Maine Coon Cats lifespan? When should you call it quits?

Question

We adopted our cat, back in 1993 and she was 3 years old then. Which makes her 19 now. Her breed is a Maine Coon, and I realize the average lifespan is 9-15 yrs but that is an AVERAGE. My parents would prefer putting her to sleep but I believe it is because they are being selfish, we're moving into a new house and hate the smell of the cat box. I do NOT want to put her to sleep at all, she is like part of the family to me. They tell me that she is too old and that she is suffering. I admit she has lost some weight, but don't we all later in life?? She vomits sometimes early in the morning, but not often at all. She seems to be a happy and healthy cat but if what they are saying is true then I don't want her to suffer either. She sleeps with me every night, curls right up next to me and purrs all night. She is a very affectionate cat and always has been. Someone please give me some advice :(

Answer 1

That is a tough call. Yes, your cat is old, but that doesn't mean she is miserable.    Yet, your parents don't want to deal with her anymore.

The only thing I can suggest is that you see if you can compromise with them.  Tell them you'll take the cat to the vet and see what the vet says.  If the vet says your cat is suffering from ailments that cannot be treated and would be better off put down, then you'll go with their idea.  If the vet says the cat still has a good quality of life, tell them you get to keep the cat.

Also, volunteer to assume complete responsibility to the cat and keep that promise.  Do all the feeding, the litter box cleaning and medicating (If the cat needs medication)

The losing weight *could* be a sign of a more serious problem.  That's why I think a trip to the vet would be the best place to start.  Who knows?  The vet might be able to perscribe a course of treatment that could make your cat feel much better than she does now, and this whole argument could be avoided.

Best of luck to you and your kitty!   I hope all works out for both of you.

Answer 2

What kind of people are your parents that they want to put to sleep a healthy cat that they're had FIFTEEN YEARS because they "hate the smell of the cat box"?  That's one of the most pathetic things I've ever heard - and I've heard a lot in the past 20 years I've been volunteering with shelters!  Are you old enough to move out on your own?  If you are I'd do it - and take the cat with you.  Thank god you didn't inherit your parents' attitude.  You sound like a loving, caring pet owner who realizes pets are family!

Answer 3

When we got our farm, we inherited a few farm cats.....

At 12 years old, one of them got really bad -off, she couldn't hear, had no teeth, really arthritic, lost weight....

We did actually make the decision to put her down, she wasn't in pain, but she was unable to eat well, and was losing more weight daily.... 2 days after that, she died in my arms of a heart attack, on the farm. Sometimes, you just have to let them live, let them pick when they are ready. Trust me, they will tell you.

Answer 4

Don't put her to sleep.  I knew of a maine coon that was alive and well at 22 years of age.  They like babyfood meats when they get that old.  Sometimes losing weight and vomiting is because she has dental issues.  If her teeth hurt, she can't chew her catfood, and she swallows it whole, and it makes her vomit.  

I had a cat that lived to age 14 (not maine coon), she got sick and died, and I am so glad I didn't put her to sleep.  She crawled up on my chest one night and touched my cheek with her paw.  She smelled like she was dying, but she was purring and her face was about 5 inches from my face while I slept.  She was looking right into my eyes when I woke up.

I went back to sleep, and the next morning when I woke up, she was dead in the bathroom cabinet.  She actually said her goodbyes to me in her way.  It is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.  I am so glad I didn't put her to sleep.

Answer 5

If she is still able to do the things she enjoys then she should not be put to sleep.  Only when her quality of life is poor should you make the choice.  Also, most vets will not to convenience euthanasia anyway unless there is a medical reason.  

Talk to your parents about why she should not be put to sleep, let them know she is still acting ok and deserves to be taken care of in her old age.  Maybe if you got the advice of a vet who examined her your parents might be more understanding