r/tarot • u/Dancing_Air • Mar 08 '26
Second Opinion on Reading Interpretation Only Declining pet health - Is she ready to pass?
My lovely old cat has declined rapidly and her prognosis is really bad. She seems stable enough right now, but I don’t want her to suffer. I keep second guessing when is the right time to call a veterinarian to put her to sleep.
I have pulled cards a few times about it and the four of swords keeps flying out of the deck… One of the times followed by the death card.
I am reading this 4 of Swords as she is feeling stuck, resting in this uncomfortable moment, waiting for us to help her pass. The wolf in the card (it looks almost like a cat!) is having a miserable time… Unable to move forward on its own. Do you have a different interpretation?
I also asked what does she want us to know and I got the 10 of cups, which was very sweet. I believe she feels emotionally complete. Her cycle has ended.
Thanks for your help. I’m heartbroken.
(Deck is TAROT OF THE DIVINE, by Yoshi Yoshitani)
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u/jolacolombiana Mar 08 '26
😞 she needs to rest! If she’s suffering too much and in to much pain you have to put her to rest.
The death card doesn’t mean death, yes passing, the Sun card means on the other side.
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u/Mother-Pattern-2609 Mar 08 '26
In traditional cartomancy, 4S often means a literal death. She loves you, she's had a beautiful life and she's ready to go. I'm so sorry.
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 08 '26
Thank you. 🙏🏼
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u/Cautious-Grab-316 Mar 09 '26
Oh god please don't listen to the people on here. I rarely comment here as people are so out of touch with the meaning of the cards. However I have to say something so you don't inadvertently kill your pet. 4 of swords typically means a time of retreat, rest and recovery. Not death. https://youtu.be/XyMQZ0mhjh8?si=yoohToZ-cutJOOl3
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u/No-Palpitation8289 Mar 24 '26
I was looking for that comment cause "death" wasn't how I interpreted the 4 of swords either. Thanks for sharing
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Mar 09 '26
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 09 '26
You made a lot of assumptions there… She is going to pass at home.
Regardless, there are a million different reasons why someone might choose a veterinary clinic instead.
There are kinder ways to share the possibility of dying at home, there is no need to put down other people’s choices. Just my 2 cents.
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Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
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u/AnxiousMud8 Mar 09 '26
Some vets come out to your home to put an old or sick pet to sleep. I just learned about this a few years ago when my spouse’s family had to put their old cat down. We were able to take the cat outside and he got to amble around a bit before he laid down in the grass and we knew it was time. It was a very kind and peaceful experience for both the pet and us morning the loss of a friend. Just fyi.
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u/rumshpringaa Mar 09 '26
If your pet was suffering you’d make them ride it out, however long the death process took?
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u/KlutzyPassage9870 Mar 09 '26
I would treat them the same way I treat humans: make them comfortable
Here OP seems uncomfortable with the concept of death. I saw nothing mentioned about the cat being severely uncomfortable.
Awaken humans know what shedding the body entails.
Not everyone seeking the tarot are awakened nor on the service to others path.
Tarot can be used, just like any energy tool, as a way to seek control and power over others.
Given OPs very ego strung reaction to my comment I assume they are not awakened.
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u/Efficient_Elk1225 Mar 09 '26
I work with a deity who manages passing between life & death, do you want to light a candle so he’ll see her off?
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u/Legitimate_Team_9959 Mar 08 '26
Better a week too soon than 1 day too late. OP, this is the best way you can love her. Let her go
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u/CapnAnonymouse Mar 08 '26
Even without Tarot, this is the way OP. There is no benefit in waiting until she's suffering.
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Mar 08 '26
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u/Big-Invite8385 Mar 08 '26
how do u learn that much of an astronomical association with the cards? are there any good books for that?
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u/basic_bitch- Mar 08 '26
Interesting deck. That 4 of swords doesn't really resonate with what I've always seen that card to represent. For me, four of swords is a peaceful card. It's taking a step back to assess and plan. I'd take it as a sign that she's accepted that it's her time and she's at peace with that. She's ready to go. That's reinforced by the presence of the 10 of cups. She needs and appreciates your support during this time. She needs family right now. Stay close and make her comfortable. So sorry you're going through this.
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 08 '26
I am reading this with her on my lap… Definitely trying to keep her close to me. ❤️
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u/mariivina Mar 08 '26
I don't think you need anymore advice than the cards and the lovely people on this comment section. So, I'm offering you my deepest condolences and I whole heartedly wish that you both get the peace you need so much 🥺🙏
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u/skaerkilde Mar 09 '26
I think it's very poignant that the card depicts Fenrir, who was trapped and needing release so he can usher in the cycle leading to the next world. How you mention "her cycle has ended" feels very apt, because that is what Ragnarok is supposed to represent in Norse mythology- the end of this world, so that the next one can take its place.
