Old, sick cat. Thanksgiving. What would you do?

[Anonymous]

I volunteer at my local shelter and see a lot of older cats with issues. Your cat is 17 (a great life!), vomiting regularly with the possibility of a blood clot at any time, and MAYBE a year based on what a cardiologist finds and recommends. That's a lot to put a cat through at all, much less as a senior in failing health. Our vet absolutely recommends humane euthanasia in situations like this. Of course we love our pets, but part of responsible pet ownership is putting their needs first when the alternative is pain and suffering.

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this, OP. Thoughts and prayers for you, your family, and your sweet cat.

[Anonymous]

<3 Just sending a lot of support your way, OP.

Is there a possibility you could bring your cat with you to your dad's? I've flown with cats - it's pretty easy.

Did you talk to your vet about the considerations you're raising here? Your vet will be able to help you decide if euthanasia is the better choice right now or not.

If your vet isn't available - or isn't helpful - I'd suggest making an appointment with Lap of Love to talk this through. Their vets only do end of life work - and can really help you decide if now is the right time or not.

If nothing else - is it possible your spouse can stay home with the cat while you go see your dad?

I just want to say that deciding not to let a cat suffer - or potentially die without you there - is a really valid reason to consider euthanasia. It really is. You are not a bad person for thinking about this. Seeing your dad is not trivial - and your cat's suffering is also not trivial.

[Anonymous]

Is his quality of life truly that poor? If not, I would either:
- scour Rover and pay someone to stay last minute $$$$ with your cat
- ask DH to stay w/your cat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m so sorry about your situation. Go be with your dad.

I would not leave a teenager in charge of this cat. It would be traumatic for the teen if the cat died in their care. Talk to vet about options-euthanize, board at the vet etc.

+1. My DC takes care of my neighbor’s cat, and he called me in a bit of panic to come over and look at it recently because he was afraid it was injured (it was fine). He would be *so* upset if a cat died while he was taking care of it, even if he knew the cat was sick. As a parent, knowing how soft hearted my kid is, I wouldn’t let him do this. He’ll have to experience it someday with our pets, but there’s just no need for him to go through that for someone else’s cat.

[Anonymous]

Give us an update op!