In the middle of April, my 16-year-old cat, Albie, started presenting with bleeding from his mouth. I took him to one Vet who said he had dental disease, so I started investigating Vets who could safely remove the molars in question, given that he also has other risk factors for surgery like hyperthyroidism. The Vet who was able to complete the surgery quickly identified that there was something more going on, and a biopsy confirmed her suspicions that he has Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. 

The last 11 weeks have been an emotional roller-coaster. The first week post diagnosis was so hard in terms of coming to terms with losing him, especially because he became so sick last year, and it took me six months to nurse him back to health. It was honestly heartbreaking to think I was so anxious about hyperthyroidism (he had an atypical presenation which made him eat less due to nausea and vomiting), and then suddenly, cancer appeared seemingly out of nowhere. 

I've had to adapt his food many times due to the changing nature of his mouth, which has been stressful at times as I tend to worry about whether he's getting enough calories. I feel like I've tried so many different types of cat food (and even human food). About two to three weeks ago, he also started acting strangely. I found him resting in a sink and then in the bath. He even tried to jump in a toilet. I didn't realise that he was trying to cool down from fever spikes associated with a secondary infection. When he received antibiotics, he bounced back and started eating well again (but I do have to handfeed him). At the moment, he enjoys eating creamy treats, oven-cooked salmon, chicken slices, and wet food in pate form. He does not like mousse, even though it would be much easier for him to eat it.

Over the last couple of months, we have had a mobile Vet who regularly visits him to assess his quality of life and makes any adjustments to his medication schedule. The Vet has suggested that when he stops eating, it will be a signal that it is time for him to cross the rainbow bridge. However, I am noticing that he is starting to become more withdrawn and generally looks quite despondent. Having said that, there have been times when he has been like this, and I have thought that it is the end, but he has then started seeking comfort from us, eating well, etc. I am scared to let him go, but I am even more scared of allowing him to suffer. I don't know whether I should follow the Vet's recommendations or let him pass before we reach a crisis point. I know some people probably think I'm crazy because I have a baby, a preschooler, and last week my other senior cat also fell sick (she has  been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and possible kidney issues 😭), but I always want to do whatever is best for my pets, even if it requires a lot of time and energy. I also hope he realises how loved he is!

I would appreciate any advice that others have about making the decision to support their pet passing. It's so difficult when you've had a best buddy be there for you through so many major milestones of your adult life. 😢

Beloved Senior Cat with Oral SCC