Rest In Peace Little Mate

Binx

Sadly on the 29th May we had to have Binky (aka Binx) put to sleep, he was almost 14 years old. He had started urinating in strange places. It started with him peeing outside of the kitty litter tray, we thought maybe they had changed the litter ingredients so we tried another brand and he did it again. We read online that sometimes cats won't use a tray if it smells of ammonia, so we bought a new tray and it made no difference. Then he urinated in the garage on my tools and in their food bowls. This was out of character for him as he had never done this, he had always been a very clean cat. 

Binx and Kali

So my wife took him to the vet. The vet told her that he had diabetes and treating him for this would be hard, as he would have other issues like kidney failure and his age wasn't on his side, she also said it was quite costly. The vet said that putting him to sleep would be the best option for him and that to be kind we should make the decision within 1 week, I should also mention that she did say that if he were younger she would encourage treatment. My wife brought him home and told me what the vet said. We agreed there and then that we would have him put to sleep the next day, as we didn't want to prolong any discomfort he might be experiencing as cats are notorious for hiding pain. My wife rang the vet clinic and made the appointment for the next day.

That night I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that we would have to euthanise Binx because he was diabetic. I kept thinking that we don't euthanise humans that are diabetic!! I was so completely stuck! I felt that my mind was at a road block and I couldn't figure out how to get around it, this isn't a normal feeling for me as I can usually find my way out of any negative or puzzling situation. All night long I just read and read online about diabetes in cats. I didn't read airy fairy pages - I read veterinary websites with solid scientific based information. I read that if a diabetic cat is fed a high protein - low carb diet along with insulin treatment there is a possibility that they could go into remission.    

Binx and Spike

I latched onto this tiny glimmer of hope and told my wife what I had read. I told her that I just couldn't have him put to sleep without at least trying to do something! My conscious just wouldn't allow me. I didn't know how much 'costly' meant, but I wanted to at least try. So we agreed to speak to the vet about possible treatment. 

When we were called into the treatment room, I began by explaining to the vet what I had read on reputable websites regarding a change of diet combined with insulin treatment. I asked her if there was any chance that his diabetes could be treated this way? After asking her this, I saw the look on her face and I knew that I was grasping at straws, but I couldn't help it, I couldn't let go. She replied that he could, but there were no guarantees that it would work. She also said that he would need his blood sugar levels taken a number of times a day and given that he would hate it, he most likely wouldn't come home or inside as often, and keeping track of his insulin levels would be hard for us and harmful for him. She also reiterated that his age was a problem and that his kidneys most likely wouldn't cope. 

She told us that she would give us a moment to discuss the situation and she stepped out of the room. I knew what we had to do. I just couldn't say it. My wife and I agreed that for his sake, we had to let him go.

The vet returned and we told her that we had decided it was kinder for him to let him go. She took him away to insert the cannula and brought him back to us. We said our goodbyes and stayed with him till the end. We opted to have Binx cremated and he'll come home to us this week.

Binx

Having pets is hard, they can't tell you what's wrong, if they feel sick or where it hurts. You also have to know when enough is enough whether you want it to be or not. You have to know when to let go even when it hurts like crazy and you can't get the words out. Knowing in your mind is hard enough, but actually verbalising out a loud that you've decided your pet has to be put to sleep, is one of the hardest things in the world.

Rest In Peace Binx. We're so sorry you were sick and we didn't know. We miss you and we love you, as do your furry brothers and sisters. We know that you'll be waiting for us at The Rainbow Bridge where we'll meet again.

The Rainbow Bridge Poem