Old cat heartbeat

[falange]

Help. I have a geriatric cat who is not eating a lot and is gradually losing weight, slowly not rapidly. Blood test last week at vet has ruled out problems with liver, kidneys, or hydrothyroidism. Vet said she's in good nick for her age and suggested she might have heart problems and asked me to check her heart beat. I've done it a few times and it ranges from 195 to 225. I'm not sure how accurate I'm being. Vet said he would expect it to be about 200. He said if it was more than 200 she would need a scan which would cost over £200 (she has to be sedated) which I can't afford on top of the £120 pounds I paid for a blood test last week. I've googled it and found that anything over 220 would be cause for concern, not 200. She hates the vets, is vicious and this is why has to be sedated. Even if I can get the money from somewhere I don't really want to put her through more vets visits, sedation, stress etc. Does anyone know if she would be in a lot of pain or discomfort if I do nothing, given her age. She is a much loved friend and companion. Sorry for rambling.

It depends on how geriatric the cat is. I had one of my old boys put to sleep 6 weeks ago because they found a mass in his abdomen. I didn't want to put him through the stress of 'trying' this, that and the other and racking up a huge bill and almost certainly coming to the same outcome. I had to think of him. I opted to put him to sleep there and then and the vet agreed that was the best option. I would far rather I had done it a day too soon than a minute too late. He was still himself and I held him right until the end. It broke my heart, but I don't see the point, personally, of inflicting all the probing, poking etc on an old cat. Let them go with some dignity. I wish that it was an option for me when my time comes.

So sorry to hear about your cat. I had my last one put to sleep and it's so sad. Mine is 16 and a half. I know they can live till much older but I said geriatric because that's what the vet said.

I have had cats that lived to older than that too. I know that is considered pretty old. If I was you, I don't think I would go down the exploration route. Apart from the cost, is it fair to your cat? CandleCat2 has to go for regular blood tests and that is stressful enough on him. He has a heart murmur, but I have resisted sending him for further tests. After losing his brother 6 weeks ago, I wouldn't do that to him. Fortunately, it seems to be stable now. The insurance have said they won't cover his heart now either. If it came to it, I would rather he lived out his life without stress and if the condition was going to impact him greatly, I would PTS.

Its a tough choice.

Thanks LittleCandle. What you've said has been useful