How will I know when its time to have my cat put down?

Question

My female cat is 8years old and shes had a re-occuring ear problem and re-occuring cistitis, which the vets aren't really helping to solve. The cistitis has become managable but when she gets a bad bout of it, she tends to urinate where ever she can inside and outside of the house. This is really frustrating my parent, but I absolutely adore her, shes my baby, and I can't bare to think I may have to have her put down. The cistitis is uncomfortable for her (girls if you've ever had it you will understand) but like I said once I've realised shes got it again I treat her asap with milk and water and the symptoms appears to go within an hour. But of course the cats welfare is most important if shes in too much discomfort its not fair to keep her going.

Her other problem, being ear polys, which the vets were very unhelpful with, have got worse and she has contracted a nasty ear infection which she is being treated for but is only a short term remedy as it keeps returning because the polys are blocking her ear canal.

She still has the same quality of life and is still very playful, kitten-like. The only thing that has changed is that shes sleeping alittle more than usual. But shes eating loads like she always does.

She having another visit to a new vets so I can get a second opinion, hopefully this week, but I worried they may say have her put down because theres nothing they can do and or its only going to get worse.

How do I know when its time?

If there are any people with experience in this your comments, advise and opinions are very welcome. If there are any people with vetenery experience your advise is also very welcome.

Thank you!!

Answer 1

You should definitly get another vet to look at your cat.  I have/had 4 cats.  My eldest lived for 21 years.  It was very difficult for me to put her down, but knew it was time for her.  When a cat matures in age, it is usually their kidneys that start and or diabeties.  My second cat was put down due to a tumor that grew very quickly in his stomach.  Even with him, we managed his care and knew when it was time.  They also let you know.  It is always a difficult decision, but if your know your animals, you will know deep in your heart when it is time.  But definitly get to another vet for the cats sake.  

Answer 2

If you have had your cat for a long time, and have given it a good life, then you wouldn't want it to suffer.  If the vets can't help get it well, then I think it may be getting close to that time. But take it back to the vet for it's next appointment and hopefully they can recommend something helpfull.

Answer 3

If it's managable, keep treating her! Until she's really sick and has no quality of life you shouldn't put her down.  

Answer 4

The following are common guidelines:-

    * A cat is in incurable pain which cannot be alleviated by drugs.

    * A cat has severe injuries from which it will never recover or which severely compromise its quality of life.

    * A kitten is born with serious defects which cannot be surgically corrected and cannot be endured by the cat; it may not survive weaning or it may not reach maturity (e.g. progressively worsening hydrocephalus)

    * A cat has unresolvable behaviour problems which mean you cannot keep it and which mean that it is not rehomeable; the problem behaviours have not responded to behaviour modification therapy or to drugs e.g aggression towards humans which result in people being physically injured (Note: some behaviours are due to neurological conditions/brain damage and are incurable), soiling behaviour

    * A cat has an age-related condition which cannot be alleviated and which causes misery e.g. advanced senility, incontinence.

    * A cat is terminally ill and will deteriorate. Euthanasia may not be an immediate concern, but will be later on. Euthanasia may be chosen immediately to prevent suffering later on.

I wrote several published articles on when to choose euthanasia including the original "Time To Let Go" leaflet written for Cats Protection in the UK.  Thefull guidelines are here

http://www.messybeast.com/euth2.htm

It sounds like your kitty needs a second opinion.  Make sure you have all the details to hand (write them down if necessary) as vets rely on the owners to give details of symptoms and behaviour that might not be apparent in a consulting room.

By the way - milk is not good for her.

Answer 5

I agree with Rachel that you will know when the time is right.  You have to determine if the baby's quality of life is good...if it is  don't put her down, if it's not you have to end her pain and suffering.

Answer 6

I have never been in a position where I have had to make the decision. My cat is also my baby and I don't think I will ever be ready to make that decision.  I am guessing love takes over, you will see suffering that you can't help with and your cat will as good as show you they are ready.  

I dread the day so I am sorry for you.  All the best.

Answer 7

You will know when its the right time..and its going to be hard..very hard!

You just have to think of your pet..and think of how much pain you can save them from...

Iv had two dogs put to sleep...one because he was 14 had arthritus couldnt move or eat and the other because she was 16 also had arthritus and big cists all over her and we couldnt afford another surgery to remove them [they didnt get all of them last time because it was too risky to remove them]....it was so sad but we knew we were helping our doggies in the end..and it was probably what they wanted.

I cried for so long after each was put down..but eventually the pain went away and the good memories stayed :)

I hope whatever you decide to do feels right to you :)

Answer 8

and if your mom had health problems would you put HER down too?? Ridiculous.

My cat recommended my cat be put down when she had a stomach virus and after over $1000 in useless surgeries, they put her on antibiotics and she was well in no time. It makes me sad people are so quick to have their animal put down, as if it isn't a living creature that wants to be alive.

In short, just because the vet says put her down, doesn't mean you HAVE to. You said yourself she's still enjoying herself and eating healthly. I can't believe you'd even need to ask this question!!!

Answer 9

I can't answer this for you, but I can tell you that I have had my cats put down when it is clear that the cat will not be able to be happy.  When the pain of the illness outweighs any comfort modern medicine might be able to give.

Cats often will let you know when they are "giving up" on life.   Cats are really good at hiding pain, so when a cat starts looking as if they are in pain and always miserable, then that is usually the time to seriously consider it.

By all means though, *do* take your cat to another vet.  Not all vets are infallible and you need to make absolutely sure your cat is getting the best treatement she can.  Eight years old is not that old for a cat, so if something can be done, then something should be done.

Best of luck to you and your cat.  

Answer 10

How do you treat cystitis with water and milk?  Milk should not be given to cats, it cause digestion problems and the sugars could be making the urinary problem worse.  I definitely think you need new vets.  Cystitis should be treated with antibiotics.  The cat may need surgery on her ears or special drops for the rest of its life.  8 is young for a cat.  My cat died when he was 17, he had diabetes and kidney failure.  I gave him fluids under his skin for over 3 years for the kidneys.   And the last six months had to give him insulin, too.  You shouldn't put a cat down for problems that you described.  If a cat is not eating and lethargic and in lots of chronic pain, then putting down is humane.  You just need better treatment, your cat should be able to live a full healthy life.  Don't put it down because of messes or inconvenience.  Get the cat proper medical attention.

Answer 11

Eight is too young to be faced with that situation, so I hope you have access to perhaps a teaching vet hospital, who often have access to the newest and best treatments.  The cystitis should be manageable much easier than you are finding.  Try giving her something like Cosequin, which improves the bladder wall tone.  It is available without prescription.  If she is forming crystals, that can be handled with diet;  you simply need to know if it is oxalate or struvite crystals, as the approaches are different.  Struvite is the easiest to manage.

I really cannot think the new vets would suggest to put her down, as it seems she has plenty yet to give.  What you indicate are more inconveniences than dangers.

A sudden change in behavior is almost always a signal that something is serious, as cats are very stoic.  But sleeping a bit more at age 8 is common, as she really is in the senior citizen category.

Signs are not eating, not interested in anything, and lethargy.  Then, only after a vet assessment would I assume anything.

I had to say good bye to one of my cats who was in decline from complications from thyroid disease.  Cat people told me she would probably give me a signal, and I thought that odd.  But one day she did.  It was unmistakable.  She was giving me her consent to send her on the way to eternal peace.

Answer 12

I wouldnt or couldnt and you shouldnt put this poor cat down for these really minor reasons...please bear with her she is a young cat and she is still obviously very sweet just needs a little extra TLC...please dont put this cat down she just needs you