WWYD - old ill cat

[hairyfairylights]

She's about twenty years old.

My Ex has had 'custody' of her until Weds, when I took her to the vet.

She was given blood tests, antibiotics and fluid as well as a vitamin injection.

Apparently she'd slowed down a lot recently but her legs only became a problem last week.

Since Weds she has

almost completely lost the use of both back legs (very, very wobbly) - this has been coming for a while, slowly, I'm told.

refused food and water most of the time - eaten about three teaspoons of food since Weds but drunk a little each day.

Not eaten today or yesterday.

Sat in the litter tray twice, but done nothing (no wee or poo since Wednesday)

Wet herself today on the sofa

Sat in one place for most of the time, other than staggering the meter to the litter tray/water/food (about once a day) - the rest of the time I have been taking food/water to her.

she still purrs when cuddled or stroked.

She is very quiet

Would you have her put down, as she has not improved since wednesday?

I have another appointment with the vet tomorrow.

She has slightly raised kidney values, and slightly high colesterol but the vet says she does not have kidney failure.

Thanks for your help.

I'm so sorry to hear about your poor cat

I had a similar situation a while ago. Mine was almost fully incontinent before I could bear to have her put to sleep but it did eventually come to that. I think you should take your vet's advice and then make your decision. It's a hard place to be and I really feel for you.

thanks Jingle

I personally think it would be better to put her to sleep as she can't eat or drink unaided, has totally lost her appetite, and has wet herself already. :(

But I feel so sad to have to do this and guilty too.

I think you're right. If she can't eat or drink, it's probably for the best.

I still feel guilty about my poor old cat but I know it was the right thing to do.

Hi Lunatic - thank you!

I don't think she's in pain, but for a cat to wet itself, (as they are generally pretty hygeinic) then I think it's probably not good, as I know she can make it to the litter tray).

You are also right about the eating and drinking thing - that must be horrible for her too and she can't feel good if she is so totally off food and water.

The antibiotics I think were in case of infenction, yes.

We made the decision to put her to sleep today. The vet felt it was the kindest thing to do.

She fell asleep peacefully with me stroking her.

Thanks for your help.

Hairy x

thanks Lunatic.

So sorry. You did the right thing for your lovely cat.

oh i am so sorry, was in your shoes earlier this year. A very difficult decision to make, but you have done the right thing.

Hairy I'm so very sorry :( you did the right thing and you were with her right until the end.

just seen this - very sad for you but sure it was the kindest thing to do.my old boy got to nearly 20 and we carried on until he was like your poor cat x

thanks all of you.

I have to break the news to my step-daughter and her dad (my ex) later :(

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this, I hope you're holding up ok

That's very sad.

The time was obviously right, but I like the saying; 'better a day early than a week late'

Not fair to keep them going when they have obviously had enough.xxx