When to put a pet to sleep?

Question

What an agonising decision to have to make for a creature you love. My male cat is 10 and he went missing for 3 days. I found him and he could barely walk. The vet said he had crystals in his bladder. He's home after 3 days in 'hospital', he is now incontinent, and walks strangely. He has had to stop the steriods he takes for a skin condition because they are making his bladder condition worse. Without them his skin breaks out into sores that wont heal. Today he wobbled across the garden and sat in the sun, I tickled him around the ears and listened to his happy purr. What on earth do I do?

Answer 1

This is a very hard deciscion, but it's good that its such a difficult one for you because it shows how much you care about your pet. I would say that so long he still seems to be hapy, even if his life is harder than it used to be, then you should definitely keep loving and caring for him.

What does his incontinence mean to his life? Is he in (or going to soon be in) a lot of pain? Also, are the sores on his body obviously hurting him. It sounds like you have a very sick kitty, but that he's also content with his life as it is. I know vet bills can be VERY pricey sometimes, and there are a lot of people on here who say money doesn't matter, but every once in a while it just can't be helped. I think that as long as he's still content, despite being uncomfortable, and you can afford to take care of him and keep him out of as much pain as you can then you should keep him for as long as you can. If he becomes so sick that his cheerfulnes and bravery can't make up for it anymore, or if a time comes when he needs an expensive surgery you just an't afford and he's going to be hurt from that, then you may decide to put him to sleep, and you can't let yourself feel too guilty for that. Just love him as much as you can.

Good luck

Answer 2

Crystals in male cats are a common problem....no reason to put him to sleep for that...this is easily treated with a special diet. Once it clears up you can put him back on the steroids for the skin. 10 is fairly young for a cat, he can live another 10 years or so. The only reason I think his crystals were so bad is because if he is an outdoor cat and you never see him urinate, you had NO idea he was plugged, therefore he could have been plugged for quite some time, you are lucky he is alive as this condition can be fatal. NOW, you will know what to look for so he will hopefully not get as ill in the future.

Answer 3

As you say, he enjoys life as much as he always has, the sun is as warm as always and your affection makes him as happy and purry. Unless there is unbearable pain no animal should ever be put to sleep.

If you'd put him to sleep now it would only be to avoid yourself trouble, and that's not fair. I think you know that, or you wouldn't have doubts. He could have another 5-10 years in front of him! Of course many want their pets pts if they go blind or deaf, or even if they had enough of them. But there is no need. Animals enjoy life all the same even with a disability, they just need time to adjust to the change.

To get really specific advice re his skin and bladder combination meds, consider consulting an homeopathic vet: they work wonders on non life-threatening condition like skin disorders. So you could keep the bladder medication going and clear the skin with hoemopathic remedies, or maybe they can both be managed with homeopathy, which has no side effects. Ring the British Homeopathic Association on 0870 444 3950 to find your nearest homeopathic vet.

You owe it to both of you, you have loved each other for a very long time.

I'm enclosing relevant links. The two at the bottom are cat related forums where you can get lots of advice from other owners of cats with the same health challenges. Good LUCK to both of you.

Answer 4

Your cat will let you know, the biggest indicator is that they stop eating. Your vet may have prescribed an alternative diet either to dissolve the crystals or to prevent them returning. If you can resolve the issue of the crystals you may be able to look into alternative skin treatments. Sometimes you can give whats called pulse therapy thats really low doses of something like antibiotics just on sundays/weds All are very costly and I think you need to discuss with your vet the prognosis. if you can be offered a good prognosis then it may be worth continuing, if not then it may be time to say goodbye. This will be the hardest thing to decide, but you know your cat better than anyone. Good luck! I wish you well.
If money is short you can try PDSA/RSPCA Cat protection league, Blue cross. They may help towards if you receive any means tested benefits (UK only other countries will have other alternatives)

Answer 5

I would talk to the vet again about your cat's long-term prognosis. The bladder condition you describe is common in male cats and is usually controllable and I'm wondering if the incontinence will pass as his health gradually returns. There may be other ways to control his skin condition. There are vets that specialize in dermatology that may be able to help.

If there is little chance for long-term improvement, then I might consider euthanasia. But it just doesn't seem to me that all of your options have been played out yet.

Answer 6

Is the bladder issue a chronic thing, or can it be cleared up so he can get back on the steroids?

You need to have a good talk with your vet, and ask him/her what kind of future he thinks is in store for your cat. Tell him that you're concerned about your cat's quality of life, and what he recommends. A good vet will be honest with you.

Good luck and I'm really sorry you're even having to consider this. But it shows you're a loving owner.

Answer 7

I truly feel for you. I dread the day I have to put my dog down but that is part of being a person who loves animals.

I would ask you what your vet has said and his/her recommendation. Is their an alternative treatment, different medications, surgery?

If not, then I would ask yourself if you really think your cat wants to continue on like this.

I think the hardest part of letting an animal go is knowing it's your decision. But as you have given so much love to your friend through the years and he to you, you must decide what is best for him.

There is no easy answer to this question and I am truly sorry you are at a place where you have to ask it. But it is up to you and what you think is best for your cat.

Good luck and know that many in the animal lover community will be thinking of you...

Answer 8

Can they resolve the crystal problem with a new diet? I don't know the extent of the problem. Many people say their cats "tell them" when it is time. What did they do in the hospital -- are they trying to clear out the crystals? Some people opt for surgery also. I think it really depends on whether they can resolve his problem over time. You can also get a second opinion. My kitty was recently put to sleep after kidney disease, but she suddenly went comotose so it was an easy decision, though still heartbraking since I adore her. Trust yourself, and your cat.

Answer 9

How sad, but the point of being a responsible pet owner is to know when to say goodbye. It is hard and heart breaking but can be the most rewarding because you know you are relieving suffering. Either take him to the vets or if possible ask the vet to visit at home to alleviate the cats distress. I think it is vital you are with him until he goes to sleep because it is the last thing you can do in repayment for the ten years of unconditional love he has given to you. I wish you all the best for the future.

Answer 10

One of my cats also has bladder crystals but we caught it before it got too bad. Was does your vet think? There are special diets for cats with crystals but his skin condition sounds horrible. you poor thing. Has the vet said he will be permanently incontinent? that's a pretty tough thing to deal with. I think you should wait and see if there is any improvement. don't rush in to something you will regret.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for him.