On Oct. 11, I returned home from the spending the night with my mother who is very ill. When I first got home, I fed my animals and put out fresh water. One of my cats, Puma, was laying in the bathtub, odd from him, but my other cats do this. About 10 minutes later he was collapsed on the kitchen floor, his breathing was very rapid and he sounded strange. I tried to figure out what was wrong with him.
His rapid breathing didn't change, his pupils were completely dilated and he couldn't get up. When he tried to get up he only fell back down. When he tried to get up again, I noticed his front leg was broken. How could this happen to an indoor cat? He must have fallen and landed wrong, was my only guess.
His hard breathing continued and I knew he needed help quickly so I called my vet, but he was already gone for the day. I called a few other places, but no one would let me bring him in because I didn't have money, even though I told them I got paid the next day. There had to be more than the broken leg. One of the animal hospitals told me they "don't do payments plans." I didn't want a payment plan; how about a next-day plan, or a post-dated check?
I though about taking him outside and shooting him to end his suffering, but what if the broken leg was all that was wrong and the pain was causing the breathing issue? Maybe he could still be helped in the morning after I cashed my check. I placed him on something comfortable and repeatedly checked on him, petted him, talked to him, whatever I could do to help him. Several hours had past since I contacted animal hospitals when Puma started meowing over and over, obviously in pain. This lasted about 10 minutes; another deep breath, then he was gone, gone at 5 years old.
Shame on these vets' offices that would not help me. It's now apparent my cat was dying and should have been put to sleep. Puma should not have had to suffer for hours. And I should not have had to watch him die.
By the way, the check I cashed the next day was for $1,301.33. That should have covered the vet bill, don't you think?
Connie Smith
Parkersburg
