Should I put my cat to sleep?

Question

I have really been questioning myself with this decision. A few months ago my 13yr old cat was diagnosed with diabetes. We followed normal protocal and started her on insulin (lantis) after a couple months we did not notice a big difference and the vet concluded she was insulin resistant. Already in the hole a couple thousand dollars for treatments and test the vet now wants to go back and do some of the same test again to see why she is insulin resistant. I am out of money and my cat does not seem to be happy any more. She use to me so full of life and so active now she spends the entire day laying on the tile floor in the bathroom. In addition she drinks so much water she is often urinating all over the house and in some instances I have had to bath her because she is resting in her own urine. Her breathing has gotten bad but she continues to eat constantly, in fact she has an enormous appetite and she has maintained the same weight. I am confused on what to do?

I really appreciate all the responses and my heart goes out to all of you that have been in a similar situation or are dealing with a sick pet. The information you all have shared is inspiring and has given me a lot to think about. Thank you

Answer 1

This is a really tough question. I feel for you, both.

I know that you've already invested alot. And she's not doing well. I don't know what your exact situation is, but I know that my vet has always been willing to extend a little credit, especially for an ongoing situation. Never hurts to ask.

I also suggest that you do your own research on the internet. I found several great links on Yahoo! under feline diabetes:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/
http://www.catinfo.org/felinediabetes.htm
http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=359
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_diabetes
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/diabetes.html

I don't know what or how you are feeding your cat, but diet is very important, and with some cases of diabetes, dietary changes can reduce or eliminate the need for insulin.

I had a similar situation, only in my case it was hyperthyroidism. She was old when diagnosed, and lived for three years with daily meds. Her quality of life was not what it had been. She was sick, and she knew it. She came to me each day for her meds.

I fought to keep her alive - with me. Then one day, I looked at her, and I just knew. Her life had become her hell, and I loved her too much to make her suffer any more.

I always felt guilty that I kept her alive for me. But I would've felt worse if I hadn't tried.

When it comes to a beloved animal, there is no happy ending. But we can hope for a little peace.

Give her your love, do your best. And remember the good years.

Answer 2

We were just faced with this difficult decision all though it wasn't from diabetes. My cat started suffering seizures, but would pretty much shake them off and continue being OK for a few months and then suffer a seizure again. Since she was eating OK and using the litter box OK, I really tried to over-look the fact that these seizures were really knocking the stuffing out of her. One day she went into a seizure and it never seemed to stop. We called the vet, but he wouldn't see her until the next morning OR would charge us a fortune for coming in. By the next morning, she was completely paralyzed and could do nothing but meow. We had to have her put to sleep because we couldn't watch her suffer anymore. I tried to look at it this way.......we were a good family for her and she was a good cat to us, but we could also give another new kitty a good home and end this poor cat's suffering. They can't tell you how bad they are feeling, so it is up to us to make that most difficult decision. You can do the "wait and see" approach, then you can determine the correct time (which you will instinctively know) that way you won't be lining the vet's pocket. Good luck.

Answer 3

I always think in the same way I would for humans. We wouldn't feel relief for a human to die because of diabetes. I say you should give her light food, special for diabetes, keep her litterbox nearby (perhaps get a couple of litterboxes), and let her be. Try to keep her as comfortable as you can. I would ddo anything to find the best treatment for her, but if you have no money I think you could just do your best with what you can spend, but not kill her. If she dies on her own, it's another story, but getting rid of the problem just isn't right.

Answer 4

its difficult i know, but we had to decide what was right for our 13 yr old dog when she was ill, in our opinion we took her pain away , her back legs went and she had a stroke, she was suffering. Would you like to sit in your own wee and smell?, if she is not in pain and you can put up with the inevitable cleaning up,not to mention the vet bills then by all means let your girl live till the end, or you can shorten her discomfort out of kindness not cruelty..i dont envy the choice you have to make hun, and i dont think anyone else here does, you love her we know that or you wouldnt be in a quandry at what to do...Good Luck xx

Answer 5

Some diabetic cats are very difficult to stabilize. Euthanasia might be your best course, for the cat's sake. Her quality of life seems very low.

I would take her to a different vet first, and see what he has to say.

At the vet hospital where I work we have some diabetic cats who have done well for years, but just as with humans, the disease eventually wins, if they live long enough.

Answer 6

I posted a couple of questions regarding your issue a couple of hours ago. Only our decision was made - afer speaking with our vet. We had to decide whether or not to put our 20 yr old cat down, who had diabetes and had loss of control of his bladder. Other than that, he was fine. But, since we have 4 other cats, we assigned "Tigger" to a big cage in our bedroom where he could be in peace without the hassles of the other 4 bothering him, and so he wouldn't "go" everywhere. The point is, your Kitty is in pain - and it's a very difficult decision to make. But, you have to consider what is best for her. I would suggest you speak to your vet --- the decision to put an animal down should NOT be your decision alone. Your vet should give you his/her honest opinion.. I just had to put down our 20 yr old cat (less than an hour ago) --- I'm still crying with pains of guilt because we had to make a decision as to his quality of life - but I know we made the right decision. No creature of God should live in pain only because of our selfish need to keep them alive. Please, let Kitty go home to Heaven. Say a prayer to St. Francis, the keeper (Guardian Angel of creatures) and trust in knowing it is better to let Kitty go while not in severe pain than wait until it's in utter pain. May God bless and comfort you - my heart is with you.

Answer 7

It is hard to make that decision. I know what you are going through because I went through a similar thing you are going through. I had to give my cat insulin shots and toward the end my cat was not getting any better. Her body was not excepting the insulin anymore and it was very hard on me. I kept on bring her to the vet and they told me to keep on giving her the insulin and toward the end the insulin was not working for her. I went to give her her shot and she went into a diabetic seizure and she had died in my arms. I know how you are feeling and it is hard knowing that your cat is sick. Do what is best for your instinct for your cat. I will pray for you and your cat and I hope you make the decision that would be best for your cat and you. God bless

Answer 8

Truly, it is not easy to make the decision to euthanize a pet.
I believe I might get a second opinion.
I had to euthanize my cat after he arrested in December--it is a very hard thing to go through---I am still not over it. The only thing that has given me any peace is just knowing I did everything I could for him.
God bless you and your cat.

Answer 9

Animals are not the same as humans, and we have prolonged their lives with the "soft" living we provide for them. There is no reason for a cat to suffer. I had to put my dogs down when they were suffering and there was no hope. Our animal shelter has a euthenizes and diposes pets in a peaceful way. It was all I could afford for my dog. I am sorry for your suffering and loss, what ever you decide to do.

Answer 10

if she truly isn't happy, it may be the right thing to do. she has lived a long and happy life. living like that isn't something any cat would enjoy. do what you think is best for the cat. good luck. stay strong.