Help with a difficult decision?

Question

I have a ninteen year old cat, as I have written before she has been to the vet and nothing can be done for her just keep her comfortable my question is should I let her die at home, or have her put to sleep only serious answers please I am a responsible pet owner

She doesn't seem to be in pain but she is hungry all the time and is fed constantly throughout the day she is very skinny and completely deaf I have her on supplements for her weight but it doesn't help.

I would like to thank everyone for you time in helping with this difficult disicion I will let you know what we decide thankyou again.

Answer 1

It depends what is wrong with her.
What it boils down to is: IS SHE IN PAIN?

If she is in pain, the choice should be euthenasia.
As humans, we should all be so lucky to die a peaceful death under the most dire of circumstances.

The key is however, you must KNOW she is in pain as the choice to do so is already traumatic enough for you.

If you choose to have her euthanized, make sure you are with her in the room - it seems silly to say that, but oftentimes, the owners will not be able to face it themselves and leave it to the vets to do alone.
I can't believe this, but I have heard it happens sometimes.
Make sure you are there with her and she can see you, or better yet, hold her when she goes.
Make sure you are the last thing she sees.
Let her know she was loved.

I'm sure you want what's best for her.
I would do the same for my baby if the time ever came.

Best of wishes to you both.

Ok, I just read your addition of how she does not appear to be in pain.
Could you tell me please what is the vet's diagnosis?
I could help you somewhat better if I knew.

Yes and if your vet can make it to your house in the event that is what you decide, that would be the better option.
I am sorry to hear about this, but if you choose to do this, make sure you spoil her rotten and make her last few days here on earth absolutely spectacular.

Answer 2

I was faced with this same decision. In March of this year, I had to say good bye to my 16 year old baby. I had her since I was 14, more than half my life!. I decided to let her go before she got so sick she was miserable. I put her to sleep when she could probably have lingered a little while longer because I didn't want her last memories and experiences with me to be in pain and sick.
I still feel I did the right thing and know in my heart that she is better off and I will see her again someday.
I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I remember thinking that it's just not fair, they are such pure souls and bring so much joy, they should live so much longer than they do.
Really, a kitten is the best therapy. They are so cute and funny that you can't help but laugh at the little guys.
I hope this helps

Answer 3

Honestly, it is up 2 u. You r the only one who knows ur cat and u will know if she is suffering or not. Congrats on having a 19 year old cat, that's great----she had a great life. If she is suffering (trouble breathing, not eating, going down hill fast) than I suggest u take her 2 the vet and have her put 2 sleep but bring a blanket from home and stay with her(if u can) so she feels comfortable with a person she knows and loves. I only wish the best 4 u and ur kitty and I hope it goes smoothly for u. Good Luck and my heart goes out 2 u and ur difficult decision---sorry

Answer 4

Thats hard I have done both but I only have put them to sleep when they were too sick to walk, eat, drink etc. It seems like your cat is just "old" if in your opinion she isnt hurting or suffering then I would just enjoys the days you have left with her and keep her at home. If you think she is hurting or suffering then I would think different. You also have to think about how much time you as the owner has to be around for the remainder of her life. If you can spend alot of time around her and love on her then do so but if you are gone alot and she is alone think about that too. Its hard been there done that. Best of Luck!

Answer 5

Dear Jo,

Read through your questions, and bless your heart for caring so much about your cat. A 19 year old cat is equivelent to about a 92 year old human being. In other words, she certainly is "getting up there" due to your care.

I appreciate your concern and will answer this question to the best of my ability - with compassion, empathy, a few opinions and experience along the way.

In short - at home naturally, or at the vets? This really *depends*. These are some of my experiences....

I had a dear, dear, dog that was in terrible pain from bone cancer. He'd been to my vet numerous times and many, many tests. Then she discovered an almost unnoticeable, but HUGE lump that encircled his shoulder. We had him biopsied and it was bone cancer; the pronosis was poor, but not nearly as poor as his true condition - he deteriorated so fast & was in so much pain it was incredible. Fighting my husband's denial ("he could have a remission"), I called a vet to come to the house. It was June 30, 1991. A beautiful, sunny day, and I sat out on the lawn on a sleeping bag with Sam's head in my lap. His biopsy wasn't even healed yet... She gently gave him the final injection and he fell asleep in my arms as I caressed him. I cried - forever it seemed, but just then my father-in-law showed up and I threw my arms around him & told him I'd just put Sam to sleep. My vet called a few days later to check on Sam (I didn't call her - what was the point?), and I told her tearfully what I'd done. She just said "I hope someone is so kind to me when it's my time".

Conversely we had a *terrible* experience one time with a vet that came to put our cat to sleep. I was horrified at his method, and once again called my vet and she told me "don't go back to him". So the next time, fairly soon afterwards, I took the next critter to a vet I don't even like, but he was very kind & competant at least.

I do not necessarily say (as others here have), put your cat to sleep. However, I try to figure out if they have quality of life, or they are suffering. The two cats I just mentioned had CRF, Chronic Renal Failure. We gave them subQ fluids and they lasted 13 months and 8 months. After the bad experience with the first cat,

Sorry, I need to continue this later.

To summarize, when I tearfully called my vet one time, she told me "you'll know when it's time". I didn't understand until I DID know it was time.

You don't let an animal suffer - it's time to put them to sleep. If they are not suffering, just keep 'em comfortable...

Answer 6

What I have done for all of my babies that have passed over the rainbow bridge is...I thought of two or three things that my pet really loved to do. I helped to keep them as comfortable for as long as possible and when I noticed that they were no longer having fun with those specific things. I knew it was time to say good bye. I always wanted to make sure that I wasnt keeping them around for myself. I was grateful for what they gave to me and the least I could do was make sure that the end was peaceful. If it is an issue of no pain involved then let her stay home, otherwise you may have to make the decision of when to let go. Check with some vets in your area...some can even do housecalls, if you arent comfortable with taking her on a car ride

Answer 7

By keeping her comfortable do you mean giving her pain medication? Can you tell if she is in pain? Is she eating at all and able to eliminate? Purring can be a sign of pain too -- it is not always a sign of contentment.

I have a 22 yr old cat and these are the questions I would be asking myself in order to make a decision about euthanasia. You might also be able to find a vet to come to your house to do the final act.

I would let her die at home as long as she didn't seem to be suffering.

Answer 8

That depends on whats going on with your cat, is she just old or is there a illness going on? I believe as long as she has some life left and is comfortable then keep her at home, but if she is suffering at all then I would recommend a visit to the vet. I recently had to put my cat to sleep and I know it is a tough decision so good luck to you.

Answer 9

I think it is very cruel to keep an old animal alive, who is in considerable pain, if nothing can be done. You gave her 19 wonderful years, do her a favor and have her put to sleep, while you hold her so she wont be scared. You are a nice person.

PS some vets will come to your home to euthanize your pet, rather than have it done in a cold office, my aunt did that for her dog

Answer 10

when u say "nothing can be done" , well what does she have?
and have u asked your vet this question?
'
it ultimately depends on how sick and in pain she is or will be. if she is not going to be in much pain and she's not too sick, then yes, let her die in the comfort of her/and your home

if she's going to suffer, and be in a lot of pain, better take her to the vet to be put to sleep

but remember this: as hard as your decision will be (and ultimately no one can make it for you, people (the vet) can only suggest), there is no luckier dog than one who dies in the arms of his owner

so when his/her time comes, be sure to stroke her back or belly or head or play with her ears, or do whatever u knew she liked. it will make her feel soooo good. and then she'll fall asleep.