Making the decision to PTS

[bjjgirl]

Dcat is 15, 3 legged with a recently diagnosed thyroid condition. He is non stop vomiting (the reason we took him for the thyroid issue) which seems to be getting worse, I'm taking him the vets today.
Dp says I should prepare myself as dcat is clearly poorly, he wouldn't cope with an operation at his age / health.
But he is so loving and happy when he isn't throwing up - he is a house cat as we live on a fast road but has a great life when he is well. But he is not well, takes himself off etc
I just don't know how I will justify it in my head if it comes to making the decision if you understand?
He seems happy but poorly at times, the pts seems selfish on my behalf and part of me feels I should be fighting to save him but I know his age and health may make that impossible.
Sorry I know I'm rambling but I'm upset, really how do you make the decision?

It's better they go before they have no quality of life left.

Selfish could be keeping him around because you love him even though he's chronically uncomfortable.

Tough, I know!

It’s an awful decision to make, I know OP. Be guided by the vet. I had to have my cat PTS at 18, he went very quickly. It is really upsetting, but that is the kindest thing you can do, for a much loved pet.

Does the vet bring the conversation up or do you? Honestly at nearly 40 the thought just makes me want my mum! My kids are being great they are far more attached to the dogs.
Do you go as a family or do you do it and then tell the kids? Mine are 11 and 13

It’s horrible I know. With our cat it was quite obvious what needed to happen. Vets are used to breaking this kind of news.

When we had to make the decision for our elderly dog, the vet said he can’t go on like this so either we operate to see what’s happening inside or pts, DH & I were expecting it, and said I think he’s had enough, she said if you had said operate, I would have tried to talk you out of it. It is your decision ultimately though.

Could someone else take the cat for you? If you really can’t face it. It is such a difficult time, I stayed with my cat, I knew he would be calmer with me there.

So sorry you are going through this, the worst part of pet ownership, been through it twice and it has totally put me off having anymore pets.

I did this last week.
my gorgeous old cat fell getting off the sofa and I knew it was time. I had been stressing and getting upset for weeks as I knew it was coming.
I was a complete state at the vets but she went so peacefully. was holding her to my body and she didn’t flinch; she just floated away.
the worst part was physically leaving go of her and walking away. My husband and the vet had to take her from me as I was sobbing. My step dad then came and got her and buried her in his garden as we are moving soon. That has brought me comfort.

P.s I told my children (8 and 6) that she died in my arms that day but didn’t mention the vets. They were fine, they said they knew it was coming. They totally loved and adored her but have taken it calmly.

@PrancingPalomino Aww bless you, I had the same experience, couldn’t believe how quickly and painlessly he passed. It gets easier but it takes time. Take it easy

Thank you @Roselilly36
My husband and children are dealing with it so well, whereas I am a bit of a wreck. I owned her for over half my life so not having her here is hard to bear.

I'm so sorry.

Constant vomiting must be miserable for him. If that can be managed, I don't see why you couldn't give him more time and see how he goes but imo "better a day too soon than an hour too late." They have no concept of time or death, just how the feel in the moment and if that is a low quality of life which won't improve them PTS is the best and kindest thing.

We had dcat put to sleep on Saturday. It was incredibly peaceful and we knew she wasn't suffering any more.

Its such a difficult decision but we made it for her benefit not ours in the end.

Absolutely this. Though I just looked at my cat one day and just knew it was time. Waited for her bloods to come back just to be sure then took her. It was the right time.

It was a really peaceful and dignified end. With her sister by her side and snuggled in my arms.

Is he on medication for his thyroid issue? I only ask as our old boy was on medication for an overactive thyroid and was eventually on two tablets a day to get it under control. Prior to that he was being sick all the time and starving hungry all the time, trying to steal our food.
If you have tried medication and it isn't helping him, then it might be the kindest thing to let him go. We had to with ours at the beginning of this year, I found him collapsed on our bedroom floor. It was hard but I was glad to be with him at the end as he looked up and did a huge purr before he went to sleep. It was like relief he was no longer suffering.

Thansk all for the kind messages, the vet has changed his medication and checked his bloods - he has a cream now which should help, the vet said he is heathy bar the thyroid so wants to keep trying

That's good news. It will take about a week for you to see a difference but once they respond to the meds they are like they were before. Hope it goes well

X fingers he comes thru well !!

I'm in the same position our DCat is 20! She's had an ear infection, 3 seizures which make me think an underlying neurological condition plus she is losing weight regardless of how much she eats. Trouble is she doesn't seem to be in any pain, happily pops in and out of the garden and is still purring and affectionate.

All I can advise is take her to the vets, they do bloods which come back in around an hour which is helpful. My vet said because d cat is so lively and happy she wanted to try more things, and said they would let us know if the decision was to be made

So so difficult thou and I really feel for anyone going through it because our cats are like family