How far would you go to save your cat?

Question

My cat suddenly got really sick. She is 16 years old and I love her like part of the family. I took her to the vet and they are going to keep her for a couple of days and see if they can get her back to healthy. They told me that her kidneys are shutting down and she is very dehydrated and has ulcers in her mouth. She has a chance of surviving and the kidney damage can be reversed. Would you go through all of this at a chance that she will survive or would you have just had her put to sleep.? Keep in mind that she is my baby and they said there is a chance that she can pull through.

Answer 1

In times like this, you have to do whats best for your cat.

What will her quality of life be? You don't want to put her through painful surgery if it will only give her a few extra (painful) weeks. If they can help her, then I would personally do everything I can afford to do. If they can't make her better, then let them make her comfortable. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest thing, when the animal is suffering.

I'm sure it's hard. I've watched two dogs die in my life, and I have a kitten now. I love them all and I always will. Talk to your vet. Maybe get a second opinion. Then do what you think is best for her. She's counting on you!

Good luck! You're a good mother-cat, and I'm sure that no matter what happens, she will always know that.

Answer 2

What I would consider important is her quality of life. Why are her kidneys shutting down and how likely is it to happen again? Did you mean that the kidney damage CAN be reversed, or CANNOT? I'm sorry to say but usually kidney disease in elderly cats is degenerative, meaning it doesn't get better although relief can sometimes be provided and a prolonguing of life. If it cannot be reversed I would urge you to help your cat pass out of her suffering. If it can it depends (IMO) on the future prognosis for your cat's health.

Will she need to spend a lot of time in the vet's office now and in the future to be rehydrated, etc? If so, is there a risk of her dying there while you're not around?

Is she in pain, feeling sick most of the time?

Euthanasia can be a gift for an animal that will be prevented further suffering.

If the chance of survival is large and she is not expected to continue to have kidney problems, keep her with you a while longer. Remember that at 16 she is quite an elderly cat. Some cats live to be older, but most live around 15 years.

Answer 3

Kidney failure is usually not reversible, but cats can live a few good years with proper diet and care. Depending on the stage of the kidney damage, she may eventually need to receive subcutaneous fluids. Mu friends cats are going through this right now.

My first question to my vet is: if you can get her back to health, how will her quality of life be? A good vet will tell you honestly.

Vets can fix a lot of problems and put animals through a lot of treatments to cure their immediate ailments, but what really counts is whether the cat is suffering and uncomfortable during and after treatment. If the treatments are short moments (like medicating, or giving fluids) and can be tolerated while the majority of kitty's time is spent happy and comfy, I would definitely go for the treatment.

Answer 4

Only you can answer that question on whether you should go through treatment or put her to sleep.

I would have a frank discussion with my vet regarding her treatment and the prognosis. If it is that her quality of life wouldn't be what it should be, then it may be time to think about the other alternative - trust me, I know what a hard decision that is to make, having done it many times over the last 30 years. It's never taken lightly.

How far would I go? My cancer cat had chemo for a year and a half and went into remission for 4 years. But I did the chemo after having a dicussion with my vet and taking his opinion into account, I decided it would be worth it. And it was. You may find the same thing in your situation.

Prayers to you.

Answer 5

This must be a very difficult time for you. I love all my pets dearly and I dread the day that I am faced with a decision like this. I think you need to ask the vet what the humane thing to do is here. I mean your cat has a chance of surviving but what will its quality of life be? It is 16 years old. I would say to decide it like that. Will she be able to do what she would normally or is she going to continue to have further problems and suffer? It is a hard decision but just listen to your heart and I am sure you will make the right decision.

Answer 6

In the end, It's your decision. I can tell you that I feel the same way about my animals as you probably do. So let me tell you a story about me rabbit. I know, a rabbit? Anyway, I had my rabbit for about 4 years when He got real sick. He was very special to me. He was litter trained, and lived in the house with a dot and cat. (not in a cage)(the cat and him where girlfriend and boyfriend) The top of his head peeled up (like rotten carpet). I took him to the vet, and they told me he had an abcest from because of his teeth(they were growing in crooked, and I had to keep them cut. I di that myself) any way, they told me he had a less than 10% chance of survival. The surgery was going to cost over $500.00 and the outcome did not look so good. I made the choice to do it. In my mind, if there was any chance, then I couldn't give up on him, and wasn't willing to say he died because I didn't have the money. I had the surgery done, and then he was able to come home. He did great in surgery, but it was not over. I had a rabbit with a shaved head, and a tube that went through his face. I had to nurse him back to health, but I did. I would never had taken it back. He made a full recover and lived a long and happy life. He has passed on now because of old age, but i still miss him. I would hate for you to bear the burden of not thinking you did everything you could for your cat. On anthoer side, if your cat is suffering, and there is no hope of a perment recovery, don't keep her around to keep you happy. Do the best for her. Pray, and I will pray for you. The right decision is in your heart, just listen! Good luck

Answer 7

I've been through the exact same thing. It's very hard. When it came to my cat getting ulcers in his mouth I knew it was time to put him to sleep. I strongly feel that any measures taken to save an animal that miserable only prolongs the pain for both of you. It's not likely the kidney damage will be reversed, it sounds harsh but to not put her to sleep would be cruel and selfish. She's tired of being in pain, she knows that you love her. She loves you so much she hanging on for you. Try to find the strength to let her know that she can let go and rest now.

Answer 8

If you catch kidney failure in cats in time, they can pull through, they will require a special kidney diet and sometimes weekly fluids to help them. Over the years I have had 3 cats with kidney failure- one lived until she was 21, the other 23 and one is now 17. The best advice I can offer, is do what you feel is the best for your kitty and also you should consider your financial situation as well. I wish your kitty well again. God Bless

Answer 9

I don't think her age should have a bearing on whether or not to save your cat. My 12 year old boxer had to have her spleen removed around Christmas time (it cost $4000) but I did it to try to have her with me for a few more years. Your cat can live to be over 20 years (that's not unreasonable nowadays), so if age is a concern, keep that in mind.

If your vet thinks your cat has a chance and your cat is not suffering (quality of life is what's important here), then go for it.

I hope your cat makes a full recovery!! Sending healing thoughts...

Answer 10

i am a huge animal lover but sweetie she is 16. Thats pretty old for a cat. She isnt going to live forever and 9 chances out of 10 she is suffering from all her ailments and in pain. Put her to sleep. Even if they can revive her and maker her better, for how long? She obviously means alot to you and i know how guilty it can make you feel but by doing this you are being unselfish by letting her go and putting an end to her pain. Be there to pet her and comfort her when they put her down. Thats really all you can do.
Good Luck.