how do you decide when to let go?

[Cosmosis]

My beautiful 11 year old tabby has been diagnosed with lymphoma. We have been given some steroids to make his last couple of weeks more comfortable.

We've never had to go through this before, so are unsure how we decide when it's time to say goodbye. At the moment he has a lovely nest on ds's cot (ds is only 7 weeks so not using it yet!) and he has a litter tray up there and we feed him there too. DS's room was where he chose to hide when he started feeling poorly, we haven't forced him up there btw. Hr's eating a bit - varies from day to day, and getting spoiled with milk and yoghurt and stuff he's not supposed to have but loves.

It's so hard, he was our first baby, and I hate seeing him go through this. we thought ds would have a good few years of playing with him.

So sorry for you.

My cat was diagnosed with breast cancer that has already spread to lymph nodes in the summer of 2009. The vet said that spaying her might stop the cancer in its tracks and he did that plys he removed a few of the tumours.

She was ok for a few months and then in November, I think, developed open sores on the tumours, we were given medicine and ointment, but she was bleeding everywhere and it wasn't really getting better. She was still quite perky, though.

The moment we knew we had to put her to sleep was when she stopped eating/ was eating just a little and started hiding. This lasted just a few days but we took her to the vet (different one, much nicer than the one who performed the op) and she agreed with us. She got two injections, it was very peaceful and quick.

I would say when the cat doesn't eat, hides, seems not himself etc.

In fact if I had to do this again, I would do it earlier than last time, I wouldn't let her be in obvious discomfort.

Thanks Winnybella, we took him last night. It was very peaceful.

I was surprised how peaceful it was- it was the only consolation. My cat was 11 as well.

Yes, it was a much better experience than I was dreading. The house seems very empty now though - just waiting for other cat to work out he's gone - he's a bit thick so it may take while