cats and when to do the right thing?

Question

my old cat has a tumout vet says its up to me when to put him to sleep. its so hard when will i know?

Answer 1

Please don't wait . know it hurts but you don't want your cat to hurt either. I had to have our 17-1/2 year old Mainecoon put to sleep but we also had him cremated and his box sits on the window sill. It hurt really bad for about a month. But you start remembering the good things and you will be okay. Also there are so many cats that need homes consider adopting another once some time has past. We found a siames at a rescue that was 2 years old, and she isn't the same, but she is a sweet little cat.

Answer 2

The other answers here are pretty much on the money: the right time is when the cat is actually suffering. If that's already the case, the time is now.

You can give your old friend one last gift: spend the money to have the vet come to you, so the cat doesn't have to be in an unfamiliar environment at the end. I've had to do this twice, and I'm glad I did. Here's how it should work:

Pick a time of day when the cat will be dozing as usual in its normal bed. Don't disturb it if you can avoid it.

The vet should be able to administer a light sedative - into the scruff of the neck as usual - almost without the cat noticing. In our cases we stoked the cats softly until they relaxed, and the vet snuck in and popped the sedative in between our hands. The cats didn't notice a thing.

In a few minutes, the cat will be deeply asleep, and should not waken for the rest. He can be carried through to a clear table you have prepared beforehand. Put newspaper and/or towels down.

The vet will clip or shave a portion of the cat's arm to expose a good vein. Then he'll inject a large overdose of barbiturate - often coloured blue to distinguish it. This is another powerful sedative, and will gently shut down the cat's systems.

It's a sad moment, but remember this: you or I should be so lucky to go this way. Painlessly, in our sleep, with loving people standing by; and only when the time is right to relieve our suffering.

One thing that shuts down is the cat's bladder control, and it will most likely release any urine at this point. That's what the towels and paper are for.

And then it's all over - quietly and peacefully. Be prepared to decide what you want to do with the body. We left ours out for a while, for the other cats to examine and perhaps get an idea that Kotto, and later Max, were not going to be around anymore. It might have been pointless. Then we buried them in the sunflower garden. The vet can take it away for disposal if you'd rather not.

Hope this helps.

CD

Answer 3

You will know, it is when your baby is suffering and cannot eat nor drink or having so much pain that it is creul to keep it alive. It will be the hardest thing you you will ever have to do. If your baby is happy, eating, playing etc. Then don't worry about it right now. When your cat becomes weak and so many other things that you know it is dying, then the best love you can offer yoiur baby is to send it to kitty heaven. It is so very hard. Never let your ffriend suffer. Sometimes the vet can offer this advice as to when it is time.

Answer 4

Do't put it off. You are just delaying the inevitable. Spend a couple of hours making a fuss of kitty, treat him/her to a large plate of prawns and hold your cat when the vet does the job. It is very upsetting I know but at least you will be with your cat until the end. I brought my cat home with me and buried her in the front garden then planted some hyacinths where she lay. Whatever you decide to do, I really do feel for you. It's difficult, I know.

Answer 5

Are you keeping the cat alive for yourself? Are you hoping he will get better? If a vet had told me it was up to me, I would have made an appointment. The vet basically told you there is nothing that can be done and now you must let your cat go. Trust me, it is hard but knowing you are taking away your baby's pain will ease your pain some. And do allow yourself to grieve...this was a living thing who brought joy and comfort to your life. You must allow yourself to grieve.

Read the following poem:
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

It's not really a poem but it helps you understand that your baby will be in heaven and will be waiting for you!

Good luck!

Answer 6

honestly, like all the answers say, you will know. I had to go through a similar experience with my cat of 9 years. He was sleeping more and lost weight, so I took him to the vet- had blood tests done (red cell count was low and white cell count was high), gave him some NutriCal stuff (brown goo that is high in Calories and vitamins and stuff like that) to help him gain some weight. Monday, found out the bloodwork results and brought him in, since the Saturday he was at the vet, one of the vet's asssociates was there. Well, did an X-Ray and found out that there was a mass in his kidney area. We could have done surgery but there was only a 50/50 chance he would make it out of surgery and then would have had to go through a recovery period of 6+ months. I didn't want him to suffer and I could tell that he wasn't himself and so that is when I decided to have the vet just put him down.

Basically, when your cat stops acting like himself, but remember, you don't want him to suffer. I hope you are able to find strength in making this decision.

Answer 7

So sorry to hear your dilemma. I had a cat about a year ago whose time came The best advice I've heard on the subject is to think of the three things your pet loves most (maybe eating, playing with his favorite toy, sunning at a particular window, etc). When he stops doing or responding to those things, he is ready to move on. Animals seem to be much more graceful about death and much more accepting of it when their time comes. The other answerers are right--you will know when it is time, and although you will hurt at the lost of your beloved pet, you will know that you're doing the right thing. Let him enjoy life now, while he is still able to, but watch for the signs and be ready. God bless.

Answer 8

i have just had my cat put to sleep 2 weeks ago, she had become very poorly, the vet said he could give her drips and blood tests etc to try to prolong her life but she would die in the end, i chose for her not to go through traumatic tests etc cats hide their symptoms very well until right near the end, its an instinct from when they were wild to prevent being eaten... this is such a tough decision , you will in your heart know but i would say do it sooner than later, as by the time you notice symptoms she will have already suffered in silence. it is so hard and i really feel for you.

Answer 9

You need to consider if your cat is in pain, comfortable or has any quality of life at the moment. Make sure the cat is not suffering. At the first sign of pain or discomfort for your cat, I would say visit the vets.

It will be hard, but at least we are able to put our pets to rest and don't need to watch them die slowly and painfully like some people.

Sorry to hear about your cat, it's very sad and hurts. :(

Answer 10

I went through the same decision not so long ago with one of my cats. She had kidney failure and was suffering. I had to put her to sleep but I held her in my arms as she passed. I know the last thing she saw was my face smiling with tears of love for her. It's for the best if there is no hope of recovery. My thoughts are with you. I know how you feel.