My cat is at the end of his life and I’m struggling to know what to do

[MelonsOnSaleAgain]

Early last week my cat was noticeably lethargic and off his food, not unusual occasionally at 15 years old. By mid-week I noticed he had woken with a massively swollen stomach and was struggling to move.

We went to the vet and she gave him a steroid to ease any inflammation to see if it helped. It did perk him up a little, but we went back yesterday as his stomach was not improved. The vet I saw reckons the most likely cause is a tumour and he is now on limited time.

He has a diuretic tablet to go into food to make him more comfy but it’s a struggle to get into him as he’s not eating and it feels wrong to force him to swallow a tablet when he’s so unwell. The thinking being if he wasn’t so swollen he’d have a happy few weeks basking in his sunny spots. But if I can’t get meds in him I’m not sure this is achievable.

Its a bank hol tomorrow (vet closed) and we’re due to be away for a couple of nights from Tuesday, as a family, with our neighbour watching him and I’m just not sure what I do.

Do I try get an emergency appointment on bank hol tomorrow and gently have him put to sleep? Do I cancel our break and be with him as he slips away? Do we go and our neighbour check him and let him be in peace in his home.

He’s still up for cuddles, meowing at mealtimes (just not eating much), and and is snoozing away in his favourite spot. He’s still drinking, and going to the loo.

Im normally so sure but he’s been my pal and part of my life for 15 years and I’m really not coping and feeling very stuck. Help.

A friend sent me this poem when we had to make the same difficult decision

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close — we two — these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
— Unknown

💐

What a handsome boy. Hugs to you - it’s shit but it’s the last and ultimate act of kindness to ensure that the end is peaceful and painless.

So sorry to hear of your loss. You did the kindest thing x

It was the right and loving thing for him.

My parents once left it too late for an old sick cat, and had to see him die in pain and distress in the car on the way to the vet. I will always promise mine a better ending.

its sound like you made a very difficult but necessary decision.

be kind to yourself.

It's such a hard decision to make, @MelonsOnSaleAgain, but a wise one. I still have the card from the vets when I had my old boy PTS at the age of 22 / 23 (rescue). It was so painful to let him go, but he was at the point that his life was no longer enjoyable for him. I know you feel the same way too about your Dcat. I'm sending big unmumsnetty hugs to you.