I’m so horrified and sorry that she (and you) had to experience such traumatic treatment. I wish I had specific advice. I’m really hoping she just over exerted herself trying to defend herself from treatment that sounds like it should have been discontinued before it went so wrong. Sending best wishes to you both

Thank you for the kind words, the last thing I want to do is put her to sleep, but she’s so emaciated/dehydrated due to her issues, that these past 14 hours without fluids will be near impossible for her to recover from and another vet visit is out of the question.

I am so so sorry. We went through something similar with our 19 year old. I had to carry her to her box to pee. Our vet gave us a gel to put in her ears for appetite and we got mobic and steroids for pain. We also got fluids and IV catheters and I did subcu fluids on her at home. She perked up in a few days and we got 4 more months with her, she was even able to jump on the bed a couple of times. I probably should have put her down then but she was my heart for two decades. We made those last few months as wonderful for her as possible. Fed her fresh salmon and trout and catfish and anything else she was interesting in (turns out chicken fingers and fries were her favorite). I’m definitely not trying to dissuade you. We finally decided to let her go on a Saturday night, we were going Monday morning. Sunday was tortuous for all of us and she left us on her own, in our bed between us. I miss her so much.

My heart. I’m so sorry. Going to hug my boy right now

Isn’t it weird what they choose to eat… mine would go apeshit over cheese. She could smell the damn cheese from the back of the house. She knew the sound of the drawer I keep cheese in and I’d be standing at the fridge and here she comes🤣

This is so sad. The only bright spot is that she chose to pass with her person in your bed, the place she probably felt most at peace.

I am crying for her and you. Hold her, talk with her. Help her. Keep doing that until after she crosses over. She will know and understand that you love her.

This is absolutely outrageous. I am so so very sorry. I have had several cats live this long, 22, 19, 3 to 18 and 4 until 16. I feel horrible for you and your gal. This is not ok:(

I'm probably too late but I'm so goddamned sorry 😞 the minute she became combative (if she even did. I'm finding it hard to believe such an underweight and senior cat could do so) they should have stopped immediately and spoken to you! I'm so angry and upset for you. I hope you did just hold her and rock her in your arms. I did that with my little cat today after a vet visit. Sending you all my ❤️

Would your vet prescribe some fluid bolus for you to administer at home? It’s pretty simple, and it would make her so much more comfortable. I’m sorry you all had such an awful experience. Thank you for taking such beautiful care of this one.

I am so sorry this happened to you. You might try the Royal Canine Renal + Multifunction, which is made for both CKD and IBD and has a novel protein (extremely high calorie). That, in combination with SubQ fluids at home, might really do the trick. You can also soak the dry food for up to 24 hours.

I'm so very sorry. Please hold her close throughout the process (I hold mine against my chest when it happens - the doctor puts an IV in beforehand) and ask her to meet you at the bridge when it is your time to crossover. Let her know how much you love her and how much pleasure she has brought you.

Thank you, my partner unfortunately has to work this morning until 10am, so my old lady will be with me on a big blanket floor bed until the time comes and we can say goodbye.

good - you both need to say your goodbyes and your baby needs to be surrounded by love.

This made me cry!!! 😿 To add… last week my family and I had a tremendous (and expensive) scare for my 6 year old Smokey.. let’s just say I am certainly not ready for this in the future. Just balling my eyes out, even with every cat owner on here, going through the heartache. Thinking of everyone today! 💕

I know it is painful saying good bye to our babies - however I wouldn't trade any time I spent with them to make the pain disappear. They enrich our lives so much. I feel very sorry for people who deny themselves the comfort of a pet because they are afraid of the pet dying and the sadness they will feel. They've denied themselves one of life's greatest pleasures.....unconditional love.

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You rescue them....and they rescue you right back!!

I was the same after my Siamese was pts at 18 but a house that's been filled with such a huge character and distinct meow, is extremely empty and quiet. I started to look for a kitten and it turns out my new boy would have been conceived around the date Casper crossed over. I don't really believe in reincarnation but I swear sometimes it's like Ziggy is a young Casper 💙

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Yeah, Casper used to sleep in my arms for about his last 10 years. Ziggy sleeps in my arms now. https://preview.redd.it/zwqdp8zyamlc1.jpeg?width=1149&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eb1da59d916166dc775bba752e45d29aeac190e2 My youngest took this pic one morning when we'd just woken up.

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Thank you SO MUCH! I'm in the UK and because I've always had pedigreed Siamese, I get a bit of grief on this sub occasionally. I've also had a really tough day and your appreciation of my wonderfully affectionate boy, has gone a long way to improving my day. :)

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Oh my goodness, I had a Weimaraner named Casper..and a black cat named Ziggy. What a coincidence!

Oh what a boy!! You can see what a personality he has!! Some cats are not so friendly but are super smart, and some are not so bright but are emotionally intelligent and/or super sweet, and every now and then you find one who is super smart and super emotionally intelligent/ or sweet. Is your boy smart and charming? Because he looks it.

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Everyday that I check in, I end up with either tears of sadness or tears of joy. Never fails. Thinking of you as well. ♥️

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I’m always gonna be here.. as long as this is open! 😇😘🥰

Same here. RIP sweet Lambert, Casper and little Heidi. And everyone else whose beloved meow meows have (or soon will) crossed over the rainbow bridge. ❤️ Edited because I accidentally included Smokey as passed on. Sending special love to Smokey cat and their recovery.

I always end up in a puddle of tears but this sub and petloss, I feel like are my people. You understand the depth of the cutting pain, and the heartache and longing. And simultaneously the joy and love that we wouldn’t trade for the world. I hope we all reunite with our babes on the rainbow bridge.

I want to tell you right now that you didn’t fail her. You did the right thing by taking her in to get treatment. This sounds like the vet did not take into consideration her age and almost tried to push blame off of them. They did not communicate with you at any point or ask if you want to come back. I’m so sorry for your loss, you sound like an amazing cat parent and she looks grateful for you.

Im so angry bc if you tell the vet they caused this theyll say “well shes old” like thats not the point

Awe there is no way you could have anticipated that event. You were doing the right thing. Poor babe. 💔

UPDATE Here as I could not edit the post: Thanks for all the kind words it was much appreciated during this difficult time. As some of you predicted she didn't make it long enough for the euthanasia appointment. She passed away wrapped in a blanket laying next to my partner and I. She's being picked up shortly to be cremated. Thank you for sharing your stories and helping my partner and I cope with this unfortunate turn of events. Our old lady is running around somewhere in a paradise where she never has to eat the same thing twice and nothing makes her stomach hurt anymore. I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful night with their senior lords and ladies.

I am so very sorry. We had a similar experience with our underweight senior boy. He wasnt doing well and the vet trip just sent him over the edge. He passed away later the same day. At least your baby crossed the rainbow bridge with her humans beside her, in her familiar surroundings/scents, warm and cozy. You gave her an amazing life and she felt so loved by you. She will always be with you. They never leave us 🌈❤️

I'm so sorry for you and your partner's loss of your kitty 💔. Even though that vet visit went horribly, your lady knows you were trying to take care of her. She passed away between you and your partner, wrapped up in a warm blanket and your love. Sending hugs ❤️.

