my cat is 15 years old and is having kidney failure-how do I know when to take him to the vet to put him down?

Answer 1

I really don't like the term "kidney failure". If the kidneys fail you (or a cat) are dead. Many older cats have progressive lessening of normal kidney function and it is a slow process that is eventually fatal. Giving a cat fluids at home is very helpful in maintaining quality of life for many years.

My cat died at 22 and 1/2 from the final "failure". She had a great quality of life until the very last months of her life. You can't know how long a cat will go until the kidneys ultimately fail - maybe years so I would never give up on the cat until it was time.

At the end my cat stopped eating for about three days, she was very constipated and had sores in her mouth (a possible complication from kidney insufficiency). It was just her time. She could have had an enema, a feeding tube to see if the mouth lesions would heal, etc. She was over a hundred in human years and not happy with a lot of veterinary treatment.

There is a Yahoo group for felineCRF and I think you should join that because the people there are facing that problem with their cats. They will be helpful in suggesting things you might do to help you cat, instructions about administering fluids, where to obtain the most inexpensive supplies for that , support for making decisions, etc. You just go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and put in a search for felineCRF. Memberships are approved within just a few hours or a day at most. Then you can read the posts of others, ask your own questions and get the information you need.

Answer 2

My 18 year old cat has kidney failure and is on Enrofloxacin, 22.7mg daily to prevent other infections and it working. She has other problems too but this has helped her quite a bit. Only you know when it's time. If he quits eating or has problems with urination or just looks plain sick you will be able to tell.
This is such a difficult decision that we both have to make. My Vet said that with no further complications she may live another two years. God Bless.

Answer 3

You know your cat better than anyone. When you notice that his/her quality of life has diminished or that he/she is suffering... it's time.

Our pets live an unnatural life and their lifespans are far greater than their wild relatives. We expect to keep them around forever, but that never happens and shouldn't be expected. We make them live unnaturally, we must also bring them an unnatural death or watch them suffer.

Though it's never easy, here's what I do:
I take pictures of them before they are put down. After it's over and my grief has dissipated, I go back and look at the pictures of when they were young and healthy and compare that to what they look like before their demise. I can see then that I did the right thing.

Answer 4

now. there is no cure for kidney failure you can prolong his life but it shouldn't be teh quantity of time but quality. Usually at this point they are not very happy and to be more humane don't make him suffer and have him put down now.
Sorry for your loss

Answer 5

well my 22 yr old cat had the same thing...what you need to watch for is dehydration...my cat was so dehydrated and i didnt know it until it caused her to have a seizure she was disoriented, going in circles, her head kept trying to see behind her and she was crying I didnt know what was happening to her until I took her to the emergency vet and they told me it was from dehydration caused by the kidney disease...I kept her alive for almost a month after that...I made sure she had plenty of water and I spoiled her with meat flavored baby food even though the vet told me to put her on a special diet that was totally bland and I held and kissed her alot during that last month like a little baby...then one day I came home from work and she had gone potty in the litter box and couldnt get out of the litter box so she was sitting in her own waste and I took her out, cleaned her up and when I went to put her down she couldnt walk that is when i knew it was time....i miss her dearly but I didnt want her to suffer anymore...good luck its not easy and I know from experience...hope this helps too

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Answer 6

now sounds like the time.your cat has lived a long life and presumably a good life.kidney failure really reduces the quality of life from living to exisiting.

Answer 7

Heal Kidney Disease Forever :
http://NaturallyGo.com/Support

Answer 8

When he has more bad days than good ones.
When it feels like your keeping him around out of selfishness instead of letting him go painlessly.
When he's constantly in pain.

It's a hard decision but I think you'll know when it's time. You have my condolences

Answer 9

That is really something you have to decide for yourself , but if your kitty is no longer enjoying life and is in constant pain , not eating or drinking I would say it is time.