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Difficult decision - very old cat

6 replies

Littlemissindependent · 22/01/2017 13:27

7 months ago I took on a grand old lady who is 19. She'd had an awful life, and the charity I rehomed her from said to me that she may have 6 weeks, she may have 6 months, I'd just have to wait and see.
Obviously at 19 (92 in cat years!!!) she's not in the best shape but has seemed happy enough. However, recently she seems to be struggling to get comfortable, even in a low level bed with memory foam cushion, her back legs are a bit hit and miss at times and she's generally looking rather bedraggled.
I know that having an ill/struggling cat pts is the last act of kindness... but I just don't know if we're there yet.
She doesn't seem to be in pain (but I know cats hide it well) but she has taken to yowling for long periods of time for no apparent reason. I feel so so guilty for even considering having her pts, but I just want what's best for her and I don't know what that is!! Help me please Sad

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AuntMatilda · 22/01/2017 13:30

I would pay a visit to the vet (a good one!) And see what they say, make sure she isn't in pain or if she is can it be managed. Then make a decision on whether she's got more quality of life to embrace or if it's getting to that time :(
Kudos for giving her a nice home in her later years! :)

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Weedsnseeds1 · 22/01/2017 14:45

Have you tried a heat pad / hot water bottle? It used to help my old girl a lot.

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BertrandRussell · 22/01/2017 14:51

I would definitely PTS- the yowling means she is physically or psychologically distressed. Better a week too soon than an hour too late.

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PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/01/2017 15:06

I would speak to the vet and be guided by them. Is she on any pain medication?

I'm pretty sure cozie's Seniorboy has an electric blanket, that might be worth a thought for her.

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BantyCustards · 22/01/2017 15:19

I'd ask around for a very good vet (though since you adopted a very old cat who's days were numbered I suspect you have lots of cat experience and already know one) and get their honest opinion.

We allowed our lovely Alsatian to go on way too long and it still haunts me.

No matter what - you have given her love and comfort and that is far better than what her last days/months/years would have been.

Flowers

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CatBallou2 · 22/01/2017 15:40

I know that cats yowl in old age, but she could have a thyroid problem, as yowling can be a symptom of that, as well. Maybe she needs a daily painkiller. My 19 year old has loxicom everyday, as recommended by vet and ailments aside, he's in great form.

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