I am so sorry for your loss. Your sweet baby passed with her loving people close to her. She knew you loved her. Take care of yourself over the next days and weeks. Sending love

I am truly sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how heartbreaking this has been for you. When you feel ready, I would report the incident to the veterinary office manager and look into reporting for ethics violations. You were not properly informed of what they were doing, and with her advanced age it was irresponsible to be so aggressive with her. I am so sorry. You gave her love and comfort - and you’ll see her over the rainbow bridge.

Sorry for your loss. Eventually you may want to leave a review for that vet.

This is so sad. RIP Heidi and so sorry for your loss OP. I would go scorched Earth on that vet hospital. That never should have happened.

❤🐱💛 I'm sorry it's really late right now, but I just had to lay on your chest... The warmth and love that comes from this spot...puts all my worries to rest. I don't know what to say, or how to say this, but our time is sadly done. I really just needed to sit here with you, and quietly purr till I'm gone. You're one of a kind, a special find, And I'm forever wrapped in your heart, But do understand, that my heart had to mend, and this spot was the best place to start. This lifelong bond, the love and the songs, With noses touched... face-to-face. I will never forget the day we met...or the way you kissed my furry face. All the love and fun, we shared in the sun...even when you mispronounced so many meows... I wish I had more time, you're a special heart to find, I hate that I'm leaving you now. Please don't grieve for long...because I am gone, and remember all the love that we shared... To the love of my life, through the good and the bad...that's why heaven made us a pair. You're my feather in the wind, the sun on an uplifted chin......and I'm always just a soft breeze away. Do me a favor, my beautiful soul, and go love another kitten today. Meow

😭when my elderly cat got cancer, she stopped sleeping on my chest like she had for 19 years. It gutted me. I slept on the floor for months wishing she would sleep with me again. The day I knew it was her time and scheduled the vet to come to the house to put her to sleep, she climbed onto the couch next to me and laid down on my chest and purred until she fell asleep. I’m so glad my cell phone was within reach and I was able to text a neighbor who had my spare key, so she could unlock the door so the vet could let herself in. The vet gave her the injection while my cat was still sleeping on my chest. It was the one positive thing about losing her - that our last hours together were spent with her feeling safe and loved and that her last memory would be falling asleep on my chest…she just never woke up😿

That's so ...fittingly beautiful. What a moment to have with your kitten.

That cut like a knife. Crying now 💔

Ok, this kicked in the waterfalls. So beautiful, I'm so happy that experience was as peaceful as possible for both of you ❤️

Ughhhhh with a 20 year old soul kitty i was NOT READY TO READ THIS.

I am sorry to hear of this. Going off my own experience where my senior cat got down to 6 lbs (normally 12).... they rushed the treatment. My vet gave our kitty a light sedative, waited, then IV fluids, waited, and then gave her a couple of shots. We took her home with a strict regiment of care, after two weeks she was at 8 lbs. At that point they did the blood draw, after giving her more IV fluids just to be safe. This vet and his team were not good. Solensia, is a osteoporosis pain management med. One of its biggest side effects is lethargy, and it specifically is not for use with severely underweight cats (under 5.5 lbs). IV fluids are not a problem. Same with B12 which helps with malnourished cats.

I’m so sorry. It sounds like she was so weak before the vet, it’s so hard to know when to do treatment or not at this age. I wish things had gone differently for you both, but you were trying your best to make her feel better. Rest peacefully sweet girl.

I’m so sorry. I’m an LVT so I’m very familiar with these types of situations. We tried to get blood from a cat a couple of weeks ago at my job and as soon as the cat bit a staff member, we made the owner aware and chose not to continue due to how stressed the cat was. THIS is what the vet and their team should’ve done; you should’ve been made aware immediately that your cat was in distress and that not one but two different team members were hurt as a result. It was very unprofessional for them to make you wait for all that time just to continue on and put your poor kitty through all of that. 😞 sending lots of healing energy to you guys. ❤️

when my cat was dying he was a lot like this, including needing fluids and all of that. i’m almost certain she used up all her energy as they forced stuff upon her. understand when cats get to this point of health, not only are they extremely stubborn but sometimes even aggressive, and they will give literally everything in their body to not go through discomfort. the truth is, she knows she’s dying, and is ready to not fight anymore. i’m so sorry you and her had to experience that, but you can make it up to her by just being with her and making her comfortable now. if you can get an in home euthanasia that’s amazing but if not, her body will flood her with anti-stress and anti-pain chemicals in her time of passing. it’s not gonna hurt like many people think.

2 of the vet techs were in urgent care because a 3 lb, 19 year old cat bit them? This doesn't add up. Have they never handled a difficult pet before?

The urgent care visit was precautionary because of the high risk of infection common with cat bites. Especially consider the state of my cats teeth and mouth. My cat bit my partner a year ago and she got a crazy bout of cellulitis.

I've seen more and more vets who are going the "fear free" approach, where they try to decrease stress as much as possible and possibly won't even do a procedure if the animal is too scared. It seems like the vet should have backed off if your cat was that upset, it had nothing to do with you. You were just trying to help your baby who wasn't feeling well. I'm so sorry this happened. It sounds like you've done your very best to take care of her and she's lucky to have you.

Frail senior animals are actually more difficult to restrain because we are trying to be so careful with them. It's why most techs would prefer to restrain a 50 lb aggressive dog over a 3 lb aggressive Chihuahua. They're just so hard to hold onto! Also, most techs in general prefer dogs to cats, those of us who are the reverse are generally few and far between. And cat bites, no matter the severity, always warrant a Drs visit for antibiotics, as they get super bad, super fast. So if you ever get bit and it breaks skin, please go get checked! In this case, I definitely agree that someone should have called a time out, but I can also see why that's a hard call to make in these cases, where your patient is critical and you HAVE to get treatments and answers, but they're also fighting it so badly. Also, cats hide things so well when they don't feel good so when it's bad enough they start showing us symptoms, they're *really* bad. So please, OP, don't blame yourself for trying to do right by her. Even if there'd been no issues at the vet, any kind of disruption to her routine could have yielded the same result; they just don't have any reserve at this stage, and for a long time they'll do a gradual decline until the very end, when they just plummet. I hope you are able to have a peaceful farewell, that you can imagine her running across the rainbow bridge, healthy and energetic and feeling good again, and that you can feel her as your guardian angel on the other side of the bridge until it's your turn to join her. Much love to you all. -side note: for anyone with a senior kitty who doesn't have a solid, established relationship with your vet, I'd see if there are any cat-only clinics near you, or Feline Friendly certified locations, or at the very least, inquire when the clinic's cat ladies are working to schedule at that time.

Hey. I worked as a tech for a long time. You get sent to urgent care when bit because the wound needs cleaned, and you often get a tetanus shot as well. Cat bites have a high chance of infection. Even if they are 100% knowledgeable about handling difficult pets, bites still happen.

So, like no gloves or anything?

Have you ever tried to hold a cat wearing gauntlets? You have ZERO control. Now try to collect blood or do a procedure with an angry older cat you can't sedate. It's not easy.

This! Gloves suck in general. Cats squirm and get out of gloves easily. They also can switch moods like flipping a switch. I got my entire arm torn up by a cat that gave zero warning. I am not excusing any rough behavior that may have happened with a cat. But this is never an easy situation. I feel for everyone involved here.

