Hello everyone,
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtful and detailed responses! It's so nice to know I'm not alone. When I read these, I got a choked up by some of the stories of love, frustration, and loss with animals. I also got a chuckle out of Fiona's response. I know those incidents weren't funny at the time, but I can only imagine the look on your DH's face when the cat came in while he was in the bathroom and peed on him. Merr, I hope Clio doesn't live to be 20 like yours. That make me nervous. :-)
I'm sure some of these responses took awhile to write, and I want to assure you that I have read every word, and I'm so thankful for all of the advice. We had an issue with him today vomiting all over the floor. Thankfully on the floor, I should say. Poor guy.
I think, after reading these, that I'm going to try a new vet. I've had the same one for the past 10 years, and it seems that every appointment is the same - tests, more tests, steroid injection, medicine, repeat. I've asked her before if she knew if there was anything that could be done to help him, and she said that we need to keep him on the prescription food and that should do it; however, it doesn't do it, and she doesn't offer much else. Well, she did suggest Metamucil one time, and we tried that, but it didn't work. So...I'm going to see if someone else might offer a suggestion. Thank you, Joey, for asking your family member vet for advice. I appreciate that. I'll be anxious to hear.
He is neutered, but I've often wondered if his issues are actually behavioral instead of medical. He tends to "bully" the lady cats in the house. I called a pet psychic once (I know, I must be desperate!), and she said that he was telling her, "I must rule!" and then she told me that he needs to be an only cat. Silly, I know, but that was 3 years ago, and I still wonder if I should have listened. My grandma and grandpa offered to take him off my hands, and I have declined their offer because I'm afraid he'll be too much cat for them to handle. They're both in wheelchairs, and I'd hate for him to become a burden on them, but now I'm thinking about maybe doing a trial run to see if being an only cat helps. I could always take him back if he "flares up" on them.
I'll order some of that Feliway that was mentioned and see if that helps. I'm willing to try anything at this point. I know that it may inevitable to put him down at some point, but I guess I want to be able to say that I did everything I could to help him. I don't want to make that decision simply because he's inconvenient, so these words of wisdom and pieces of advice are so helpful.
Thank you again for your time and advice.
Renee
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Renee
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