Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) - How to cope with the prospect of losing a pet?

Hi "Libellule83",

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

We’re in a really difficult situation. Knowing it’s only a matter of time has left us feeling like we're already grieving, even though our cat is still here.

He’s here, yet I miss him already.

It’s just heartbreaking.

Only people who have shared such a deep bond with their pet can really understand.

I’ve had pets before, but the relationship my husband and I have with Peach is truly special.

Our vet is back from holiday on Monday, so we’re going to book an appointment to talk things through (the vet who did the scan works at a cat clinic and isn’t our usual vet).

Our cat won’t take his blood thinners.

We’ve tried everything and nothing works. And honestly, I don’t want my cat's final moments to be like this—filled with stress and distress.

I want him to pass away peacefully, feeling loved.

On top of that, because of the diuretics, we now need to have blood tests done.

Again, I don't want to put him through all of that.

After we’ve spoken with our vet, I think things will be clearer and we’ll make the decision that needs to be made. No matter how incredibly hard it is for us, our cat’s well-being comes first.

Best wishes,

Miranda

@Libellule83, Yes, there are certain breeds, Maine Coons included, that are more prone to this condition, although it can affect any cat. I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

I was asking Peach2017 because if a kitten has a heart murmur or a gallop rhythm, it’s highly recommended to get a heart scan to see if it’s HCM or not. Since her cat is only 2 years old, there’s a good chance it’s been there since birth. :( Ultimately, it doesn’t change things much as it isn't curable, even if there are very rare cases where HCM seems to resolve on its own.

Putting a pet to sleep is obviously something that has to be taken seriously when symptoms get worse, but in Peach2017's case, if the vet thinks the cat has another 6 months to a year, I’d say his quality of life is still okay for now. HCM itself isn't painful and the cat doesn't suffer; it’s when the symptoms kick in—breathing difficulties, blood clots in the back legs (the pain is excruciating in those cases), lethargy, loss of appetite, and so on—that’s when you really have to start thinking about euthanasia. Until then, a cat can still have a lovely life for several months or even years despite the illness. There are even some rare cases of cats diagnosed with HCM as kittens who go on to live for many years quite happily on medication. :)

Anyway, I want to say stay strong to both of you. To you for the loss of your little fur baby, and to Peach2017 who knows the outlook for her cat is likely terminal (though you never know). Best of luck!

Hi Miranda,

Sadly, there isn't much you can do except give him his meds if he'll take them...

Your cat won't show you he's in pain; they are incredibly brave, yet the signs are there if you look, even as they suffer in silence....

They are predators first and foremost, and in the wild, they have to fight every day to hunt and feed; they can't afford to show any sign of weakness or they'd risk being preyed upon themselves...

As owners, we mustn't think of ourselves, but of our companions first and foremost...

What kind of life will he have? No more moonlight prowls, feeling weak, tired...

Often, cats with these types of conditions can also suffer from kidney failure and other issues... regardless of their age ;-((

_ Hiding away, lethargy, refusing to play, not eating or only taking a tiny bit from your hand just to please you, weight loss (more or less visible), and the third eyelid sometimes showing in the corner of the eye... *****There is a very high risk of hind leg paralysis, which is excruciatingly painful and the cat won't stop crying out...

At the first signs of suffering, even minor ones, you have an hour at the very most to end his pain—and I know only too well what I’m talking about!!!

I know what I’m saying is hard to hear, but reading your post, it's clear what's happening... In these circumstances, I can only suggest you "give him the ultimate act of love"...

I know it's a very difficult decision to face... But what can you do? Think of yourself and your own feelings, or think of your four-legged friend first?

Nothing stops you from staying with your cat until the very end... stroking him, talking to him... right until he finally finds peace in your arms (two injections: the first to put him to sleep and help him drift off serenely and without pain... the second: "Goodbye old friend, I loved you...")

I went through this myself on the 30th of August. The decision is so hard to make, but between the well-being of my four-legged friend and my own comfort, there was no contest... I chose the "Rainbow Bridge".

My message is a bit all over the place, sorry, plus all the typos...

All this to say that I've always had animals, and every time one passes it's heartbreaking. Each one was unique and EACH holds a special place in my 💝

Thinking of you 💖 Wishing you lots of strength.