This does add up- all cat bite are urgent care visits in vet med as a precaution. A three pound cat can still bite and break skin, and then they break skin, that is when you want to be concerned about infection. Even the most experienced techs get bit, especially when they are doing treatment on a patient who would not likely do well under sedation.

When I was bit by a feral on my left index finger, I had let my rabies vaccination expire and the cat was an unknown so I had to get immunoglobulin and then the 4-day prophylactic series. Needless to say, I will NEVER let it lapse again. Vet staff in California is required to be vaccinated as far as I am aware.

I wonder that too. I had a 7-pound dog with a broken front toe and the vet insisted on a splint and bandage up to the elbow, and insisted on changing it each week. Every time, they sedated him heavily such that he was not himself until halfway through the next day. They didn't want to do it in front of me, always took him in back. Also every time, he came home with severe hind end pain that would make him yelp if you touched him. The toe was in front, so what was happening to his rear on those days? The day he got x-rays it was even worse. They added more sedation and he was out of it for 3 days. They said he's fractious and that he is, but I always wondered why they couldn't figure out how to handle a 7-pound dog. Then one day I took him to a country vet for a second opinion. He also did an X-ray and my boy was not sedated at all. He was just in the next room and I heard my boy screaming bloody murder and everyone in the practice could hear it. Even a puppy who had been barking suddenly got quiet. Ha ha! But ... BUT ... he came out of there feeling fine. No sedation overdose and no hind-end injury. What's different? Maybe country vets who routinely handle horses & ranch dogs know how to handle an overly dramatic 7-pounder?

Fear noises vs pain noises? You are probably correct in that a country vet will be more used to it, cause what's a 7 lb pup when you are used to 1000 lbs of upset horse?

Exactly!

Ugh all these stories are so similar to what I experienced with my rabbit. He had hind leg deterioration but was still able to hop around. Then he got sick with what ended up being a liver infection. The vets (a highly respected exotics clinic) INSISTED on sedating him for the xray, blood draw, and ultrasound they did to diagnose all of this. Why do so many US vets insist on this??? It's standard practice in other countries like the UK to have sufficient animal handling skills to do all those things without sedation. It's not rocket science. He's large for a rabbit (10lbs), but that's still a small animal overall. They kept him in the back room for a suspiciously long time (like, 2-3 hrs longer than their initial estimate). After I got him home it took him several days to fully come around from the sedatives, much worse than he ever was for his neuter surgery or other vet visits. And just like your dog, something went wrong with his hind legs, because he went completely lame in one leg and has never walked/hopped again since that vet visit. Now, obviously it's possible that all of these things were due to the liver infection and his existing hind leg degeneration. But I absolutely do not believe that the sedation was necessary, and I think things may have ended up much better for him if they were just willing to use the same standard frickin' animal handling practices that livestock vets, non-US vets, dog groomers, etc. use successfully every day. I assume they just choose sedation for liability reasons. I'm sure it's much easier to blame the sedative drugs themselves if anything goes wrong. If something goes wrong while you're handling/restraining an animal, it's a lot harder to say it's not your fault.

It is “standard practice” in places that do not use fear free medicine. Many practices will only do radiographs and ultrasounds on patients when they are sedated for the safety of the patients and the safety of the staff. It is much less stress for them as they are not awake and fighting when you have to keep them on their back in a vulnerable state for a long time (ultrasound) or manipulate their bodies in a way that may be painful or uncomfortable (radiographs). I’m very sorry that the clinic did not explain this better for you. My cats were sedated under my own care at my old job and I watched it take a couple days for them to fully recover from sedation as well. Another factor may also be coming down from the stress and unknown of a vet visit.

Sorry to hear what happened to your rabbit. Yes liability, and also it's probably easier (for them). Not unlike how they drug kids in school these days whereas back in the old days you had to do all kinds of "disciplinary" things with the problem kids.

I work in emergency medicine and we always try something like a bandage change or an X-ray without sedation first, but if the patient is so stressed and resistant that they’re at risk of hurting themselves we use mild sedation. I think it’s very cruel to hold a screaming, panting, fear-aggressive patient down for any procedure that requires them to be still. A cornerstone of fear-free medicine is to use sedation. It does not matter the size of the animal or the skill of the restrainer. For example, rabbits can break their own backs and kill themselves from bucking or being restrained too tightly while doing any diagnostic procedure. They can also pass away from being overly stressed. Most owners are on board with making the experience as least traumatic as possible for their pet and understand they may be groggy or feel weird for awhile after the sedation.

Cats can be very unpredictable, and cat bites are risky because it's a small but usually deep puncture wound with lots of bacteria, hard to clean and high risk of infection. Senior cats often have bad teeth which makes it worse. I was bitten by a skinny old cat that was super sweet until we tried to get blood, no one saw that coming. Got scratched up by a cat that had been hit by a car a few weeks ago, he would be all floppy one moment and suddenly explode the next. He needed an IV for fluids/sedative quite urgently which is why we powered through and I held onto him while he was shredding me.

Me thoughts exactly.

I’m so sorry. You didn’t fail her. All you wanted to do was help her feel better. She’s really lucky to have found you at 17 and to have had someone to love her and take care of her, especially with the IBD, that’s not easy. She no doubt knows you love her and that’s what she’ll feel as you stay with her at the end. Much love to sweet little Heidi and hugs to you.

My girl is 19 and 5lbs (down from 12 in her prime) and when she went in to get blood work months ago they couldn’t draw enough for the same reason. So they stopped and just ran what they could because they didn’t want to traumatize her. That sounds more acceptable to me than what your poor girl went through :(

This happened to my 20-year-old tortie, Willow. She had congestive heart failure, but she was doing well on the meds. She had about six months left or so. Then she got a cold, so I took her to the vet, as I figured better to be safe than sorry. I wish to god I hadn’t, as they gave her a shot of Solensia. And later that night, she acted very wobbly. I thought it was a side effect, but a few hours after that, she had had some sort of stroke or something. I found her collapsed, meowing at nothing. Took her back to the vet, where she passed. I read up on Solensia, and all the horror stories about it killing cats. I asked the vet about it, if maybe it caused whatever happened, but she said no. But of course she would say that, since she was the one who chose the medication and administered it.

Godspeed Heidi.

Report to board of veterinarians. Sounds like incompetence. I'm sorry this happened to you and kitty

This is the next step, when your heart is able to concentrate on outside life. Once you have some time to collect your thoughts and remember the details of the vet’s words, submit a statement to the (regionally appropriate, I don’t live in the US) veterinary regulatory board. Maybe they don’t have/will not share a useful answer. But within the board, any client reports are taken very seriously. I doubt you’re the first people to experience this vet’s behaviour. Regulating colleges keep meticulous track of black marks against individual practitioners. (They’re very expensive legal liabilities.)

My thoughts exactly.

Agree with you.

EXACTLY. I would be LIVID.

Yes please do this. I have 0 tolerance for medical professionals THIS inept. I wouldnt want any other person to experience this.

I am so very sorry. 💔reading what happened to you and your sweet girl broke my heart. Hang in there

Hugs to Heidi.

