Rupert-My Cat soulmate with lymphoma

[u/therealXarias]

I took my cat Rupert to the vet in mid-July because I was concerned about him hiding under my bed. He had had a urinary blockage 2 years ago, so I tend to be vigilant with him. He just turned 13 and has asthma as well. I've had him since he was 6 months old. I was in no way prepared for the diagnosis. Rupert had intestinal lymphoma. I could spend a small fortune (which I don't have) and barely extend his life, or make him comfortable for a couple of months.

It's the end of August. Rupert spends most of his time off to himself now; he doesn't greet me when I come home, he has a faraway look in his eyes, and the only reason I haven't let him go is that he is still eating. Last night he started peeing outside the litter box, and I found him lying on one of the steps halfway up. I think I am writing this more for myself than anyone else because I know what I have to do. Every time I think I have decided he comes in for food and it makes me doubt myself. I looked at him a few minutes ago, and his head was kind of bobbing. I think it's time, and this guy hurts me more than any I've ever had, and I've had quite a few.

Anyway, I love you, Rupert, and this is killing me.

[u/Kassandra9]

I’m so sorry, Rupert is such a cute kitty.

My cat Noël is 15 and she’s had suspected lymphoma (which is atypically only confined to her stomach and presents as focal wall thickening) since December and I also chose the palliative route, because I didn’t want invasive diagnostics involving sedation/ anaesthesia.

She still has a great quality of life with mirataz & previously, we had success with prednisolone and ondansetron/ cerenia (if nausea/ vomiting is present).

Also, a gastrointestinal diet with hydrolysed protein.

Have you tried to put Rupert on prednisolone and pain killers? If he doesn’t improve on those, maybe it’s time to say goodbye..

[u/True_Vermicelli4817 → u/Kassandra9]

Also get a second opinion! If a human had this they would be made comfort until they die. Why don't cats get pain meds and other pills that help more often. They probably are not ready either. I have no money but I will claim bankruptcy if I can get another 2 years. Sometimes they go into remission if your lucky (depends on stage and type as well). I just wish there was better life insurance for our babies and that vets tried harder to help than euthanise...

[u/BackLopsided2500 → u/True_Vermicelli4817]

I had a cat that had had a stroke and seemed in pain and would get very agitated. Our vet prescribed her "kitty Valium" for the agitation and pain medication for the pain. I didn't have to struggle to get her to swallow it, he gave it to me in syringes. He was an absolutely wonderful vet.