Letting nature takes its course

[BigDahliaFan]

Very old cat, untreatable tumour. He hasn't eaten anything since yesterday and has only drunk a little bit. He's found a warm spot in the garden and spent all day yesterday there - I don't know where he went last night - I tried to bring him in twice but he was really clear he wanted to be out. He's back in the warm spot today. He doesn't seem in pain and isn't minding a stroke. He's got water next to him.

I really don't want to take him to the vets to be put down, even though it's near the end, as he would find that incredibly stressful.

I'd happily pay for a vet to come out - it's not that.

But he seems happy enough in his own way - do I just let nature take it's course? The vet said that we know him best and if he seem generally comfortable, just declining, that we could just see how it goes.

I think that sounds kindest. Remember, whilst lots of people have seen deaths they would rather avoid, lots of people have peaceful natural deaths too. I'm sure it will be the same for cats. Take care xxx

The risk is that cats do very successfully mask pain. Not eating can be a sign of pain and discomfort but equally wouldn’t be unusual if they are coming to the end of their life. It’s a personal decision - everyone makes a slightly different one.

Several of my elders, even one who generally preferred indoor life, were very determined about spending their last hours outside when they sensed it was their end. Wishing you and your old boy all the best.

Thank you all. I know they are very good at masking pain but vet did say when she him a couple of weeks ago that, as far as she could tell, there wasn’t any pain.

Personally, I would get the vet out to you if at all possible. One of my cats died "naturally" and it was really upsetting and not at all as peaceful as you'd imagine.

Big hugs to you x

He might hide himself away and you will drive yourself mad not knowing .
Sounds very much like he's at the end of his particular road.

Would he accept a cardboard box and blanket to hide himself in ? Then you'd know where he is?

Would your vet do a home visit?

I’d get the vet out, what if the cat suddenly gets pain or becomes agitated. Having stayed with my cat when he was PTS it was so quick and painless I’d always do this than leave it to nature when it’s the end of the road for them.

I think I would rather have him PTS. As a PP said, it’s very quick and painless. It was also dignified for them.

Thanks for all the comments. The vet came out yesterday and was absolutely lovely. She said there were things to do that could have made him more comfortable for a while but we thought that would have been more for our sake than his. It was his time. He looked so peaceful. We’ve buried him in the garden near his favourite spot. House feels very empty this morning.

I'm so sorry @BigDahliaFan

So sorry

Ah I'm so sorry @BigDahliaFan - I'm glad it was peaceful for him

So sorry for your loss, I lost dcat just over a month ago and it was heartbreaking. Thinking of you xo