2009-10-20 Curious cat's life cut far too short

It turns out that curiosity is not what killed the cat, at least not this time. Though it might not have been too surprising if it had, given this cat’s lack of common sense and his kitten-like sense of adventure.

Instead, one recent Saturday afternoon Buddy was instantly paralyzed right before our eyes. He panicked and ran down two flights of stairs dragging his motionless back half behind him. He was almost five years old and seemed to be completely healthy up to that moment.

While the kids tended to him I tried to think of the name of our vet. We hadn’t been there recently and the number I found in the Yellow Pages turned out to no longer be valid. I called two other local vets. Both happened to be closed at 3pm on Saturday, but both in their messages gave instructions go to our local emergency vet, VCA Aurora Animal Hospital.

Last time my family had used an emergency vet was several years ago and we’d had to drive to Lisle late one night. This time I found that we have an excellent facility conveniently located on the west side of Aurora. I called them right away and they said I didn’t need an appointment and should bring the cat right away. It was sadly easy getting Buddy into the cat carrier for the drive. He was terrified and I would have liked to let my daughter hold him for the drive but I didn’t feel it was safe to have him loose.

Because of Buddy’s ragged breathing he was instantly taken for treatment while I was left to fill out forms. After he was stabilized my daughter and I were brought to a room where the vet told us that Buddy had most likely suffered an embolism, a blood clot that blocked all blood flow to his back half. He told us what treatment could be attempted and about his chances for survival. We were given detailed information about the costs and choices involved.

The numbers were not good. However, Buddy was a part of our family, he was young and full of life and had arrived at the clinic a half hour after becoming paralyzed. I couldn’t give up on him that easily. The vet was soft-spoken and honest with us. We held our kitty for a few minutes before sending him for treatment. I figured I had at very least bought both time and hope. We made plans for the following morning when we’d know whether or not the treatment was working and would possibly need to make a decision about his life.

This cat was the most obnoxious, most annoying, and one of the most affectionate cats I’ve ever had. He was always somewhere he shouldn’t be, or doing something he’d been repeatedly stopped from doing, even right in front of us. He was a very friendly pet who would follow me around constantly, could be found in my lap anytime possible, and had an uncanny knack of curling up for a nap wherever I was going to sit next. He was always anxious for attention and would greet people at the door and hang out wherever he could get some company.

Pets bring so much joy into our lives and yet their loss gives us so much pain.

Buddy died a mere six hours after the first symptom occurred and while we were rushing to get there in time to see him one last time. I am still in disbelief that he is not here now in my lap interrupting my typing, not climbing on the back of my computer chair or lying on top of my scanner or getting into any other sort of trouble. Our hearts are broken. Our older cat cannot know what’s happened or whether his pal will be returning.

I’ve lost pets before, and I know the pain fades, and I know it is not nearly the same as losing a human family member. However, daily life changes when a member of your household dies, but when it’s only a pet you are expected to continue on as if all is normal. We thought we had many more years with this young pet. The only good that will come from this is that we will be able to provide a home for yet another cat waiting for a family.

For emergency care when referred by your vet or if your vet’s office is closed, check out VCA Aurora Animal Hospital, on the south side of Galena Blvd. just west of Orchard Rd. No appointment is necessary during their emergency service hours and there is no need to call ahead. See VCAAurora.com for more information.

The people there were very caring with us and our pet and they are a top notch animal medical facility. In addition to critical care for pets they are well-equipped with the necessary technology and offer a wide range of specialty services. The clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.

My family appreciates the staff’s kindness and compassion during that Saturday and the thoughtful handwritten sympathy card received from them a few days later.