How do you know when it's time?

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

I am actually tearing up just writing this . I have 2 almost 18 year old moggies. Been with me through thick and thin. One is fine, if a bit scraggy. The other has been on meds for heart and kidney problems for 5 years and has dropped from her original weight of 6.2kg (fatty puss) down to bones. She's been perfectly happy throughout, loud purr, totally contented, eating whatever she wants, drinking, still making it plain she's Alpha Cat etc etc.

This morning, her front legs seem to have gone . She ate a bit and threw up. She's not distressed but she really can't walk more than a few steps before stopping or losing her balance.

When I left her this morning she was lying on the bathroom floor quite happily (nice and cool). How do you know when it's time? I think this is probably it but my heart is breaking just thinking of picking up the phone to the vet. But she's brought me so much joy that I just want to make sure I do the right thing by her and not for me.

Thanks anyone.

[cozietoesie]

Poor girl - elderly, down to bones, on meds and now can't walk and vomiting. You have to make that call, now, difficult though it is. It doesn't sound as if she can go on much longer and you won't want that 'longer' to be in any distress.

It's so hard, though.

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

I know . I want her to go out as easily as possible. I suppose I'm just clinging to, well maybe she'll rally.

Plus my husband is away so any trip to the vet will involve my 3 year old, which is not ideal.

Oh it is so hard

[cozietoesie]

I left it too long with my Darling Twoago (I think I mistakenly said Oneago in a recent post) and I've always regretted it. I kept on hoping that 'only a little longer' and he would come out of it. He didn't.

Maybe give the vet a phone to discuss the situation at least?

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

I will do at lunch. I have a trainee working in my office today and there is no way I can make the call without bawling.

Apparently PenguinCat has now made her way downstairs She is a tough old bird.

Thank you for the advice and sympathy

[HolgerDanske]

Maybe a vet could come out to you?

I'm sorry, I know it's horrible

[chockbic]

We made the decision when our old girl went off her legs.

You just seem to know when they have faded and had enough.

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

Thank you all.

I'm going to see how she is doing tonight. My husband just says 'oh, she's resilient', which is true, but every watch will wind down eventually and I just have a feeling that's what's happened here.

And although I'd never make a decision on this basis alone, she is meant to be going to my parents for a week at the beginning of August when we're away. I can't let them have to make the decision, and I should be there with her since she's done so much for me over the years.

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

Well, she rallied overnight, and quite happily ate a plate of lightly cooked chicken lovingly prepared for her at 5.30am by my previously cat-hating husband She is still able to make her wobbly way to the litter tray, and is still perfectly cheerful albeit reuctant to move off the bathroom floor.

So I've cancelled her 9am appointment but will arrange a house call for tomorrow afternoon so she's not stressed. I suspect she has developed diabetes, but I'm not putting her through any tests etc so it's time to let her go.

[cozietoesie]

Thinking of you all there.

[VeganCow]

Ah you are doing the right thing. I had to have my first cat pts at 18 as well, and her sister 2 years later. Its awful, but the right thing to do.
Its the one last thing we can do for our loyal pets isnt it, releasing them from any suffering.?
With euthanasia timing, they say you cant do it too early but you can do it too late.

[timtam23]

A very sad situation to be in but I think you are doing the right thing. Over the last 9 months I have had to have both of my old cats put to sleep (they both reached 18 as well). It was heartbreaking but the first occasion was the worst because I left it just a couple of days too late - second time round we were quicker to make the decision to call the vet.

Hope you can make a big fuss of her this evening

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

Oh I hope it is the right thing. She is still moving around, albeit very tottery. She's still getting to the litter tray. She's quite content and her normal self. But she's not eating much if anything, and she's not really drinking either. It's not much of a life, even if she's not distressed at all. I just keep clinging to, better a few days too soon than even a day too late.
I bought Goodbye Mog to read with my 3 year old last night. I hope my girl just flies 'up and up and up right into the sun.'

[HolgerDanske]

Oh gosh I am teary for you. You are doing the right thing for your dearly loved kitty. Peace to you.

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

Thank you all.
She went so peacefully, in seconds, lying in my lap. Vet said she was ready as she didn't fight it at all. She leaves her pawprints on my heart.

[chockbic]

Yes she will you won't forget her x

[cozietoesie]

She set out on her journey while the sun was shining and she was still - just about - on top of things. And surrounded by love.

You did the right thing although you'll feel adrift right now.

Take care.

[timtam23]

for you
You definitely did the right thing and your last memories of her sound like peaceful ones

I still cry for my old girl and how we should have taken her to the vet 48 hours earlier than we did. It wasn't at crisis point exactly but she had become so much more unwell, we gained nothing from keeping her alive that bit longer.