years, while the vet has seen her only for two-and-a-half weeks. Of course I understand that my long bond with Nima can also affect my judgement.