Devastated, cat from UK in Jan 2010, died from tick paralysis Oct 2010

[BUSIMOLL 10]

Hi All, Can't believe it, this place is hard to take sometimes. :sad:

In a nutshell, moved from Liverpool UK in Jan 2010 with 2 cats - now 9yo.

Two days ago our male was fine - he was the house cat, the female is an outdoors cat.

 

He hid in our closet for 24 hours - usually hides, but I didn't see him eat his dinner, or sit with us when the kids went to bed. About 2am I woke up and opened the door as I heard him moving inside, so he could go in and out as he pleased. Didn't think to check him, so next afternoon thought he was trapped somewhere when I found him in the cupboard, unable to move, his breathing sounding like snoring, struggling a miaow, covered in urine, a real mess and pretty harrowing. carried him and lay him on the kitchen floor while I got catbox, vet called and baby in carseat for dash to vets.

 

Raced to the vets - they found a tick on his neck - (1cm murderer!!!) and they stayed with him till 9pm, he got stressed being moved - to be taken to a 24hr vet facility, and so they said they'd have to leave him unattended in the surgery with oxygen, sedated, and see if he made it by himself.

 

Got a call at 7.45 on Tues 26th Oct, to say he'd died in the night. Went there at 9.30am to say goodbye. :cry: Worst is that I didn't want him to die alone, so wish we could have brought him home and stayed with him.

 

Once we'd got the cats from Quarantine in March, it felt the family was whole again. Now it's a nightmare, and I feel like I just can't breathe. The guilt of bringing him, of not finding him earlier, of now cleaning out the shelf he was on, and the cat box and towel I took him to the vets in. Just so many tears. He was with us pre-kids. I insisted on bringing them because they are family. Doing the kitchen sink thing, and being irrational thinking, why did we even come out here, such a struggle and now this before our first Xmas here.

 

argh!:cry::sad: It's only been a day or so, so pretty raw still, but he's not coming back. and I'm at a loss. Poor kids just keep saying, oh mummy don't cry. It's ok. One word from the wise, 'you can't turn back time'. And that's all I seem to be wishing right now.

[Que Sera Sera 6,268]

What an awful thing to happen that is terrible, its so difficult losing a pet under any circumstances. Guilt is a useless emotion, its not going to help you and it certainly wont help him.

 

It so difficult at a time like this but try not to blame yourself, things happen in life that we just cant help. You have other things in your life to keep you occupied so it was easy to miss.

 

Ive seen those things on Bondi Vet and you would have no chance of seeing it they just look like a black pimple!

 

Lots of :hug: to you. You will have to grieve and tears are good for that. my sympathy to you, chin up :wubclub:

[Guest Guest40285]

Hi All, Can't believe it, this place is hard to take sometimes. :sad:

In a nutshell, moved from Liverpool UK in Jan 2010 with 2 cats - now 9yo.

Two days ago our male was fine - he was the house cat, the female is an outdoors cat.

 

He hid in our closet for 24 hours - usually hides, but I didn't see him eat his dinner, or sit with us when the kids went to bed. About 2am I woke up and opened the door as I heard him moving inside, so he could go in and out as he pleased. Didn't think to check him, so next afternoon thought he was trapped somewhere when I found him in the cupboard, unable to move, his breathing sounding like snoring, struggling a miaow, covered in urine, a real mess and pretty harrowing. carried him and lay him on the kitchen floor while I got catbox, vet called and baby in carseat for dash to vets.

 

Raced to the vets - they found a tick on his neck - (1cm murderer!!!) and they stayed with him till 9pm, he got stressed being moved - to be taken to a 24hr vet facility, and so they said they'd have to leave him unattended in the surgery with oxygen, sedated, and see if he made it by himself.

 

Got a call at 7.45 on Tues 26th Oct, to say he'd died in the night. Went there at 9.30am to say goodbye. :cry: Worst is that I didn't want him to die alone, so wish we could have brought him home and stayed with him.

 

Once we'd got the cats from Quarantine in March, it felt the family was whole again. Now it's a nightmare, and I feel like I just can't breathe. The guilt of bringing him, of not finding him earlier, of now cleaning out the shelf he was on, and the cat box and towel I took him to the vets in. Just so many tears. He was with us pre-kids. I insisted on bringing them because they are family. Doing the kitchen sink thing, and being irrational thinking, why did we even come out here, such a struggle and now this before our first Xmas here.

