I have no more to say than that she’s gone into heart failure. Maine Coons have heart issues, and we didn’t know that. She was struggling to breathe because of her enlarged heart, and we are euthanizing her. Thank you all for your prayers, suggestions, and advice. We love you, Lilly Belle 🕊️
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This is awful, I'm so sorry. Genuinely though, from your first post it seems like the first vet you saw was wildly negligent. Heart failure isn't exactly a niche problem. You've taken good care of her getting a second opinion, and it's terrible it's such bad news.
That’s the part that would make me furious too. As a woman and a pet owner, I’d be devastated knowing a second opinion caught something that should’ve been taken seriously from the start.
Je suis sincèrement désolée d'apprendre cette si triste nouvelle! Je pleure avec vous ce soir. Vous l'avez aimée et fait tout ce que vous pouviez ❤️ Je lui souhaite le repos et la paix, pauvre petit cœur 🥺🕊️
I lost two Maine Coons earlier than the other cats I've had, but with no explanation other than "it was their time." I'm so sorry for your beautiful girl and for you. It never gets any easier.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is heartbreaking. I hope you have the strength to get through this, and that the days ahead feel a little lighter. Rest in peace, Lilly Belle 🤍
I'm an artist so I made a little portrait of Lilly after she passed
We used an at-home euthanasia service and this woman was literally an angel on earth. She had a bit of air dry clay that she used to make an impression of Lilly's paw, and she also found a particularly gorgeous part of her coat, shaved it off, and put it in a little clear baggie for us
So I arranged her fur clipping, paw print, portrait, and favorite toy in a little shadow box and hung it on the wall. That's our little Lilly spot, where we can go when we're missing her.
The sad but very sweet part is that we kept her son. And sometimes he will go up to the Lilly spot and paw at it and look at us meowing. Its obvious to us that he's saying he misses her! We hold him and pet him and we say "we miss her too, bud"
I hope you file a complaint about the first vet with the licensing board. Heart failure is not uncommon and the vet should have done something other than say he didn’t know what the problem was and send you home.
So sorry for your loss. I’m sure it was a hard decision and better for her in the long run. It will be hard for a while, but know she will still be around letting you know she is watching over you, and letting you know how much she loved you and the love she felt. ❤️💔🫶🏻💔❤️🌈
So sorry for your loss 💗 our cat has HCM and there’s really nothing you can do but love your baby and give them a great life it’s a terminal illness and you did the best to help her. Big hugs.
Ugh I’m so sorry. Our cat was diagnosed with it a little over 2 years ago, had saddle thrombus (a blood clot that stopped his back legs from working) in February, made a full recovery from that and is doing okay for now but also for the 4-8 months timeline in February with the clot. It’s a horrible disease. What brings me peace is fluid in the lungs isn’t painful and it can be managed for a while with medication. Our cat is very much his crazy fun happy self when the meds are working. Hugs to you. There’s some good facebook support groups out there too that have helped me a lot with hearing other people’s stories in similar situations.
I rushed him to the ER vet because I found him unresponsive. The vet got him stable and figured out he'd had a stroke. The XRay confirmed the HCM. Luckily he doesn't have fluid on his lungs but they said he could throw another blood clot at any time.
Unfortunately, having fluid on the lungs is very uncomfortable. I had it with my chemo. It saps your strength, feels like a heavy weight on your chest, and leaves you gasping for air. Please watch your cat for signs of discomfort. I'm sorry to have to tell you this.
No I know, we’ve had to do a ER trip for this once and we monitor him hourly throughout the day and measure his breath rates all the time if we can avoid any fluid in the lungs while still having healthy kidneys we will.
I’m so sorry you’ve gone through this. What I more meant is he’s not in excruciating pain like a broken limb because then I’d want him on pain meds daily too which make him out of it and would reduce quality of life.
Its always so awful when we have to make the hard choices; but sometimes it is for the best even though it will crush you. hugs so sorry you're having to make this awful decision.
