Elderly Cat

[ShadowsSister]

Hi, I am owned by a wonderful 15 year old Kitty. Smokie and I have been together since he was 5 weeks old.  A year ago he started showing his age and seemed uncomfortable. I took him to the Vet, and was told that h was very geriatric, so of course I brought him back home, so relived I didn't have to put him to sleep. Now he is getting worse, his cries sound like he is in pain, he longer walks well. I don't want him to suffer, he has been such a huge part of my life. A part of me feels very guilty, but the other part feels like I need to end his suffering. I was just wondering if any one else has had to make this decision for a Pet that had stopped having a good quality life and seemed to be in pain. This is so difficult and is breaking my heart. My Daughter said " mom this is so unfair to keep him suffering like this."  I hope this hasn't caused any one to be upset...

[PrettyKitty1]

Hi, sorry to hear about your beautiful Smokie. Now that he is 15 and he's lived a good life, you as his owner need to judge based on his quality of life on weather he needs to be put to sleep or not. I am subscribed to a magazine called Catage. I recently received an article called Euthanasia: When Is the Right Time? I think it's my time to share it with you..and here it goes:

If your cat is terminally ill, and you're considering euthanasia:

• Talk to your vet first (and perhaps get a second opinion) about whether treatment may (or may not) extend the quality and length of your cat's life.
• Observe your cat closely. If he has completely stopped eating, can't get to his litter box, cries when touched, or is immobile or unresponsive, talk to your vet immediately to determine the medical problem and whether it can be treated.
• Investigate all your options when the time comes, including going to your own vet clinic or a 24-hour emergency clinic, hiring a mobile vet to perform the euthanasia in the comfort and familiarity of your kitty's own home, or, if you are on a tight budget, taking your kitty to your local animal shelter for euthanasia.

I'm sure you'll do the right thing. Anything else we can help you with don't hesitate. Again, so sorry about his illness.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, is that all the vet told you is that he's geriactiric?  Did your vet suggest any diagnosis for his crying and pain?  Did your cat get any x-rays, blood work? I would seriously look into more tests to get more of an explanation of your cat's pain, then you can base your decision on that. You need as much info as possible.   It could be something very treatable such as arthritis, thyroid, diabetes, etc.  So, please don't go assuming the worst.  Stressing yourself out isn't good for both you and your kitty.

Please keep us posted!!

[ShadowsSister]

How very kind you are to respond so quickly. I found comfort in your words. Smokie has been my reason to get up each day, he's been my room mate and companion and comforter all these years.After 15 years he still suckles my thumb to fall a sleep. He has stopped doing this a bout 2 weeks ago. He is a little stand offish when it comes to other people. Check out my page and you will see I have a few photos of Him and also my Mom's baby boy, Shadow.
Have a beautiful day, and thank you again...

[Savas]

Hi Shadow's Sis. Sorry to hear Shadow under the weather.

I always go by the following rule; when a cat stops eating and ceases to properly groom itself, then its quality of life has reached a point where it isn't sustainable (assuming there's no cure, of course).

Crying over discomfort or pain can be upsetting to watch if there's nothing you can do about it.  But like people, animals generally adjust to the conditions that come with getting older and go on relatively happily (in fact, I think they do a better job than people do).

As Shadow's companion, you've probably got the best judgement on the situation as to when she's reached that level of discomfort.

So...trust your judgment. I find it hard to believe that someone who's been family to a cat for 15 years would make the wrong decision on what needs to be done.