Missy is 18 yrs old. She stopped eating several days ago, has lost a whole lot of weight, is boney, weak, and is sleeping a lot. She can hardly walk. She still purrs a little when I pet her and talk to her.
2006-09-18 15:38:49 · 22 answers · asked by Dottie4kids 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Dear Dottie,
Read your question, looked at the answers, then read your question *again*. It does sound as though she is going downhill.
The best way to help your dying cat is to be in tune to her. You need to figure out if she is suffering. Your vet can help you with this. If she is not suffering, continue to give her solice - pets, cooing, gentle love. If she IS suffering, I agree with others that the very kindest thing you can do for her (as heartrenching as it is for you), is to hold her in your arms and let the vet put an end to her suffering (aka "put her to sleep") It is a gentle, kind end to suffering. I have a very kind vet who has helped me by saying "you'll know when it's time". I didn't understand, but she was right - I knew. Sniff. On another occassion, she called to ask how our dog was - he had bone cancer. She didn't make housecalls, so I called another vet to come here. On June 30, 1991 my husband helped me carry out my very dearest dog. We sat on a sleeping bag in the grass on a beautiful day, and the vet came to put Sam to sleep.
Know you are grieving & want to say "all is ok". I hope so. But please give some thought and decide what to do. In the meantime the best way to help your "dying cat" is just what you've been doing. Lots of love and pets.
God Bless. My prayers are with you both.
2006-09-18 17:30:02 · answer #1 · answered by Ragdoll Kitty 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
She's led her life and now it is at en end. 18 years is a long time to have a cat. I am sorry to say to take her to the vet and euthanize her if the vet recommends it. Vet may save it but she is suffering by starving to death. She sounds like she is ready to go, do her the solid by putting her to sleep. But if you do please don't be the monster I see around q and a that wants to stuff your dead pet. Put her in the family garden or put a tree over her grave like I did my dog and pay your respect with taste and compassion. Not by making her a household decoration.
2006-09-19 10:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by bobby h 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately cats purr when they are in pain, not just always when they are happy with your attentions.
It sounds like she has reached the end of her good long life and I personally would have a vet euthanize her now. Probably her kidneys have shut down so she shouldn't eat or drink anyway. Renal failure is a very painful death for her.
It is a difficult thing for an owner to do and it is absolutely the right thing to do. People have to suffer through their decline and death, our pets do not have to and you should release her to the spirit world and honor her memory. I have had to do this, actually for a cat who was only twelve. It broke my heart and I could not in good conscience let him suffer.
2006-09-18 15:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It's very hard on you, i'm sure, having a pet for that many years and having to see her going through problems of that nature. Pets are not much different than having children, you get so close to them. Well, in return for all of the many years of enjoyment and friendship that she has given you, it's your turn now to help in every way you can to make sure that she's not in any pain. It's very hard having to put one of your pets to sleep, but as you know, it has to be done sooner or later. Whatever you do, dont be selfish and take chances on letting her be miserable or hurting. Perhaps its one last chance to show her that you love her as much as she's loved you over the years. Luckily, you have each other to help you make it through those tough times. She's always come to your rescue, so go to hers, especially now when she probably needs it the most. I know it's hard,,but do your best, she deserves it. Larry.
2006-09-18 16:36:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
quit waiting around and watching your friend suffer.
I know this is not easy for you, but now you have to be strong!!!
You have to take her to the vet, ask the vet to euthanize her and you need to hold her while he puts her to sleep. That is the last kind thing you can do for her after giving her a VERY LONG and happy life. Cats do not let on that they are in pain or suffering usually until it is too late. By the time they are showing symptoms they are serious.
You have been a loving companion, now you have one final loving task. No, it is not easy, but cats will NEVER (or very rarely) do it for you.
2006-09-18 17:15:56 · answer #5 · answered by CrazyCatLady 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Death in itself is a physically painful process for all living animals. I'm not sure what more you need to show that she is in pain..? I know it's hard, but if it were me, I would rather be with Missy (because she could die when you're not home), hold her and have her go quietly and painlessly. Do her and yourself a huge favor and take her to the vet and have him put her to sleep. My parents did it with their dying dog (14 years old) and they said they were glad they did it that way.
2006-09-18 15:53:37 · answer #6 · answered by julesl68 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Terribly sorry to hear about your kitty. My cat is only four and has recently suffered two paralysis tics. We may have to get her put down, she has been at the vets for nearly a week now and they haven't suggested it but as soon as I find she is in too much pain unfortunately for myself I will be choosing the humane option-putting her to sleep.
Get her checked at the vets, the answer may not be the worst case scenario and for your sake I hope it's not
2006-09-18 16:32:42 · answer #7 · answered by doofynic 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take her to the vet and have her put to sleep. It will save both of you a lot of pain and suffering. My mom's cat was 18 when she passed and it was the hardest thing I've ever been a part of.
2006-09-18 15:45:12 · answer #8 · answered by Frogodo 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When I was 12 my cat started drooling and sneezing a lot, I begged my parents to take him to the vet and they said next week then next week agian, by the time we got him in the vet said if we had brought him in 2 weeks earlier (when he started drooling) he could have saved him. I knew my cat was dying. They put it in the porch in a box and ignored it, it was horrible, I used to sneak him in my room and put him on a blanky and talk to him too. One Saturday morning my lil brother was irritating me and I left my kitty for 5 mins to yell at my brother, when I came back he was gone. It broke my heart. I regret even now that I wasnt there when he passed on. Please stay with your cat as much as you can, thats all you can do.
2006-09-18 16:50:22 · answer #9 · answered by Tabbitatt 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
aww i'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. i think the best thing to do would be take her to the vet and prepare to hear the worst. she does sound like she's near the end, but she may not be in pain. the vet will tell you what the best thing to do is, which may be euthanasia. good luck with your little missy.
2006-09-18 15:44:05 · answer #10 · answered by puppyluv92 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