Put her down or let her fade away? :-(

[PMTIsMe]

My elderly cat was diagnosed with liver failure ages ago, and has been in and out of the vets ever since with urine infections. Once the anti biotics kick in shes normally fine, really quite sprightly. The last couple of days tho she has aged over night and has stopped eating and is hardly drinking I sense she is on the way out, and I guess I can just let nature take its course. But I don't want her to suffer, and how can I know if she is? Should I just take her to the vet and put her to sleep? Which is kinder?

[twooter]

Personally I would get her put to sleep. If you know it's terminal, if she's miserable and feeling sick, and there is nothing else medically that can be done to improve her quality of life, then why not? All she'll know is the injection, and I'm guessing she's had plenty of those recently.

[TheMonster]

I would have the vet put her to sleep rather than think she is in pain or uncomfortable. When my old dog was suffering last year, a friend told me to ask myself who I was keeping him alive for: me or him. That made my mind up and we had a lovely long walk together before he went into the vets.

[twooter]

Realise that sounded very harsh - I know it's hard to let them go, but I think you'd feel better for it afterwards, and it stop her discomfort.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

I would take her to the vets see what they say but it does sound as if it could be time. You have obviously had your beloved cat a long time and you know how she is and if you sense she's fading then I think you should trust that . I think it is possible to know these thongs I always sensed when my cat was on the way out and I am someone who does strongly believe that putting them to sleep is the kindest thing to do, organ failure is a nasty wAy to go and if the vet agrees they have done all they can then maybe it's time. I'm
So sorry to hear ur cat is sick I still think about mine every day it's horrible saying good bye but you do what you feel is best for your pet :(

[ohbugrit]

I think the best advice is to try and list the things which to her give quality of life - comfort, sleeping, playing, eating, hunting, whatever. And when she becomes unable to do these things then objectively her quality of life must be reduced. If there's no enjoyment in life then it is often kinder to make the decision to have her put to sleep, however hard that is for you. It can be a final dignity.

:( for you.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Auto correct strikes again !! Things not thongs

[PMTIsMe]

Yes, some of my hesitancy is because Im dreading taking her to the vet. Which isnt fair on her.

[EssentialFattyAcid]

Going against the grain I would say let her fade at home unless she is obviously suffering.

We don't put humans down so I'm not sure why we do this animals so much.

Taking her to the vets would usually be traumatic for an animal.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

It's never easy in fact it's one of the hardest things to do pets are family and we love them. The only way to get thru it is to remind yourself it's all for her so she doesn't suffer any more and that this way she can go peacefully while you hold her and kiss her and say good bye. She won't be alone like she would if it happened at night or while you were out. :(

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

And if your able to pay for it some vets do home visits and will come and do it at home .

[fabwoman]

If it is possible she could have a nice, comfortable day and then pass away in her sleep then that would be the best thing, but how realistic is that?

I think you need to call the vet for advice. Not drinking is serious.

I feel for you, my cat has kidney failure and I know we will have to face this soon.

[Bunbaker]

I have been there, so you have my sympathy. It feels so wrong to play "God", but both my cats had sever kidney failure and it was a kindness to have them both put to sleep. Please don't feel guilty about your decision.

[PMTIsMe]

Took her to the vet and stayed with her. So glad I did, she was actually purring on my shoulder and then was gone, it was so fast and painless. Definitely the right thing to have done. So sad but relieved too, strangely.

[EssentialFattyAcid]

Sorry for your loss

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

So sorry to hear she's gone but I think you did the right thing and sounds like a happy peaceful end. And she's not in any more pain

for you and have a and remember all the joy she brought you and all the stupid/ daft things she did that made you smile every day :)

[countessbabycham]

So sorry.
I think you did the right thing.

[Hollyfoot]

That was very brave of you bunbaker. Am glad you have the comfort of knowing you did the right thing. My DH says it is part of caring for pets - it is the last caring thing you can do for them.

You take care x

[Bunbaker]

Thank you Hollyfoot. I loved my cats and was bereft afterwards. It didn't help that I was pregnant and a bit weepy anyway.

PMTIsMe Sorry for your loss . It is a hard decision to make, but it sounds like it was the right one.

[Hollyfoot]

PMTIsMe - that goes to you too. You did the most loving thing you could for your beloved girl. I think you suddenly get a clarity of thought, and you just know it is the right thing to do. I hope that will give you lots of comfort xxx

[ragged]

A good death is a fine thing .