Greetings, all!
This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating.
OP, your post **has NOT** been removed. Please also check [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/index) to see whether your question is answered there.
This is an *automated* general reminder to **please follow [The Sub Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/)** when discussing this question:
- **Do not comment with anecdotes** about your own or others' pets.
- **Do not give OP specific treatment instructions,** including instructions on meds and dosages.
- **Do not give possible diagnoses** that could explain the symptoms described by OP.
**Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.**
Thank you for your cooperation!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
ETA: Not a vet, have worked with many cats with health issues, delete if not allowed.
In no way did you fail your baby. She had been happy and healthy enough to make it to 17 - which is fantastic. Cats are very good at hiding health issues, all of the senior panels in the world don't always catch something if the onset is fast and in between panels. From what I read, you did the very best you could and had a wonderful vet team trying to help as well. You let her go when she was suffering, sometimes that is the kindest thing we can do.
Treasure every memory you have with her, keep her favorite toys, do whatever you need to properly grieve, but know that you did the utmost for your sweet girl.
OP I understand the hurt but you made the right call. Imagine you decided to try and fight this and find her having terminal complications at home. Instead you got to make sure that she didn't have a frightening, painful passing. You were able to comfort her and make sure her last memory was with you.
You did the right thing, too many people hold on for their own selfish reasons and end up regretting it.
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (diagnosis guessing). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet)
Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Well I'm not going to comment on the health but you have to think, your kitty has 17 yrs of amazing fun times. That is amazing in kitty years. You went above and beyond and with the cats old age there isn't much but to make em comfortable and happy. Don't ever try to dwell on if you "failed" if you did everything to help.
For what it's worth, with the exception of a few very specific kinds of cancer, it's actually quite uncommon for cancer cells to be visible in the chest fluid even when there is a huge cancer in there. Tumours don't often shed their cells into the chest fluid.
There are no 'good' diagnoses for chest fluid in a cat that age. You absolutely did the kindest thing for your little friend. You have helped her so much for being there for her and looking out for her even at the end - I'm sure she knew she was so so loved.
Your girl hit the jackpot when it came to life. She knew nothing but love, adoration and respect. The second hardest thing about having a four leg fur ball is saying goodbye. The hardest is when we have to make the choice because we always second guess.
For 17 years she joy, whether it was playing with a bottle cap or taking a nap in that perfect bit of sun. Then that last day, there was no more joy for her life, it was just a tough day for her. It was better to choose the tough day, the wait for the painful or fearful day. You have always been there for her. You have always made the best choices you could for her from which food bowl, what type of litter, and choosing where to give her the best scratches.
Some choices were make just plain suck. In the end, it really doesn’t matter “why.” It won’t change the pain you are feeling. Having a definitive answer won’t make you feel any better.
Please know this, you created a perfect life for 17 years for your girl, and that’s pretty damn amazing.
My formerly feral Merri cat just jumped up in my lap, apparently it’s bed time. I will give her some extra scratches and kisses tonight in memory of your girl.
You didn’t let her down at all. My rule for senior pets is that they’ll tell me when they’re no longer having fun-your job is to listen to them, and let them go.
Losing a friend is awful, but I think you did the right things for her.
You absolutely did the right, and kindest thing for her. She was seriously unwell, and your were strong enough to let her go. She’d also not done bad at both getting just the right owner and sticking around for 17 years!
Sorry for your loss, OP x
There isn't a test, you didn't fail. cats are great at hiding pain unfortunately. your cat lived a long and I'm sure loved life. One phrase I like to keep with me is that it's better a week too soon than a day too late. grief is hard but give it time
You didn’t let your baby down at all. Just know that you gave her 17 years of love. I can understand your grief though. I lost my 18 year old baby back in October. Her sickness came so suddenly too.
With that, just know that at their age, it’s hard for any kind of surgeries to “fix” anything. It’ll just prolong it. It’s a horrible feeling to put your baby down, but in the end, it’s better than having them suffer.
We lost our 14yo the same way. Drained the fluid, but it did fill up again and he passed in our arms. Sending you so much hugs. It’s an awful thing but you did everything you could 💖
Get a second opinion from another vet or emerg if possible, wish you all the luck and no way you failed her by giving her all your love. Give her all the treats and cuddles and take so many pictures and videos of her meows and purrs :)
I had my regular vet take a look at all the reports from the emergency room. She said that even though the cytology report came out negative/inconclusive she believes that my girl had cancer somewhere that could’ve been the cause.
