How do you know when you should PTS?

[WoolyBoots]

My lovely cat is 13, but recently has been poorly, has moderate renal failure and is on special diet and pills.
However he just looks miserable, doesn't enjoy eating, doesn't curl up to sleep but looks hunched up. He loved going outside and used to spend the majority of his time outside but is now inside looking miserable.
I'm worried if I go back to vets they will suggest more blood tests, pills and potions (already spent £600 this last round of illness) and I'm not sure it will help. I feel his quality of life is nowhere near what it should be.
Has anyone been in a sundial position that can give advice? Thanks.

Yes, that makes sense. The spark has gone. And the feeling in the pit of the stomach does tell me it's the right and best decision. Thank you.

DCat (13) had thyroid problems which were masking the fact that he had a hole in his diaphragm and some of his abdominal organs had migrated into the chest cavity. The vet said he had a chance of recovery but after an operation he cried constantly and his back legs would not bear his weight. I adored him but as soon as I saw his distress I asked the vet to put him to sleep immediately.

Obvious and "incurable" distress was the deal-breaker for me.

You have my sympathy, my dpony went today and although my head (and the vet) was telling me it was right, my heart is broken. Hugs to you all.

and hugs for all who've lost a loved pet.
My lovely cat is still here, vet suggested we try a few different potions to help, but he's lost quite a lot of weight and the vet said he does have chronic health probs that will keep recurring. I'm just not sure how long to give it to see if there's improvement.

frosty i am so so sorry for the loss of your pony, you must be devestated :(

It is good news that your kitty has a bit of extra time wooly, the vet wouldn't have offered the extra meds if he/she didn't think it worth a go. Give it a week maybe and see how he gets on xxxx

gilly

So it's review day for mr cat today and I need to say he's no better and I've made the decision it would be kinder to stop treatment. Will the words come out right though?

Oh Wooly, that's a shame. It doesn't matter how it comes out, the vet will understand and be sympathetic. It is so hard, even though you know you're doing the right thing, but actually for me a couple of days on, I feel a little less distressed (can't look at pictures of him yet, and dhorse is still looking for him) and have a slight sense of relief that because dpony was ill, he is now away from it all and we are not worrying ourselves sick on his behalf.

Just be gentle on yourself and don't be ashamed of being upset, it's never "only a cat", it's a friend and member of the family.

We faced this decision earlier this year with our 17 year old cat. She had a fit the previous summer and was put on medication which controlled the fits but the vet said she probably had a brain tumour. She was fine for a while but eventually went downhill with related problems appearing. We decided that it wasn't kind to her to prolong things when we knew she wouldn't survive an operation.
The vet was very kind and understanding at each appointment where we debated what we were doing.

Thanks to everyone on this thread for helping me over the last few days. Had little cat put to sleep just now. Very sad but I know it was the right thing. for everyone who has lost a lovely pet.

So sorry, Wooly. It's very hard even when you know it was the right and loving thing to do.

You have done the right thing - so sorry for your loss

Sorry about having to say goodbye to your little cat, Wooly

You have done right by him though

Sorry for your loss Wooly. It's the last kind act we can do.. as the many lovely posters here reminded me back in July when I had to PTS my beloved Morpheus.

And it's ok to grieve. We love them.. they love us, in the purest and purriest way!

what a lovely bunch of MNetters you are, thanks so much for all your kind words.

Very sorry for your loss WoolyBoots, I have had to make the same decision twice in the last year and it is a heartbreaking time