Sick cat at home. Advice please.?

Question

My cat has been diagnosed with fluid in his chest cavity thought to be the result a cancerous tumor. He had x-rays at the vet yesterday and they tried to take some of the fluid away which was difficult to remove and consisted of blood and pus. Other then having trouble breathing and not being very active he does not seem to be in pain. He is eating and affectionate. I could take him in tonight to be put down or do you think that he would die quickly at home? He is ten years old.

Answer 1

Well I can tell you he won't live for much longer.  Sorry.  It's up to you, if you want him to die quicker or to die at home.  Cat's are pretty stalwart and don't show when they're in pain.

Answer 2

Cats are very good at hiding pain. So even though you do not think he is in pain, he may very well be in a lot of pain.

That out of the way, as long as he is eating and drinking, I would say that you can keep him at home as long as you want. Just like humans, pets are happier being at home to die.

Once he stops eating and drinking, that is when it may be time to put him down. I'm sure the vet could give you advice as well on when it would be best to put him down. A good vet, though, leaves the decision up to you.

Sorry you have to deal with this. It's really hard grappling with this issue, I know.

Answer 3

that's the bad part of having pets its hard too let them go. take your sweetness home and love him all you can. you will know when the time comes. I'm soo sorry for you. good luck

Answer 4

I would ask your vet what he would suggest.  He will tell you whether his quality of life is good enough or if he think he should be put to sleep.  Most vets will come to the house to put an animal to sleep for an extra charge; this can be alot less stressful for the animal.  

Answer 5

I would recommend taking him to the vet and have him sent to the Rainbow Bridge after you have the proper time to say goodbye. Since he is eating and still affectionate, you could probably wait a while. Most cats will let you know when it is time, and since he is still eating, it may just not be his time yet. If the cat does not seem like he is in pain, he is hiding it very well as cats do.  

Answer 6

  Crazyem is right, sometimes it takes days fot the cat to die, just because they don't cry out does not mean they are not in pain, some even purr under stress.

    I beg you please do this act of kindness to your cat that through the years  has brought you great companionship and love and take him to your vet. The procedure is painless, and is very quick, if you can , be with him when the vet puts him to sleep , so the last thing he sees is his  wonderful mistress, that took care of him so well over the years.

   You will be glad you did, and if you have a place where you can bury him at home do it.

    I am so sorry that you must say goodbye to  a great friend, but to let him suffer is much more cruel. God bless, my thoughts are with you.