PTS dilemma

[Worried2987]

Hi
My cat has a lump in her tummy which is growing quickly (size of apple now) and she is skin and bones. The vet said we might get to new year with her. Shes barely eating and was really sick on friday and saturday. So i booked the appointment to euthanase for this evening. Then this morning shes crying for food and made a good effort to eat. Shes still going up and down stairs and wants a fuss etc.
I'm so conflicted about whether this is the right time.
I don't want her to get really ill eg just lying there and am worried that this could happen right on xmas when there is no help. But I don't want to do it if shes still generally happy.
I'm not sure what I'm asking just needed to write it down. Shes the sweetest cat it's just happened so fast.

It's so hard when they are still having some good days. I went through this last year with my old boy. The thing to ask yourself is, are the bad days outweighing the good days - what is her overall quality of life like?

It's often said, and very true - better a week too early than a day too late.

It's a very valid and reasonable concern that emergency vet care would be difficult to find over Christmas, and could lead to more suffering if you have to take her on a long car journey because your usual vet isn't open.

There is no right or wrong answer, but I would say, if in doubt, err on the earlier side. It will be heartbreaking for you whenever you decide, but to your cat it will be a blessed relief from pain.

I’d ring the vets and ask them, I’m so sorry you have to lose her like this it’s never easy to let them go.

The saying better a week to early than a day too late makes sense, until it's you suddenly being the one who has to make the decision to deprive your much loved pet of the chance of any more good days. Ive been the got the shirt and always found it hard unless the animal or a vet make it very obvious. Hugs to you st this difficult time.

For what it's worth my reaction to your post is that I'd go ahead and do it today. If she goes out on a good day then that's a good thing isn't it? Better to go half eaten some tuna and dreamed and having enjoyed a nice fuss than in pain and miserable and frightened. Plus with the sort of time scale you've got, the is a very real danger of a vet not being around or at least very delayed on the day she really needs it.

Having, not half

I'm so sorry to read this it's so difficult a decision to make , I would also go with ring the vet and ask their opinion although they usually put the decision making back into your hands they are pretty good at helping you decide

And dreamies*

Sorry for typos

I had similar this summer when my boy had a tumour in his mouth.
We let him go before he got too ill as we didn't want him to suffer, we have three other cats, all girls but wd still miss our boy every day, though it was right that we said goodbye when we did.

It's your decision to make OP - you know her best.

It sounds to me that it's time to let her go. You know she isn't getting better. You're going to worry about her all Christmas and the fact the vets are closed if she suddenly goes downhill.

It's an old cliche but it really is better to let them go early rather than too late. I've seen so many people drag animals on.

I've had to make a few difficult calls including having a very young horse pts. The saying that sticks in my mind is that animals know quality not quantity. They have no idea how long they are meant to be here - they just know how they are treated when they are.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry to say this but I'd let her go on a good day.

You don't want to spend Christmas day trying to find a vet because she's seriously ill and really suffering.

Having been through this, it sounds awful but you'll probably feel a bit of relief (on top of being sad) because it takes the what if away.

I'm so sorry.

I agree that it is better to let them go before they suffer, not when they are suffering.
I try to time it so all my animals go when the outcome is hopeless but they are still well, as seeing it left too late too may times haunts me.

A fast growing tumour is a risk for rupturing, which would be extremely unpleasant, I had the same issues years ago with one of my dogs who had a liver tumour. The day I booked the vet was the first day he actually went for a little walk and played with a stick. I explained to the vet when she came, expecting to cancel, but she said it was still the right time to do it and better than waiting. She was right, and my last memories of him are of that happier last day.

Thank you everyone. I think it's time and reading what I wrote and your responses has helped me. Thank you

I agree about doing it today. As a PP has said you don't wasn't an emergency dash to the vets.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_litter_tray/3614580-My-cat-has-cancer-when-to-PTS
This was my thread.

I’m so sorry OP but I think you’re right. I’ve found they sometimes seem to rally and do well but then suddenly get much worse.
So sorry.