My beloved Mum died last September, leaving her 17 year old neutered tom in my care. I think he has a bit of dementia with random howling at walls day and night, although easily distracted from it, so doesn't appear distressed or in pain.
In the last few weeks he's dramatically lost weight and is losing great clumps of fur (much more than usual Spring moult). He's incessantly screeching for food but refusing his urinary care dry food. He looks very raggedy, bless him.
He has become increasingly unsteady and uncoordinated and this morning seems to have weakened back legs.
He seems otherwise content.
I suspect he has a thyroid problem. The trouble is I am on ESA at the moment and have a very low income, so can't afford ongoing treatment. I would probably be eligible for help from PDSA, but the local branch is 45min drive away. I have friends to help with travel, but they work during office hours.
Mum allowed most of her cats to die naturally, with minimal interfering from a homeopathic vet, sometimes beyond what I felt was sensible, which was distressing to see.
I wouldn't want to re-home him as that would be so unkind. Nor do I want him to suffer, but realistically I can't afford long treatment.
At what point do I consider PTS the right thing as opposed to a selfish thing for me to do? I'm fond of the old boy and we rub along well, despite him being a bit of a PITA sometimes - he can't help it!