Is it time?

[FeralNun]

I think it might be. I’d value the opinions of other cat slaves before I discuss with the vet.

She is 19 years old, grumpy, sleeps a lot. When not sleeping she is yowling and pretty deaf.
She toilets everywhere. She has a recurring ear infection which doesn’t seem to bother her (no scratching) but I can’t get on top of it.

On the plus side there doesn’t seem to be any pain, she eats and drinks normally, and enjoys a stroke and hanging out with me. No lumps or bumps.

I wanted her to go in her own time, but equally don’t want to leave it too long. I definitely don’t want to go the route of interventions and medications to artificially prolong life - she’d be very distressed.

Views? Please be kind if you can. This is hard. TIA.

I think if she's toileting everywhere it may be time. The fact that you are asking the question means it probably is. You will know when it is time. I have with all of mine.

I remember with our old cat we said she was in no pain for a long time but in hindsight she definitely was, it just increased slowly enough we didn’t see it. If she’s toileting everywhere I’d be worried she’s in pain and I would probably either see the vet for painkillers or put her to sleep.

Thank you both. That is so helpful. I do know really, I think.

I’ll chat with DH tonight and then it’s big girl pants on and call the vet. 19 years is good, right?!

19 years is amazing and I’m sure she’s had a wonderful life with you. Xxx

Thank you so much. She’s certainly had a very comfortable life!

@FeralNun . We are going through a similar dilemma with our almost 17 year old cat. . She has stopped eating . We have had bloodwork done which came back clear and vet now suspects possible cancer but has discouraged scanning or further investigation as wouldn’t recommend any invasive treatment given her age
So now we have started her on anti nausea and anti depression treatment to see if we can stimulate appetite but we are effectively providing palliative care. I think I will give her a few more days and see if the meds encourages her to eat but she is incredibly skinny now and I am at my wits end trying to coax her to eat and drink . It is so hard to call it isn’t it. We want them to stay with us forever

I’m so sorry you’re going through it. It’s very hard, but I’m sure you’ll do right by her.

I’m mindful that with our last cat (also 19 at the end) we left it too long, out of reluctance to let her go. That was selfish. I think I’m there now. Will let DH say goodbye when he returns home and then it’s vet bound.

We are going through the same too.
Our old girl is 18
She is sleeping most of the day now.
She likes to hide away and come out at night.
She's under my desk right now.
She loves a brush and eats quite well and likes to go outside when she's not asleep. Our biggest issue is that she leaves steaming gifts of poo around the house. It's like she has forgotten what the litter tray is for.
She often has very runny deposits, it doesn't seem to matter what we give her to eat and it's always very smelly
I know we are on the downhill run, at 18, it's not going to improve.
I am simply not sure she is quite there yet.
It's so very difficult and sad. Especially when the rest of the family think she's ok. I'm not sure she is and fear the next vet visit will be the last.
Thinking of all of you in the same situation right now

I’m sorry, Chickydoo. It’s really hard when it’s not obviously critical, but you know that there’s no ‘getting better’. I just think suffering is to be avoided if we possibly can - which might mean slightly too early, rather than one day too late..

Hi @FeralNun i hope you are doing ok.

I lost my 17 yr old lady yesterday afternoon.

She had mammary cancer. She was on palliative care, pain relief etc but recently started being sick daily (so vomiting up her metacam), lost a kilo in weight and although she still came for cuddles and tried her best to eat she just wasn't enjoying life.

When I took her to the vet I could have so easily come back home with her just to have a few more days. But I knew it was time and I am devastated.

She passed very quickly with a mouth full of licky licks

I’m so sorry, @BayandBlonde

Be kind and gentle with yourself xx