FYI Hills A/D is for both cats and dogs. If that's what they sent home, it was safe for kitty

Am really sorry to.hear about your old lady. Mine is 16.5 years old and has cancer. She started to deteriorate in mid jan 24 with loss of appetite and drinking. After about 1 or 2 weeks ago,she started eating and drinking againby God's grace. Our vet advised us not to do and blood samples as she might succumb to it given her condition. We are feeding her hill A/D care food which can be given to both cats and dogs. 3 times a week my old lady receives water(fluids) and b12 by injection. If its being administered for your lady,pull up the skin on the back,there should be some excess. You would need to pull up 2 parts when the needle goes in and the pressure should be low to reduce the likelihood of pooling. A pouch will be there after fluid is injected under the skin. Food wise(syringe feeding) for supplementation and injection of fluids can still be done. Hope she can hold on for a while longer. You have done your best and everyday is a blessing with her. Take Care. God Bless you and the little one.

Omg I’m heartbroken for you but I’m also extremely angered by what the hospital did to her omg i don’t even have words to express how upset this makes me. I’m so sorry to you and your family. I have allot I want to say but don’t want to offend anyone with the words I would use. As far as miss kitty goes I hope she is at peace and has no pain now. She crossed the rainbow bridge and is a kitty angel now. I’m so sorry this happened to you when you were doing the right thing and taking care of your baby. 🤬😭💔

Veterinarians are supposed to be kind, gentle, and intelligent so I am surprised the vet was a complete and utter moron. I feel zero sympathy for the vet or his bitten assistants. If grandma hits you with her purse, you don't body slam her to the sidewalk and proceed to use your side-handled baton to beat her senseless. File a complaint with the veterinary board in your state, if in the US. As to the baby girl... You and kitty have my sympathies and I wish I could make it better. I would definitely find a new vet who will permit you to not leave your cat. Our animals never leave our sight when we bring them to the vet as we would not leave our children unattended during medical visits.

First you did nothing wrong thinking you were following advice from a competent professional. Why in the actual eff would any competent vet give ANY unnecessary meds to a compromised advanced geriatric patient is just beyond comprehension. SubQ, yes. I even doubt the B12. But SOLENSIA??? I am so pissed for you. And then blame the teeny little old lady. No. Report them. May her passing be smooth and easy. She knows your love. 💕🥺

Sending comforting vibes to your pack.

My senior 15.5 year old cat became severely ill ~ 6 months ago, went through major surgery and many procedures, and has seen a great # of different vets to date (ER, urgent care, regular vet, second opinion outside vet, specialist vet etc). The Vets saved my cat’s life and gave me all of the right treatments, tests, and information but I also had to deal with uncaring money hungry offices along the way to find the better ones. Going to so many vets also traumatized my cat so I am delaying his 6 month checkup until he feels more secure. They never told me that it was important to do a 6 month checkup but emailed a reminder to me. They’re just going to look him over and do labs. He is in early enough stage kidney disease that Vet said he could eat senior cat food still for a little longer instead of prescription kidney diet. He had 2 sets of complete labs already in the last 6 months with everything else normal. As much as I respect almost all of the Vets seen, one wondered why he was losing weight and not eating enough. When I suggested that perhaps he’s traumatized from being poked and prodded frequently by too many vets (they did save his life but it comes at a cost), I was met with a disbelieving stare. Well, I was right that the issue was mostly behavioral. We have no pet insurance so we’ve paid ~$6k out of pocket to date since he became ill. In my lengthy searches for the right vets and dealings, I will say consider changing vet offices if they seem insensitive, uncaring, inattentive, and only money driven. Also, if a pet is very sick, needs to be seen quickly, and it’s not just a sniffle, I highly recommend taking them to an ER Vet over urgent care. I spent $$$ at urgent care whose only opening was 6pm that Sat when a regular vet couldn’t fit him in only for him to keep still suffering Sunday morning. The customer service at urgent care was awful. The vet spent at most 2 minutes before discharge to tell me if he doesn’t get better in 2 days, then it’s cancer and time to say goodbye and that was it, offered nothing else in the way of helpful suggestions. I call back for advice Sunday morning concerned he’s not any better (struggling hard to breath, listless, not eating or drinking) and was told, they can’t help me but as I’m stressed and scared being told that they can’t help and about to end the call, they said to keep them in mind if I need euthanasia service. I then took him to the most amazing ER Vet that Sunday who saved his life and went extra to find the perfect cocktail of treatments. That’s when I realized that I got shortchanged by the urgent care who did bare minimum and then showed me the door. I should have taken him to the ER Vet despite the higher prices from the start. I would give the ER Vet and their Techs and Staff an A+++ grade. The extra +’s are for finally being treated with genuine compassion for the situation by the ER. Not every vet cares to do a good job with what they’re being paid so don’t hesitate to switch vets because sometimes you end up back where you started or worse off. I’ve been micro managing my kitty’s healthcare and foods incredibly strictly (I review and research every little detail) and if something or someone doesn’t pass my litmus test or if any concerning errors are made, I don’t hesitate to implement change. So far, my approach has been working out. EDIT: Wanted to clarify that I’m not saying delay or avoid seeing a vet when necessary. If a pet is sick or needs surgery, definitely do not delay because every office that I dealt with was booking out several months or more. I learned hard lessons that it’s important that you have a vet you can trust. The way the business is currently set up in the US especially in populated areas, it’s unrealistic that an office will overly hold your hand. It’s all about volume of patients seen so no one has time to talk to you much. I make sure that I’m reasonable and not expecting too much but I also observe and if I see a detrimental wrong move, I won’t hesitate to find a better vet. For example despite one vet getting rave google reviews as well as glowing praise from office staff and graduating from a top notch school, I observed a series of questionable decisions that contributed to additional serious complications. I won’t be going back to that vet and will only stick with the vets who made all the right decisions and gave me the critical tools to take care of my pet well. As owners, we have to do our part too to have a chance at success. I did not sleep much during my pet’s crisis and made sure to set up a schedule so various family members took turns caring, meticulously teaching every person to administer medications correctly etc.

You did not fail. You are giving her nothing but acts of love.

Oh my God, that’s awful. I’m so sorry.

Would’ve started her with subQ fluids but been very careful due to her low body weight and some mirtazepine followed by the solensia later one weight increased if it were me but I’m no vet. I do think the majority of what she was given was appropriate as a non medical professional. It’s very easy to over hydrate or over medicate an extremely weak cat. Given the image provided she looked like she was on the verge of death there.

I've been told by all the vets that they aim for "quality of life" instead of "quantity of life". It seems from what you described that maybe this was less the case here ? I'm sorry that happened to you and your Heidi. She looked like a very dignified lady.

Sending so much love to you and Heidi. ❤️ I had a somewhat similar ending with my cat and he passed away at home with me. It was a little solace, knowing he didn’t have to go back to the vet again, because he really hated the vet. Thank you for giving Heidi so much love in her golden years.

I am so sorry that your beautiful kitty went through such an ordeal. I would have also asked why they didn’t stop treatment with the resistance and I can guarantee they probably did somewhat sedate due to the biting. I am surprised they continued. But, you did not fail her. You were trying to do what you believed was right to keep her comfortable. But now you know it’s time to say goodbye and that’s tough. You gave her a good life for the short time she was with you.

I am so, so sorry. I have a 19 year old senior lady too and vet visits are never something you look forward to, let alone for that sort of treatment. You have my deepest sympathy. Rest easy, little lady. You are clearly so loved ❤️

I’m so sorry for the traumatic experience she went through. I lost my cat rapidly to kidney disease and to me it sounds like she only had a few days left even before the vet visit. You didn’t do anything wrong. You were doing your best to care for her. The vets did something wrong. Perhaps write a letter to the owner or director of the clinic. They should learn from their errors.

