Should I put down my cat?

[Anonymous]

I've posted here about my 16 year old cat with multiple health issues. Back in June he had what appeared to be a stroke and I was ready to put him down - we really thought it was the end (and cried our eyes out). Amazingly, he rallied and while not back to "normal" exactly, he seemed to have some quality of life. The vet has been amazed at the way in which he bounces back - she calls him "the comeback kid".

At this point, however, he just doesn't seem particularly happy. He still gets around, can do stairs, purrs when I feed and pet him - but he doesn't come to me for cuddles or companionship anymore - just food. If I do pet him, he might purr softly but will only tolerate it for a minute or two. There really isn't any more curiosity or exploration, and he's not following me around like he used to, unless he wants food (he still has a big appetite). So, his personality isn't the same, but I think that happens to a lot of cats as they get older and crankier.

He's eating plenty but losing weight - is basically fur and bones. He's unable to groom himself much due to arthritis, so I brush him regularly. He has so many health issues that were really just doing palliative care.

But again, he still eats and can get around. And he just keeps on...living. And living. I imagine he can go on this way for a while, but I can see he's just kind of existing. DH really thinks we should put him down, but I can't bring myself to do it when he keeps waking up to a new day on his own.

WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Just to add, this is his baseline now. If he becomes acutely bounces back again, this is as good as it we'll get. Thank you for any feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to add, this is his baseline now. If he becomes acutely bounces back again, this is as good as it we'll get. Thank you for any feedback.

Meant to say - if he becomes acutely ill and bounces back again...

[Anonymous]

Google cat quality of life scores--that might help.

Having had to make the call twice in recent years, I think it would be a reasonable thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've posted here about my 16 year old cat with multiple health issues. Back in June he had what appeared to be a stroke and I was ready to put him down - we really thought it was the end (and cried our eyes out). Amazingly, he rallied and while not back to "normal" exactly, he seemed to have some quality of life. The vet has been amazed at the way in which he bounces back - she calls him "the comeback kid".

At this point, however, he just doesn't seem particularly happy. He still gets around, can do stairs, purrs when I feed and pet him - but he doesn't come to me for cuddles or companionship anymore - just food. If I do pet him, he might purr softly but will only tolerate it for a minute or two. There really isn't any more curiosity or exploration, and he's not following me around like he used to, unless he wants food (he still has a big appetite). So, his personality isn't the same, but I think that happens to a lot of cats as they get older and crankier.

He's eating plenty but losing weight - is basically fur and bones. He's unable to groom himself much due to arthritis, so I brush him regularly. He has so many health issues that were really just doing palliative care.

But again, he still eats and can get around. And he just keeps on...living. And living. I imagine he can go on this way for a while, but I can see he's just kind of existing. DH really thinks we should put him down, but I can't bring myself to do it when he keeps waking up to a new day on his own.

WWYD?

I would not. He's an old man. Of course he is just going to do what old cats do: relax, hang out, watch life and be around his humans. Old cats don't do much more and may need a bit more assistance with things like grooming. But if he's mobile, eating, coming 'round for some attention (rather than just staying in one spot), he's not in pain . . I would not put to sleep in these circumstances.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

^^ two masses

[Anonymous]

It's time. More than time. Quality of life has diminished and he's in pain. You have the opportunity to do something truly selfless by letting him go after a long and wonderful life. Many people would drag it out for their own selfish reasons. Hugs to you.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Let him go, it is time. Do you need him to be one breath away from dying to give him a peaceful exit?

[Anonymous]

You love him. You think it would be best if he didn't wake up. You think he's in pain and unhappy.

Yes. You should euthanize. What makes you hesitate? It is one of the most loving things you can do.

[Anonymous]

You're keeping him alive for your own selfish reasons. It's past time to do the kind thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're keeping him alive for your own selfish reasons. It's past time to do the kind thing.

ffs OP is not being selfish. She doesn't want to put him down prematurely, that's all. You make the call when you're ready, OP, but it seems reasonable to say any time now.