When to PTS?

[Level75]

Hi all, my 15 year old cat has been recently diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Prognosis is 1 to 3 months. She had stopped eating and drinking with the end result being a bit of surgery and teeth out followed by a biopsy and diagnosis. After the operation last week she seemed a lot better and was eating well. Today she's stopped eating except for a few mouthfuls here and there. I've even tried chicken which normally she would love.

We're going on holiday next Saturday and have a relative looking in on her every day but I'm worried that if she won't eat she will need to be PTS soon. It doesn't seem fair on her or our relative to have her become very ill when we're away.

I'm thinking we should PTS this week before we go but then I feel like I'm killing her for my convenience which is awful.

It's a long planned and pricey foreign holiday which we all have been looking forward to (have 6yo DD) so not something we'd realistically want to cancel.

WWYD?

I would do it before you go because she will miss you and it will make her worse. It's very hard to let go and anytime you do it will feel wrong. She can't get better, and you will worry.

As a vet nurse I say it's best to put to sleep a week too early than a week too late. It's a horrifically painful condition and if already struggling so much I'd suggest to say your goodbye sooner rather than later. I know it's so hard and there isn't a certain day where you know its the right time, but you'd not be wrong to pts at any point now

You would absolutely NOT be doing it for your convenience. Not one bit. You would be doing it to save her suffering and ensure her dignity and having you close until the end. That’s the important thing.
I am so so sorry you’re faced with this.

Thanks all. I think I'll see how she is tomorrow and talk to the vet. I guess my cat's never going to know either way. It's happened so quickly that I feel I need more time to adjust but that's not necessarily the best things for her.