 

argh!:cry::sad: It's only been a day or so, so pretty raw still, but he's not coming back. and I'm at a loss. Poor kids just keep saying, oh mummy don't cry. It's ok. One word from the wise, 'you can't turn back time'. And that's all I seem to be wishing right now.

 

Sorry to hear about your cat, those shell back ticks are really nasty, this spring is pretty bad where I am ( Northern Rivers NSW ) as its been so wet and now warming up so they breed like buggery. I lost a faithful old cattle dog years ago to a Paraylisis tick and have lost a fair few new born calves in the past.

 

I know how you feel, they can be pretty nasty to us as well if they have been on you long enough, My eldest daughter had one removed from inside her ear years ago and spent three days in hospital, keep your eye on the other cat every day in spring and summer especially around its eyes and ears, sorry again its hard loosing a loved pet.

 

Chin up eh.

 

Cheers Matt

[Petals 4,259]

Oh I am so sorry about your cat. Fortunately we do not have ticks around in Melbourne. My friend's oh in Brisbane has had two ticks on his neck recently, got them gardening.

 

We used to get them a lot when we lived in Africa so know all about them.

 

Frontline has a spray for cats so speak to your vet. You still need to groom them and check regularly though.

 

There is also a way of taking them out without leaving any bit in so check on removal as well. We used to use a match but cat would not like that

[Guest Jonc]

So sorry to hear your bad news, we moved to Oz from Widnes in Jan 1996 and brought with us our 2 cats, the female (Kitty) was hit by a car in 2009 and at the time we thought was it worth it and we were upset and felt as though a little of our English past had been taken from us, we still have the male Maxi who is now 14yrs old and running around like a kitten, we did visit the RSPCA in Wollongong after Kitty died looking for another cat but came away with a Kelpie (dog) who makes us smile everyday, she gets along so well with Maxi so Australian/English pet relations are alive and well in Shellharbour, smile and think of your cat every day but you must move on, it was not your fault the Australian Tick is a nasty bugger. It will take time and I can tell you from experience the pain will ease...good luck and remember to smile. jon

[fleabo 2,537]

That is a shocking story to hear. I hope the pain eases for you soon.

[Guest AussieGold]

Busimoll.... im so so sorry to hear your furbaby has gone to the rainbow bridge...it truly is heartbreaking when you lose a much loved member of your family. please take the time to grieve your loss. one day those memories that make you cry now will hopefully make you smile again. and please give lots of extra cuddles to your other puss as she is probably feeling sad herself. :hug:

 

AG

[Happy Lass 864]

Busimoll, that is such a sad, sad thing to go through :hug: Please don't be too hard on yourself, you did the best you could according to what you knew at the time that it happened. Your little puss-cat lad would have known how much you love him and how much he meant to you, and I very much believe he would have known that you tried to save his life and did all that you could for him. Think of all the lovely days you had before this happened; he will always be alive in your heart.

 

I found a tick on the ear of our youngest cat just a few days ago as I gave her a pat and a cuddle goodnight. Paralysis ticks are almost unheard of here in this part of Tas but we didn't take a chance and my husband removed it straight away using the safe method to get it out intact with a pair of sharp tweezers. You can also buy a tick removal tool from your Vet.

[Guest siamsusie]

So so sorry to hear this Busimoll, there is nothing worse than loosing a family member!

 

Love Susie x

[Guest cazi]

Oh I am so sorry about your cat. Fortunately we do not have ticks around in Melbourne. My friend's oh in Brisbane has had two ticks on his neck recently, got them gardening.

 

We used to get them a lot when we lived in Africa so know all about them.

 

Frontline has a spray for cats so speak to your vet. You still need to groom them and check regularly though.

 

There is also a way of taking them out without leaving any bit in so check on removal as well. We used to use a match but cat would not like that

Just beware, we do get them in Melbourne. They are becoming more common. I worked at a vets and we had two cases a couple of years back only a couple of weeks apart. One was put down, the tick was found afterwards, the second the tick was found, the dog survived but cost it's owner 1000's with emergency centre care costs for 3 weeks. Neither dog had been out of state. and yes I live on the Mornington Peninsula as well. Frontline or Advantix your dogs, it's a horrible and ruthless killer.

[Petals 4,259]

Just beware, we do get them in Melbourne. They are becoming more common. I worked at a vets and we had two cases a couple of years back only a couple of weeks apart. One was put down, the tick was found afterwards, the second the tick was found, the dog survived but cost it's owner 1000's with emergency centre care costs for 3 weeks. Neither dog had been out of state. and yes I live on the Mornington Peninsula as well. Frontline or Advantix your dogs, it's a horrible and ruthless killer.