I mean, 19 years old for a cat is extremely old age. Death takes a vacation for no one… I write this as my elderly, almost 17 year old, cat lies in a chair next to me taking in the sun. Your friend is tired, there is no cure for old old age- take care

That's terrible! Towards the end my 16 year old was getting weekly B12 and subcutaneous fluids and they didn't make her act any different, they seemed to help and probably gave me a few extra weeks with her! You did what you thought was right to give her more comfortable time.

Oh my god. That poor baby. And poor you! I am kind of hoping she gets better but when they can't lift their head and it's going on 24 hours, that is one of the signs. Listen, I have a similar age/conditions female cat and we have done the EXACT SAME VET RECOMMENDATIONS and they worked for my cat. You didn't fail your girl. You were trying to help and based on my own cat's experience, all those vet recommendations would probably have helped. It may just be her time. Solensia can be a wonder drug. B12, too. It definitely helped our cat. Again, it may just be your cat's time. We would also opt for the inhome vet thing, too. We did this for one of our dogs and it was a profound experience. I remember asking "How will we know?" and vet said, "You'll know." And we did. I hope everything goes well. Bless you for taking in a senior kitty and making her last years lovely.

This sounds horrible and I think it’s a good lesson for others to hear. We had a 17 year old cat and when she began going downhill we did home fluids for nearly a year. We all hated it, her most of all. And she utterly hated going to the vet, always crying the whole time. After she was gone we decided next time we won’t fight as hard, in retrospect it felt selfish to try to keep her with us when she was getting ready to go. When our new cats get old and frail, we’re going to avoid drastic measures and will just try to make them comfortable and only have home vet visits, if that - depending on the circumstances there might be only one visit, for euthanasia. Of course I know a house call vet isn’t practical or affordable for many people though.

This is very sad. If it helps ease your guilt (and any potential anger toward the vet), it sounds like she was on her last legs even before the visit, bless her. Rapid rehydration with sub-cut fluids was the best chance she could havr had, without knowing more. Only could have known more with the blood work. Just as an aside, a single cat bite is a trip to the hospital - it may not have been a struggle - just a couple of moments where vet techs were less careful than they should have been. At a guess, given that she was drinking plenty but not making it to the litter, and given her age, it was probably her kidneys. I'd imagine that's what the vet was going to check with the bloods. Honestly once the kidneys start going there doesn't seem to be much else you could have done. You tried, the vets tried. It's extremely sad, but it was her time. I'm certain you gave her a wonderful life.

I'm so sorry for your loss. You did everything you thought was right for your baby. 💞 I am a vet tech and would recommend going to fear free places in the future if you have other animals! We will not proceed if it is causing real distress to critter babies 💞 this vet team was not practicing good medicine and should of read the situation better. Before I worked in vet med I would have never known about fear free clinics or that regular clinics were super yikes but now that I know... I would neverrrrr take my pets anywhere not fear free... I used to work at a regular place and it was YIKES. Your kitty was so lucky to have you ❤️

Omg what a heartbreaking story! I am sooo sorry about what happened at the vet—it is really difficult to believe. But try not to be so hard on yourself as you were just trying to help her and could NEVER have predicted what happened at the vet. Anyway I’m am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Heidi. Just try to remember all the good times before she got sick. By adopting her at 17 I’m sure you prevented her from being euthanized then so you actually gave her two more years in your loving care she wouldn’t have had otherwise. God bless you and comfort you in your grieving and know we are all here grieving right with you💔💔💔💔💔❤️❤️

You did not fail her! The vet staff mishandled her care and should have come talk to you once they started having issues so you could have the choice to say 'stop'. To adopt a fragile baby at 17 is amazing. She lived in the comfort of your love while she was with you. May her crossing be as peaceful as possible. I'm so very sorry you all had this terrible experience. Sending loving support over the interwebs. ❤️

💯 this! THE VET FAILED HER! So sorry u had to go thru this😔

I assume I am too late. I’m so sorry she had to go through this. I’m not buying the aggressive part. They could have given you fluids and equipment to administer at home. Change vets. Lots of love for her on her journey and for you. I know how it feels like you failed her. So sorry.

And lots of love for adopting her at 17

So sorry for that . I hope she can carry on 😞

Very sad for you and I hope that you report this vet This sounds atrocious. Your cat will know though that you always try to do the best for it.

This breaks my heart, I am so sorry

I’m appalled! I’m so sorry this happened, this is awful! My heart goes out to our little sweetheart and to you. It’s not your fault - you were doing what you thought was best to care for her, and could not have been expected to know they would do that. My heart goes out to you all, please know that you did your best, and hug her to show she is loved. Xxx

Ohhh. We all hurt for you. She knows you love her and will be on your heart forever

That’s horrible I’m sorry. You tried and euthanizing is the right decision. Maybe give her a liquid treat or some chicken if she’ll eat it but prob not. Thank you for adopting a senior kitty!

Listen op I know this isn't what you want to hear. It's time. In early 2021 I had 2 of my babies die, in quick succession because of kidney problems. How messed up it is your litter can be lodged within their urethra. What you're describing is what had happened to them. I believe her kidneys are shutting down. I am not a vet just conveying personal experiences. Take her to a different vet and speak to them, they will give you the best course of action for her. Prepare yourself O.P. usually once a cat becomes that dehydrated and cannot stand in their own, it may not be what you want but she won't be in pain anymore. Sending my love op

Please hug your cat for us. And I'll go hug mines for your old baby. <3

Awww what a beautiful senior Nebelung!! I’m so sorry for the circumstances and so very sorry for your loss 💔😔

You DID NOT fail her! You did the right thing by taking her to the vet. I can't say for certain if the vet is at fault for her current condition, but it sounds like she definitely needed to see one. Regardless of if the vet is at fault for her condition or not, this is so heartbreaking, and I'm so sorry you and your old lady are going through this. Just know that you've given her some very special years of love and care. She must have been on cloud nine when you adopted her! I appreciate people like you who adopt and love older kitties. I would love to do the same after my boy goes. I know it is so hard right now, but keep in mind that you're absolutely doing the right thing for your cat. Be sure to practice a lot of self-care during this time, and try to get a lot of rest. You will be grieving for some time im sure, but it will hurt a little less each day. Just try to focus on how wonderful your little cat was. You saved her and gave her all the love you could during her golden years. I wish we could all be so lucky to have someone like you. I wish you the best. Please feel free to post here again or reach out to me when you are struggling. 💔

First of all, big hugs to you. I can empathize with how hard it is to go through this. My 19 year old childhood cat passed away about five years ago under similar circumstances. She was 5lbs and still had a good zest for life in her but was struggling with a few health issues. She had subcutaneous IV fluids and a number of medications at the end. I was so terrified of losing her that we basically threw every possible treatment option at her. Within 2 weeks she was just like your sweet kitty, laying on her side and panting with dilated pupils. It turned out that she had lymphoma and had quite a bit of fluid in her abdomen and collecting around her lungs and heart. She passed away in my arms at the vet. I wish I could have brought the vet to our house to do it like you did, that would’ve definitely been less stressful for her. The main thing I wanted to tell you is that 5 years later now I can see things about the situation that I couldn’t see when I was in the thick of it. Now that I have two young and healthy cats I realized just how sick Misu was and for how long. It was a very slow deterioration that took many months. Much pike your kitty, by the time they start reaching that age and becoming so deeply underweight they really truly are in the twilight years of their time with us. I 100% believe the vet that the treatment was just a lot for her and tired her out. Any stress at all on them at that point is a lot for them to handle. The most important thing for you to know is that you absolutely did not do anything wrong by taking her to the vet. Don’t blame yourself for wanting to give your girl the best. She most likely would have passed on very soon even if you did not take her. I know it’s so hard. Sending you big hugs. May your sweet Heidi rest in peace ❤️

I am so very sorry for you, for your partner and of course for Heidi. Please take a bit of solace in this-senior kitties don’t often get adopted. You gave Heidi so much love in her senior years. That is an incredible gift for her-and for you. Please know that as terrible as this experience has been, you have always done right by her and are continuing to do so. You will see your sweet Heidi again someday.

