My cat will be put to sleep this afternoon. I think I have let him down very badly.

[MellowYellow552]

He is 17 and three quarters and he's been treated for hyperthyroidism for over two years. My vet said he should eat either renal-friendly food or have Ipakitine on his normal food as treating hyperthyroidism often reveals underlying kidney problems. He has been doing this for two years (but he's had the odd treat and sometimes robbed from some of the other cats, as they do!)

I came back from holiday three weeks ago and he had the runs, so I gave him probiotic in his usual food which seemed to help. Then last week he was stretching out on the cold tiles next to the back door which I just took as being overheated, because it has been so hot. I now think I should have called the vet.

He was picky with food on Friday (though he did try and steal ice cream midweek!) then Saturday he started to go downhill very badly. Wobbling about, not eating, plaintive meows, drinking gallons. He's eaten some food, but picked at it. Last night he meowed loudly for some cooked chicken and scoffed the lot (8 small pieces).

I can't help thinking I have let him down very very badly and I am heartbroken. If I had called the vet when he first got the runs, the outcome might have been different. I don't think I will forgive myself for this.

Stop beating yourself up @MellowYellow552 , your cat is an extremely good age and it sounds to me like you’ve cared for him very well 💐

He's 17. Don't blame yourself x

Aaaah OP, your cat sounds like he's had a lovely life which has been much longer than many cats have. You sound like you've done him proud, and while this last thing will break your heart it's a blessing that we can do this when it's needed.

Hugs to you.

He's had a wonderful life and he's reached a decent age. Helping him with this last bit isn't letting him down - it's letting him pass as comfortably as possible, with love and compassion.

I don't think you've let him down at all.

You've looked after him and loved him for all these years.

Hyperthyroid cats do have to die eventually (I've had two) and as he's 17, he's done very well.

Don't beat yourself up. It's his time to go now. I know it's very, very sad but he's had a very good life with you.

You've loved him and taken good care of him and now it's time for him to go. I'm so sorry. You have absolutely NOTHING to blame yourself for.
Will be thinking of you this afternoon OP. 💔

Don't be like that 17 is a good age and years ago you wouldn't have known about any of this.
You've given him a loving life right to the end. 💐

I've been kicking myself over the same thing with our Lhasa Apso who died on Saturday. He had the runs but we couldn't get his usual food in the shop so he had been on a different one for a couple of days so we blamed that (he had a sensitive stomach so that was common) and thought the heat was why he was sleeping more than usual.

He was 14 and DH and I knew we didn't have forever left with him but I'm still kicking myself that we went out on Saturday for a walk and DC (20 and 16) were home with him. They'd called us to say he was breathing weirdly and we were about to head home when he passed away (it was so fast in the end) but he was at least being cuddled by the DC at the time so he knew he was loved and it was peaceful for him. The weekend meant that I doubt we could have been able to call a vet out in time either but I still wish we'd known to get him checked out as soon as he had the runs.

I'm so sorry about your precious kitty but you've done all you can and I'm sure he's had an amazing life with you.

You haven't let him down, this is what happens when you're an old man cat and you've had enough. Please be kind to yourself, it's the natural order, not your fault. You don't have the power to change this, don't blame yourself.

He is 17 the progression of renal disease is unpredictable and the vet may have given him a steroid injection and a probiotic anyway, I'm so sorry but please don't beat yourself up about this he is 17 and lived a good life.

His 18th birthday is 11 November. He's the equivalent of 87 years old with a chronic illness.

You have done so much for your lovely kitty, you are a great caring owner and should be proud. Your cat has had a long life and i'm sure carefree due to your love and care.

Oh my love, he's a very old man and by the sounds of it has had a great life and been loved very much. You can't always know, renal disease at this age is unpredictable, and as heartbreaking as it is you can't always fix them when they're in their twilight years.

You've not let him down at all. You've loved him, and now you're doing the hardest but most compassionate and loving thing we as pet owners ever have to do. Sounds to me like you've done right by him all the way.

It sounds like he's had a lovely life and is an old boy. You have been attentive and generous and cared for him. Not everything can be fixed and the odd bit of non renal food won't have made a huge difference to anything other than improving his quality of life x

I think when you have an elderly pet you do have to make a judgement call on whether taking them to the vets for seemingly trivial issues is the kindest thing to.

A vet visit can be quite stressful and waiting and seeing is the kindest thing to do. All pets die eventually, and 17 years old with a chronic illness tells me you’ve been a great owner to him and done the best thing given the facts of any situation.

You haven't let him down. He's an elderly gentleman with health issues. Cats mask pain so it's not always easy to tell if they are suffering. A peaceful goodbye is the kindest thing you can give him xxxx

You’ve not let him down. You tried to help him at home and I’ve done the same before as we have to make the decision sometimes as to whether a trip to the vets will cause additional stress.

my hyperthyroid cat deteriorated quite quickly and you make decisions in the moment.

If he could, your boy would thank you. Big hugs, it’s a horrible feeling 😢

Here he is when he was about 5.

You haven’t let him down at all. What a beautiful boy, it sounds like he’s had a lovely life with you

The average life expectancy of a domestic cat is 15 years. It sounds like it is just his time.

He's beautiful @MellowYellow552

Give him some cuddles from me please and please be kind to yourself. He's had a wonderful long life with you.

I can't see any way that you have let him down. All of those symptoms could be put down to the hot weather. And I wouldn't rush to the vet with diarrhoea. Stop beating yourself up. Your cat has had a lovely long life with you. You've done e your best for him. And he will know he's loved. Nothing more is needed. Be kind to yourself.

I’m so sorry. I had to have my girl Rosa pts two weeks ago. She was 12 and had cancer. I miss her terribly. Sending love. He’s a beautiful boy. This poem has brought me comfort:

He's seventeen - my childhood and last cats died at that age, it's a good old age and honestly they don't have much of a life once things go downhill at that age. It is just time for him to go - I am sorry for your loss.

He wouldn't gave enjoyed trips to the vets and being poked and prodded around. He's had a good life and you've looked after him until it is no longer fair on him.