Sam's trip to the vet

Sam's been off-colour and has lost a lot of weight, so I took him to see his friend the v-e-t.

She pointed out what I hadn't noticed: "I've never seen a cat this yellow". Jaundice. Liver failure. He hasn't actually lost any weight at all, though he's much scrawnier than he was: the weight seems to be enlarged liver and bile ducts. And yes, he's probably in some discomfort.

She thinks it's probably a tumour and probably untreatable. Blood test results should be back today, but her advice was to give him lots of love and be ready to make the call.

I'm ready, but it hurts to say goodbye.

Sam update

I've spoken to the vet. Sam's liver enzymes are way up and he is likely to get worse quite quickly.

His final appointment is booked: 5.50pm on Friday.

He's hoovered down a tin of M&S Luxury Chicken Dinner, and there is fresh tuna in his future.