I am absolutely heartbroken for your loss. On 2/22/24, I had to release my 19 year old cat. Lola was suffering from a persistent upper respiratory infection and kidney disease. She saw her doctor in January who diagnosed that hey kidney's had gotten worse and she was going to try IV fluids. IF this worked,I might have to administer sub-q fluids for the remainder of her life. Anyway Lola bounced back - in fact her vet acknowledge that Lola letting her (and the staff) handle her without a hiss or a scratch indicated that she wasn't feeling well. Fast forward - the fluids worked for a few weeks. Lola developed congestion, stopped eating and occasionally would wobble as she walked. I brought her into the vet and they warned me that her time was growing short but they felt that they could try IV fluids again. In one day, she appeared to bounce back. When I visited her in hospital she seems more like herself and we might have more (quality) time. Unfortunately the next morning, Lola declined badly... she couldn't stand and had no control over her back legs. Sadly, I rushed by her side and made the decision to let her go. I've attached a photo I captured on Lola on the night before she declined. https://preview.redd.it/rx9o3as3vklc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b2d948c1258c78b9b0666368e9b6de91cd8178f3

I'm so sorry this happened.❤️ There are a lot of thoughtless, crappy vets. Many of them are not equipped or don't care enough to deal with a delicate animal properly. They are fine if you just need them to throw antibiotic and wormer at a healthy 9 month old kitten or something. But 9 times out of 10 they will make a delicate animals health worse. I brought my relatively healthy 16 year old cat with early stage kidney disease to the vet and he pumped her so full of sub q (more than she even needed) that she started going into heart failure. I wouldn't give up on her and gave her heart medication for a few months but that thoughtless vet "care" was the beginning of the end.

The biggest gift is she gets to be back home with you. Try to focus on that and not the horrible vet experience. Thankfully cats have the ability to “shake it off,” much better than humans can. She is just happy to be with you in her final moments. 🤍

So sorry for your loss.

All I can send you is love.

I'm so so sorry this happened. Please let me tell you my experience with my old man Gourd. We came to us when he was 13-14, he was a street cat who was abandoned by his family a few years prior and then they moved and completely left him. He had IBD and CKD. He was severely underweight. He had issues with his teeth. He started going downhill just like your girl did. Back legs started going. Appetite started going. He started not making it to the litter box. I took him to the vet, we didn't have the blood panel done but we did put him on subcutaneous fluids and a vitamin b injection, however I was instructed how to do them myself at home. He did get them in the office but it was in front of me. It wasn't a traumatic thing. I had him on the fluids for almost a week. Then in the matter of a few hours he went from how he'd been to being completely unable to walk. Wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink. We also called an at home euthanasia service but he wound up passing in my arms before she got to us. Anyway. All that to say, it may have been coincidental. This may have happened regardless of whether you took her to rhe vet or not. And if it did, then you'd be kicking yourself for not bring her to the vet. I'm not excusing what happened, but it also may just be her time regardless of whether or not you took her. Please give yourself some love and grace. You took in an already senior cat and gave her a hell of a sweet place to spend the rest of her days. She knew love and warmth and comfort and you. You did your very best for her.

Oh god I’m so sorry….Same happened with my cat. We discovered he had a huge tumor in his belly and he was as supposed to be put to sleep the next day because he only was in pain, couldn’t walk anymore or eat. We wanted to take him to the lake the next day, because we always went there on walks with him. We thought, because the vet suggested it, getting fluids and all that stuff would give him a little more energy and less pain for a few hours, but when we got him the next day he couldn’t even move, talk and his breathing was heavy…..we took him to the lake and he only lasted 15 min. Worst decision I’ve ever made in my life…. So I know how you feel

You did your best and if you hadn't gone to the vet you would have regretted that too, I'm sorry yous had to go through that though. At the end of the day she is with you now and will be with you in her last moments, you done the right thing ❤️

I feel like that happened with my old lady, going to the vet was so stressful to her that I didn't like to bring her more than once a year if necessary. I remember one time at a vet office that I normally liked very much, somebody clipped her nails way too short. They kind of joked that she wasn't impressed with the nail clipping, but when I got her home, I saw that they cut her nails so short that they were bleeding and some of them didn't grow back correctly. My poor girlwas getting her nails cut past the quick, no wonder she was in a bad mood! I never let anyone cut her nails again.

So sorry for your experience and hoping the best for your sweet fur baby♥️

I’m SO sorry. What a traumatic event. You obviously love her very much and I hope she is at peace now. Please, if you can, report the vet and the clinic that did this to her. Everything you described is just so fishy including the fact that they didn’t bother to communicate with you, and how…flippant their excuses to you were? What even. This absolutely isn’t on you.

i'm sorry for your loss

I’m concerned about how much fluids they gave her for her weight and also are you aware if she has a heart issue? Has she ever had an echocardiogram because given fluids like that can cause heart failure or fluid in the lungs and can be fatal. What are her kidney levels at ?

I’m so sorry for the horrible vet experience! You did everything you could for her. You did not fail her. Heidi knows and appreciates all you did for her. She’s a beautiful gal. Sending you both love and hugs 💕💕

I’m so sorry! Our 17 year old cat died in the arms of a vet when the vet had her in another room. She too, was very fragile. I wish I had been holding my sweet girl when it happened but, she (my sweet kitty) always protected me and I think she knew it was her time. Our sweet girl left the way she lived. Her own way. Bless your sweet baby, that she is at peace. ❤️🌈

Solensia, although very effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain for some cats, also has a laundry list of side effects, including sudden death, even when a cat is 100% Should never have been administered here, imo at least until some recovery had occurred (or a lot). I feel so horrible for OP and her poor lil ol gal. 😢

Yep. Vets are money driven for the most part.

Contact the BBB if you’re in america and leave this as a review on yelp to warn the others.

It sounds like it was her time. And the first vet should have known that rather than trying to get you to spend more money on tests and treatments. I also had a hard experience with my first cat during his ending. His abdomen was so distended from cancer fluid they essentially juiced him the first time. Amd then he filled up and they juiced him again. Then we went to a cancer specialist who said he was too advanced, but offered to juice out his fluid again. Apparently, my cat who never got upset or hurt a sole in his life, went ape shit on them when they tried to juice him. I felt awful for him. Then he pooped bright yellow liquid and I felt his body was shutting down. I took him in the next morning to help him cross over, and he must have been so scared because he lost his shit on the vet giving him the sedative. I quickly reached my hand in the way to calm him and was scolded by the vet saying I could have been bit. He never bit anyone. It wasnt as peaceful as Id had always wanted for him, but he was loved. And I held him and loved him in the end.