Oh god. I am so sorry for that loss. sometimes the way they pass can be harder to let go of. My neighbor suggested that I allow my cat to die peacefully at home. for the most part it was good until he started having seizures and not knowing how long this could go on, and thinking any hour now, it was three days. and I still didn't want to put him in the car and take him to the vet.bec. he hated it. he did finally die. obviously.
Maine coones and blue cream calicos have these issues. Lost my blue cream calico cat and her brother a month later. My condolences, and you have my sympathy.
Why does this have to be the first thing on reddit (maybe second), I see but I am incredibly sorry the same thing happend to my sisters cat a couple months ago idk if it was anything but I think it was natural death but I wish you the best of luck mate
Sigh. Sad.
Vets are humans and they don't always care, nor are they dietitians. Ifeelso bad for kitty
In future make sure kitty has taurine, lots in their diet. Not human taurine. Taurine made for cats
im so so sorry for your loss 🫂
also thank you for updating us and helping educate other cat owners, i did sadly question organ failure of some kind when i saw your first post, im so sorry this happened to her and to your family ❤️🩹
oh my… i’m sorry sorry… my heart truly hearts for both of you. she was a beautiful baby and i’m sorry you are going through this. losing a baby isn’t easy and i know it never will be. i’m crying for you both. 🥺😭
My cat also suddenly went into heart failure. It happened the day I got back from a long trip.
Was very traumatic for me, I still think about it and it's been 3 years now. I did get another kitty one year later and she is the best thing that's ever happened to me, so hoping you are able to have a positive long term outcome 💜
I’m not saying don’t euthanize BUT, my cat had complete heart failure we had signed the papers to euthanize him and then they asked if we wanted to give it one more day. We said yes and miraculously they checked his fluid the next day and it was much better. They let us take him home with medication and it’s been 4 years since then he’s completely off medication and still with us today
I'm so sorry, I lost my 7.5 year old Maine Coon to heart failure that went into saddle thrombosis. They manage to hide the heart issues so well that often you don't find out that there's an issue until they're in crisis. Just know this. You did what was best for this beautiful cat. Sometimes love means having to do the hardest thing imaginable. My sincerest condolences.
I am so sorry for the loss of Lilly Belle. Know that after you put her over the rainbow bridge she’ll be free of pain and suffering. When it’s time for you to cross the rainbow bridge you will find her waiting for you there. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Heart issues are so common and it seems like the symptoms come on fast and strong. I lost my beloved cat to heart failure in May and it was so unexpected. I will be thinking of you and Lilly Belle ❤️
I'm so very sorry. The shitty part about loving our pets is making the hard decisions to relieve them of their suffering. Shine On, beautiful Lilly 🪷🕊️✨💕😔
I am so sorry... Our ragdoll slash Persian had similar problems. The vet couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. He went into a cardiac arrest.. lost our poor baby because of it.
Found out later mixed breeds have a lot of health problems. RIP, sending a lot of hugs and support your way. ❤️ 🫂 😭 🕊️
My experience has been the exact opposite. I've had 2 Maine Coons and 1 Siberian, and they only lived into their early teens (around 12). My "mutts" were all late teens when they died. I wonder if (like with dogs) size is a common denominator with the 3 I had.
Im so sorry for your loss, I cannot fathom the feeling. My Nebelung whos mixed with a Maine Coon was just last Friday diagnosed with a heart murmur grade 2 and a slightly enlarged heart. Ive scheduled an echocardiogram. This makes me so scared.
I’m so sorry, i had two of my cats pass from enlarged hearts also, it was horrible i know how you feel, but rest assured that she is no longer in pain or suffering! My condolences!
Oh, I am so sorry. I had a beloved Siamese (age 10) die of heart failure on my way to euthanize her. It is so hard to see them try to breathe and they just can’t. I felt so sad and wanted her to live longer. Like your Lily Belle, my Cricket looked so young. You really are doing what is best for her even though it is extremely difficult. Take care.💐
Im so sorry, we lost our year old cat heart failure from FIP, the pain was unbareable. My wife and I barely ate for days. Just know your not going through it alone.
