Pros and Cons: Getting New Kitty to be with Sick Kitty

[Bevo71]

I posted a couple of weeks ago about my Himalayan having lung cancer that is terminal. She is holding her own right now, has learned to cope, even playful at times.

I know that when she is put down eventually, I will get another.

I was talking with a person who used to have a cattery. I mentioned my cat's plight. He said that many times,having a younger kitty helps the sick ones, helping them focus on the nurturing instinct, giving them a positive focus.

What are your thoughts?

I do not want to stress my sweet Himalayan, but if getting a kitten is therapeutic, then maybe I should do that.

I am leaning on not getting another , but wanted the thoughts of others on this matter.

[paws4prayer]

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty's condition. My first response is to say that it's a very personal decision -- you really have to trust your instincts and do what you feel is best.

If it were me, however, I think I would most likely lavish all my time and affection on the sick kitty. While adding another animal might rejuvinate your cat, it might also cause undue stress; it's really a gamble. I think that the gift of being totally present to your cat, without dividing your time or attention, would be the greatest benefit you can give her at this time.

It's just one opinion, though. It's a good sign that she still shows some playfulness and an indication that she is happy in your company; you seem to be her "postive" focus. That's a wonderful testimony to the bond between you.

She sounds like a very special kitty.

[Bevo71]

She is a wonderful kitty...as sweet as she is beautiful, and she will be terriibly missed.

Your comments about taking my total attention away from Tiffany if I get a new one makes a lot of sense. I need to devote my attention to my long time friend. I'm not getting another kitty at this time.

[mynameislola]

I agree. There is also the chance that the cats won't get along right away and that is stressful for everyone. Or that the kitten brings in a disease.

Best wishes.

[catlady2006]

I know this must be a hard time for you but you need to be their for your sick kitty. You are her greatest comfort, & a new kitty would be a lot to take on right now. Only you will know when your ready to move on to having another kitty. I know this may be tough to hear but eventually your kitty will be in a much better place, one with no pain or illness. May god bless you both in your time of need. I can tell that you truly love your kitty & she's lucky to have you in her life.:(

[Bevo71]

It will be a terrible day, when I have to have her put down. Her eyes are so expressive. She'll probably wonder why I am betraying her.

[MandyParkin]

You will not be betraying her at all and she will know that. To end the pain and suffering of a loved one takes a special type of love and it is obvious that you two share that bond.
I hope you have a long time left to share that love of each other.

[Bevo71]

Than you. And MandyP, I so hope you are right, that, when that horrible day comes, she wont give me a look that reflects hurt and betrayal.

Even now, she sometimes comes and just sits, staring at me, like, "Why cant you help me?"

[MandyParkin]

I think the fact that our babies can't talk to us to tell us how they feel is probably the hardest to thing to live with especially when they are ill. I have sadly had to be in the position of assisting to end a life more times than I care to remember (I've worked in Animal Rescue for many years) and believe me I have never seen a look of betrayal in their eyes. I have often seen gratitude, love and occasionally I have felt that they were actually sympathising with me. She will let you know when she is ready to go and when the time comes she will thank you for it. Remember, she will go knowing that she is loved and cared for - so many poor babies never know that feeling.
Please let us know how Tiffany is doing and try to focus on enjoying the time you have with her now.

[Bevo71]

I took her in for a recheck yesterday. The vet said it sounded like she was getting air in allher lung lobes. He also said that she was actually doing pretty well,and tht she certainly was better than what he had anticipated when she was first diagnosed on December 4th. After his initial diagnosis, they ran a sonogram, bronchial wash, catscan, and aspirated cells from her lungs to make sure of the diagnosis.

Thank you so much for your help.

[MandyParkin]

So glad to hear she is doing well. Good luck to you both.

[Bevo71]

I have another cat, named Tinkerbell, that is the same age as Tffany. I got her from a shelter, so they, though not the best of pals over the years, have had each other's company. (Tinkerbell would pick on Tiffany at times...jealous.)

Now Tinkerbell will go to Tiffany and try to groom her, lick her face, until Tiffany swats her and gets away.

Tinkerbell has gotten to where her normal habits are no longer evident, like getting next to me, following me up the stairs, wanting to get in my lap.She sleeps most of the time and isnt responsive like she used to be.


Does she sense what is going on?

[MandyParkin]

Absolutely yes! Tinkerbell will try to help Tiffany through this and Tinkerbell will also need lots of love and reassurance too.

[Bevo71]

Just wondering as Tinkerbell has been known to pick on Tiffany in the past. Tiffany obviously has been my main focus since early December.

Tiffany has been running up the stairs on occasion tonight, exploring and jumping on the furniture. However, her breathing, when resting, has been getting rapid again. She is stretching out more when at rest. I know that is to increase lung capacity.
She ate twice he amount of food she usually eats tonight. She gets Gerber Lamb along with IVD Venison ( she has irritable bowel and has beenon that for years.).Anyway, I fed her when I got home.Then a couple of hours later, she started meowing and staring at me, then going to her feeding area. She ate another jar of Gerber.