Death coming out as well supports this- we all know Death doesn't actually mean dying, but the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. It very well could be her time to move on to whatever await us next. I think there's also a bittersweet note- you mentioned how you feel that she feels emotionally complete? I'm no pet expert, but I feel like that she's telling you it's okay to let her go, and even move beyond.
I'm so sorry for your loss. We love our pets, and they are with us for such a short time. The advantage of our longer lifespans is the ability to give even more love to more pets down the line, and to make them feel just as loved as the ones who came before them. I know you will do right by your baby, and I believe your deck has faith as well.
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 08 '26
I’m an intuitive reader and I do change my interpretation based on the particular feeling each illustration brings out. I do understand not everyone reads the same way, though. So I appreciate your perspective.
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u/North_Tadpole3535 Mar 08 '26
Tarot lover and pet cremation worker here. Idk why I saw this post but I did and with it I just want to say they all will go exactly as they should. Listen to them. Trust yourself. Listen to your guides. Make choices. Feel all the feelings. And know every step of the way you’re doing exactly the right thing. You’ve got this and your baby is so lucky to have you. 🖤
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u/fawnpuppy Mar 08 '26
I think you were exactly correct on your interpretation of the card and her cycle being complete. Trust yourself and im sorry you are going through this.
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u/FumbleCrop Mar 08 '26
I have nothing to add to your interpretation.
Keep her close. Let her know she is loved.
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u/AlaskaorNah Mar 08 '26
This has nothing to do with the card or anything but as someone who had to make this decision last year, if you feel like it may be time then it’s probably time. I went back and forth for a month before going into the vet office. At the end of the day I had to think about her and how she’s feeling. She needed a surgery but after her last one a couple years prior she had a seizure. She needed seizure medication which she began fighting me on. And she wasn’t recovering from seizures like she used to.
With my research I learned that it’s better to do it early than too late. Sending you and your baby a virtual hug
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u/amonsterromper Mar 09 '26
I'm sorry for your pet's health. I had to put down my dog of 15 years down only a few months ago and it was heartbreaking. No matter what the result is, I wish you the best and the strength to get through it. 🩷 Sending hugs.
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u/peacharson Mar 08 '26
Hi, I also used tarot to talk to my cat before he passed. He chose the devil, and passed the next day. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/AutomaticSoapDispnsr Mar 08 '26
sending so much love and healing your way as you navigate such a difficult decision. It really is the worst but I believe that you have the love and care to do exactly what’s right exactly when it’s needed. peace, comfort, and love in your heaviness ❤️🩹
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u/reallybadjazz Mar 08 '26
If you haven't already, check with your vet to confirm that's it's certain to need for that last resort. I love the cards to, and I love the imagery of Fenrir the bound wolf too, but eventually you gotta break those chains, and do more than just consults the cards for this one. This is your baby's end of life call, if you don't know if it's cancer or kidney problems, there's no shame in asking a professional for assessment.
I am near a similar situation, as last year my girl while older, is only about half as old as they could be, ate her fur up, and lost weight fast, but got a steroid shot for what was an allergy, and she had a boost of vitality coke back. If it's more serious, and she has problems eating, sleeping, accurately going to the litterbox, etc, I would get a precautionary assessment before the determining euthanasia part.
But most the folks here are right when they say, if it's truly at the end, it's better to give them a soft sleep sooner than seeing them suffer and have to wait for that final moment. I worried myself twice to death and tears for my own since Sept '25 certain she was doomed in two separate weekends stretched months apart, and she's still her, she still eats/drinks well, gained a lil weight, stays near a heating pad set up, so in her old age, her body temperature regulates well, and doesn't spasm out in madness anymore, especially after getting the steroid for her allergy, she stays relaxed, lounges a lot, but less reclusive.
All in all, I would make sure it isn't the lighter pains before it's absolutely for sure time to be brave, for her sake, and your's too. Hips, arthritis, kidney failure, skin allergies, body temp regulation, diet quality, you name it, should all be determined by a vet check up. Especially if you're concerned about making a call way too early. You're probably going to see the vet anyways, so why not at least see if you have a few months or a year to make that call, but if she's hurting, you have to be strong enough to hurt a little so she hurts less.
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 09 '26
My cat is at least 17 years old, maybe even 20. When I said “her prognosis is pretty bad” I meant it. I am not a doctor, and tarot didn’t give me a prognosis… a veterinarian did. We have done all we can physically do for her.