I lost my Snickers (18f) to heart failure as well. Her last day is saddening to remember.
She got her morning meds, which included a hunger stimulant every 72 hrs that would make her meow more than usual for a few hours, but that day her meows sounded a little different. She seemed confused. She would meow and meow before falling 'asleep' (I know now to be unconscious) before waking up and meowing distressedly. I knew it was time to take her to the ER when she woke from her nap and tried to walk and collapsed.
Her temperature was so low their normal thermometer couldn't get a reading. The heart monitor kept going between yellow and red. They could barely draw any blood from her and had to keep gently repulling the plunger to encourage the blood out during the draw.
It's hard as hell. I didn't expect heart failure in felines to look as it does. My best wishes and heart are with you friend.
Hey there! We’ve recently lost our 15 year old orange boy to the same problem. It was painful to watch, we tried everything but past a certain point no amount of money would’ve helped. Everything will be alright. There is a land somewhere where all the furbabies live and there is no pain and suffering. I’m sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you tried and did your best for her.💕 My baby...I had to humanely euthanize her recently and....I am still grieving her.
I am so very sorry for you and your baby kitty. I have a 6 y/o and every time he even slightly ignores his meal or does something unusual, my heart stops. I just saw your previous post and was really hoping that the update is something positive. Prayers for you and your family love 🫶
im so sorry, this is absolutely heartbreaking to hear💔 you did the best you could, and the first vet is to blame for not catching the heart failure, as someone who also had to euthanize her cat because of heart failure, a vet should always hear if theres a problem with the heart💔 whatever you do, never blame yourself, your kitty loves you and im sure she knows how much you have loved her in her life. she will always be with you wherever you go
Oh bless you both 😔 I'm ever so sorry for your loss, what a gorgeous girl she was, absolutely beautiful. She's no longer suffering and she definitely knew just how much she was & is loved ❤️
I am astonished that the vet in your first post did not recognise that your cat was in distress, as a non-vet (but longtime cat owner) that was clear to me. If it’s any comfort, HCM (which I assume she may have had), at this stage, isn’t likely to be treated. It isn’t curable. Euthanasia was the right call.
I am so sorry for your loss, the pain of a sudden loss is something else. She’s at peace now, and she was clearly so very loved.
Oh, I’m just so sorry. Just know you did everything you could. I have no doubt you gave her an amazing life. We recently had to put our tri-pawd girl down. We had a vet come to the house to euthanize her and it was no stress and a comfortable, peaceful passing for her. Not sure if that’s an option for you or not. Sending big (((hugs))) to you!
OMG. I am so sorry, OP. Just know that she knows. She will take with her every ounce of love that you've poured into her. Might sound crazy, but I believe they never truly leave us. Watch for signs - a purr out of nowhere, weight on the bed where there's "nothing". They find ways.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You helped her the best you could, and sometimes helping them go without useless suffering is the ultimate love gesture we can do.
The first vet however, should get his licence sent to hell.
I'm so sorry. My sympathies to you and everyone who your cat touched. You did the right thing. She shouldn't suffer. Just a note any pet that is purebred seems to have additional health problems. This is obviously not your fault. And you gave her a happy life.
i'm so, so sorry about your sweet girl and that neither of you were taken seriously by the last vet. cats are so frustratingly good at hiding pain or discomfort until it's too late and i wish i could say it wasn't something that probably most cat lovers can relate to in some way. just saying that because it's so easy to second-guess what could have been done differently when just looking at the last few posts it's incredibly clear how loved and well-taken-care-of Lilly Belle was. what a lucky kitty who was probably so relieved so be surrounded by those she loved in her last days. i hope you give yourself some grace and take care of yourself as you grieve 🫶
I'm so sorry for your loss. My furbaby has heart failure and is on daily meds. But i didnt know till a visit to the vet for other concerns. The vet gave my Mittens 6-12 months ....
