at what point should you euthanize a cat with cancer?

Question

I have just found out that my 18 year old cat has cancer (neoplasia). I took him to the vet for breathing problems. After seeing x-rays, we realized that his chest had a large tumor. The vet said that at his age, the only option was to take him home and spend some time (maybe 2 weeks). He is still eating but can hardly breath (even with medication) I can't tell if he is in pain, but he has no energy. Am I being selfish keeping him alive, or is he still O.K. because he is eating?

Answer 1

If that were me I would probably sense that he still has a little time. If he is eating and using the litterbox and sleeping somewhat comfortably, I would let him hang on for a while longer. Look into his eyes, see what he has to tell you. Listen to his breathing -- is it very labored, is he suffering, and in much pain?

Is there someone with him during the day?

As I am sure you are, I would also be very very sad that I was about to lose my friend and I would talk to him and hold him and thank him for all the love and cat-ness and the special friendship that he has brought into my life.

I was told when my Princess was dying from Cancer that most probably - SHE would tell me when it was time. Having never had to put down a pet before, I had no idea what they meant by that, until the night Princess really DID let me know that it was TIME, beyond a doubt, for her to "get the needle", and so - we took that sad bittersweet ride to the vets at 2 in the morning.

When he starts to really go down hill, then you will need to reassess your decision. To me, it sounds like two weeks may be a generous estimate, if the tumor is on his lung. Then again, cats can surprise us with their tenicacity and will to live,

I truly hope you have a good support group of people (even one or two kind compassionate understanding people can make the difference in the world) who you can turn to if the grief or the weight of your decision becomes hard to bear by yourself.

Thanks for caring so much for your kitty!

Answer 2

When To Euthanize A Cat

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
at what point should you euthanize a cat with cancer?
I have just found out that my 18 year old cat has cancer (neoplasia). I took him to the vet for breathing problems. After seeing x-rays, we realized that his chest had a large tumor. The vet said that at his age, the only option was to take him home and spend some time (maybe 2 weeks). He is still...

Answer 4

I'm so sorry to hear about your poor kitty. The proper time for euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions to have to make when it comes to pet ownership. It also think it can be one of the last acts of love that you can provide for a pet that has loved you unconditionally.

You know your pet better than anyone, and only you can weigh the quality of life that he is experiencing and find a happy medium between that and his time left with you. Time is definitely not the only thing that matters, imho. Quality is every bit as important.

I've been told "you will know when it's time." I certainly knew when the time had come with my cat of 16 years. She simply... lost something of herself. As if she were a cat, but no longer my cat. I think that part of her that had been my Blackie slipped away, and I knew that it was time to let her go.

I can't tell you if now is the right time, or tomorrow, or the next day. That is your decision to make. Just don't let anyone make you feel that euthanasia is cruel, or is denying him more time here if you honestly feel that it's the right time. That is the point where it becomes a gift; a final act of love.

Answer 5

I have come to realise that I can no longer be shocked by the heartlessness of some people. The vet should not have given the woman the cat back, shes probably killed it herself. We had a case at the shelter I work for where someone wanted their healthy cat put to sleep because they were moving, vet contacted us and now shes in a lovely new home. We had someone bring a cat into us for the same reason, although they thought that cat was trying to 'kill their baby' by winding round their legs as they were coming down the stairs.....ridiculous! And to the person in here spouting about human life....this is a cat forum, if you have nothing remotely constructive to say, why are you here?

Answer 6

First of all, please accept my deepest condolences during this trying time. I've been there.

Cats provide a bit of a dilemma in that it's not in their nature to show illness (illness = vulnerability to other predators). Some cats will hide and some will cry when they're sick. but it can be hard to tell if they're suffering.

Pick three activities your cat enjoyed in his past. Does he have a favorite food? Does he have a favorite play activity, like a favorite toy or game? Does he have a favorite habit, like being petted or following you around the house or watching the birds outside a particular window? Watch these activities. When the cat stops showing interest in his old pastimes and play, and especially when he stops eating, it's time to end his suffering. Cats who are in physical distress may also spend periods of time in a crouching position with their paws tucked under and their elbows high and their sides pumping.

Trust your knowledge of your cat. If he looks like he's suffering, and if laboring to breathe eclipses everything else he's doing, then it would be kinder to put him to sleep.

Answer 7

I think the moment the cat starts suffering, it becomes a selfish thing to keep him alive. If the cat is having breathing issues and seems uncomforatble, then it may be time to take him in to say your goodbyes. It can be very hard, but at some point you need to prepare yourself to because he won't be around forever. I'm so sorry you're in this position, but it sounds like you're already preparing to do what is best for your baby.

Answer 8

I have a boy Cat also and I love this little cat like my own kid, I thought your question over and put myself in your shoes and if it were my lil' guy, I would put him Down. Put it this way if there is any question to his pain or suffering, do what your heart tells you not what you want for yourself. Beleive me I know this has to be very hard for you and my heart goes out to you, But help your little guy and Let him go now.
You will be happy you did this later after you recover from his lost.
After he is gone awhile don't forget there will be another lil guy waiting for a home in some shelter.
Take Care

Answer 9

It is a terrible decision to have to make. I had to make that decision 6 years ago with my most beloved cat that was only 2.5 years old. I could have brought him home and kept him alive for a while but it would have required fluid injections (his kidneys were 75% damaged from the cancer). I decided that I did not want him to suffer. That for me was the key, he/she won't know when he/she is put to sleep, it is very quick, no suffering. Quality of life is key, but only you can decide what is best for your pet.

So sorry you have to make such a tough decision, I know how hard it is. :(

Answer 10

The ability to eat is only a portion of life, if he's struggling for every breath I would advise you to have him euthanized so he can finally rest. If you constantly felt like you were suffocating and knew you would eventually succomb to asphyxiation, wouldn't you want someone to save you?

I'm sorry about your kitty, it's a terrible thing to see them go through. Take heart in knowing that you can ease his pain.