She was born into my hands 22 years and 14 days ago, I am having a really hard time making the decision whether or not to put her to sllep or wait and let her die naturaley.
2007-04-28 12:45:54 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I would say if your cat is not suffering...let it die naturally. However, if the cat is in a lot of pain...have it put down. Some vets will let you be with your cat when it is done so they have their person petting them with love when they go.
2007-04-28 12:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by suigeneris-impetus 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your cat is in pain or suffering? What is her quality of life like at present - is she still cleaning herself, is her appetite okay, does she still have control of her bowels? You've had her for 22 years and you know her better than anyone else.
You love her and it's a difficult decision to make, but also love her enough to want what is best for her. What is your vet's opninion on the subject? Sometimes euthanasia is the final act of kindness that a loving owner can do for their pet.
Two years ago I had to let my 19 year old girl go. Though it broke my heart and I still miss her like crazy. I don't regret my decision to have her put to sleep. I loved her too much to want to see her suffer in any way. The vet let me be with her in her final moments and she gently went to sleep.
I hope you find some help and comfort from some of the answers you receive.
2007-04-29 02:06:57 · answer #2 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can see how this is a terribly difficult decision for you to make, and my heart really does go out to you. Obviously nobody can tell you which decision is the best, so I say, go with your heart. Knowing that she has been your baby for 22 years, shows that you have cared for her very well, and will do whatever is best for her. Only you know if she is suffering or in pain, and I am sure that if that was the case, you would have her euthanized. I know that her death will be hard on you, whatever you decide, so I will be thinking of, and praying for you.
2007-04-28 20:06:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a veterinary tech, and even I have had to battle this question last summer with a 14-year-old cat that became very ill with lung cancer (aggressive mediastinal lymphoma). We began her on chemo, but just days into her treatment she had what could be compared to a "human" stroke. We rushed her to the emergency vet where she received strong anti-inflammatory medicines and anti-seizure drugs to control any swelling and stop the seizure activity. When we brought her home the next day, she wasn't herself anymore. She no longer recognized us. She would eat, but not with the pleasure that she once did. Being brushed was her "FAY-VRIT" thing in life, and she would run down the hall and jump up onto the commode, buzzing to be brushed. After her stroke, she didn't even know her brush and comb anymore. She was now a living shell of a once-lively and loving spirit.
My husband wanted her to pass away at home, and I did too. But from my clinical vantage point, I knew that natural death would probably not come peacefully. She would continue to decline, probably have more seizures, and she would suffer. Our cat that we knew had already died... her body just hadn't gotten the word yet. We had to help her body to pass away just as her spirit had already done.
You know-- and love-- your cat better than anyone. Only YOU would know if her spirit, too, has already passed on. Does she still show interest in things? Enjoy eating, brushing, attention? Maybe she doesn't play vigorously at her age-- few seniors are still running marathons and riding in bike races. But many older people AND PETS live a full life at a slower pace, and still enjoy life. Others, however, no longer have that enjoyment. They hurt. They feel sick. They don't recognize or enjoy the familiar people and simple pleasures that they once did. However, a cat can't verbalize its feelings. And cats, by their very nature, will hide their sickness and pain for fear of showing vulnerability. So those who care for them have to rely on what signs the cat does provide and go from there. Gut feelings are also pretty reliable in this case. If you really feel that your cat is no longer enjoying life, then perhaps it's time to say good-bye. Euthanasia is NOT a cruel thing. Keeping a pet or a person alive when there's no hope for regaining QUALITY of life is cruel. The ability to end suffering is a beautiful option.
You say she was born into your hands 22 years and 14 days ago. Please, if you elect to euthanize, think of it as allowing her to be born into the "next life" through your loving hands and the hands of your veterinarian who has cared for her all these years... a new life without pain, without suffering, without sickness.
Hope that helps.
2007-04-28 13:43:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know this must be a really hard point to be at. You have to look at her quality of life. If she is not hurting and is still able to eat and drink and have quality to her life, then of course the answer would be to wait. I assume if you are asking this question there must be some question in your mind about this. If you are having difficulty knowing then take her to a vet you trust and get their opinion. She has know love and care all these years (or she wouldn't have made it for so many, right?) and she deserves the best care right up to the end. Sometimes easing our furbabies suffering is the final act of love that we can show. My heart goes out to you whatever happens because I have know the loss of losing a beloved pet.
2007-04-28 13:25:03 · answer #5 · answered by Scooter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I think it is amazing that your cat lived for so long. You must have taken really good care of her. This is a tough question to answer but you have to think about what is best for the cat. If she is not feeling well, is uncomfortable, can’t walk, eat, or go the bathroom anymore then it is probably best to put her to sleep. That may be the most humane thing to do at this point. I have three cats of my own that I’ve had since they were born also. They are 2 years old and I’m extremely attached to them and they to me. I can’t imagine going through what you’re going through right now but I know one day I will. Best of luck to you!
2007-04-28 13:23:44 · answer #6 · answered by 3cats 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You have already said in a previous post that she is in a lot of pain. She has given you love and support for all of these years. Allowing her to die a slow and painful death is just cruel. Your final memory of her should also not be of her lying there gasping in agony. Take her to the vets and let her go. I know it feels hard and painful for you, but trust me, it is a gift for her.
2007-04-28 12:59:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like a decision for you to make.Although I see nothing wrong with allowing mother nature to run its course especially if the animal is not in pain.Honestly I dint really like the whole euthanasia thing myself because I think we sometimes resort to that option to ea silly and the clinics end up profiting every time so they will always encourage it.
2007-04-28 12:53:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is your cat in pain or suffering? if none of those, why would you like to put her to sleep? Better let her it die naturally. If suffering, take it to the vet and see it can be healed. If not, then you can put it to sleep
2007-04-28 12:55:45 · answer #9 · answered by Crucheau 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you dont want your cat to feel the pain than naturaley would be the best way to do it first you must let the the cat know that he or she is going to a better place and say your last goodbye and put her in your backyard
2007-04-28 13:50:51 · answer #10 · answered by mel.wufootballfreak 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