 

I guess as the weather is getting warmer in winter, not this last one though they would survive here. I use frontline and revolution on my cats.

 

Fortunately when I had my two dogs both gone recently they never got a tick and we live on acreage so plenty of places.

[Guest peacock]

Sorry to hear your news, I know exactly how you feel, time will ease the pain, and you will be left with fond memories.

[Jules37 259]

Really feel for you. We lost our cat whilst on holiday in oz. We did not get to see him at all because he died a few days after we left and we were there for a month. You are right it is like loosing a member of the family and I did the whole guilt thing too. You will get over it in time and will think about the good times.

Jules

[BUSIMOLL 10]

Thanks everyone for your well wishes. We have been in puddles, and I'm sure it will ease. I cleaned out the shelf yesterday - male cat wee is a shocker, and cried, but it was cathartic.

Also had just been to Woolies and bought about 30 tins of catfood (special at 77c a tin!) And had to put all the surplus stocks in a box in the garage.

Before Tash went out today I just about drowned her in the Fronline spray. As ironic as it is, I was on EBay while Sylvester lay in the cupboard ordering the Fronline plus topspot.

While the vet said he'd been diagnosed at stage 3C - out of 4 stages, she said he'd go downhill for two days and then pick up. But her initial prognosis she said she was pretty sure he'd make it.

I felt otherwise. In hindsight I think rather than leave him at the vets sedated (in my own selfish way praying for a miracle that he'd turn the corner), it would have been kinder to euthenase him.

Like Que Sera Sera said, guilt is a useless emotion. Horrible as it is, and thinking that if I'd not gone on my first shopping trip alone into town on the Sunday - that I would have found him... so many if only's.

I really appreciate your words of wisdom and advice, because my local friends don't seem to get it. Having had him around always. I just was too late in lots of ways. The pain is easing, and it'll be nice when we get his ashes home in a box, to keep him with us for when we eventually have our own 'forever home' he'll be there.

x

[Pumpkin 1,269]

I am so sorry to hear about your news, we are all cat lovers here so know exactly how you feel. I am a recent arrival and having read your thread I have done some research and found I am in an area prone to ticks and that it is the season. I would not have known this without your thread, we are going down to Petbarn this morning to get some spray. Be good to yourself, alllow yourself to grieve and then remember what a happy life he had and what happiness he brought you.

[Guest N13KY R]

I am so so sorry to hear your news, actually started to well up reading it as I too have two moggies, one is 9, the other is 4 - I cannot, just cannot imagine what you must be going through... Well done for bringing them over with you in the first place and making a home for them..

Take comfort in the fact that in the months before he died he was in a loving safe environment surrounded by his family and now he is in no pain, chasing them pesky mice in cat heaven... I'm so sorry xxxxx

[Guest Jen and Rob]

Not a lot to add to what others have said, except that I'm so sorry to hear what happened Busimoll. Please try not to feel guilty, you loved him, you've done what you thought was best for him and you weren't to know. 3 weeks ago I nearly lost my dog the same day I got him out of quarantine - like you, I suffered agonies of guilt but others on here have helped me realise that sometimes horrible things just happen (thank you again to everyone).

With all best wishes, Jenny xx

[BUSIMOLL 10]

Thank you again. And glad I helped Pumpkin become aware of these horrible ticks.

As some of you have written about near misses especially after collection from Quarantine, Sylvester (our rec deceased furbaby) crawled into the engine of the borrowed A-class Mercedes the day I picked him and Tash up from Eastern Creek.

I left them in the garage to slowly get them used to the new surroundings. Tash came out, and 'Vesty' decided he was happy to get himself lodged into the most difficult place - in front of the engine. Luckily I'd felt under the car, thought it was a 'sealed unit' and had turned the key half way. Looked under again and saw his paw and some fur poking out. So I guess while he didn't have markedly nine lives, he did have a lucky escape and we enjoyed him for 9 more months.

 

Today: The 5 year old heard the 22mth old say 'miaow' at the cat box in the garage. 5yo perked up and said, "is Vesty home from the vets"... husband's reply, 'no he's not coming home'. And we exchanged sad smiles. Well, it's not entirely true, we will get his ashes back after 2 weeks, and he'll be back with us, in a way. And we have to accept - that's as good as it'll get.

 

Hope all your pets are well and happy. x

[nickyc88 49]

I cried reading your post. Loosing one of your cats is the most horrible thing and so many people don't understand how painful it is. I hope you're feeling better now.

