The dreaded decision :(

[RosieMapleLeaf]

Actually, the decision has been made and the appointment is tomorrow morning. :(

Our cat is 14 yo and we have had her since she was a kitten. For the past 5 years we have been struggling with her, she has been hyperthyroid three times - treated with radioactive iodine twice and now controlled with meds. She has had urinary tract infections, and she pretty much refuses to use the litter box. Sometimes I think we are single-handedly keeping our local vet in business. Until recently the outside-the-litter box 'accidents' have been confined to the basement so we have just cleaned up after her and treated it as all part of having the cats. Now she has moved onto having 'accidents' in the main part of the house. This is more than likely a sign that either her thyroid needs stronger meds or something else is up. Either way, we have decided that we should just give her a peaceful ending. She gets very stressed with all the visits to the vet. And she is not happy, we hardly ever see her unless it is food time, otherwise she is hiding in the basement. She used to be a lot more visible in the house, I can't even remember the last time she was in the same room as me.

This is the first pet that I've had to make this decision for. I can't help feeling like we're somehow letting her down, even though we've had 5 years of trying to help her. Probably spent more money on her than the other cat and the two dogs put together - and our dogs are not the healthiest! I am a wreck today.

Please spare my beautiful girl a kind thought today.

[weegiemum]

I've only ever done this with guinea-pigs, but ((hugs)).

`hope your old girl has a peaceful end, and you are OK.

[catsrus]

it sounds like you're right - it's time for you to help her go with some dignity and no pain. I always think it's the last kind thing we do for them - especially to be with them at the end so they are not afraid. I've been there for all of mine, 6 dogs and 6 cats so far - and lots of smaller furries owned by the children - they were always there too. A couple of times we had the whole family plus a friend in there (we have very nice Vets!).

In all that time it has never been traumatic with the cats or dogs, just a very peaceful and gentle ending. I have an old lady ATM - and I don't think she will be with us this time next year, so hard isn't it?

[RosieMapleLeaf]

She's gone. :(
The last 24 hours have been very hard, and she has been very visible in the house and affectionate, which is very unusual for her. It was very peaceful and she will no longer suffer.

[ImeldaM]

Very sorry Rosie, its not an easy decision to make, I have similar cat, getting older and not at that stage yet, but will be hard when time comes.

[ExitPursuedByATroll]

Having a little weep for you and your cat Rosie. Been there, done it, never gets any easier. I suppose loss is part of loving something.