He 13 years and was diagnosed with a stomach cancer a few weeks ago but he was still happy to be here. The vet said to take him home and bring him back when it was time!
Over the last couple of days apart from when we have been cuddling him he has spent most of his time in his bed under a radiator, only getting out for food, water and the toilet.
He still purrs like mad, he doesn't seem in pain and when we're cuddling him he seems to be really happy. However last night after feeding he had a shake, seemed to lose his balance and fell over, he got straight back up and walked over to his bed, it didn't seem to bother him at all. This morning he is still the same.
On one hand I feel it is time, but on the other hand I feel he still wants to be here. How do I make the decision?
2007-02-15 21:54:39 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Thank you for your answers. I just needed to know I wasn't being cruel to him! And yes he is loved very much!
2007-02-15 22:20:01 · update #1
As long as he doesn't show signs of pain it is OK to keep him.Signs of pain are meowing,sensitivity when touching the affected area(here the belly of the cat),breathing faster or deeper than normally,not being able to get comfortable while sitting or lying,not wanting to eat or drink.
of course there are those people who put their pet to sleep before the pain starts,just to spare him.
Personally from what you wrote here,I don't think it's time,your cat seems to be enjoying your company and doesn't seem to suffer so keep loving him,taking good care of him and keep him comfortable.You'll know when the time has come and even thought the decision is very tough you will make it,cause you love him so much.
2007-02-15 22:06:05 · answer #1 · answered by zusje17 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi all I can say is I know how you feel I have had two cats put down they were both old one had stomach cancer and the last one I had to have put down his kidneys were failing, it is a heart breaking decision to have to make but at the end of the day you just have to take each day as it comes I think it is a thing with people who really care about the welfare of their animals they just have a sense of when it is best to let them go but if you are usure as to how long to leave it maybe the vet can talk to you about what sort of signs to look out for.
2007-02-16 06:47:21 · answer #2 · answered by Evelyn O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry that your cat has cancer, I know how you feel as I have gone through the same thing with my cat, she was18 and had throat cancer, It is one of the most difficult decisions that you have to make, and the only advice I can give you is think about the quality of life he has now and that it is only going to get worse also cats do purr when they are in pain.
2007-02-16 10:55:43 · answer #3 · answered by Sandy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PLEASE!!! Be kind.
Cats like to HIDE if they are in pain, contrary to popular belief.
take your cat to the vet and have him put to sleep. It is a kind thing to do, spare him the excrutiating pain that comes with stomach cancer.
Cats cannot tell you they are in pain, from his actions and condition it is obvious he is. (Don't be fooled by his purring -it's also a pain reflex, not just a happy thing.)
From personal experience, I know exactly what you are going through, and I too thought my cat was ok. Until he vomited profusely, shook and fell over in seizures. I took him to the vet immediately, but to this day I have not forgiven myself for putting him through that last bit of pain, as it was for my own needs, not his.
Don't make the same mistake.. he IS in pain, stomach cancer is a cruel thing that also inflicts lots of pain.
You need to be strong for both of you now, and act in the cat's best interest, not your own.
He knows you love him. Show him now you care enough to end his pain.
2007-02-16 06:41:39 · answer #4 · answered by Aussie mum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless your heart...I'm so sorry! I went thru the same thing with my beloved cat, Frosty, less than a year ago. When he gets to the point where he can no longer get out of bed and no longer wants to eat or be held...then it's time. If you can, I would advise that you stay with him when he goes to the vet...it will be a comfort to him and will give you closure. I'm so sorry tho...I know first hand what you're going thru
2007-02-16 06:30:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for what you are going thru with your cat. I have 3 cats and not looking forward to that day at all.
You need to be ready to have him put to sleep. It still doesn't seem like he is in pain, but sounds like he is going downhill pretty fast. Keep him for the weekend and make your decision.
2007-02-16 06:00:18 · answer #6 · answered by Jo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that maybe it is time and it would be better to put him to sleep now whilst he is happy and not too bad, than wait for him to get any worse. I know its hard ive been there myself, and its the hardest thing to do but you must put your cats interests before your own. Be strong and do the right thing.
2007-02-16 06:40:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i hope he might have got the inner pain i.e he might have went somewhere where he got the pain nothing can be done just the only thing is to do is firstly as early as possible you have to take him to the doctor or he might lose his life. iam saying you this because i have the expirence when i lost my most favourite cat. that's it.
2007-02-16 06:08:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youll know when its time.
he wont even want to move so when he looks so ill that he cant do anything take him too your vet. its good that youve kept him like this because it means that his last hours were happy not in a vetenary clinic somewhere.
2007-02-16 06:23:17 · answer #9 · answered by Sia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ah thats so sad, i mean if he is still feeling okay and he's happy and not wining a lot and not in a lot of visible pain then i think you should let him enjoy his life and let him die naturally.
2007-02-16 06:04:40 · answer #10 · answered by dee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