Should I put my cat down?

Question

We have a 16 year old calico who has recently (read past 3 months) taken up peeing on the carpets in the childrens play room and bed rooms. We really can't live with my small children (3 & 4) playing and living with cat pee everywhere. We did take her to the vet and she does have a mild thyroid problem that may be the reason why the behavior started. We could treat the thyroid problem (not cheap btw) but my husband has doubts about her changing her behavior now that she has gotten used to going on the carpet. We love her dearly, especially the kids, but we cant live with her turning our house into a toilet. We dont have anyone else who could take her; is simply time to say good bye? Other than the peeing she is a plesant cat and in fairly good shape for her age.

Few misc points to update:
Cats and children are not equivalent, those who think otherwise only have one of them.
It's not a bladder infection - the vet was very clear on that. The thyroid issues were identified for a 300$ vet bill, the vet did not rule out other potential factors like tumors, liver issues etc. For a few hundred more I am sure we could find out. He did note that she has blood in her urine. The 15cents a day deal sounds good, we were quoted 300$ + 150$/6 months for a pill solution or over a 1000 for something surgical. She is also 'scooting' and leaving skid marks across the kitchen floor. I am really seeking the oppinions of those who have had cats that have lived as long or gone through similar issues.

Answer 1

I would not do anything drastic like putting her down yet. Cats are mostly very neat animals, and when they start using the floor instead of their littler box they are letting you know there is a problem. It sounds like you found the problem, but now your worried more on the behavior that alerted you to the problem more then the health of the cat. I understand completely the risk to your family, but there may be another way to help the cat use the litter box again if the problem continues after treatment (which I doubt it will). At most large pet stores or on-line you can find a spray they will discourage urinating where it is sprayed. You might also get some house training pads for puppies and put them in the rooms he frequents the most until his thyroid is under control. It is a lot of work, but it is better then loosing a pet you have had for such a long time. If he doesn't feel better and he is completely miserable yes I would says putting her to sleep would be best for the animal. No animal should have to suffer when there is no help, that is not murder it is mercy.

Answer 2

If she has a thyroid condition and is 16, I'd also bet she is in early stage kidney failure. Is she drinking a LOT of water now?
Since she's eliminating away from her litter box, that's a good indicator she's feeling discomfort in some way when she goes, so she's going elsewhere because of associating the discomfort with the litter box. Your vet can sell you Science Diet K/D, which is a special kidney diet for cats that might help with maintenance on the kidney issues if that's the case. (My 14 year old is going through this now)
When you have pets, you do what needs to be done for them, and that certainly includes medical care and expenses. If your convenience is more important than a 16-year companion's well being, not to mention LIFE, please don't ever have pets again!

Answer 3

Are you sure it is not a bladder infection or simply that she is losing bladder control due to her age? Rule that our first. I would try the medication and if it still did not improve then I would think about making a decision. She could possibly still live another 3 or 4 years if she is healthty otherwise. I had a cat that almost made it to 20.

Answer 4

If you really love the cat, try the treatment and see if the behaviour changes. Clearly though, if the behaviour does not change, your children have to come first. Cat urine in the carpet is not good for children, the fumes can cause lots of lung troubles. If you cannot find anyone else to take her, you may have to put her down. Try newspaper ads, websites, church bulletins, and grocery stor bulletin boards first to find her a new home.

Answer 5

I doubt that this habit is from the thyroid problem,as dogs and cats get old they will often start urinating where ever they are when the urge strikes! and it only gets worse! And cat urine produces an odor that is very difficult to get of!.I know it will be very hurtful to put the cat down,but this is just the beginning of all that comes with an aging animal.I feel so bad for you I tell myself often that when my dog gets old that I won't let him suffer,but I know when that times comes it is going to take every ounce of my being to let go! White vinegar applied to the area where the cat urinated will neutralize the odor!

Answer 6

Why not try the thyroid meds for a while, then decide? I have to say, though, it sounds more like a bladder infection, common in cats. You might ask the vet if he or she checked that out.

Answer 7

I wouldn't even think of soemthign so drastic yet. Cats are usually overall very clean animals, and act out when they are unhappy about their environment or soem change in the household. I would definitely try soem behavioural therapy before letting her go. And even then, I would rather let her go than put her down...who are u to decide if she should live or not just cause she is unsuitable for your life right now???

Answer 8

being an animal lover i am and knowing how hard it is to let go of a pet is hard to do . but if you can't afford the surgery instead of letting the pet suffer i hate to say it but yes it will be hard to do it but in the long run unless treated your pet will suffer more and get worse. if you or your husband seem not to be able to take her to the vet have a friend do it for you it will be easier on the family in the long run we had a poodle of 13 yrs in age and
he had a thyroid condition also it went on to only get worse it was the hardest thing to do.

Answer 9

That's a tough question there and I know you must be really torn over it. Do you live away from main roads so she could be an outside cat? I wouldn't want to put her down. It would break my heart. If it were me I'd either spend the money and see if you can moderate her behavior or try her outside.

Answer 10

i think that she probably can't help it. I would get her the pills. You put an animal that is in pain down, I think it won't be behavioural because she sounds like a nice cat. If she can help it she will. I would get her those pills. My dog had the same problem. Except on my bed. When we got her the pills it stopped. She doesn't do it because I get upset when she does.