Scarlett R.I.P.

Scarlett was euthanised yesterday. She was a very happy and healthy older cat up until her final year. In 2008 she had dental problems and the first signs of her kidneys failing, but she came through the anaesthetic needed to clean her teeth and did well on a special Hills kidney diet. She showed every sign of continuing to enjoy life, including going outside and playing with the two younger cats. But the dental operation triggered a horrible condition which is apparently very common in Burmese cats: Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome. Some cats who have this are in so much discomfort that they rip open their own faces. Scarlett had only a very mild and occasional version of this until Boxing Day when it became very acute and distressing. Since then she has been on phenobarbital which controlled the syndrome but left her very shaky on her feet and confused. With the help of the vet, the dose was reduced to allow her a few good days, but by yesterday it was clear she was shutting down and I felt very strongly that she had reached the end. The vet couldn´t have been nicer or more sympathetic and she was able to stay on my lap until she stopped breathing - she was very calm and I hope I was, too.

First of all, welcome to PetStreet - I never thought I would have my own web page. I am a 16 year old brown tortie Burmese, but do pretty well at keeping pace with my much younger flatmate, Leo. As a Burmese, I love the company of another cat, but I have to say I was pretty appalled when Leo first arrived. My brother, Freddy, died of diabetes five years ago, and I was still missing him, when this bumptious four month old red Burmese kitten arrived, and started jumping on me when I was asleep, trying to clean my ears when I was looking out the window and pushing me out of the way when I wanted to eat. I did my best either to kill him or make him leave, but after a month or so I suddenly realized that I liked playing rough games, and having my ears cleaned, and even having to put up a fight for my food. Now, as you can see, we are pretty devoted, despite an 11 year age difference....

R.I.P Scarlett what a beautiful girl

hi scarlett, you are a pretty tortie and you dont look 16, I am 15 and I feel my age some days and I cant jump on the shed anymore but i still love my food and being groomed. Us senior cats like a few more cuddles don"t we xxxx

hello scarlett

Hi Scarlett thank you for being my friend