How does one decide to put to sleep their kitten?

Question

I have a 3 week old kitten and it was injured yesterday, I took it to the vet and they said he has neruological damage, He has his head permanantly cocked to one side and he doesnt suck very well. He has moments where he is alert he has muscle spasms. The vet said to wait 72 hrs and see if he can get better. Do you really think there is a chance. Does anyone know neurologically can it correct itself and the kitten have quality of life. I am torn Do i give him a chance or do I let him go. The vet will be back monday and she said to come in then with him. Please help I am lost. Thank you Tammy

Answer 1

Sorry to hear about your kitten. You should wait a few days if there is a chance that the kitten will get better. If the vet did not do an MRI or X-ray on the cat he is just giving you an educated guess about your cat's condition. Kittens have a better recovery rate than older cats, however if he seams to be in severe discomfort after several days, the most humane thing may be to put the kitten to sleep. Hope your kitten gets better.

Answer 2

Tammy, I'm so sorry but I agree with the vet. I can confirm neurological problems do not easily fix themselves, and often they just get worse and lead to having a pet that needs care 24/7. If you want, perhaps wait a few more days, to really give it that chance, like wait until Tuesday or Wednesday, perhaps even Thursday, but if after that, it still has not made a marked improvement that the vet is satisfied with, you'll need to make the hard choice for the cat, and let it go. Be there for it every step of the way, but be realistic about it's chances. It's sad, but you have to look at quality of life.

Answer 3

Give him the 72 hours and then take the vet's advice. A vet won't usually recommend euthanizing an animal unless it's chances of recovery are hopeless.

If he seems to be recovering after the 72 hours, ask the vet what quality of life the kitten can expect, and if future extensive veterinary care would be required. Also ask whether you would have to take any extraordinary steps.
(You have to have a decent quality of life, too.)

After you have as much information as possible, then decide. It is always hard to put a pet to sleep but if that is the best thing for him, then you should not beat yourself up for making the decision that will give him peace.

My best wishes to you and your kitten.

Answer 4

Dear Tammy
First sorry to hear of the problems with your new kitten.
I am more of a dog person, but to owners of pets I guess it does not matter what the pet is.
I would trust your vet. give it time and see if nature can sort things out.
After all if you let the kitten go, you cant change your mind after the event.

If your unsure as to the effects of the damage on the kitten, ask you vet. she should give you responsible advice. or research it on the net.

Its a hard choice, A number of year ago we have the family dog put down, he was 17 yrs and would not eat.
Sometimes its best to stop the suffering.

Hard One for you.

Best of luck

Answer 5

That's a tough decision to make and I feel for you. Take your kitty back to the vet Monday and see what he thinks. He would be able to judge any improvements in the little cat. MRI's, x-rays, neurological testing, etc. are extremely expensive. If the vet recommends those and you cannot afford them, have the kitty euthanized. Ask the vet what he would do if this was his cat in the same situation.

My cat died today from neurological problems brought on by a stroke. So I do understand your feelings.

Answer 6

I'd give the little guy a chance. Perhaps if you are able to afford it, you can ask the doctor for a referral to a neurologist. Some larger animal hospitals have them on staff. If you are in NJ, Redbank Veterinary Hospital is one of them. If after seeing the neurologist, they say that the quality of the kittens life will be bad, it will probably be where you'd have to let him go.
Love him to pieces, see your doctor on Monday, see about a specialist then take it from there.

Hugs to you both.

Answer 7

Give him the chance.....My friend once had a kitten that was crushed in a window.When she took it to the vet he told her it would surely die due to the nerve damage.She didn't, actually she dragged her hind end around for about 3 months and I took her in as I have experience with paralyzed cats and believe it or not at about 6 months old she started walking again!!She now lives a very normal life with my parents and if you never knew her before no one would believe that she ever had problems. Just make sure your little kitty is getting enough to eat...you may have to bottle feed it to make sure. Good luck and trust in a chance.

Answer 8

I think you should try to give him a chance. You never know what could happen. But, if it is in pain now and still is when the vet checks him out, then I think putting him down would be the best thing. But, I really do think giving him a chance wouldn't hurt at all!

Answer 9

I am sorry to have to say that the chances of him getting better are pretty slim. Neurological problems almost never correct themselves. He will probably need to be put to sleep, but by the sound of it it would be best because the cat would no longer be suffering. Can you imagine a life of what that cat would have to deal with if he lived. So sad:( Good Luck

Answer 10

How was the kitten injured? It does not sound good for the kitten but since you did not tell us how the kitten's head was injured it is difficult to say. Just make sure your vet has all the information he needs to make a proper diagnosis. Wait until Monday to see what he says. Good luck!