19 year old cat, incontinence and stopped grooming

Sadly, it’s time.

I often regretted being too late...

It’s a tough call, but do it, ‘cos you love her, then weep.
You clearly love her, you will be doing the best for her.

You have my absolute sympathy.

Aw, poor old girl. Big hugs for you too.

Cats hate being dirty. It's better to take her in to the vet sooner than later, she'll become upset. But for a checkup, not for being put down - she might just have a UTI and be back to normal after a course of antibiotics.

I'm so sorry, but it's time. Cats are ridiculously good at hiding pain so you just don't know. What I would say is that cats are clean animals by nature and if she's having accidents she won't be happy. Sometimes you just have to make the call and do the saddest but kindest thing you will ever do for a pet. I know how hard it is.

Actually, I would be willing to bet she is in pain. Cats are very good at hiding it. Sadly, it's time for her to be put out of her suffering, and the sooner the better for her. I'm so sorry.

I completely agree with you, @Aquamarine1029.

She's already in pain. Time to do her a kindness, OP.

Definitely time. As others have said, once cats are showing pain, they are in a lot of pain. They’re very good at hiding it.

So sorry that you’re dealing with this OP.

Also, I truly believe that it’s best to do it a little too soon rather than a little too late, for their sakes.

Take her to the vets. She might have something that can be cured and get her back to normal. If she doesn't, then it's already time. Please.

They do purr to comfort themselves... it's not always a sign of contentment OP.

Please do make a vet appointment.

Just wanted to say I'm sorry. You've lost a family member, and it's painful.

Try and take some comfort from knowing you did the best you could for her xx

I'm so sorry, OP. You did the best thing for her, but it must have been heartbreaking not being with her inside the vet's.

for you and your cat x.

We are in the same position with our old cat. She is really struggling and stopped grooming a few months ago. She has a open sore on her chest and the vet keeps giving her steroids and antibiotics but it's not healing and keeps ripping her chest open.

I have a 19 year old too and I've decided the next time she's ill it's time. She's ok right now but it's time for her to be on the end of life pathway now.
Horrible decision to make but we must do it for them.

Just read the update I'm so sorry.

OP I am so sorry to hear you lost your most beloved cat. I lost mine in April during lockdown and am still devastated. He was only 13 but had heart failure and wasn’t getting better. I still cry about it every now and again and will never forget him. Sorry, I get really teary about these things.