My cat, Purr-cy, is 16 years old. He has been sufferring with urinary track infections for the past 5 years and takes a pill each day for them. In addition, 3 years ago he was diagnosed with depression when I moved away for college so he also takes a kitty prozac each night. For a while he seemed to be doing better. Out of no where he began to spray the house. In the past 4 months he has dwindled from 10lbs to 6 and sometimes refuses to eat. He spends his days sleeping and he seems to be umcomfortable with walking. Although he seems happy when I am home, my parents have been trying to tell me that it's his time. I dont feel I am home enough to make the proper decision. We also have an 10 month old cat who picks on Purr-cy relentlessly and there is no way we can seperate them. My mind is telling me it might be his time, but my heart is so broken when I look in his eyes. If anyone has any advice or has been through this...I would love to hear what you have to say.
2007-02-09 14:00:45 · 21 answers · asked by da_shano 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I am so sorry for the difficult decision you have to make. Two of my beloved babies died last summer, within 3 months of each other. It was a very difficult decision in both cases, even they both had cancer and were clearly suffering. One was 14 and one was 9. After talking with several friends, the one common thing I heard was "I wish I hadn't waited so long."
Kitties are so special in so many ways and the one that makes it hardest is they hide their weaknesses - it's a throw back from their lives as wild animals (aka lions) and so we often don't know how much they are suffering until it's way past time to relieve their suffering.
He may be spraying because he's stressed - the little kitty may be too much for him - or he's spraying to let the little one know he's still in charge.
You have to look in your heart for this one. I'd say talk to your vet and see what they recommend. And when you decide it's time, I found it so helpful for me to spend a lot of time with each of them a day or two ahead of time, telling them how much I loved them and how much they meant to me.
Your Purrcy has had a beautiful life with you, I'm sure, and as hard as it is to say goodbye to our special friends, we owe it to them not to let them suffer beyond when they would choose to leave (if not for our medicines, etc.) You might also want to look into having a vet come to your house to euthanize him - I did that with one of mine and it was so amazing to have him leave us while laying on his favorite chair in the garden.
Good luck and love to your kitty.
2007-02-09 14:56:16 · answer #1 · answered by stellargoddess01 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would love to be able to tell you "Yes it's his time," or "No, he's still got plenty of years left in him...but what you have to do is think about what's best for th cat. Not Cause your parents told you it is, or because anyone n this answer page told you it is. But because you love your cat and you want him to be happy, Urinary Tract Infections hurt, and depression is,well, depressing. If the cat seems fine when your home maybe your parents are making it seem worse then what it really is. When you get a chance to go home for break or what not, really pay attention to Purr-cy. Look at him and see if he's in pain and wants to be put down. Usually animals will let you know in there own little way. Especially if they're as connected with you as Purr-cy seems to be. I know that it's hard, I look at my cat and cry thinking that he will pass on so many years before me...but remember, this isn't something that you can take back. I'm for euthanasia with sick and hurt animals, and cats life spans usually only range 16-20 years. So if you do decide to put him down, just remember that you didn't take his life away, you made it better...just remember, don't let anyone any where tell you what you need to do for your cat. This is your decision.
I hope that I helped, good luck on this hard decision, I know that you'll do the right thing
2007-02-09 14:29:55 · answer #2 · answered by giggles for breakfast :) 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some cats live to be 20 or older. my cat was 16 and had stomach cancer.he was in surgery and they found it so while he was under I decided than to let go.I think the other cat is creating problems that arent good for your baby. the parents should have waited before getting another cat knowing the age of this cat of yours. this is whats affecting him the most. he also needs a really good check up from the vets because he isnt eating well.he is spraying to show the other cat that that was and still is his territory until he is gone. he is going thru trama with this younger cat. no wonder he is depressed. please talk to mom more about this. dont make a hasty decision But do tell all this to the vets in deciding his fate
2007-02-09 14:47:27 · answer #3 · answered by petloverlady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there: You are so lucky to have had your cat for 16 years. The poor kitty seems to be ready for kitty heaven. I truly believe that there has to be animals in heaven, where they bring us so much JOY here on earth. Take a day or two and take all kinds of beautiful pictures. You'll always have a special place in your heart for your kitty. Maybe your parents see all the suffering it is going through. Sometimes, we older adults only wish the best for all family members, including your kitty. Good luck.
