For Animal Lovers..... When is it the "Right Time"?

Revenge Tour · Nov 17, 2023 at 12:41 PM

We've had our cat, Dory, for 18 wonderful years.

She has had a great run but I'm afraid the end is near. I asked Alexa what the symptoms were of kidney failure in cats and basically everything Alexa said (loss of appetite, weight loss, using the bathroom in unusual places, excessive thirst, lethargic), my cat has. She has also lost a lot of fur on her tail. When I change her kitty litter, it's barely used. It's so sad.

I feel like if I let her go on her own terms she may be suffering and that would be selfish on my part. On the other hand, putting her to sleep would end this but she may just not be feeling well and will feel better in a day or two.

I love you, Dory.

Nammu · Nov 17, 2023 at 01:56 PM

I have no idea. I have a 19 year old cat who went blind about 7-8 months ago and made the adjustment but now has other problems. But he doesn’t seem to be in pain and he still faithfully uses the litter box and eats. It’s so hard cause they can’t speak.

Discombobulated · Nov 17, 2023 at 05:20 PM

In my experience you’ll know when it’s time, there’ll be a deterioration and you’ll know you don’t want her to suffer like that. If there is any doubt though the vet will be able to guide you.

Sorry you’re going through this loss, it’s tough losing a pet.

BeyondtheRainbow · Nov 18, 2023 at 09:42 PM

I had a cat who lived to 21 with kidney failure. She had frequent UTIs that mimicked the kidney failure symptoms. Once she had antibiotics she'd go back to feeling better, eating and drinking better and peeing again. We went through many rounds of this but with a hospice approach she was kept comfortable until her heart gave out. It was very clear when the time had come. Getting her to the vet might be worth it though.

NatalieJastrow · Nov 19, 2023 at 07:27 AM

I put my cat down last year at 16. He was throwing up weekly - not - I ate my food too quickly - It was like bile. I went to my vet but they were totally unhelpful. Always wanting to do a 2K treatment / test (and I spend 2K trying to get a diagnosis). I never got a diagnosis (I suspected lymphoma) In the end my cat just slept all day when he wasn't throwing up and I knew that was no kind of life. Everyone told me I could give him 2 more years... but I was like... forwhat? I do not even know if he is suffering. My gut was telling me it was time.

It is difficult to make that decision, I probably delayed for 6 months or so, but in the end I my gut was screaming at me that it was time.

ArmorPlate108 · Nov 19, 2023 at 11:13 AM

I've always based it on whether they're suffering in some way, seem to be in pain, or are no longer able to enjoy aspects of life.

If your kitty isn't suffering and still enjoys eating, being petted or groomed, watching birds, etc., then she may still have some quality of life.

It might be nice if you could get an assessment from a vet, who might even tell you that she's in "comfort care" territory, but it can be so tough to find a conservative vet for that sort of thing.

Revenge Tour · Nov 19, 2023 at 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

In my experience you’ll know when it’s time, there’ll be a deterioration and you’ll know you don’t want her to suffer like that. If there is any doubt though the vet will be able to guide you.

Sorry you’re going through this loss, it’s tough losing a pet.

Thanks D.

Revenge Tour · Nov 19, 2023 at 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

I had a cat who lived to 21 with kidney failure. She had frequent UTIs that mimicked the kidney failure symptoms. Once she had antibiotics she'd go back to feeling better, eating and drinking better and peeing again. We went through many rounds of this but with a hospice approach she was kept comfortable until her heart gave out. It was very clear when the time had come. Getting her to the vet might be worth it though.

Yep. Calling the veterinarian tomorrow. Thanks.

Revenge Tour · Nov 19, 2023 at 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmorPlate108

I've always based it on whether they're suffering in some way, seem to be in pain, or are no longer able to enjoy aspects of life.

If your kitty isn't suffering and still enjoys eating, being petted or groomed, watching birds, etc., then she may still have some quality of life.

It might be nice if you could get an assessment from a vet, who might even tell you that she's in "comfort care" territory, but it can be so tough to find a conservative vet for that sort of thing.

She's been a little more chipper the last couple of days. Still not eating much but roaming around the house with the occasional "Meow".

Making an appointment tomorrow to get doctor's opinion.

felineangel · 05:50 PM

It's never easy losing a cat

You'll feel when it's time, if she's not enjoying doing things any more that's a clear sign that she's ready to go

I had to make that decision for my angel Ebony a few years ago, on her last night all she could do was walk in circles and she was no longer aware where she was putting her paws, cancers was taking over her body, she went into the vet for tests to find out what was wrong and they found all the cancers in her, they think it had got to her brain as well by that point

My angel was only 7 but she'd had a horrible time of it before she was rescued, and had a lot wrong with her even before the cancers

Revenge Tour · Nov 20, 2023 at 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by felineangel

It's never easy losing a cat

You'll feel when it's time, if she's not enjoying doing things any more that's a clear sign that she's ready to go

I had to make that decision for my angel Ebony a few years ago, on her last night all she could do was walk in circles and she was no longer aware where she was putting her paws, cancers was taking over her body, she went into the vet for tests to find out what was wrong and they found all the cancers in her, they think it had got to her brain as well by that point

My angel was only 7 but she'd had a horrible time of it before she was rescued, and had a lot wrong with her even before the cancers

Ebony was lucky to have you.

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Discombobulated Grand Magnate Member Since Oct 2019 Location: UK Posts: 4,939 (SuperPoster!) 4 12k hugs given	Nov 17, 2023 at 05:20 PM #3 In my experience you’ll know when it’s time, there’ll be a deterioration and you’ll know you don’t want her to suffer like that. If there is any doubt though the vet will be able to guide you. Sorry you’re going through this loss, it’s tough losing a pet.
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