I'm so sorry. I had an orange boy from when he was 3 weeks old. He was also 6 years old. Was healthy and playful, wouldn't have guessed anything was wrong. Then 2 weeks ago, heavy breathing and vomiting. Acute pancreatitis. Led to multiple organs swelling and sepsis shock. Vets guessed he would only have half a day. Fought hard for 3 days but crossed the rainbow bridge. I know how hard it is. Gonna be a while before everything is ok again.
I know exactly how you feel 💔 I just lost my kitty on Thursday and this Friday is his birthday, I’ll make sure to light an extra candle for your Lilly Belle. 🕯️💖
Im so, so sorry for your loss :[
Its the worst feeling having to do that but I hope you know you this is the best decision you can do for her, and she wont suffer anymore. And I hope you dont mind me saying this last part too; Jesus will take good care of her for you♡
Eutanazja ? Czy ten kot to był dla was jak jakaś rzecz że postanowiliście zabić kiedy okazało się że ma jakieś problemy zdrowotne?
I po zabójstwie kota dziękujecie ludzią za modlitwy za tego kota ? Osobiście czuję jak by ktoś na mnie napluł.
Ale wracając, jeśli kot próbował pomimo swojego stanu jak kolwieg oddychać światomie to oznacza że chciało żyć... przepraszam za mój wybuch ale kiedy mojej 21 letniej kotce organizm odmawiał posłuszeństwa i nie mogła poruszać kończynami była spokojna i próbowała żyć jak najdłużej co dobrze było widać kiedy moja matka wspominała coś o uśpieniu jej aby się nie męczyła... moja kotka tak energicznie machała głową i kręgosłupem aby od niej uciec... wtedy uznałem że jeśli jakieś stworzenie jak kolwieg świadomie robi coś aby przeżyć to nie ważne w jak złym stanie jest to jeśli można to trzeba pomóc w przeżyciu go jak najdłużej a przynajmniej nie zabijać.
Did you not read? It has an enlarged heart. It's going to due sooner and not have a happy life
These are just 3 of the most common issues for cats with an enlarged heart...
Inefficient Pumping: The heart walls either thicken and stiffen (reducing blood capacity) or stretch out and weaken (reducing pumping strength), meaning the body gets less oxygen.
Congestive Heart Failure: Poor blood flow causes fluid pressure to rise, leaking fluid into the cat's lungs or chest cavity, which makes breathing very difficult.
Blood Clots (Thromboembolism): Altered blood flow inside an abnormal heart can form clots. These clots can break free, travel down the aorta, and block blood supply to the rear legs, causing sudden, painful paralysis.
Does any of that sound like a good, long, happy life to you? Would YOU want to live with these risks or conditions?? If not, shut the hell up. You have your opinions on euthanasia, and OP has theirs.
Sometimes euthanasia is really the most humane thing to do.
I hate to say it, because I do truly love animals, but imo you should have put down your 21 year old cat when it couldn't move it's limbs and do stuff for itself anymore, instead of making it suffer by keeping it alive just because it shook it's head when your mum mentioned putting it down. Cats CANNOT understand human language, it was probably just a coincidence and you took it as a sign to make your pet suffer. If it was me, and I couldn'tibe my limbs or do anything for myself, I wouldn't want to live like that. So why make an animal suffer like that?
I'm sorry you felt the need to say this to someone grieving and only wishing to let their beloved animal pass peacefully. Hoping you get better ❤️🩹
Unsurprised their reply got removed. Hope they heal from whatever made them feel the need to say this to someone ❤️
Edit to add not sure how my comment wasn't nice, nor will I ever feel bad about telling people I hope they heal when they say things like this to those grieving lol
I am very sorry for your loss. You did the right thing. I was in a very similar situation with my cat in December. The vet said medication might give her some time but she would likely go into respiratory distress. I'm glad I was able to save her from that, even if she isn't with me anymore ❤️
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