We have a cat that was the runt of the litter...skin and bones. When she got her first abcess we took her in to the vet and had her tested for leukemia and feline aids. The next couple of abcesses came and she healed fine. Although each time she seems weaker and is of dimished capacity. She doesn't seem to be "there" if you know what I mean. She will respond to petting and such.......but just seems to be weaker and not a happy camper. My question is do we let her get possibley weaker and get more infections... from which she might not recover? Or do we euthanize her to release her from her misery? She is very loved and we are having a difficult time deciding. The vet goes either way...... Thanks for sharing your opinions!
2006-07-08 08:43:58 · 33 answers · asked by Ambervisions 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
blacktiger o ..Im not sure what you are referring to. Euthanasia..? That is not what they do ....at least not our vet
2006-07-08 08:50:15 · update #1
You guys ROCK! Thanks! I think we will see how does in the coming days and take it day by day! The input REALLY helps! THanks!
2006-07-08 08:54:27 · update #2
If she's not in pain and still seems to enjoy her life, responding to the love you are showing her, then you are justified in keeping her with you.
If she seems to be in pain and is no longer able to appreciate life at all, it becomes your responsibility as her caretaker to end her suffering.
It sounds like you are walking a line right now where it's hard to tell what's best. Perhaps you should give her more time, and enjoy that time with her. If she seems to still be enjoying it too, even if weak, then you've done the right thing.
If she starts to deteriorate and the situation calls for it, or if she is in obvious and apparent pain all the time, you can always amend your decision. But if you do it the other way around, there will be no opportunity to amend.
2006-07-08 08:50:43 · answer #1 · answered by JStrat 6 · 10⤊ 1⤋
You should wait until the tests come back from your vet. If your cat does not have any fatal diseases or disorders, do not euthanize it, instead take good care of it and you may be surprised at how healthy it becomes. I have seen people take in weak pets that were on the brink of death from a regular sickness or malnourishment and you would be surprised that they were ever that sick now. But if your cat has an illness that will eventually kill it and is in pain it would be kinder to put it down. Make absolutely sure you know which it is before deciding, to euthanize a cat just because it "looks weak" is cruel.
2006-07-08 09:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by Isis-sama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is anything the vet can do for the cat (like medicine) then try that first! You should try everything you can to help the cat get better as long as it will help the cat in the long run! If the cat cannot be helped and is possibly hurting/getting sicker (every1knows how it feels to be sick... it sux!) then it should be uthenized! Many believe you should let them die naturally. However, when a person is dieing in the hospital they are not dieing naturally nomatter what you may think, they are having chemicals, machines, and pain pills helping them go through it easier! Where as, an animal does not have that luxury unless you give it to them! If the cat is hurting and can't be helped let her go! :0)
2006-07-08 08:56:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a tough decision for you and your family to make. Although I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, I think that one way that will help you decide is to talk to other people who have euthanized their pets because of old age problems and such.
In my experience, my best friend had to euthanize his dog and he regrets it. He wouldn't recommend doing it ever again. Many people have different insights on this matter. Hopefully you can find someone who has dealt with the same issue and their experience can help you through this tough time.
On the same note, looking at some other people's answers, although this does have to do with you, ultimately it's not about how much YOU will suffer. It's about another creature's life, and how it's in your hands. You should do what's best for your KITTY. :)
2006-07-08 08:50:02 · answer #4 · answered by janie d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's suffering which it sounds likely that she is.
Best 2 let her go.
I understand how U feel & I know how tough that decision is.
I had 2 part with my Bill. A beautiful Heniz57, he was my best friend & I still miss him.
I had 2 put myself in his shoes & consider his quality of life.
Unfortunately he was unhappy, pained & scared.
I had 2 let him go, which I've never regretted. He feel asleep in my arms & the Vet was so kind.
The only advice I can give U is imagine if U were her, what would U like your owners 2 do?
Thinking of U
Big hug 2 U all because sometimes life's really horrid.
2006-07-08 09:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry you are going through this....well actually for you and the cat. There is never an easy answer. But I feel if we domesticate animals, then we have a duty to make their lives as pleasant and possible. And if they are obviously suffering, we should not let them go on like that. They count on us to do the right thing.
It is hard to make that decision, I've been there. The best thing you can do if you do decide to put her to sleep, is to be there with her during her last minutes. It will bring her comfort.
Good luck with whatever you decide....bless your heart.
2006-07-08 08:53:19 · answer #6 · answered by Left Footed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter has been a Vet tech and 4 yrs of college now. She adopted a leukemia positive cat years ago. She keeps her inside and shots up to date. She has had her 7 yrs now, and the family was going to put her down (put her to sleep). She has been a very loving and healthy cat. One eye pupil is larger and she is going blind in it but she is in NO pain.
Your kitty however, sounds like she is to far gone. If she acts like she is not in pain I would let her die on her own, you never know, she may pull out of it. There is a high vitamin tube-food you can put on your finger and feed her to get her better. With this disease, the immune system shuts down.
2006-07-08 08:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by ladysusan12003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry about your cat. Is she eating well? Using the litter box normally? We have made that hard decision to let them go many times in the past. Generally is they were just "existing" and their quality of life was gone we would take them to the vet and send them over the rainbow bridge. If you truly feel she is in misery then perhaps it's time. Hugs to you.
2006-07-08 09:05:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If shes not suffering let her be, let her live as long as she can it's only fair. Why take her precious little life away to soon. I know its a hard decision but think of all the good times you've had with her and there could be more days to come.
2006-07-08 08:48:48 · answer #9 · answered by farmergyrl23 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may be more humane to let her go to sleep. You don't want to continue seeing her suffer, and I'm sure it tears you up inside each time she has another problem.
I've had two cats who were put under- one had a stroke and was paralyzed from the waist down, and the other had kidney failure. I know it's tough to go through... get a new kitty right away. Their antics will make you laugh, and the laughter helps to ease the pain of losing the other kitty.
2006-07-08 08:48:05 · answer #10 · answered by Lily Iris 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