Maurice, time to say goodbye

I have been trying to give him all that I can, in addition to treats. He used to always sleep on the end of our bed, but for a few weeks now he seems to have preferred to sleep downstairs.

When he came back from his biopsy the other week, I tried to take him up to sleep on the end of our bed, but it was like trying to carry a furry octopus, in that he seemed to have developed extra legs that could move at high speed! (Much as he likes to be stroked, he really does not like to be picked up!)

I can provide the food treats, and hope that he will actually eat them, but with regard to other things I think I'm at a loss. I would love to pick him up and cuddle him, but I know that he's not too keen on that, although he's very happy to be stroked.

Rather odd/sweet but Digby, who usually sleeps on the bed, spent last night cuddled up with Maurice on the tea towel.

Just to explain, I usually put a fresh tea towel hanging over the oven handle, forgot to move it it, hence Maurice sitting on it!

Hugs to you and Maurice...enjoy your precious few days together.

Tegan thank you so much.

What's awful for you phoenix is that you had the relief of hearing that the tumour wasn't cancer which somehow makes it even worse; I had a dog that had a b/t that showed up cancer; a second opinion from another vet said she was ok and then a couple of weeks later it was obvious she wasn't. I would have coped better going along with the original diagnosis. Maurice has too many links to the past for you to not want MrP there for support, and you'll have us lot supporting you as well. Big hug winging it's way to you and Maurice tonight....

Thank you all so much for the good wishes, I'm crying so much that I keep having to take my glasses off to wipe my eyes.

It's a truly awful time for you phoenix and I am so sorry it is now time for you to say goodbye to Maurice. It is truly heartbreaking but he has been truly loved and will still feel that love until he falls asleep.

Although Maurice will be gone, you will have so many happy memories of the love you shared with him and he knew he was an important part of your family.

I wish that I could rely on some kind person putting me down when I've had enough!!

Phoenix I feel for you. In February this year I had to take my beloved cat Jasper to be put to sleep. I had so many lovely messages on GN.

If you love dogs ar cats it belongs to life to let them go and to grieve for them. Their lives are so much shorter than ours.
Poor Maurice- I know these tumours can grow really large.
You will do what is best for him. You can't do more.

I agree, especially with Soutra. Maurice will have a peaceful end, and at least you have a few days to prepare yourself for the last goodbye, although I'm so sorry it's had to come so soon, phoenix.

My heart goes out to you Phoenix, but it is the right time to say goodbye.
My gorgeous Remy is 16yrs old, and looking a bit moth eaten.
When he goes, I have made up my mind not to be tempted again. I might sponsor, or make good friends with my neighbours cat.
Let us know how you are, when you feel up to it.

So sorry Phoenix, the downside of having a cat choose to live with you ( with cats, they decide, not the humans). You have made him a happy cat and it is now time to do the best for him. It broke my heart when I had to have my cat Ellie put to sleep, she had been with me when I was single, and stayed by my side (and on my bed) as I married, had children, moved house several times.Remember cats choose us, and Maurice chose wisely.

I send xx"s to you , it is so very sad when a darling pet goes !

You have been his "for ever" family and he knows NOTHING more. I have been in pieces each time we have had to say Goodbye to a 4legged member of the family but what sticks in my head is you have to love them enough to let them go and for Maurice to drift off to sleep in the arms of those he loves best is an end most humans would wish for. Thinking of you xx

I am so sorry about Maurice. It's the day you dread the day you come home with new puppy/ kitten, and always say I can't do this again, it breaks my heart, but always do. Unfortunately their lives are so short

So sorry to hear the news Phoenix. It is about time something went right for you and yours!

Oh phoenix I'm so sorry, you will never forget him, but he has been truly loved.
It is so so sad to lose a pet

phoenix, you have made me relive two occasions, just weeks apart, though 17 years ago - these things never leave you. I feel so very sad for you because I can see that Maurice has been a much-loved companion and know how much you will miss him. ((((hugs)))) from me.

(((hugs))) phoenix life can be a b****r sometimes!

So sad phoenix but you have given Maurice a good life you have looked after him and given him love he couldn't have asked for a better home. That is the problem with looking after animals having to say goodbye, sometimes when they die it is worse than losing a relative.

Oh Phoenix I'm so sorry Our cat's just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, hopefully treatable, but just that diagnosis has made me feel wretched.

Yes, treat Maurice like a king and spoil him rotten.

Why on earth do you feel ashamed to need Mr P? Please don't, you'll need his hand to squeeze, I know I'd need support in your shoes.

for you and MrP and, of course, Maurice.

So sorry to hear this, phoenix It's heartbreaking when we have to let them go.

I am so sorry Phoenix.