Should I put down my cat?

[Anonymous]

Sounds a lot like our cats when they were that age.

They got around, did stairs, purred when they were petted, but basically spent most of the time sleeping and looking out the window. In the end they were nothing but skin and bone. They weren't in pain, they were "just existing". And I was perfectly fine with that. We did not put either of them down. We let our faithful friends enjoy life as much as they could.

Each one had a final crisis where he couldn't move. I gave him pets until he breathed his last.

So no, I would not have your cat put down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He might be in pain if he doesn't want petted. When my dog got cancer, he didn't want to be touched any more. It was a sign for me.

OP here. He doesn't really enjoy the cuddles. I'm sure he's in pain - he has arthritis and walks like an old man. He also has to masses in his chest wall, but we aren't going to biopsy or put him through treatment. So it's possible he has cancer, too. He's not happy, but he's enduring. I love him dearly but would be relieved if one morning he just didn't wake up. For his own sake.

We'll probably hold off - but the next time he's in crisis, we probably won't wait to see if he'll rally back. Especially now that I can clearly see that his quality of life has declined - it was harder even a few months ago when he was more like his old self.

OP, re-read the bolded that you wrote. Let him go before he hits another crisis--it's bad enough. I'm sorry.

I'm a PP who said I wouldn't euthanize. With your clarified statements, if he's in pain, then I would consider it.

I agree with these PPs - if that is how I felt about my cat's quality of life, I would put him down rather than let him suffer.

I'm sorry, OP. I know this is so hard.

[Anonymous]

Talk to your vet and see what she says.

The eating a lot and losing weight is a sign of hyperthyroidism.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Today was a tough day. My cat has been meowing a lot, which is unlike him, and he hasn't really rested or slept. He seems uncomfortable and a bit agitated. I made an appt. for 6pm tonight. I'm so sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds a lot like our cats when they were that age.

They got around, did stairs, purred when they were petted, but basically spent most of the time sleeping and looking out the window. In the end they were nothing but skin and bone. They weren't in pain, they were "just existing". And I was perfectly fine with that. We did not put either of them down. We let our faithful friends enjoy life as much as they could.

Each one had a final crisis where he couldn't move. I gave him pets until he breathed his last.

So no, I would not have your cat put down.

OP here. Your cats seemed content, but mine is not.

Thanks so much, everyone for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, OP. I think you're doing the right thing.

[Anonymous]

((hugs)) OP. doing the right thing. Letting an animal have a "final crisis" is cruel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Today was a tough day. My cat has been meowing a lot, which is unlike him, and he hasn't really rested or slept. He seems uncomfortable and a bit agitated. I made an appt. for 6pm tonight. I'm so sad.

Oh man, OP, I am so sad for you. Giving you a virtual hug, I know this is so hard. Your cat seems to have had a really good life with a really awesome human parent. I'm not far behind here in the same scenario and just posted about my cat a few weeks ago. It's a terrible experience, knowing that it's time to say goodbye. I wish you the best of luck, and I know you'll be there for me when I'm in your shoes in a short while from now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:((hugs)) OP. doing the right thing. Letting an animal have a "final crisis" is cruel.

+1.

[Anonymous]

You did the right thing. I'm so sorry.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you so much for the support. It means a lot, especially now that I'm on the other side, and heartbroken.
He was a good boy, and I loved him so much. He was with me for 16 years, and it's hard to fathom that the sun will rise tomorrow morning without him greeting me. Hurts a lot.

Thank you again.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry for your loss OP. I know it must have been very hard but you did the right thing. 16 years is a long time and I bet you gave him a wonderful life!

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP, I am going through the same thing right now. It is awful and I miss him terribly.

[Anonymous]

So sorry, OP.