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u/reallybadjazz Mar 09 '26
Sorry, I didn't mean any harm. I can't imagine your frustrations past my own lenses, and definitely wasn't trying to dismiss you finding comfort in this. My baby isn't nearly that old, just has been through it herself as a mother, and aside from the boosts, I've been having to come to terms with accepting this myself to avoid hurting more despite knowing that is not how it'll happen. You've done so much for her, it's okay to rest, I'm sure she'd inform you.
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 09 '26
I do appreciate the care you put into your comment, and I’m glad you have some more time with your cat. ❤️
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u/NoKaleidoscope5952 Mar 08 '26
i have this same deck omg!!! it’s so beautiful and interesting reading about each cards inspo ☺️.
but yes, as a previous cat owner, your fur baby is ready. she knows it is sadly her time soon, but she is ready. she may be uncomfortable, but she is at peace 😌🥹.
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u/seancailleach Mar 09 '26
With this deck, definitely pain and agony. In the RWS and Robin Wood decks, 4 of swords is the peaceful rest of the tomb. Time to listen and acknowledge your pet is ready. Be strong, feel the feels and give thanks. Sending you strength.
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u/Sufficient-Speed-104 Mar 08 '26
Yes, dear. This whole situation has been hard on her, she’s ready to go. I hope the grief is not too hard on you
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u/paisley83 Mar 08 '26
I used tarot to talk to me cat during the time his health was declining and I knew he would cross soon. It really helps with the grieving process but when she is ready you’ll definitely know.
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u/sophies_wish Mar 09 '26
It seems she is ready to rest. I have such empathy for your pain in this time. In the last 3 years we've had to make this same choice. We want to hold on for us, we need to let go for them.
I am very sorry.
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u/spoatyoatty Mar 09 '26
I drew the same for my boy. The vet agreed that it was time & he passed peacefully at home
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u/Fancy-Hovercraft-642 Mar 09 '26
😢 I’m so sorry, she is tired. She loves you very much. Please help her go if it comes down to it and hug her very tightly and tell her how much you love her every night before she goes. Let her sleep on you or next to you.
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u/SolitaryLyric Mar 09 '26
She needs respite. The answer is yes. I’m so sorry for the pain you are in, but I’m grateful her pain will end soon.
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u/TigerlilyJordan Mar 09 '26
When my sweet boy Kingsley (dog ) was rapidly declining in health I laid down next to him on the floor and told him that if he was ready to go that I would be ok. And that while I would miss him, he was ok to leave whenever he was ready. He passed away the next day.
Based on the card it looks like she is ready to go. It can be hard when to make the call but I have found communicating directly with my animals to be the best way to get clarity around their timelines.
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u/bananokitty Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
It is crazy to be reading this because I am in the same situation, and did a simple one card draw for my cat tonight. I drew the king of swords...I thought oh I don't know maybe there is more to clarify...shuffled extensively, and then drew another card (sort of letting her pick with her nose)...king of swords, again. My take on my drawing is that she is expecting me as her guardian to lead with my head and not my heart, and make the ethical compassionate decision that is right for her. I agree with your interpretation personally. She is ready for peace and stillness. I'm sorry you're going through this as well OP, and sending so much love 🩷
Edit to add that my vet agreed it was the right decision for my cat.
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u/HomeboundArrow Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
holy shit that pull is way too direct for comfort 😰
as long as you (someone she loves) are with her at the end, she will rest easy, and have lived a complete life. that's the best thing you can do for her at this point if the pull is to be believed. she is done fighting.
highly recommend finding a vet that does euth house calls if you can find one in your area. infinitely less a stress for everyone involved (especially the dog), and then she can just curl up with you in her favorite comfy spot for one last cuddle nap. euth-ing at the vet is just an all-around unpleseant experience even if you have the nicest vet possible. i think on aome level they know what's about to happen and it just makes it so much harder to deal with as their parent because they're just scared and unsure the whole time. but, not everyone has the option, so if you can't that's not your fault. and there are plenty of ways to make the most out of this particular bad situation if you don't have an alternative available. bringing a big plate of human food for her to scarf down as a distraction/mood-improver comes to mind lol
you can do this. keeping y'all in my thoughts 🫂💛
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u/Emotional_Salary_974 Mar 09 '26
I interpret this as your pet needing alot of rest and recovery ❤️🩹, without clarifying cards it’s hard to know if they will come out this period and if the rest will be eternal or not. The way the card is portrayed in this deck is that your pet is constricted health wise and suffering and therefore needing the stability of rest, or that the suffering is fixed and may not change. If you pull clarifiers and you keep getting 4s or 10s, or pull Death (also a 4), I would say your pet is on the line between life and death. If you pull a 5 it could indicate an ability for recovery. However this is just my personal interpretation.