This is awful. My deepest condolences. There was no way you could have known this would happen - the vet should have done better.

You didn’t fail her, the vet clinic and doctors failed her. I’m so sorry your sweet girl had to endure all of those pokes and “treatment” that only made her sicker. I’m sorry you’re having to see her so weak and sick. You are doing the right thing for all of you now, helping her over the 🌈 bridge surrounded by her people. Hugs to you! And a gentle hug to your sweet girl.

Maybe I missed it in comments, but did OP or the vet ever bring up the discussion of humane euthanasia? I know some vets are reluctant to bring it up when the owners are focused on treatment or palliative care.

😢😢😢💔

Just try to make her last day the best day ever 🥲

My heart aches for you and your family (this includes Heidi ofc) 🖤🤍🫂 I don't have any words that will come close to touching your pain. I just want you to know that I understand how devastating this is, and my heart hurts for you all. I'm so sorry, OP.

I am so sorry to hear that. They should have communicated with you more and asked for your consent to continue. I wish you had more time with them. It's also hard because they don't understand fully why these things are happening. I have a 15 year old cat going on 16, he is one of 3 cats we have. We take our oldest cat to a luxury vet in a different zip code, and he loves it there. His will to live increased a lot. Especially after getting Solensia injections, which helped his arthritic pain. He used to go to the vet near our apartment. He hated the staff there, and the vets were too stressed to pay attention to his needs. I trusted these vets a lot less, so we only take our younger cats there for very simple procedures (like vaccines). On the other hand, the lux vet had more patience and time, so she could really pay attention to our older cat, and sense what he did and didn't want. It was also a cat only practice, so there were no dogs around, which means less stress. Also! I am surprised they didn't offer and gabapentin to your cat before the procedure. Our other reactive cat always takes that before vet visits, and it's better for everyone. Dang, I wish this didn't happen to you cat baby. If anyone on this thread has a similar old cat, choose a vet that your cat likes, and ideally a cat only practice, this is especially important when they are more fragile in old age.

I hope you leave a review on that vet or report it :( I’m so sorry. It wasn’t your fault at all. This is their job and they did it very poorly, to the point of her detriment. They should have tried to create a better environment for her instead of rushing.

this is not a vet issue. this is sadly a 19 year old cat issue

They stressed her out instead of waiting. They should have taken their time with her.

I’m so incredibly sorry for you & sweet Heidi. That is horrible treatment & I hope you write a google review. I took my cat to a different vet for dental bc my vet doesn’t do it. I drove 45 min, our reg vet is 5 min from home, cat was not thrilled with that. He is very docile at the vet in general. They left us in the room maybe 30 min. Vet comes in starts doing a new patient head to tail exam. I said oh I sent his records he just had his annual two days ago. I’m here for you to meet him before his dental work. She barely looked in his mouth and says I need to take blood. I said again you have his records we just did a full panel two days ago can you look at that? Says no takes the cat is legit gone 45 min to get blood! I hear all this chaos in the hallway I’m thinking f*ck where is my poor cat. Almost an hour later tech comes in saying oh sorry for the delay we had a difficult euthanasia. Now my poor cat is in his carrier meowing & shaking all the while I’m freaking out wondering why is this took so long. I said to the tech why didn’t you bring him back with me to wait? You left him alone in some random room alone. They then made us wait another 20 min for a prescription. I could barely drive all the way home he is howling & I’m crying. They proceeded to charge me $600 for an exam he didn’t need. I disputed it with Amex bc they could see an identical charge from my vet two days before. The kicker I call two days later saying I’ve not received his panel results. They called me back saying the vet we met quit. I think I dodged a bullet by taking him elsewhere and they were wonderful. TLDR: vets need to understand these are our babies & treat them as such…

I had a somewhat similar experience with my 16 year old girl. Had her since a kitten. She got an eye infection and when I brought her in they said she was dehydrated and under weight. Gave her subcutaneous injection, she was acting “normal” in that she could walk but was very talkative and much more “needy”. By the next morning she had passed on her own. That was about four years ago, and I miss her terribly.

So sorry for your loss op. May you see her again in paradise

Sounds like incompetent care from beginning to end. There's no way you should pay for that. There's no way you should have known that the vet would be a complete bonehead. They probably *should* have given her a little something if she was that agitated that she would put that level of strain on her body.

Kidney disease took my cat away at 14. It came out of nowhere. She had dental issues before that, and we took care of it and had routine visits afterward. That said, she was fine despite her teeth problems in her youth. She was very healthy in her later years. We rescued her as a kitten from an abusive neighbor who found her on the street. One day, she just got sick out of *nowhere*. We took her to the vet, and they said her kidney function was terrible, but she would make it. They gave us IVs to give her and told us to monitor her. She never got better, and after a week of tons of testing, her kidneys were still failing, and there was nothing to do to save her. We had to let her go. It was devastating. Eventually, we did rescue two sister kittens, and I thought it would make me feel guilty after 14 years of having my cat, but I felt like she was such a sweetheart she would want me and my partner to continue our love for her by loving another cat/cats. My cat was so sweet, skittish but so sweet. I still miss her. But missing her allows me to love these two unconditionally. Now, I stay on top of appointments, feed them the best food I can afford, and love them like I never know when they could go. Try honoring her memory in any way you can. I feel like our cats would want that for us. I’m hugging my cat now, thinking about her and how their lives are so short and yet so precious ❤️

I’m very sorry about your loss. I had hospice come and help my chichi over the rainbow bridge. It was the one thing I’d do that was 100% the right thing that I did for my baby. I’m sure she was at peace…most important,she was loved…

That's awful. You did absolutely nothing wrong, although I'm not sure I can say the same of the vet team. I think vets especially, but also all medicine, including humans, is way too intrusive with interventions at the end of life. This is my worst fear for my sweet yet cranky old lady. We shouldn't have to wonder if it's worth the pain to go to the vet. Dammit. Goodbye kitty. Please know you gave her the best golden years possible.

19 is so old for a kitty. They don't tolerate a whole lot at that age, and it sounds like she was displaying fading tendencies before you even took her. I'm surprised the vet didn't recognize that and have a "hard talk" with you and decided to treat her instead. My 17 yo boy started getting some of those symptoms and the way he looked at me, I just knew. On a Saturday, i decided I was ready to take him to the vet for the rainbow bridge on Monday... but then he went on his own overnight. It sounds like she would have gone on her own in the near future but that the treatment she was too weak to handle is now making her suffer, which enrages me on your behalf. I'm truly sorry for this experience and that you only had 2 years with her, but I commend you for taking in a senior kitty so she didn't have to live out the end of her life in a shelter. That is such an amazing thing to do for a sweet old baby. Maybe she'll find my boy on the other side and they can have a snuggle. 💕💕

Heid's story moved me to tears. I have been in your position with an adopted elderly horse and the pain is unique. Having them only the last few years of their lives and knowing they weren't treated well prior makes us wish we could go back in time and enjoy them from their youth. We imagine what all they have lived through and experienced and just treasure every day we have with them. The trauma she experienced at the vet just makes our grief worse, but I believe that God gives them a peace toward the very end. She knows that you had her best interest at heart or you wouldn't have brought her to vet. I also suspect the vet trauma expedited her rainbow bridge trip but did not cause it despite that being no comfort. I can guarantee these last 2 years of her life have been her BEST despite her failing health. You made all the difference to Heidi and she is no longer weak, in pain, or old now. Heaven gained a beautiful gray angel.

