Kimbah is now 17. Male, desexed feline. He has spondylosis and I can see, has problems rising and getting into a lying position. He gets the wobbles up when he walks as well.
He's also now started to miss his litter and is invariably targeting rooms in the house.
He eats like a horse but really, is skin and bones.
Above all, he still loves to be stroked.
When do I know whether he's too uncomfortable in this life? I had always thought I would know it was 'time' when he stopped eating and stopped looking for love but now, given his toileting and watching him try to get settled....I'm not so sure. Thoughts?
2007-06-08 01:11:53 · 12 answers · asked by kelly 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
That's a hard call. Pets are like family. If you can live with the incontinence (which can be difficult due to the odor of the accidents) then i would ask myself, how i would feel in the same quality of life. On one side he may be in pain, but if he is still eating and wanting attention, then the discomfort may not be as bad as it looks. As people get older we have a harder time getting around, the same goes for cats. Its hard to know how the cat feels. Being that he has lost so much weight, it may just be a matter of time before things take their natural course. If he is comfortable and seems happy, then I would let him continue to do so. If he really seems like he is suffering then it may be time to ease that pain. Its such a hard dilemma weighing the morality and love of a pet against the inconvenience of having a pet that has accidents.
2007-06-08 01:20:58 · answer #1 · answered by writenimage 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My best advice is to take him to the vet. The vet should be able to determine if its time for the kitty to go. He should know by feeling around if he is an any pain or feeling uncomfortable. 17 is a very long time for a cat to live. This will be a very hard decision but I think a professional opinion is what you need now. I am really hoping you dont get any smart ass replies on here.
Good luck on this heart-wrenching decision.
2007-06-08 08:20:00 · answer #2 · answered by Darlene C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When their quality of life doesn't reach your expectations.....or when they're in constant pain. To me, he still seems ok. He's old, and will wobble and have problems.....just like older people do. This is his golden time of life, and he deserves some compassion from you and the rest of the family for being such a good and loyal cat. Think about that. I agree with your first answer, when its time for euthanasia, it'll be the hardest thing you'll ever do. Best of luck to you.
2007-06-08 08:22:47 · answer #3 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sorry to hear about Kimbah
im not to sure what to say but let me tell you it will be very painful when he leaves.
my dog died in my hands, it was one of the most painful death anyone could get.
he suffered a lot in the end
anyways you are right once he stops eating etc you will know that its time for him to go.
advice: when you see these signs I would suggest you take him to a vet take his advice and if so put him to sleep (no offence)
this is a tough decision i would suggest that you dont wait for the end as I did and made the mistake
I could not let go off him but in the bargain he suffered
and died in my hands
everyone has to go be it today or tommorrow
be brave
best of luck
2007-06-08 08:41:05 · answer #4 · answered by Angad 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always try to pick 5 things my babies love to do. If they get to a point where none of these things are doable anymore I feel that it's time for you to really consider sending him to the bridge.It's the absolute hardest thing to do too.I've stayed with every dog thats had to be PTS'd but,it is a personal choice as to if you stay while it's being done or if you don't.There's no right answer for this really there's not.Only thing that's certain is if he's in pain I couldn't/wouldn't allow it to continue.I wish you well with whatever decision you make.
2007-06-08 08:19:52 · answer #5 · answered by GG 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know this is so hard for you. Yesterday, I wrote in response to a question like yours; and I wrote about a kitten named Bubsy, that I had to have put down because he was diagnosed with feline leukemia, and despite the best efforts of any vet, I would have had to watch him die a horrible death. It still makes me cry when I think about Bubsy, and that day.
Kimbah will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge:)))))
I'll say a prayer for you, and for Kimbah. God bless.
2007-06-08 12:43:27 · answer #6 · answered by Dielorilei 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in general do you think he is still happy or do you really think he is suffering???
Go by how he seems to feel and would you really want to see him having so much trouble????. Do you really think he wants to live in teh situation he is in???
This is how I would determine what to do.
yes sometimes they want a lot of love because they don't understand what is wrong and they are asking for help sometimes that help comes with the love of having him put out of any misery and pain.
Not being there to see the cat myself it's very hard to say.
Good luck in your choice and remember he is old and will go soon but don't let him suffer.
2007-06-08 08:34:38 · answer #7 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is eating and wants to be petted--he is okay. His time will come soon enough...don't rush it. I lost my cat in December, I was devastated and I'm still not over it.
You will know when the time comes, he will stop eating and lose interest in everything.
2007-06-08 14:05:23 · answer #8 · answered by felix8462 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aww well i'd say he is probably suffering we had to put my dog down who was 21 years old [in people years.]. i'd say its time.
Best of luck to you and your kitty i will say a prayer.
2007-06-08 08:21:58 · answer #9 · answered by hollaback_girl1232000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only you and your vet can answer this question. Take him to the vet and have that discussion.
2007-06-08 08:33:56 · answer #10 · answered by Terrible G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