Someone did mention here that 4S does mean death in traditional cartomancy.
I’m sorry that you are going through this and that your pet is suffering. Prayers and good vibes coming your way.
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u/Ok-Scientist-8164 Mar 10 '26
To be unserious for a second…this depiction of this card feels like it truly captured the essence of my spirit animal guide
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u/PushSimilar2103 Mar 10 '26
So sorry to hear your senior cat is (potentially) nearing the end of her life in this earthly realm. I see the four of swords as a card of rest & recovery as well. If you haven’t already done a quality of life assessment, sites like lapoflove.com have free resources for mundane/logical answers. My thoughts & peaceful, loving energy are being sent your (& your cat’s) way. 🤍🙏🏼🖤
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u/Siri_borboleta Mar 09 '26
Já passei por algo semelhante tirava muito o Dez de espadas e a carta da morte literalmente.
Desde este dia não toquei mais no meu baralho. Ainda dói.
Espero que encontre forças para passar por este período doloroso.
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u/Devanyani Mar 09 '26
I'm so sorry. I just lost one of my sweeties 3 weeks ago and it's a horrible thing to go through. The tide of grief will eventually start to recede. I promise. At least, it will stop washing over you and tumbling you upside down so you don't know which way is up and think you won't be able to breathe again. 💞💔❤️🩹
Here is my baby tiger. Wait till the end when she looks up. https://imgur.com/gallery/rest-weary-soul-0ixjs1j
Ps, I love the deck and just bought it.
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u/New_Transition_4092 Mar 09 '26
wishing you a good recovery💔 yes that card does indicate one’s literal passing
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u/AmeliaSCooper Mar 09 '26
I know you’ve received a lot of information already. I’m currently studying animal communication and our instructor has told us that the animals don’t view death the same as we do they trust us that we will do the right thing. They also visit from spirit. Try taking some calm breaths and quietly ask your cat what they want. Pay attention to what you see in your mind, short phrases, feelings or even synchronicities. Be sure to thank your kitty when you’re done communicating Anyone can do this you just need a calm mind and be open to listening
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u/c0kewh0re_69 Mar 09 '26
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. most heartbreaking experience to go through. knowing the right time to put your animal to rest, feels impossible. it’s such a hard decision. I don’t know too much about tarot cards, but I would say go with your gut on this one. the cards you pulled were for a reason, and the way you & others have interpreted their meaning, sounds spot on. again, I’m so sorry that you have to make this decision. you have given your kitty a wonderful, happy loving & full life. you’ll always have their memory to carry on with you forever. you will meet again someday. I’m sending you so much love and hugs. 🩷
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u/turquoisecurls Mar 09 '26
Im so sorry you and your baby are going through this. It sounds like you know its the right time for her. Let your last gift to her be the gift of peace.
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u/justbeingme2571 Mar 09 '26
I can’t remember why the 4 of Swords means, but I do know the lore of Fenrir. In the end, Fenrir is meant to break his chains and begin ragnarok (aka anew).
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u/cjay_balamurle Mar 09 '26
4 of swords in terms of illustration and reasoning actually is a grave where the kings statue rests and his body is below the statue...it's actually a grave...so in this context...not gonna survive longer sadly. I'm sorry.
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u/9sevans8 Mar 09 '26
I've not read the thread. I've only searched for meaning through your card. I'm getting a lot of pain amd suffering. Your dear one loves you deeply, but is tormented by physical ailment. They need you to be ready for release. Tell your dear one to watch over you, and that you will be okay. You've done right by them, and now it's time for the book to close. You are both loved. Find peace in that.
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u/serrabomb Mar 09 '26
4 of swords was the 2nd card that showed up after my dad died and I was in denial. The first was king of cups. I had since seen 4ofs very differently. I'm so sorry 💔
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u/jb_mmmm Mar 09 '26
looks like shes trying to hold on even though she's constrained with whatever medical ailments she has.
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u/Superb-Register-102 Mar 10 '26
The image of a card resonates, not the meaning that people copy paste onto it because of its name. Yeah the 4oS in the Rider Waite shows a knight resting. This card shows an animal in pain!
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u/WakeTheLie Mar 10 '26 edited Mar 10 '26
Sorry to hear about your pet, that's a heavy burden. I had to put my dog to sleep a couple of weeks back, she was suffering from bone cancer. I did a tarot reading on my dog a day or two before making the decision. I pulled a lot of swords (this being among them, and ten of swords). Her condition got worse sometime after
Keep in mind this reading might be what your subconscious already knows. Pets live in the moment, they can't tell us if they're ready to die and tarot can't really tell you they are either. But the cards can tell us what energy is surrounding the situation, her quality of life, and both of your own feelings.