 

We're bringing our two with us. I couldn't leave them behind. But at the same time, I do worry about what I'm exposing them to. Your story will make me extra vigilant about tics and other nasties though.

 

Lots of good wishes,

 

N xx

[BUSIMOLL 10]

Thanks Nicky,

 

I don't regret bringing him, but I do feel responsible. And unfortunately it was a lesson I learned a hard way - I'd just become less vigilant as he was really a house cat, and hopefully by sharing it'll help protect your loved pets.

 

Sylvester didn't have a chance having no immunity to ticks, and we find one on our other cat, Natasha every few days, even with the Frontline spray every 2-3 weeks. In addition to this, it can be fatal after between 2-6 days of an adult tick landing on them. (ticks have a 3 stage life-cycle and feed and drop off with the first two stages).

 

If you do find your cat acting mad like it's full moon - even if it is, and they will probably be scratching the area, so check for fleas and ticks. I almost ignored Tash's mad dashes round the house, but searched her anyway and found one. And since losing 'Vesty' I have been known to chase the cat and check her if she's having a mad moment round the house at 2am. Hopefully by being exposed to ticks, she'll build up something that will help in delaying the devastating paralysis I found Vesty in.

 

As I'd bought the Frontline spray from the vet, they offered to spray Tash for free, and I could bring her in every two weeks and they'd do her for me. I think the vets are so upset as they were full of tick cases when I was there, and it's hard for them too. When I took her in, it was the day I picked up Vesty's ashes. I was glad to have 'him' back with us, but the tears started again, and I had a final really good cry. The box is lovely and he sits - good as gold, inside the cupboard where he used to love to hide away.

 

Thanks for letting me share this with you all! and go and give your pets a good hug.

[terry & Melanie 4,308]

Thanks Nicky,

 

I don't regret bringing him, but I do feel responsible. And unfortunately it was a lesson I learned a hard way - I'd just become less vigilant as he was really a house cat, and hopefully by sharing it'll help protect your loved pets.

 

Sylvester didn't have a chance having no immunity to ticks, and we find one on our other cat, Natasha every few days, even with the Frontline spray every 2-3 weeks. In addition to this, it can be fatal after between 2-6 days of an adult tick landing on them. (ticks have a 3 stage life-cycle and feed and drop off with the first two stages).

 

If you do find your cat acting mad like it's full moon - even if it is, and they will probably be scratching the area, so check for fleas and ticks. I almost ignored Tash's mad dashes round the house, but searched her anyway and found one. And since losing 'Vesty' I have been known to chase the cat and check her if she's having a mad moment round the house at 2am. Hopefully by being exposed to ticks, she'll build up something that will help in delaying the devastating paralysis I found Vesty in.

 

As I'd bought the Frontline spray from the vet, they offered to spray Tash for free, and I could bring her in every two weeks and they'd do her for me. I think the vets are so upset as they were full of tick cases when I was there, and it's hard for them too. When I took her in, it was the day I picked up Vesty's ashes. I was glad to have 'him' back with us, but the tears started again, and I had a final really good cry. The box is lovely and he sits - good as gold, inside the cupboard where he used to love to hide away.

 

Thanks for letting me share this with you all! and go and give your pets a good hug.

Awww..I don't know what to say....don't blame yourself, it sounds like you and your family gave him a wonderful life!xxx:hug:

 

Melanie x

[BUSIMOLL 10]

HI Everyone, we are nearing our one year anniversary and we have accepted it and keep the ashes with us. Our other cat Natasha is doing well, we keep up with the Frontline spray every 2 - 4 weeks (expensive but better than $1000's in vet bills & worse), but I am vigilant to check her every night/ every second night. She spends a lot of time outside. The vets around St Ives/Turramurra/Pymble/Wahroonga are all really upset as ticks cause havoc all year round - and it's so widespread, although the adult part of the cycle is the most dangerous, and nothing is 100% just vigilance, even indoor animals have to be careful as these critters can go on humans too, be brought inside. We have a new 'neighbour' which is the spitting image of Sylvester and odd to see him at the back door. Tash was pretty distant when Vesty was alive, but now she's the boss and seeks lots of attention. The kids are keeping me to my promise of 2 years after Vesty is gone, we would consider another pet. I'm sure Tash has other ideas!

Have a lovely day and love your pets! x

[The Pom Queen 5,788]

Lovely to hear from you, glad Tash is doing well.