I have a cat who is a little over 15 years old. She has started to urinate and poop much more often (my mom thinks her bladder has stopped functioning) and in places she shouldn't be, she can't eat dry food anymore, her legs are starting to shake very noticeably when she stands still. Other than that, she seems to be healthy, and I don't want to euthanize her, but my parents can't stand her for the above problems AND her history of constant vomiting (she still does). I don't want to lose her, and I don't think she wants to be lost by me... I'm the only one who mutually loves her, and that is the way it has always been. I don't think I'm ready to lose her, and I'm not sure if she's ready, either... I want to be with her when she dies, so she can die in peace. I don't know how I'm going to handle it, though; I had her since I was a baby. I also don't know how I'm going to handle the rest of her time alive, knowing she'll die soon...
2007-07-23 13:04:36 · 5 answers · asked by rokkon 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Well, I can't take her to the vet... as said before, my parents HATE her.
2007-07-23 23:45:50 · update #1
The best thing to do is to take her to your vet. You need to find out what is wrong with her, and see if it can be helped. Where I work, if a cat or dog has lost all bladder functions/bowel functions, we usually euthanize them because they aren't in good health and we don't want them to live that way. It is hard to put a pet down, I work with 700+ cats, and every time an older cat has to be let go, it is not easy. I've also been through plenty of pets deaths and euthanasias... its a part of life, and you have to cherish that time you had together.
Just take your kitty to the vet... maybe they will give you hope :)
But just remember, you have to do what is better for your cat.. You don't want her to go through the rest of her time in misery...A peaceful death might possibly be euthanasia, rather than letting her suffer.
2007-07-23 13:11:29 · answer #1 · answered by *-whitz-* 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're in a tough position here. As an animal owner and lover I've been there. Do you take your cat to a vet? If so, I would suggest having this discussion with them as a professional. They will be honest with you and can fully comment on your cat's condition without the emotion you have attached to the decision. What it comes down to for me is the quality of the animal's life - if there is no quality, then there is just suffering and at that point I don't see it as fair to have them exist that way. If your only concern was your carpet, I'd say that's shallow considering all of the love and devotion that your cat has likely bestowed upon you over the years, but if she is suffering then that's another story. I don't know if you've ever had to put a pet to sleep before - but it is awful, and emotionally rough - at least that was my experience and most people I talk to have felt the same. The process is not inhumane but you may have strong feelings about it afterwards even if it is the right choice to make.
2016-05-21 05:39:42 · answer #2 · answered by maple 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like everyone else is saying, the first thing is to get her to a vet. They can run all kinds of test and find out what is wrong with her and if medicine will help or not. If not, then sweetie you can't think only about you. If she is suffering and you truly love her and I believe that you do, then you have to let her go. Some vets will come to you house so that your pet is comfortable and in their own surroundings. Until that time comes...love her with all your heart...I promise that she will know that you did everything that you could for her and that you loved her. God bless you and your baby.
2007-07-23 13:21:20 · answer #3 · answered by tn2vegas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has she been checked by the vet yet to see if there are any health conditions that can be helped? I would definitely find out first. It is hard to finally make that decision, but it our job because we love and care for them and don't want to see them suffer. The vet will let you be there with her--just ask them to explain everything to you ahead of time so you are ready. You don't want her to see you upset--that will ony upset her more. Try to be strong for her. If you can't, you don't have to be there, you can just remember her like she was. The vet will treat her kindly and gently either way. I have an 18year old kitty, and I know it is hard when they get old. :(
2007-07-23 13:12:37 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Again as everyone else is saying, take her to the vet. If there is something wrong with her but that can be handled with meds, take her home, but when you see that she does not do what she loves to do anymore, then you will know that her time has come
2007-07-23 13:40:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