My cat is getting old. We're not sure how old she is, but we've had her for 12 years. She is getting to the point where she isn't taking care of herself (doesn't clean herself), she has stopped using the litter box, and has recurring upper respiratory infections. I'm taking her to the vet tomorrow because she is hiding under the table and won't come out to be petted or anything. So, my question is, should I talk to the vet about euthanasia? She doesn't have cancer or anything like that, but I can tell she is miserable. I feel bad that I'm even thinking about it. I know that part of my reasoning is that she pees all over my carpet, but it's also because she is just not the happy cat that she once was. Have any of you had a similar experience?
2007-01-02 06:19:32 · 18 answers · asked by Mom26g 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sorry to say that an animal that hides is probably very sick.
When her quality of life has declined, she's not taking care of herself (which cats are diligent at doing), starting to use other things for a litter box and is constantly sick with URI, it may be getting close to the time to say goodbye.
It's one of the most difficult decisions you'll ever have to make, but the right ones usually are the hardest. Every cat I've ever had to have put to sleep, it broke my heart. My head knew it was the right thing, but I just couldn't wrap my heart around that fact. Looking back, I know now it was always for the best, it's never a decision that's taken lightly.
Speak to your vet....I'm sure if he's as caring and compassionate as mine, he doesn't take this part of his job lightly either. My vet (who is also my employer) is affected by every euthanasia he performs...some moreso than others, especially in animals and clients that he has taken care of for many years. Speak to him of your concerns and he will let you know medically what's going on. But you know your cat the best and if you feel like she's just existing, it may be time to begin saying your goodbyes....
Prayers to you both.
2007-01-02 06:25:48 · answer #1 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need to do what is best for her. If she is miserable, in pain, than it is time. However, if it is more for the fact that she has loss of bladder control, you can work with that and get some "diapers" or something similar to make things easier on your house and on her.
As long as she is eating and drinking, she is not doing to bad. She may sleep more, and be less social, but this does not mean she needs to be euthanized.
Personally, if I had a cat in that situation, I would have a sit down talk with the family, and also bring her into the vet and have a discussion with him or her, to see what would be best for the cat.
You've had her for 12 years. This is going to be a painful and hard decision. But take heart that you have given her so much for 12 years, and if you do decide to euthanize her humanely, be there with her when she goes, and let her rest in peace with her dignity.
Bless you for taking the time and effort to do what is truely best for your cat, and being honest about the reasoning.
Good luck, and I'm sure you will make the right decision.
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
2007-01-02 14:27:14 · answer #2 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to look at the cat's quality of life. If the cat is merely living but not getting joy out of life (even in the small acts of sitting in the sunshine, etc.) or the bad days start to really outnumber the good days then it's time. The cat should be the one to 'tell' you that it's time. It's always a good time to talk with your vet about euthanasia. It doesn't mean you have to do it at any particular time but opening a dialog with your vet can help you come to terms with where your pet is at in it's life and may also bring up issues that you had not previously thought of. Make sure that the decision you decide on is based on the cat's needs and not on yours. Often, as people, we want to hang on because of our emotions even when the pet tells us that it is time.
2007-01-02 14:26:20 · answer #3 · answered by SC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the hardest decisions that I ever had to make. I had to have my 16 year old cat put down last December (cancer). Talk to your vet first and find out if there is anything that can be done medically. The urinating might be something like a bladder infection, diabetes or other type of kidney problems which can be treated with medication. I was having a problem with my 17 year old cat recently and thought that she might have the same thing as her brother (she was loosing weight rather rapidly but eating & drinking like a pig). Come to find out it was Hyperthyroidism and now I give her medication. Before making any drastic decision, please talk to your vet first and find out if the problem is medical or just behavorial.
2007-01-02 14:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by siamsa_siamsa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. I would TALk to the vet about her problems. I feel that euthanasia is almost murder, in most cases. Have you considered leaving her in a non carpeted room such as a bathroom. I don't mean cat jail, still bring her out and love on her and visit her, but just not allowing the pee on carpet. They also have HUGE cages that would allow her to be in the limelight with you and hang out and stuff. I would definitely talk with the vet about options though. It could be that maybe something can be done, or that she may not have that much longer of a natural life yet, but I wouldn't just take her in and say, I want her euthanized.
2007-01-02 14:25:43 · answer #5 · answered by Jase 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear your cat isn't doing well. That is an extremely hard decision. I would only consider euthanizing a pet if there was a 0% chance of recover from whatever it may be. Cancer, other illness, broken bone, overall miserableness. But it is all up to you. You know how she was before compared to now. You have to make the final call.
2007-01-02 14:26:52 · answer #6 · answered by Horsetrainer89 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is indeed a very tough call to make, and I do not envy you at all right now. I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through.
By asking the vet his/her opinion on the subject you are not doing anything wrong, you are not suggesting doing it, and you are only going to end up with what you need most right now. The opinion of the person who knows her full medical history, and can examine her on hand and professionally, and can give you the very best advice on what to do and what sort of time frame to do it in. You are doing something very good for your friend if you make the inquiry and discuss it with the vet.
Good luck and I hope for the best for you and your kitty!
2007-01-02 14:26:30 · answer #7 · answered by Rain S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that once an animal is unable to take care of itself and has no quality of life, then it should be considered. Talk to your vet though, she may well just need some medication for another problem and the best person to ask is the vet, as they are qualified.
2007-01-03 07:14:41 · answer #8 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vet! If he says she needs a madication, give her the medication. Unless it's expensive and she won't live much longer anyway. I say do it (euthanise) because I hate to see animals in pain and being miserable, but that's just me. I had to do it to 3 of my dogs and 2 of my cats. It's hard, but it's betetr for everyone.
2007-01-03 03:07:47 · answer #9 · answered by lexidoodles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she is sick. I've had cats longer than 12 years and they didn't behave like that. Before even thinking about putting her to sleep, I would check with the vet to make sure that it is not a health issue.
2007-01-02 15:26:06 · answer #10 · answered by truefreedom21 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