my poor cat?

Question

she is 17 years old. she can barely walk,has lost all weight,and throws up five times a day or more. is it time to have her put down? how does it work?

Answer 1

I think if she is throwing up and is obviously in pain and discomfort, it may be time to say goodbye.

When I have had to put a cat to sleep, the vet just calls you in, then injects the cat with a solution which will put it to sleep (put it down). I held my cat while the vet did this, and the vet left me and my cat alone while she died in my arms. It is not traumatic for the cat, she won't struggle, she'll just go to sleep and then her breathing will stop.

It's not nice, it's very upsetting but you will be relieved for her and know that she is no longer suffering. You can decide what you would like to do with her body. I buried my cat in the garden but you can have the vet dispose of her, or have her cremated and you will recieve her ashes to scatter if you wish.

I'm sorry, having a pet at the end of their life is awful and I really feel for you xx

Answer 2

It does sound like at this point it may be time to end her suffering.
Take her to the vet. First he will examine her and discuss your options with you - there may still be something that can be done to help her.
If you and the vet decide that putting her down is the best thing to do, you will need to sign some papers authorizing the vet to do it, and he will give her an injection, an overdose of anesthesia, she will go to sleep, and her heart will stop. Please do her the final kindness of staying with her.
There are several options of what to do with her body. You can take her home and bury her, but this is illegal in many localites, so if you do this don't let the town know. Most vets offer cremation services, and there are pet cemetaries - look on the internet for ones in your area.

Answer 3

I am so sorry for you...having cats all my life it is the kindest but the hardest thing you will ever have to do!! Our cat of 9 1/2 years had to be put down 2 months ago. The vet we had was so good, they just injected her and we stayed long enough until she was almost gone but it was killing me so I had to leave but my husband stayed till the end. I still see her in my mind she looked so peaceful. Our cat had been diagnosed with cancer 8 months prior and with good vet care we were able to hold on to her for a little bit longer.
My husband and I would want to get another cat down the line but not now.

My prayers will be with you!!

Answer 4

Our cat was sick for about a year and many tests were done to rule out various things. Turned out she had cancer but died while the vet was trying one more time to extend her life during surgery.

You can be present when the cat is euthanized if you want. They will let you take the remains for burial elsewhere if you desire. There comes a time to put the animal to sleep. It's never easy but suffering is worse.

I wish you luck and may God help console you.

Answer 5

Poor thing. It does sound like it might be the end of the road for the cat...if she's suffering you don't want to prolong that. If you do have her put down, they put a small needle in their leg, and they almost immediatly go to sleep, then pass away. Sorry about your cat :(

Answer 6

It is sooo hard to make a decision like that. One wishes when it's time for the pet to go it will happen without any prolonged suffering. However, it is up to the pet owner to make the decision when necessary. The best thing to do is take her to the vet & ask for recommendations. If the vet reports she is suffering & he cannot help her then it is time for you to love her enough to release her from her pain. I am so sorry you have to do this & say goodbye to a dear companion. Peace

Answer 7

Quality of life is what matters.

If she seems comfortable to be with you, has a good apetite and no major issues, I would say let her be. Unfortunately, with all the vomiting, it may be her time. Let her go while she is not in severe pain or hunger.

When my vet put my dog to sleep, they sedated him, then injected him with a dose of Euthanasia medication and he was very peaceful. I thank God for my vets, they're the best!

Answer 8

Sounds like my cat before she died. She was 19 and kicked on her own.

How does it work? The veterinarian injects animals with a very high dosage of something,this causes the animal to fall asleep and pass away. A painless procedure but very sad =(

Answer 9

CRITERIA FOR EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia of animals is expected if animals demonstrate the conditions listed below, whether the animal has been manipulated or not. Additional criteria may be specified on the Animal Usage Form. Fulfillment of one criterion can constitute grounds for euthanasia. Exceptions are permitted only if approved by the IACUC as part of the protocol review process (i.e. the clinical signs listed below are expected as part of the experiment and appropriate measures are taken to minimize pain or discomfort in the animals).

Weight loss: loss of 20-25% (depending on attitude, weight recorded at time of arrival, and age: growing animals may not lose weight, but may not gain normally) or if not measured, characterized by cachexia and muscle wasting.
Inappetance: complete anorexia for 24 hours in small rodents, up to 5 days in large animals; partial anorexia (less than 50% of caloric requirement) for 3 days in small rodents, 7 days in large animals.
Weakness/inability to obtain feed or water: Inability or extreme reluctance to stand which persists for 24 hours, assuming that the animal has recovered from anesthesia.
Moribund state: depression coupled with body temperature below 99 F, or non-responsive to stimulation, assuming that the animal has recovered from anesthesia.
Infection: infection involving any organ system (either overt, or indicated by increased body temperature or WBC parameters) which fails to respond to antibiotic therapy within an appropriate time and is accompanied by systemic signs of illness.
Signs of severe organ system dysfunction non-responsive to treatment, or with a poor prognosis as determined by an RAR veterinarian:
e.g.

Respiratory: dyspnea, cyanosis.
Cardiovascular: blood loss or anemia resulting in hematocrit below 20%; one transfusion may be performed.
Gastrointestinal: severe vomiting or diarrhea, obstruction, intussuception; peritonitis, evisceration (immediate euthanasia required).
Urogenital: renal failure characterized by elevated BUN, creatinine or uroperitoneum.
Nervous: CNS depression, seizures, paralysis of one or more extremities; pain unresponsive to analgesic therapy.
Musculoskeletal: muscle damage, bone injury, locomotor defecits, etc. resulting in inability to use the limb, unless anticipated as part of the study.
Integumentary: Non-healing wounds, repeated self-trauma, second or third degree heating pad

The animal will be injected with one of the following to be "put down"

Anesthesia and Intraveneous KCl (1-2 meq/kg)
Barbiturate Overdose/ Euthanasia Solution, Intraveneous (100 mg/kg)
Anesthesia and Exsanguination

Answer 10

it might be time to put her down trie taking her to your vet and see what he thinks or if she doesnt get better take her to your vet and have him put your cat down because its more painful probably to live than to be put out her pain