Should I have my cats put down?

Question

They are both 14 years old -- from the same litter.

All their lives they have occasionally urinated outside the litter box. In the past few years, it is getting worse.

They have ruined carpet and bedding. I know I will have to replace these, but I am waiting until the cats are gone so that they don't ruin the new ones too.

I tried to put plastic down in the places they tend to go, but still cleaning up after them is a daily chore.

I have to keep them restricted from roaming the house, so that I will know where their messes are. Despite daily cleaning, that part of the house is gross. Also I hardly ever see them or interact with them, because they are isolated.

They are fairly healthy - have some conditions that require daily medication but are stable.

I have loved these cats, and don't want to get to the point where I really hate them. I want the last memories of them to be good. They aren't part of my life any more, but I don't want to kill them either.

Answer 1

We had the exact same situation with our 14 year old cat and we decided that we couldn't get rid of her...until she turned 21 and was still doing it! Once she became emotionally and physically isolated from the family, I did the hardest thing I've ever had to do -- take her to the vet to be euthanized. It was brutal but she wasn't happy and my wife and I were going nuts with the smell and the clean-up. Sometimes it's the only way, especially if there is no underlying kidney or health issues.

In retrospect, if I'd known she was going to live so long, I probably would have done the dirty deed sooner. You're in a situation I don't envy. If you can't find someone to adopt them and you're too conscientious to drop them off at a nursing home unannounced ;0), then I'd go ahead and make an appointment with the vet.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Oh dear, that's a tough one. Having had cats in my life, I can sympathsize.

My mother has a cat of a similar age, and with similar problems. You could try changing the litter you use: Some cats don't like some kinds of litter and will refuse to use it. I'm assuming that the boxes get tended every day. That seems to help too.

If other than the conditions you say your cats have medicine for they seem healthy, you shouldn't really have to put them down. But if taking care of them has become a chore, you may want to consider giving them away.

If that is also unthinkable- and I would understand why- you might even consider building a roofed run for them so they can play outside, if you live in an area where that won't be a problem. I say roofed because even declawed kitties can jump and climb.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you actually go through with this, the cat will not feel anything...but if you have any kind of a conscience or if you are capable of feeling any guilt - then you are going to feel something...a lot of sadness and pain because you chose to put an innocent animal down - one that you assumed the responsibility for and to take care of it. Do the animal a big favor and give the cat to some one who can actually love it and give it a good home. You'll be doing everyone involved a really big favor.

Answer 4

First, take the cats to the vet to rule out any medical problems. If they get a clean bill of health, then start looking at their environment. We adopted a 12 year old cat from a shelter. They had given him up b/c he supposedly had stopped using the box too. His problem was just stress (new baby, new puppy, and someone started smoking in house). Cats don't always respond well to changes in their surroundings, make sure that that isn't causing the problems. You can also try adding more boxes to your house, or moving their current box to the spots they are having accidents. You can also try other types of litter out. A lot of cats will do better if you use hooded boxes for their privacy.

Answer 5

My husband and I are going thru the same thing. Both my cats tend to stay upstairs except in the morning when they come down to eat. I rarely see them but they are ruining our house, They are 10. The male is peeing all over the place and the female just hisses and lashes out at the dog all the time. They have pulled up all my carpets with there claws. My husband wants to get rid of them but I dont want to put them down. My house smells horrible. We have tried every cleaning product available but I always find another trickle. I'm in the same boat. I just cant do it. Trying to find a no kill shelter.

Answer 6

I think it would be cruel to put them down just for peeing. I mean, we don't euthanize old people for not making it to the toilet, so why older cats? It just doesn't seem right, especially if they're still in good health.
I think the only time it is justifyable to put an animal down is if they are a serious threat or if they are in extreme chronic pain.
If you have a backyard, you could try letting them live outdoors. Or if you really can't take it anymore, try finding a new owner who would be more sympathetic.

Answer 7

I empathize w.stinky cat urine - but euthenazia's a bit harsh...

obviously, your is a self prepetuation problem - as the more they pee outside their boxes, the more they are compelled to pee outised the boxes..

while I sure you have tried options here are some suggestions:
- keep litters clean
- add more litters
- "natures miracle" orange spray eliminates odours and discourages them
- sometimes diets high in ash content cause painful crystals to form in the urine - you may want to look into chainging their diet.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

If your concern is the carpet, then NO. That is no reason to kill a cat. I thought you were going to talk about quality of life issues.

I would never end a pet's life. No matter what quality of life issue was presented. Life is still life. But for carpets? Shame on you.

Answer 10

Let's just say fro the sake of arguing that Cats are like people too. Would you want to be "put down" when you are no longer in control of your faculties? When you ruin your bedding and possibly the carpet? There you go then....