2007-02-09 14:18:58 · answer #4 · answered by truckermate 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel so bad for you. I am so sorry but It does sound like it is time. You do not want you beloved friend to suffer any more than it has to. The cat may also be reacting to the new cat in the house. Spray the house to say it is his. More depressed because it is not the master in the house.
Good luck
2007-02-09 14:10:23 · answer #5 · answered by SHAy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There comes a time in every owners life when we look at our dear companions and know that the only thing we can do is limit their time of suffering. Our care of our animals is so good that they may be living longer than was ever intended and so they let us know in many ways that its time to stop and let them be at peace. For me it was when my beloved Ali laid down under her favorite lilac bush and didn't get up again to come in at night, or lift her head when we brought out water and food for her. She let me know in the only way she could that the cancer had gone too far for her to fight, and she wanted an end. We went to the vet and held her as we said good bye and it peaceful as she simply closed her eyes and relaxed and it was over. Yes, my heart was broken and I came home almost unable to lift one foot up after the other, but I knew I did the right thing for her. Grief is strong and we all must go though it, but I have seen what cancer does to humans too and I wish it were an option for people. Your cat has lost almost half his body weight and is having trouble moving and controlling his body functions. Its time. Keeping him alive past his ability to enjoy life isn't helping him and if the vet says there is no cure, then letting him go is a kindness.
2007-02-09 14:12:46 · answer #6 · answered by justa 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The same thing happened when I moved 1200 miles away and left my 21-year-old cat with my mother. She dwindled down to about nothing and her digestive system broke down. I personally wouldn't have been able to do it, but I tearfully gave my mom permission to. When she took her to the vet to have her put to sleep she died from the morphine and didn't even make it to the euthanasia shot. Having said that, I recommend you ask your folks to take the cat to the vet to see if there's any hope of keeping him comfortable. If not, search your heart and make a decision you can live with.
2007-02-09 14:08:23 · answer #7 · answered by Carolyn S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a cat with a urinary track problem who is doing just fine. The doctor said to give him yogurt because the live active cultures replaces the bad. Personally I don't think the reasons you communicated warrant putting your cat to sleep.I have had cats live into their 20"s.I have done everything in my power whether it was blood transfusions,chemo or whatever to try to save a life, sometimes I've had to make that hard decision. They are part of your family and caring and loving them through difficulties is part of our commitment
2007-02-09 16:19:39 · answer #8 · answered by crossingover 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your cat started spraying because of the kitten. He is staking his territory. Of course he is not comfortable walking. If you sleep all the time, your joints will get stiff too.
Unless your cat is seriously ill and suffering, I wouldn't put him to sleep. A cat can live to be in their late 20's.
It's a tough decision, but as the owner of a soon to be 17 year old cat, I won't put him to sleep unless he is suffering.
2007-02-09 14:41:10 · answer #9 · answered by laesjb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your pet knows when its time and if you feel it in your heart that you know it is time, no matter how hard it is for you, that is what your pet wants. Putting your pet down is very painful but is the best decision you could make for him if he is fading away. I made the mistake of letting my dog suffer with her seizures because I thought I was giving her a chance to get better and I was being selfish in that I wasn't ready to let her go. The last day I had her she managed over 15 seizures and I will never forget the sounds she made before she finally passed away. I HATE what I let her go through. Do what is best for your pet. Spend some alone time with him and let him know how much you loved sharing his life with him but that you understand and take him in to the vet and let him go.
2007-02-09 14:41:39 · answer #10 · answered by shedevilnotunknown 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