When do I know it's time to have the vet put my cat to sleep? ?

Question

He is now 13 or 14 years old, I rescued him as a kitten from the pound..... 3 months ago, the vet said he has a thyroid cancer or condition and no treatment except this 2x daily medication. She said no more flea treatments, no more immunizations, no tooth extraction. So, he's lost almost 2/3 his former weight and the past 2 weeks he almost completely stopped eating.....YET, he still purrs, he still wants to go outside at night and guard the front of the house, and he still drinks water and a tiny bit of dry food, normally he used to eat 1/2-1 can of canned food every single day, now he just looks at it... I cannot bear to take him to be put to sleep as the vet has mentioned this will be his future (before 9 months from now), anyhow I did see him vomit the other day for the first time but I did not mention it to anyone. I almost wish he would just run away because I CANNOT be the one to make the decision. My husband did that with our cocker spaniel who was only 4 and had an incurable liver condition, he says it's my turn now.

PS He still goes out this week and is harrassing the birds and he actually killed one this week I think. (Same old self)

Answer 1

  Try feeding him some jars of  baby foood  (chicken) meat only no  veg.tables or fruit  only  strained meat  (for new born babies)...CATS PURR  when they are in pain also ..you really dont want him to run away and and die by his self..he needs your conforting solf voice and gental touch and attention  it needs you now more than ever as he has always been your faithfull companion and gave you unconditional love all these years..now he needs you  beside him  so he can go  peacefull and not be frightened....or lonely...show him now how much you care for him now and not let him be alone at this sad time  give him all the love you can give to make it easier on him  and your self and you will never feel guilty and will know that you did everything  possible  to make his passing more peacefull and easier on him and less frightening   ....GOD  BLESS YOUR BABY AND MAY HE GO IN PEACE WITH ALL THE TENDER LOVE YOU CAN GIVE......BLESS YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE ONE..........

Answer 2

It is the hardest question when your baby is getting old, and soon to go kitten heaven.  I gone through this 2 times, and it is not an easy question.  For some reason, my cats told me, when it was the time.  It is like a sign from them.  My baby girl died of kidney failure, her last day... she peed in front of me, look up, and went back to the same place to sleep. After 4 months of sub-q (kidney dialysis), my partner and I know, she want to be freed from the sick body.  My male cat, stayed away daily, and the last night, she meowed so bad.. another sign...

When you cat cat not played anymore, and their eyes look up to you.... you will know!  Prayers are sent to your baby!

Answer 3

My dog and cat both have a thyriod condition, and its very treatable. If popping a pill down kitties mouth twice daily just isnt a possibility, it does come in a liquid or chewable medicated treat form. When an animal isnt treated for a thyriod condition, it will often lose weight, appetite, hair, sometimes even vomit.

Have you looked into the medication aspect? My kitty on thyroid meds is going on 17 and still going strong!

Answer 4

do what's best for your cat, not yourself.  Good luck.

Answer 5

Oh my, I'm so sorry you are in this situation. And I'm sorry your kitty isn't well. You are a special person to have rescued him. I'm agonizing over this myself with my own cat and his cancer. I'm going to let my gut instinct tell me when it's time. We know it's going to be very soon, so we've been spoiling him and spending lots and lots of time with him. I'm going to let myself get to the point where I just can't let him suffer. If he seems to be comfortable and living life, then let him help you decide.

I wish you strength and peace.

Answer 6

i would talk to ur vet. if he has stoped eating then thats a bad sign. because i know a girl whos cat got really thin and died the next morning so please take him to a vet.

Answer 7

Well my heart goes out to you, I have had to have several of my beloved pets euthenized but it is far better than watching them suffer. sounds like your cat is still doing ok. But you will know when it is time. just remember it is because you love him that you will be doing this.  If I was close I would do it for you, I know I hated to be the one to do this, but it will have to be done. Hopefully not soon.I think your husband should be the one to do this for you.  you can take him to the vet and have it done after you leave so it will not be too hard for you. Wish you luck on this, I do understand.

Answer 8

Usually, the vet will suggest what to do. It can be very hard but what the vet says can help you a lot. When my kitten had a disease, she wasn't eating anymore and the vet gave us the option of force feeding her or putting her to rest. We choose to put her to rest because we couldn't stand to see her suffering. It is really your decision to decide what would be best for your cat. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 9

I had written something here... and then decided against it.. Instead.. I offer you this poem, in hopes that you might find your answer in it.

A Pets Prayer

If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then, you must do what must be done

For this, the last battle, can't be won.

Don't let your grief stay your hand,

For this day more than the rest,

Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many years,

What is to come can hold no fear.

You'd not want me to suffer, so

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me to the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you'll see it is a kindness you do for me

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve it should be you who this thing decides to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years,

Don't let your heart hold tears.

SMILE, FOR WE WALKED TOGETHER FOR AWHILE.

Answer 10

Aw i'm so sorry about your cat but everything need to leave one day.  The animal cannot decide themself so you must.

I think you should take her to a vet or maybe a different vet to see what they say then go from then on.

If your cat is in a lot of pain and cannot move etc then it is time. I think you should take a photo of her as a good memory and people now sell those impression where you can stick her paw in it and take an impression. You should do that...

Answer 11

Oh dear Granny.  My heart goes out to you.  This is the hardest time for anyone who owns a pet.  You never know when the "right day" is, but you know the time is coming.  It's a hard line between loving them and wanting them around forever and loving them enough to give them peace.  Please find it in your heart to be the one to be there for him, since you are his life.  Give him the final gift of holding him as he passes on.  It's the last, most wonderful things you can do for him.  I'll be thinking of you.  Take care.