Our cat Vito has cancer

[Tobin S.]

He developed a lump on the side of his neck seemingly overnight and we took him to the vet. They ran some tests and it turned out that he had a form of glandular cancer probably in one of his glands that produces saliva. He doesn't appear to be in any pain yet and does not show any signs of sickness otherwise. The doctor says the cancer may have already spread to his lungs, though. We have some medication for him and we are just going to try to make him as comfortable as possible until he gets too sick.

Jen got Vito from a no-kill shelter seven years ago. He had been in the shelter for seven years. He only had one eye, the other was removed due to severe infection. He was also mean as hell. Those two things combined probably kept him from being adopted sooner. But Jen took him in and gave him a loving home, and what do you know? He turned into the sweet little guy. You couldn't ask for a nicer cat.

It broke Jen's heart to get the news. I've only known Vito for a little over a year, but I am sad for him also.

[Betty88]

1. Give Vito our love, we went through this

My only advice is give him lots of love for as long as you can, and plenty of tuna.

Our beloved Sam passed from cancer about a year ago. His was a tumor in his mouth. We made him as comfortable as possible for as long as he could enjoy life then we had to let him go. I broke our hearts but it wasn't about us it was him. He had been diabetic for about 3 years, his treat was tapioca as much as he wanted.

[Tobin S.]

2. We've got plenty of tuna on hand

And Jen has a special recipe for cats who have cancer. Vito loves it.

[rurallib]

3. Sorry to hear

sounds like he has had a great run with you two

[Joe Shlabotnik]

4. took the words right out of my mouth.

best wishes to Vito.

[lunatica]

5. vito was blessed to have Jen take care of him in his old age

Love from Jen seems to be a very special deal.

[Tobin S.]

9. Love from Jen is like magic

It will turn you from a hardened, cynical truck driver type to a lovey dovey, romantic, soft-hearted truck driver type.

There's no question that she has a big heart and it seems to be contagious.

[GoCubsGo]

6. :-(

Seven years in a shelter is enough to make anyone cranky. I'm glad Jen got him out of there and gave him a chance. Hopefully, with the drugs and the love and good food, he'll be around longer than you expect.

[kimi]

7. Vito has been blessed

I know, with his diagnosis now, it doesn't seem like it, but he has been. He was taken from a place where he would surely have not been loved like he is now - and he will be surrounded in love with you and Jen now. It's sad, but it's also a time to be glad - although I know it's hard to feel that way and easy for me to say, when I'm not you or Jen. But I've been there, in that position, with a few of my own cats and rabbits. Vito is in the best place he could possibly be, and that is very fortunate for him.

Best wishes to Vito, Jen and you. Take care and hugs to you all.

[Kali]

8. a 14 (or more?) year old, one-eyed fighting cat named Vito

what a hoot. I think Jen and I have similar hearts.

Sounds like he has ended up in a good place, hope he can be comfortable for a good bit longer.

[Tobin S.]

10. Yep, you and Jen have similar hearts

Great big, sweet, soft ones capable of turning hardened, worn, and experienced types into jelly.

[Kali]

12. ha

not sure of that part - I was thinking more of the inclination to associate with, adopt, or even marry the "characters" we come across in life

[Tobin S.]

13. I'm certainly a character

But I think I've got a good read on you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. I'm really sorry to hear this sad news, my dear Tobin...

But really, I think that Vito lucked out.

I mean, he's living with the two of you, and you both love him, and you both treat him so well! So much love there is between the three of you.

Cancer happens, and it's awful. But Vito will have the softest, safest landing ever...

Enjoy the time you have left...