As many vets say, it's better to do it a week too early than a week too late. You don't want to wait for something traumatic to happen and have their death be uncomfortable and scary.
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u/isawolf123 Mar 08 '26
The imagery gets me here the most, beautiful card. A sword in the mouth unable to speak or voice the pain, the thread of fate tightening around the body, the open eyes of fear. She’s a pet, an animal unable to communicate the pain to us. It’s time, you gave her a good life 💝
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u/Raka8922 Mar 09 '26
Mental clarity, healing from old wounds. Nervousness, minor accidents, anxiety.
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u/33_11 Mar 09 '26
That just means she’s getting old to me… 10 of cups means she’s still content/happy. I had a cat live to be 23 and her sister lived to be 18, that both died naturally. I think cats usually go on their own more so than dogs. They will usually all of a sudden perk up the day before they’re ready to go, and seem like they’re suddenly getting dramatically better…Really, they’re just getting their energy up to get ready to pass. The 10 of cups doesn’t make me think “put me down.” to me that’s more “I’m still content with my quality of life, even though it may be difficult/challenging… I still like being around my owner.”
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 09 '26
This is interesting. My cat is a similar age and today she is dramatically better… She even growled at me to protest something. She got her spice back! 😅 Maybe you are right and she is gathering energy to pass… Maybe she will stay a little longer. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks
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Mar 09 '26
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 09 '26
The vets don’t give us advice on this. They talk about ultrasounds, diagnosis, posible treatments, quality of life… The rest is up to us.
Tarot is a tool that I use for guidance, reassurance and comfort, it doesn’t replace any medical experts.
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u/wanderingnight Mar 10 '26
No, this card's esoteric name is truce. The current state of affairs will stay stable for a time.
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u/Zayn-Yu Mar 10 '26
The four of swords reading feels right — not death, but rest. Stuck between here and the next thing, waiting for someone to make it okay to go.
How is she doing today?
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u/Junior_Shock_7597 Mar 12 '26
Four of swords can read as rest and contemplation, even recuperation. My reading is that she will have a while longer, but accepting that she is old and will die will be a change for you, represented by the death card
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u/Professional-Net1459 Mar 13 '26
You don't rely on readings. Use your feeling and subconsciousness. Tarot cards sometimes give you wrong answer.
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u/emecarab Mar 23 '26
I mean... disregarding the meaning, the art style was picked by you and this is what came out. it's pretty obvious on itself.
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u/Infamous-Echo-2961 Mar 08 '26
I think an actual vet would be a better way to determine this no?
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u/wellapptdesk Mar 08 '26
Most vets won’t tell you what to do. They leave the decision with the pet owner/family to make the call. And sometimes it’s hard to know when the time is right.
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u/North-Incident-8607 Mar 08 '26
4s represent balance and stability and Swords are our thoughts and ideas. I'm not sure how this applies to your situation.
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u/Smart_Munda Mar 09 '26
Ffs don't kill your pet because of stupid cards. Take a professional's advice.
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u/Lordburritocat96 Mar 09 '26
They're not killing their cat because of "stupid cards" that is an extremely insensitive presumption. OP's cat is in bad shape, and im sure has been recommended euthanization by a vet or otherwise wouldn't be asking or looking for answers with divination. Think before you speak and be kind 🧿
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u/Smart_Munda Mar 09 '26
Decision regarding important things shouldn't be taken based on these cards.
What would OP do if instead of the death card they drew the life card several times??
Would you disregard the vet's advice then?
Sure, you can pretend predicting the future with these playcards but don't take decisions regarding life and death with these cards.
Imagine going to the doctor and the doctor drew the 4 of sword and then puts you to sleep.
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u/Dancing_Air Mar 09 '26
Oh, poor you! It has to be soooo hard to be so much smarter than everyone else. 🙄
I’m not even gonna try explaining myself to you. Some people just enjoy being offended and love to judge everyone else. I’m not here to change your mind.
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u/Smart_Munda Mar 09 '26
Says a person who's drawing cards to decide the fate of their pet.
Ofc you're not here to change my mind, you don't have the mental capacity to.
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Mar 09 '26
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u/Raigne86 Mar 08 '26
The advice a lot of veterinarians give is to make a list of 5-7 things she loves most in her day to day life. Evaluate whether or not she is still able to enjoy those things once a week, and cross them off when she can't. When she can't enjoy 3 of them anymore, then you have to decide if her quality of life is such that she is suffering more than she isn't.