Think my cat is nearing the end

[Milya]

He’s 20 in less than a month and such a beautiful, clever, lovely boy. He very much adopted us ten years ago and has slowly but completely stolen all of our hearts.

A couple of years ago he was diagnosed with a thyroid issue and we honestly thought we were going to lose him, but he made a wonderful recovery and his thyroid has been doing really well since.

About two weeks ago he went off his food (he usually has a mix of whatever his majesty fancies: cat food, chicken, salmon, bits of meat!) so we took him to the vet. Unfortunately, we’ve been told his kidneys and liver aren’t doing well.

We’re keeping a very close eye on him, giving him water frequently, and offering tiny plates of food. He does still accept small amounts quite enthusiastically, he’s still mobile, still jumping, still exploring the garden a little, and he purrs whenever we cuddle him, which is just everything.

We’ve also noticed he seems to be struggling a bit when eating: making an exaggerated chewing motion, which is so upsetting as he clearly wants to eat but seems to put himself off after a short while.

We’re taking him back to the vet to see if there’s anything that can be done to help him in the short term.
It just feels very sad at the moment, but he is so very loved and we’re doing everything we can for him.

Sorry to read your cat is poorly. Tbh I do think you have a difficult decision to make. Easier said than done I know, but I’d go for quality of life over quantity.

Sounds like he landed well on his paws when he met you op. 20! Wow!!
My dm's dcat was late teens. Sadly the vet put him (and dm's purse) through way too much near the end. Tests for this and that with dm feeling too guilty to say no to.
Charged her just under 1k for tests and overnight stays..
Then a week later over £200 to pts. His last weeks would have been better at home. Does your dcat need poked and prodded at 20?

I know this is very difficult, but it really sounds like he's struggling now.
Don't put him through any more tests.
Cats are very, very good at hiding how sick they are. They are able to jump even when approaching their last days.

I've had four cats put to sleep, and while it's desperately sad, it's the kindest thing to do.

Don't let him linger. Never mind any further tests, if he's having trouble eating.

Ask your vet if they can come and PTS at your home. It's much easier for cats. They hate going to the vet so much.

Poor fella. If he's struggling to eat comfortably it could be to do with his teeth. I remember my mum's cat had kidney disease and it affected his teeth badly? Though it sounds like there's more to it than that at this point.

You're right in thinking he could sadly be reaching the end of his long and fulfilling life. You wouldn't want him to suffer unnecessarily. X

Sounds like he is starting to struggle, I rarely put elderly animals through tests, and if his liver and kidneys are failing then I think the kindest thing is to let him go before he deteriorates further. Cats are great at hiding pain and twenty is a fantastic age.

So sorry op unfortunately twenty is a bloody good age for a cat. Focus on the wonderful ten years you had and give him a really good last 24 hours give him all the pets & love in the world. It’s all you can do really now.

Thanks so, so much everyone.

Hes been prescribed an appetite stimulant along with gabapentin and antibiotics for his teeth. Hes wolfed down a lot of food (for him) and is drinking well. He was initially quite “drunk” almost which I’m pretty sure is from the pain meds and swaying around (we are keeping a very close eye and following him, he has lots of little sleeping stations set up) but thankfully this seems to be wearing off a little.

He’s got more energy than he’s had in a while and seems comfortable, other than the walking around fairly frequently. We’re going to keep a close eye but really hoping this will help him for a little while longer. He does still seem to be enjoying life (purring, slow blinking) and the vet said that when he slows down and isn’t taking enjoyment then it will be time. We will definitely try and work on the basis that rather a little too soon than too late but for now he does seem to have turned a little corner.

We’ve asked the vet for their professional opinion and they didn’t say it was time just yet. I would honestly so much rather he leaves us on a high rather than suffering so will be keeping a very close eye. It’s so tough isn’t it.

@Easterbunnyishotandcross so sorry about your mum’s cat, that is heartbreaking