My cat is 24 years old should I put him down?

Question

He has recently been less active and is showing signs of death, the hair cutting lady wont cut his hair anymore because she fears he will have a heart attack from the stress, he likes to go outside now but I have to force feed him aspirin, for his pains. Should I put him out of his misery?

Answer 1

First of all, please stop giving your cat aspirin. OTC pain meds that are meant for human beings should never be given to your cat without strict vet supervision. This includes aspirin, which will act like a slow poison to your cat.

Take your cat to the vet to find out just what kind of physical state he's in. Any cat that's 24 years old is going to slow down and be far less active than he was when he was younger; however, this does not mean he's "showing signs of death." Only your vet can tell you what kind of shape he's really in.

If your cat is in good health and not in pain, then don't let his age be a factor in putting him to sleep. When you become elderly, would you want someone to put you to sleep just because you moved a little slower than you did when you were younger? Your cat can still enjoy life and be a great companion to you despite his advanced age. When it is time to put him to sleep, there will be some very definite signs. He'll stop eating or drinking water, he'll cry almost constantly because of the pain, he'll lie down and refuse to get up, he'll stop washing himself--the list goes on. Until then, if he is healthy and not hurting, stop thinking of ending his life and enjoy the days, months, and possibly years he has left. And again, please stop giving him aspirin.

Answer 2

I would be more worried about the throwing up than the constipation. When cats are ill they can go quite a long time without moving their bowels. It might be mild kidneys. You need to get it checked out with blood tests. That way you can support him, correct his diet. Just because a vet tells you that you should put him down doesn't mean that you have to. It's your call - not the vet's. You know your cat better than any vet. You will know if he is suffering and it doesn't sound like he is too bad at the moment. Knowledge will give you power to choose the right path for him. Don't be scared of standing up to the vet and talking things through.

Answer 3

If he's healthy overall(by this I mean no kidney failure, eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom on his own, etc) there's no reason to put him down just because he's ancient.
However, the aspirin isnt a good idea. Talk to your vet about what pain meds are alright for your cat, or you might be putting your cat into an early grave and not knowing it.

Have a 24 year old cat is awesome!

Answer 4

If your son looks like he is pain then I say it would be best. If he stopped eating and drinking water,you should take him to a vet.Kitties don't do so well if they were inside cats and then go outdoors. I don't think you should let him out,the world outside is big and scary to an indoor kittie.I don't believe aspirin is the best for aches and pains for cats.

Answer 5

Aspirin and ibuprofren is not good for cats especially older cats such as yours, why take him out when he's obviously a legend for his age already, he deserves a second opinion and quick!!

Who cares if his hairs cut or not that groomer is right he's old enough to just let it fall and be merry

also please have the new vet request his chart so they can really find out if he's dying or is just againg with bad meds your giving him, theres got to be another solution... DONT GIVE UP!!

You have a wonderful feline that has hit records of aging that most cat lovers dream of...Good Luck and congrats on having such a wonderful long living cat

Answer 6

This is a really tough and close to my heart question. I had a cat that was 21 years old. I had her for almost her whole life. She got so skinny and she just peed in her bed. I was so afraid when she would jump off the table that she would break a leg. I think you will know when the time is right. I did. Sometimes we have to do what is best for them. It is so hard. How sweet you are for loving him for so long. He has had a good life. He has been so lucky to have you.

Answer 7

Wow, thats complicated. First things first, that aspirin wasn't a good idea. Its horrible for cats. I'd say to talk to our vet ASAP. That cat has had a long life, hopefully the vet can help keep it around longer.
I wish the best for you and your cat

Answer 8

for your cat to be 24 u have done something right. who advised giving the cat asprin?just ask your vet about the cats over all health and do what he says.if this is the vet u have had for all these years I am sure u can trust his advice. just know that you have done a good job to have had the cat this long not many cats see the ripe age of 24.GOD BLESS.

Answer 9

i just had to make this terrible decision for my 13y/o cat who had melanoma.
if you cat is in pain, there is no definite cure for his pain, perhaps his time has come.
animals tend to live for us. we feed them way healthier than they would normally eat, we protect them with vaccines, therefore, unfortunately, it is up to us to decide when they should travel over the rainbow bridge!
as was the advice given to me, sometimes the best thing to do for a best Friend is to end the suffering. it is so hard, I'm still teary, it happened to us yesterday.
i hope you have a kind enough vet, like we did, to help you make an informed and compassionate decision!
our prayers are with you!

Answer 10

After seeing my 15 year old cat die; she was in pain, she kept vomiting, and she couldn't gain weight, no matter what I did.
I gave her meds, had the vet check her, I had it all done for her,
trying to extend her life.
I wish I had put her down, for her sake. To save her from all the
pain she went though. That's just my experience.
I hope yours will be better.