Moonface has taken a bad turn recently. He was looking a bit unsteady on his feet and a trip to the vet confirmed a neurological issue that means he basically can’t feel his rear right leg. It’s now got to the point where he can’t walk in a straight line and occasionally his rear end just collapses.
He’s stubbornly independent though so continuing trying to do all the same things - jump on beds/furniture, go outside to do his business - and refuses any help. He’s struggling to poo as he can’t keep his balance. It’s hard seeing him hurt himself and concern is he’ll do some real damage.
We’ve bought some indoor steps and an easy access litter tray so debate is whether we try to keep him indoors for his own safety. Keeping a close eye on him when we can and he’s still eating (albeit only about 60-70% of usual diet), still cleaning himself which the vet said are all good signs. Just about quality of life now but it feels horrible to be some kind of adjudicator in that regard. A few usual rules abandoned and he’s getting all the good access so we can at least make sure he’s comfortable but it sucks to know he’s in the final stretch now. Remember to give all your good boys and girls the love while you can.
This might be bad advice but at least you can keep an eye on him then. I doubt he'll like it at first if he's used to roaming but he'd get used to it. Plus cats are incredibly resilient so hopefully he's currently in a low point at the mo and manages to adjust. Best of luck.
Also I know the line is actually Moon Child but whenever I read Moonface I see Bastian from The Neverending Story shouting it (even though I know the line is actually Moon Child).
Moonface had a sharp decline over the weekend so we made the heartbreaking decision to have him put to sleep today. I stayed with him last night so got plenty of cuddles and this morning the sun came out so he got to bask in it in his favourite spot before we took him to the vet.
He was very calm and it was hard not to read into it that he was ready so I hope that was the case on some level and he’s now at rest. My wife actually apologised as she had to work to convince me to take him in but I conceded she was right all along and he became my best friend. Still very raw at the moment and he will be greatly missed but I’m thankful for all the memories and pics.