Our cat is dying

[Anonymous]

Our old, old cat has recently had several health issues. She has really started to go downhill in just the last few days. She is still drinking, but doesn't appear to be eating much -- if at all -- and is staggering around/having trouble standing, complaining a lot and just seems very unhappy and befuddled.

Our plan had always been to allow her to pass naturally, but now we're worried that we might be on vacation when she goes (we're leaving in early August). We've hired a pet sitter (we have other pets, too), but it's a middle school student who will not be able to deal with her numerous health issues or actual death if it happens on her watch. I feel like a professional pet sitter isn't going to be much more help than the student we've hired; it would need to be someone very sensitive to the situation who really loved cats. We have no family in the area who can help.

We are now reluctantly considering euthanasia. WWYD? I feel terrible about the idea of timing our pet's end because we have to leave town, but I can't cancel our trip for a variety of reasons.j

[Anonymous]

It's July 16. Two weeks of this would be more than enough for her and for you guys. Talk to the vet now and make a plan. If she has not gotten better or passed away by, say, july 26, plan to bring her in on July 29 for a peaceful termination. It would be an act of mercy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's July 16. Two weeks of this would be more than enough for her and for you guys. Talk to the vet now and make a plan. If she has not gotten better or passed away by, say, july 26, plan to bring her in on July 29 for a peaceful termination. It would be an act of mercy.

+1 I am so sorry, OP.

[Anonymous]

By the way, I'm so sorry, OP. I lost a 17 year old cat after a couple of years of the above. It can be a relief to them and believe me euthanasia, when well timed, is merciful and a blessing.

[Anonymous]

Please do what is in the cat's best interest- have her put to sleep.

[Anonymous]

I think it's better for you to put her to sleep humanely, while you are there with her (so she is not alone during her last few moments of life) than to have her die alone while you are away.

It also sounds like she is in a lot of pain and discomfort.

You can have a vet come out to your home. I know how hard it is to put a beloved cat or dog to sleep. But it's better than the alternative (letting them suffer a slow and painful death).

[Anonymous]

Sorry you are going through this OP. Know that "natural death" for animals is far from peaceful and humane. They are scared and in pain. I applaud 12:27's advice--make a plan and then do the humane thing. She can pass away in your arms around those who love her. I have sadly had to do this with more than one pet, and believe me, it is FAR preferable to all involved. Don't think about it in terms of your vacation, but rather in terms of your cat's health, happiness and comfort. You have a responsibility to her.

[Anonymous]

Echo PPs advice. So sorry you're going through this, I know how horrible it is to have to decide to when to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but looks like you're going to have to do that.

[Anonymous]

So sorry. We had to put our dying cat to sleep when I was 8.5 month pregnant. Hardest thing I ever did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry you are going through this OP. Know that "natural death" for animals is far from peaceful and humane. They are scared and in pain. I applaud 12:27's advice--make a plan and then do the humane thing. She can pass away in your arms around those who love her. I have sadly had to do this with more than one pet, and believe me, it is FAR preferable to all involved. Don't think about it in terms of your vacation, but rather in terms of your cat's health, happiness and comfort. You have a responsibility to her.

We recently had to euthanize our cat, and it was really upsetting, but it was a comfort to be right there with him as he died. Seeing him fall asleep before he died was actually a huge relief--his poor body was so racked with pain that the anesthesia was a blessing.

[Anonymous]

+1000. So sorry OP. Been there, done that. I would offer to take care of your cat while your gone but my pets would make your cat's life even worse.

[Anonymous]

OP here - she died this evening in our home. I was able to be with her (holding her paw and talking to her) when she passed. We tried to get a home vet to come to our house but they were unable to make an appointment until next week. I think she was glad to be at home, all things considered. Thank you all for being such a good community.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm truly sorry about your beloved cat but glad it was peaceful and that you could be there to give comfort. It's just so hard when we love them as a part of our family. My best to you.

[Anonymous]

One of our cats died naturally and peacefully at home and it was a great blessing. I'm glad that happened with your kitty as well. We have also put 2 cats and a dog to sleep and that can also be the right thing to do in certain circumstances. It is sad when they go - they have such a place in our hearts!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry you are going through this OP. Know that "natural death" for animals is far from peaceful and humane. They are scared and in pain. I applaud 12:27's advice--make a plan and then do the humane thing. She can pass away in your arms around those who love her. I have sadly had to do this with more than one pet, and believe me, it is FAR preferable to all involved. Don't think about it in terms of your vacation, but rather in terms of your cat's health, happiness and comfort. You have a responsibility to her.

We recently had to euthanize our cat, and it was really upsetting, but it was a comfort to be right there with him as he died. Seeing him fall asleep before he died was actually a huge relief--his poor body was so racked with pain that the anesthesia was a blessing.

I felt the same with our two very old dogs. It helps so much when the vet lets them fall asleep first and to see them pain-free and calm.