My cat Scruffy was extremely sick for well over a week. She refused to eat anything and I was deeply concerned - especially since she had a history of respiratory problems.
I stayed with her constantly - trying to keep her comfortable, trying to feed her with an eyedropper and encouraging her to drink water. Cats fail very quickly without nourishment, which can cause complications such as liver damage.
Yesterday (Thursday) she was strong enough to stand up and drink water on her own. Even though this was encouraging, I called the local vet and explained that she was seriously ill. I wanted to take her there immediately but was told that the doctor was out for the day tending to farm animals. They said to bring her in on Friday (today) at 10:30 a.m.
My intuition told me that it was FAR too long to wait, but I reluctantly agreed because I had no choice. I stayed up all night, fully dressed, impatiently waiting for dawn.
This morning Scruffy was alarmingly worse, hardly responsive. I drove her to the vet (in town) at breakneck speed - - through the pouring rain. I was hardly able to see because I still only have one contact lens (see previous posts).
Even though I was only cautiously optimistic, I still felt some relief that at least she was now getting the proper care she needed. The vet wanted to keep her there until Monday. I petted her, assured her that everything would be fine, and left.
It's now late afternoon on Friday. When the telephone rang fifteen minutes ago I felt very apprehensive and was afraid to answer.
My fears were justified. Scruffy didn't make it. She died.
I'll never forgive myself for not taking her to the vet sooner. I waited nearly a week. I blame myself - - and I also feel that if the vet would have been there yesterday she might have had a better chance for survival. I am completely devastated.
Scruffy was an extremely sweet and loving cat, very gentle and constantly purring. She and my other cat Bosco were inseparable, they had been together since birth.
I've been plagued with problems these past few months - one bad thing after another - but nothing has hit me harder than this. I'll never get over it.
I'm debating whether or not I should post this.
It probably seems silly for a grown man to be unduly sentimental over a cat - - but my cats mean everything to me. They are my most faithful companions. Scruffy will be very sorely missed.
Scruffy (2014 - 2018)