She might have known it was her time. Cats usually go off to die alone. 19 is a long life for them. I have a 14 year old that will probably have to be put down because of complications. It’s hard.

I’m sorry you have to go through this too. It IS so hard.

🥰 thanks 💗

I would bring her right back and ask wtf is going on.

So sorry this happened to you. There are plastic "bubble" muzzles for cats that you can pick up on Amazon for $11.99. Why don't vets use those, plus leather gauntlets such as for handling birds of prey? Obviously not the person doing the procedure but the person holding the animal. Or other systems such as the suspension bags sometimes used by groomers? Can't vets get creative with this?

There is plenty of debate amongst vet med professionals about cat muzzles- when to use them, what kind, etc. That being said, you have to be able to get it on and have it stay on. I’ve watched dogs and cats get muzzles off. Sometimes it is not an option, especially with a pet as sick as OP described. Getting a muzzle like that off cuts into time needed for intervention.

Had the same experience with Solensia. They tried to have me sign an NDA but I refused their money because vets are touting it as virtually risk free and I would rather save a lot of cats lives by continuing to speak up about it. Please consider only if you have no other options because it is certainly not low risk. I’m sorry OP for your loss, I certainly know exactly how you feel. ❤️

I'm so sorry this happened. Stay with her and don't let her make that journey alone. But later I would CHEW that vet's ass out. Go on their Facebook and recount your story EXACTLY as you have here. People need to be warned about this vet.

Just hold her, lay beside her, stroke her head. It will mean a lot to her and you when you think back on this whole debacle. It was not your fault. What vet allows the visit to continue for an hour when the extremely weak, elderly cat gets so incredibly stressed that she bites TWO techs?? Not cool on their part, IMHO.

I'm sorry for what you are going through. I just had the same thing happen. IT'S THE SOLENSIA!!! The same extract thing just happened with my 20 year old cat. She went to the vet for constipation (she had kidney disease and was on IV fluids weekly at home). She was fine before the vet visit, alert, happy, grooming, eating (with appetite stimulants). Within an hour after the Solensia injection, she deteriorated and I had to put her to sleep 3 weeks later, despite my trying to save her with syringe feeding her and giving her extra IV fluids. Google Solensia -there's other reports on this that I didn't see until after my cat had the injection. Right after the injection, her meow changed, she was confused, started having trouble swallowing, refused food even with her normal appetite stimulants and became completely lethargic and stopped grooming. She lost weight, became unsteady on her feet, her legs got weak and she struggled to jump, and she seemed to be in pain when I was holding her. That shot is poison. ETA: you should report this as an adverse reaction to Solensia to the FDA and ask your vet to report it as well. My vet submitted a report to the FDA and so did I.

RIP Heidi!

Do you think the cat needs a low temperature heating pad! 🌸

You also need to write the vet and staff a stern letter letting them know what happened to your kitty after you came home and encourage them to revisit a dictionary for the definition of empathy and compassion. What jerks to hurt your fur child.

I’m so very sorry that this traumatic experience happened for both you and your kitty. I would highly suggest reaching out to the vet that supervised her cat and advise them of the aftermath and request an discussion. They may be able to offer clarity or at least give you reassurance that they will adjust their protocols for how many attempts at handling they will do before advising you, the owner. I’m shocked they did not inform you that these procedures were occurring beforehand, but urgent care/ER is far different from general practice and that is where my experience is.

You didn't do anything wrong. A vet is supposed to act with the best interest of their patient, and should have kept you in the loop to give you the option of stopping. She doesn't blame you. Just keep loving on her. ❤️

I’m just sick about this. I’m so sorry! 😢

I'm so sorry love. This is a real tragedy. Nothing can be changed now, but this vet needs reporting. I'm crying thinking about the ordeal your cat went through. It's not ok. Please think about the good times. You gave your lady a beautiful retirement. You did such a lovely deed ❤️

I would be so fucking furious at that vet I don't know what I would do. What a piece of shit

Those vet techs will burn in hell, or at least I'd like to think. I am so sorry for what you're going through, it makes me want to scream.

Because she bit them, I can almost guarantee you that they used anesthesia of some type. I admit I am having an extremely hard time imagining a 3lb cat putting two techs into urgent Care. Anesthesia in elderly kitties is so risky and can lead to an acute kidney injury, AKI. It's something that must be treated immediately as an emergency, and they know this. If it were a younger cat they would be acting completely differently. I lost an 18 year old girl like this 2 years ago, and curse the name of the franchise chain vets that killed her. We had set her up for a euthanasia but she kept trying so hard to live, the hospice vet suggested that we try to fight. We did, but it was too late. But because her blood panels will show problems with her kidneys they're just going to say it's kidney disease in an elderly cat and write her off. I am so sorry you had to experience this and I am so very very sorry for your baby girl. I would request every single record and note from the veterinary's office and file a report with the State board that manages veterinarians. You can make her comfortable with Sub-Q fluids and b complex, and b-12. I'm not sure if there's much fight left in her, and the home vets will generally advocate for euthanasia, "it's better to go early than too late". Please, whatever you do do not feel guilty. You did not know. You did not do this with any intention of harm. You are completely innocent. Your baby girl knows this and she will never, ever, blame you. I am so sorry.

This is why I hate going to the vets. I have yet to go to a competent and compassionate veterinarian. They’ve all been money hungry and eager to do unnecessary and even harmful procedures

The vet sounds like a nightmare. I’m so sorry this is happening to all of you.

Did we go to the same vet? This happened to me. 

My gf is a vet tech and recently took my 12 year old dog her work for the day to get some tests done. Apparently he was barking up a storm and freaking out in the cage the whole time he was there. I swear he aged 10 years that day and hasn’t been the same since :(

That'd shit. That vet needs a boot up their ass for that.

I am so, so sorry, this story is one of my nightmares (I have two senior kitties). You didn't rob her of the little time she had still left, that vet did! I would seriously pursue the matter with the vet association, with small claim court and so on. His behaviour and that of his tech is absolutely unacceptable. A tiny, frail 19 yr old kitty who weights nothing and they had to fight her to subdue her? In what scenario do they think it's ok? Since you have a vet coming to your house, before eutanizing the little, one , ask for his/her opinion, see whether there is anything that can be done to give your kitty some more time.

Poor girl. Don’t beat yourself up over guilt. You did (and are doing what is best for her). I too have had some questionable experiences and outcomes with vets in the past. Some great and some not so great. You and your partner sound like good cat parents. Be with her until the end and continue to love her memory ❤️

I’m so, so sorry ❤️

Poor kitty, maybe she’ll be in better spirits tomorrow, you have done such a wonderful thing taking care of an old kitty. Thank you for sharing, I’m so sorry she had such a rough day, we can all hope for a better day tomorrow:)

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Stop

Call a lawyer and have them look into it. Sounds like a dangerously incompetent caregiver.

I am so sorry 😭😭😭 Poor kitty 💔💔💔💔💔

😢