When do you know its time to let go of your sick cat?

Question

My boy kitty has limpnode cancer and getting progressively worse. He is on steriods to ease his pain as they told me there is no way to help him. He was near twenty pounds (big cat) now he is under 10. He doesn't appear to be suffer much other than an occasional moan. He still purs and is eating (not like he used to though). He spends a lot of time in the hallway sleeping by himself. Doesn't socailize much with my other cat anymore. In one week I start a new job and will be gone 10 hours a day. I am very stressed out about leaving him home alone that long. I'm by myself, just me and the two cats. I'm trying to determine if / when is appropriate to let my baby boy go. This is so hard.

Answer 1

Larman, I happen to know exactly how you feel right now.
After 20 years, my Calico cat Maya developed and was diagnosed with CRF, Chronic Renal Failure.

It caught me off guard since I had not had to face the reality of losing her up until that time and I tried everything I could to try and save her but, the Vet told me the best we could do is perhaps extend her life another couple of years but, she would never be the same.

I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my life in telling the Vet, "let's let her go." I wasn't going to watch her deteriorate as this disease got worse and felt it best that the time had come to give her peace.

A very hard decision but, one that I'm glad I made...it would have been harder to watch the decline in her quality of life knowing there wasn't anything more that I could do.

I cannot tell you what to do but, when the time comes you will know and you will make the right decision that is best for you and your loving pet.

I can only wish you the best and let you know that I share your heartbreak and I know how very difficult this time is for you.

Answer 2

I am SO sorry about your cat and what you are both going through. It is best to err on the caution of sooner rather than later and then wishing you had done it earlier. Keep watch of his eating habits, when he isn't eating or drinking at all that is a big indication that it's time to let go as his body has already started to shut down. It sounds like he is not there yet. He will sleep more and more. When he doesn't want you to pet him, doesn't eat or drink hardly at all or his bowel habits slow down or stop it's time to take him in. If you are deeply worried about being gone, it might be best to make an appointment prior to starting your new job rather than having him perhaps in pain without you knowing about it.

My heart goes out to you!

Answer 3

Unfortunately, once the vet says that there isn't anything more that can be done, then you have to decide how much pain to let your cat stay in. I went through almost the same thing last year with my 10 year old Siamese (Brandon). He had cancer. We went through two surgeries but he eventually got worse and started to lose kidney function. I took him to the vet daily for a week to have IV fluids hooked up to him so that he wouldn't dehydrate.....after five days I realized it was time to let him go. It was a very difficult decision but I couldn't stand knowing he was in pain and unhappy so it was easier to decide then. Good luck. I will be hard but your kitty deserves to not be in pain.

Answer 4

I am so sorry about your baby boy. This can be devastating.
My kitty Felix died in December--he began losing weight and I took him into the vet in November. He had anemia, after many blood transfusions and surgery, he died in less than a month. He arrested and had to be euthanized. I was given hope by the vets up until the very end---but that night that they called me and said he had arrested and ask if I still wanted them to work on him---I just could not do it--he had suffered so much. I knew instantly it was time to let him go.
This has been one of the hardest things in my life to get through---he was so special. I am still not over it --only time has made it easier to bear.
I think you will know when it is time---your kitty is still eating--my cat stopped eating soon after they put him on meds. As long as you think he isn't suffering----enjoy him and love him.
You and your kitty will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Answer 5

Please take him and put him out of his misery.
I know this is the hardest thing to do, but if you're going to be away for 10 hours a day soon, i'm sure you wouldn't want him lying there in pain while you aren't there.
Or for him to pass away when you leave.
I understand it is hard but is the best thing.
Also might be a nice time to visit a shelter and give a new kitty a home to keep your other one company while you will be working for so long.

Answer 6

I think now is the best time to let go of your cat. Although the steroids are easing the pain, they do not completely make it go away..and now you're away for 10 hours a day, there could be a time when your cat needs you and your not their. I no its hard but you have to do whats best for your cat.

Answer 7

Of course it is always hard to decide when to do it.
I have had 3 cats in 6 months I had to put to sleep and that is not easy, it is like letting go of a child. Like your giving up on his friendship, but you know it is the best.
I would let him pass over to catsheaven before you start your new job
That way you still have a couple of days to cry for him before you have to concentrate at a new job.
You have done your best, you know he had a good life, let him go now and remember him the way he was.

Answer 8

Ever had a new child run out in front of your automobile? thinking the variety of little ones and adults who're killed by using vehicles daily, in keeping with probability we could desire to constantly all stay interior. existence is all approximately calculated threat. In some areas and international locations the place this is considered a secure ecosystem for cats, they're allowed outdoors and not all of them get hit by using vehicles. a number of those unfastened roaming cats could be feral or strays and this is not their fault in the event that they haven't any domicile to pass to.

Answer 9

The best time to consider euthanasia is when your cat's quality of life has declined. If your cat is still happy within himself, still eating and drinking and most importantly enjoying life, then simply keep him pain free.
When your cat no longer enjoys life, then is the time to say your goodbyes. Your cat will let you know when he is ready to move on.

Answer 10

If u think its the right thing to do. your choices are, Let him suffer or have him put to sleep. No preesure. Just think, what is the right thing to do???