Cat being put to sleep at 1pm today - it's the right thing... I just can't thinking is it the right thing to do...

[ImitationofBeing]

Just that really.
The children are heartbroken and looking at me like I am a murder.

Our cat is 14. He's not fixable, if he was to have palliative care it would only be for a week at the most and he'd have to visit the vets daily. The vet and nurse let us make our decision and said I'd made the best one.

There I go... Justifying to myself why its the right thing to do.

He's been the most brilliant cat. Funny, stroppy, friendly to everyone in the street.

I can't imagine not hearing his cat flap closing and his big meow to let us know he's in and needs food and hugs (in that order).

I’m sorry your lovely boy is so poorly but it does sound like it is time.

A few years back our cat (also 14) had an inoperable tumour and I wished I’d put her down sooner. (She went rapidly downhill over a weekend and I think she was suffering by the end.) it’s a horrible situation but you need to let him go before he suffers. xx

Thank you.. This is the hardest bit isn't it - getting the right time.
Our other cat - we waited too long (and he died one night at home and I am sure he was in pain.

He's under my desk purring.

I am sorry to hear about your lovely boy. I always say the same thing, it's the last kind thing you can do for your lovely cat, it's what the best owners do.

Also, the trouble with being an adult is you get to make the difficult decisions. Your children of course will understand with time. How old are they? There will be lots of tears but when it clears you will remember your lovely cat as he was. Stay strong and be kind to yourself.

Better a week too early than a day too late it’s the hardest part of pet ownership I think, but you know you’re doing the best for him.
Hope today isn’t too hard for you and your family x

you know the saying, better a week too soon than a day too late.
You're doing the right thing for your cat, even though it hurts you.

Just because it's the right thing doesn't mean it isn't incredibly sad. Of course you feel torn and upset. But if definitely sounds like the best for your DCat.

I'm really sorry to hear about your boy. It's better to do it before he starts to suffer than to risk him going downhill during the night when you're not awake to know.

Ours was still purring and talking to us as we put her to sleep which was hard but with hindsight, we are so grateful she fell ill in the middle of the afternoon because we got to put her to sleep before the pain kicked in. It took about 3-5 seconds to happen after vet injected the drug which I didn't know to expect. It was fast but very peaceful and she didn't know what was happening.

MilduraS - thanks for posting your experience on what happens because I'm wondering how long/what happens. He has a cannula in his leg already so guessing that's one stage already done and they will use that.

He's just had a few strands of grated cheese - no need to remind him of his diet anymore (he was a chunk)

My girl had a very peaceful and dignified end. Cuddled in my arms. With her sister by her side. I took great comfort from that. Plan what you are going to do, before you go. As in burial or cremation. Individual or group. Maybe get some paw prints or photos of his prints now. I had a sliver key ring with my two's prints on.

Oh I'm glad he already has a cannula. We waited outside for that to be put in then the vet left us alone for a few minutes before coming back to ask us if we were ready. We didn't know until a few days later but the vet nurse made some paw prints in clay afterwards which was unexpected but lovely.

I like the idea of paw prints. Not thought of that x

He will be cremated and then be put in my cupboard of pet ashes (I don't know where to put them!!).

Important to remember, and perhaps tell the kids, that cats also purr to self soothe when injured or in pain. Not just when content.

You're putting his needs first, that's the kindest thing for him.

He has no bucket list. No regrets. He lives in the moment. Better to have a calm pain free end than to have to live with pain without any understanding of it.

I've two, for me it's always quality of life over quantity.

Ta for your kind words and telling me about your experiences on the actual day.

Big fat cat went to heaven this afternoon. I let him lick the butter before I took him to the vets.

It was his time to go - he didn't even wait for the actual injection. As the vet was preparing it, he leant into me and collapsed and died very peacefully.

In some ways that helps me know it was right.

Devastated, big huge gap, but so proud of my boy and so glad he was our cat for all these years.

Oh bless him! I'm glad he got to go on his own terms. I had a little laugh at the butter, excellent choice for a final meal.

So sorry for your loss op. We lost one of our 2 db's last year.. His ashes went in a plastic tub under a lovely shrub in a stone dcat planter (from The Range)..
Speak to home every day!! And his shrub is starting to bud yellow daisies!!

He loved dairy products. I once left a full bowl of grated cheese to make cauliflower cheese. Went to the loo, came back, all gone.

He was once found eating the butter that had been left on the work surface to soften (removed the wrapper very neatly)

Ate a birthday cake that was cooling down.

Licked all the open topped tuna and salmon sandwiches for a family party (I never told the family, they survived).

And he went to my neighbours (through their cat flap) and took a turkey leg. He shared it with his cat friend a few doors away.

Sounds an amazing boy op!! Ours eat thieved vegetables! A strange pair they were together!

@Internetio

Better a week too early than a day too late it’s the hardest part of pet ownership I think, but you know you’re doing the best for him. Hope today isn’t too hard for you and your family x

This. We are currently too late for our DDog. DH has his head in the sand and nothing I or the vet says convinced him that DDog needs anything more than 'building up'.

It is a travesty, and trust me, you are doing the right thing.

@ImitationofBeing

Ta for your kind words and telling me about your experiences on the actual day.

Big fat cat went to heaven this afternoon. I let him lick the butter before I took him to the vets.

It was his time to go - he didn't even wait for the actual injection. As the vet was preparing it, he leant into me and collapsed and died very peacefully.

In some ways that helps me know it was right.

Devastated, big huge gap, but so proud of my boy and so glad he was our cat for all these years.

Oh bless you. Bless him.

He was once found eating the butter that had been left on the work surface to soften (removed the wrapper very neatly)

He was a very considerate cat. We went through 4 butter dishes before replacing with plastic Tupperware. Our dairy loving cat knocked them off the counter and ate the butter as quickly as she could before we got to it.

4 butter dishes.... Oh there's determination!

Sorry for your loss, I felt guilt stricken at letting our boy go but he had cancer.They become part of the family.sending love

Well done op you've done the hardest and bravest thing for your precious boy

He sounds a proper little character & you did what was best.

I’m sorry you lost him.