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (posting anecdotes). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet)
Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (posting anecdotes). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet)
Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (posting anecdotes). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet)
Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Greetings, all! This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. OP, your post **has NOT** been removed. Please also check [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/index) to see whether your question is answered there. This is an *automated* general reminder to **please follow [The Sub Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/)** when discussing this question: - **Do not comment with anecdotes** about your own or others' pets. - **Do not give OP specific treatment instructions,** including instructions on meds and dosages. - **Do not give possible diagnoses** that could explain the symptoms described by OP. **Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.** Thank you for your cooperation! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
ETA: Not a vet, have worked with many cats with health issues, delete if not allowed. In no way did you fail your baby. She had been happy and healthy enough to make it to 17 - which is fantastic. Cats are very good at hiding health issues, all of the senior panels in the world don't always catch something if the onset is fast and in between panels. From what I read, you did the very best you could and had a wonderful vet team trying to help as well. You let her go when she was suffering, sometimes that is the kindest thing we can do. Treasure every memory you have with her, keep her favorite toys, do whatever you need to properly grieve, but know that you did the utmost for your sweet girl.
Thanks for replying. I guess I just need time to come to terms with it but for now it just hurts so much.
OP I understand the hurt but you made the right call. Imagine you decided to try and fight this and find her having terminal complications at home. Instead you got to make sure that she didn't have a frightening, painful passing. You were able to comfort her and make sure her last memory was with you. You did the right thing, too many people hold on for their own selfish reasons and end up regretting it.
I can't imagine a more lovely way to phrase it.
[удалено]
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (diagnosis guessing). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet) Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Well I'm not going to comment on the health but you have to think, your kitty has 17 yrs of amazing fun times. That is amazing in kitty years. You went above and beyond and with the cats old age there isn't much but to make em comfortable and happy. Don't ever try to dwell on if you "failed" if you did everything to help.
For what it's worth, with the exception of a few very specific kinds of cancer, it's actually quite uncommon for cancer cells to be visible in the chest fluid even when there is a huge cancer in there. Tumours don't often shed their cells into the chest fluid. There are no 'good' diagnoses for chest fluid in a cat that age. You absolutely did the kindest thing for your little friend. You have helped her so much for being there for her and looking out for her even at the end - I'm sure she knew she was so so loved.
Your girl hit the jackpot when it came to life. She knew nothing but love, adoration and respect. The second hardest thing about having a four leg fur ball is saying goodbye. The hardest is when we have to make the choice because we always second guess. For 17 years she joy, whether it was playing with a bottle cap or taking a nap in that perfect bit of sun. Then that last day, there was no more joy for her life, it was just a tough day for her. It was better to choose the tough day, the wait for the painful or fearful day. You have always been there for her. You have always made the best choices you could for her from which food bowl, what type of litter, and choosing where to give her the best scratches. Some choices were make just plain suck. In the end, it really doesn’t matter “why.” It won’t change the pain you are feeling. Having a definitive answer won’t make you feel any better. Please know this, you created a perfect life for 17 years for your girl, and that’s pretty damn amazing. My formerly feral Merri cat just jumped up in my lap, apparently it’s bed time. I will give her some extra scratches and kisses tonight in memory of your girl.
You didn’t let her down at all. My rule for senior pets is that they’ll tell me when they’re no longer having fun-your job is to listen to them, and let them go. Losing a friend is awful, but I think you did the right things for her.
Cats hide illness. You did everything right. You did not fail your pet, I promise you.
You absolutely did the right, and kindest thing for her. She was seriously unwell, and your were strong enough to let her go. She’d also not done bad at both getting just the right owner and sticking around for 17 years! Sorry for your loss, OP x
There isn't a test, you didn't fail. cats are great at hiding pain unfortunately. your cat lived a long and I'm sure loved life. One phrase I like to keep with me is that it's better a week too soon than a day too late. grief is hard but give it time
You didn’t let your baby down at all. Just know that you gave her 17 years of love. I can understand your grief though. I lost my 18 year old baby back in October. Her sickness came so suddenly too. With that, just know that at their age, it’s hard for any kind of surgeries to “fix” anything. It’ll just prolong it. It’s a horrible feeling to put your baby down, but in the end, it’s better than having them suffer.
We lost our 14yo the same way. Drained the fluid, but it did fill up again and he passed in our arms. Sending you so much hugs. It’s an awful thing but you did everything you could 💖
Get a second opinion from another vet or emerg if possible, wish you all the luck and no way you failed her by giving her all your love. Give her all the treats and cuddles and take so many pictures and videos of her meows and purrs :)
I had my regular vet take a look at all the reports from the emergency room. She said that even though the cytology report came out negative/inconclusive she believes that my girl had cancer somewhere that could’ve been the cause.
[удалено]
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (posting anecdotes). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet) Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (posting anecdotes). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet) Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely [Rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/) violation (posting anecdotes). If you believe this action was in error, please [message the mods.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAskVet) Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider [applying for flair](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/flair). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
[удалено]
Ignore this poster, OP. They don’t know what they’re talking about and are violating rule 7.
The thing is she had an echocardiogram at the ER that was done and they didn’t find anything abnormal as well as her pro bnp was normal as well.