Time to say goodbye to my lovely boy

[Namechange6578]

I'm so sad. He is nearly 19 so has had a long life, is so loved by us and our young daughters.

He hasn't eaten for at least 3 days, breathing sounds difficult and one eye isnt open. Has lost over a kg since Nov and he is a very slim cat anyway. Vet has tried an anti sickness jab, antibiotics, special recovery food... but no improvement.

We don't want him to undergo any further treatment and I know letting go is the best thing to do for him, but what a decision to make 😔

Many condolences. Your beloved pusscat has had a great life with you - he didn't get to 19 without a lot of TLC - and he knows he is loved. It's a hard decision for you, but it's the right one for him and will spare you seeing him suffer. The first time I saw a euthanasia happen, (our old lady cat had an oral carcinoma) I thought I'd never seen anything more dignified and humane. All the best to you.

You are doing the kindest thing for your much loved cat. Be proud of that. I am sorry, it's a horrible situation.

I second what both posters have said. Thinking of you.

I'm sorry op.
I had to make this decision in November for my lovely 18yr old girl.

🫂 Xxx

Thinking of you. What a wonderful life he must have had - 19 is a great achievement.

I had to put two cats to sleep within a few months of each other last year - it is so hard, but absolutely the kindest thing.

Thank you all. You know I your heart its the right thing but it doesn't make it any less upsetting does it.

I've spoken to the vets and we're going in at 4.30. Not sure if me or my husband will go but one of us will def be with him throughout. The kids will have an hour with him before that after school.

He's sitting beside me now (after hiding away in the downstairs loo all morning, a room he's never been in so really not himself). His breathing sounds almost like a rattle now

@Namechange6578 i think this is one of the hardest things to do as a pet owner. No words, just the biggest of hugs to you all x

I'm sorry. My other cat is almost the same age and I do wonder how she will do without him. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm in the same position in a few months

I’m so sorry. But it sounds like very much the kindest thing you can do, the last act of loving him so much. I hope everyone is pl as can be this afternoon.

I know you feel awful but this is his time.

So sorry, OP. We had to say goodbye to our lovely girl last year, she had intestinal lymphoma and was only ten. It was the hardest, worst thing I have ever done, but I am glad we let her go before she started to deteriorate and suffer. Your cat has had a long and happy life and you are doing the best, kindest thing for him.

OP you have my sympathies. It's such a hard thing to do even when you know it's the right thing to do. Do tell us more about your gorgeous boy if it helps.

Thank you. He was so peaceful when it was done earlier. The vet said before it may not take long, and it took effect in seconds, think cos he was so weak.

He was a beautiful tabby, so gentle and loving. A proper mommy's boy too! We'd had him since we bought our first house and he'd been with us through 2 house moves, our marriage and birth of 2 children. My eldest loved him to bits and he her ❤️

He sounds lovely. To date, we've had two ginger tabbies but no grey or mackerel ones. Gingers are great, but the stereotype of them having a single brain-cell on time-share isn't completely unfair! At the moment, we've got a tortie and a ginger, but I'd love a grey tabby next time.

but what an amazing cat and what a wonderful life he has had with you .

He's been with you on quite a few major life events and you were there for him when he told you "It;s time"
I think being able to read those changes to your pets behaviour and being brave enough to not keep them hanging on is one of the key points of pet owning .

He'd have given your DC a lot too from the unwavering love to the responsibility and ultimately the grieving when he went .

Your other cat will miss him too .

I hope you're ok tonight. It's just so hard. You did something loving today and you need to keep that thought with you. Such a lucky boy to have had the incredible and long life that he did. Sending you hugs🥰

He was a mix of grey brown and black. Our other cat is a calico I think they are called? She's a lot crazier, we will keep an eye on her as I'm sure she'll miss him

We have a red head daughter and she certainly lives up to the fiery stereotype!

My eldest 8 yo is very sad, full of questions understandably but is doing well albeit distraught. She was very close to him.

My 3 year old just kept asking if we are picking him up in the morning ☹️

I am so sorry OP but you did the right thing especially since he was struggling with his breathing.

It is very hard to do though 💔

So sorry. I’m not a cat person but reading this has made me sad. Best wishes to your lovely family in grief

It's so hard, OP, even if you know it's time.

So much love to you all. You have made the right desicion from a position of love. I've done it twice, I'd had my girls longer than I'd had my husband!

It's difficult letting go but absolutely what we do for those we love and who love us. Xx

Am so sorry OP, it’s such a heartbreaking decision. As others have said, he’s obviously had an amazing life with you to reach that age. And you really have shown him the the greatest act of love we can show our pets - that of a quick passing and free of pain or distress.

It might be too soon right now, but there’s a short verse called Today You Did The Bravest Thing. It reminds me that, though it breaks our hearts, it’s our absolute love for them that shines through as our last act of care.

You may find that your remaining cat adjusts ok. Mine was a bit “erm, where is he?” for a couple of days, but then settled very easily into being the only cuddle monster in the house.

My vets have also said that the weaker they are, the faster the euthanasia drugs work. Thinking of you - what you did was your final act of kindness, ensuring he passed away in peace surrounded by the people who loved him.