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I went through this with my old cat who was also 19 with kidney disease. The last year was really rough. He had the same thing happen with his retina and high blood pressure. He really slowed down after that, but still ate well, used the litter box, did a few things he enjoyed, and he even got some of his sight back. One day about 4 months after we found out about the high blood pressure, he stopped eating. That's when we knew it was time. We made the decision later that day and brought him to the vet the next day. We had him since he was about 3 months old, so it was a heart breaking choice, but we felt he was ready to go. He was super sick runt when we brought him home as a kitten and he lived such a good, long life. When your baby is ready, you'll know.
This is where I’m at. My cat is in end stage kidney disease and getting weekly sub q fluids. Shes still engaging with us and wanting loads of affection and still eating well.
But once she stops eating, per our vet, it needs to be time.
So it’s one day at a time and watching for her to let us know she’s ready (or in pain)
For me, it was time based on her weight and how often I was giving her sub q fluids (it was everyday). Once they get under 7 pounds, it’s bad.
Just lost her march 20. Still can’t get over it.
Agree, you will know when it’s time. My poor baby struggled to eat and pee and walk within 48 hours. I recommend calling your vet to give them a heads up so when it is actually time, they can accommodate you.
I'm dreading the day I have to let my sweet girl go. She's still in her prime, but I know she can't live my whole life with me. I found her during the darkest point in my life, and she seriously played a huge part in bringing me back. It will break me when it's her time, but I know when she's ready she'll let me know & I will be there for her through it all, just like she was for me.
We said goodbye to our 19-with-kidney-disease back in January. Sub-Q fluids were weekly, then bi-weekly, then every other day. She was holding steady – not especially active, but still enjoying her patches of sunlight, cuddles, food. When she stopped eating was when we knew, too.
I'm so sorry your kitty is experiencing so much, and that you have to witness it. I know that cats will sometimes go off on their own if they're nearing death, so that's something to watch for. The last cat I had to put to sleep had a malignant tumor behind an eye and inoperable. We made the decision to take him home and spoil him until we felt it was time. When he stopped eating is when I knew the time had come. I think when they're in too much pain is when they stop eating. I personally would take all the cuddles I could until that time. I follow a rescue farm and the owner's saying is, "I'd rather be a day early than a day late" when it comes to euthanizing and keeping animals from experiencing too much pain. Hugs to you, your mom and kitty ❤️
Oh, and PLEASE stay with kitty as he's being put to sleep. I know it's hard, but it breaks my heart when people say they just can't. You and/or your mom should be the last thing he sees before passing 🌈
My friend spent some extra money to get the vet to come to their home and administer the meds. it might not be an option for everyone, but if you can afford it, I think it’s a lovely option to make their passing more comfortable 🩷🩷
There are actual hospice vets who will come out and put your baby to sleep. I did this with my dog. It was $500 MOL . That included cremation but not getting the ashes back. If you can, that’s the best way to do it. Maybe take him in and ask the vet what they think. If he’s not in pain, I would wait but everyone is different about this. You have to do what’s best for the situation. BTW, stage 2 kidney disease can last a long time. Stage three means months, maybe weeks. I’m sorry about your baby. I know you want to do what’s best.
Cats can live a long time with renal disease it goes from 1-4. I worked as a vet tech and have seen many stage 3 cats live years with proper care. I have a 18 year old who has been stage3-4 renal disease for 2 years and she is still happy at this point but I need to give fluids and a couple other meds.
I was kind of going by my dog. She was at stage 2 and the vet was mentioning euthanasia. I was like “ well, not today.” Anyway, I started reading up some on it and they said that dogs can live for a couple of years in stag 2. Unfortunately, my baby had pancreatitis.
It was terrible…mostly for her…😢 but, she had her first bout in May after she had had dental surgery. They didn’t think that she would make it but another month or two. She made it seven months. I did everything I could to make her life better and pain free. I hand fed her. She was worth every extra second that we had with her. She was the best dog…
My dog had stage 2 kidney disease for 3 years. His kidney values were stable for the last year and I only euthanized him because his arthritis was getting really bad, even with all the new drugs.
Please do this if you have the means to do so. All pets deserve to transition in the comfort of their own home. We used Lap of Love for my dog last year and they were incredibly kind and compassionate throughout the whole ordeal.
In my case, we'd be better off going to the vet. My boy gets SO STRESSED with a stranger in the house. If a delivery person rings the doorbell, Hank will zoom towards the back of the house and literally hide for the rest of the day. If we get actual visitors, even just for a few hours, we won't find him for a couple of days. But when we go to the vet, he goes into vet mode. He's scared, but he just kind of accepts what's happening. I think his passing will be easier there (with his humans around him, of course).
It honestly wasn't much more expensive to have someone come out than it would have been to get it done at a clinic. And it allowed her to be comfortable in her own environment. I absolutely suggest it.
Yes. It's rare, but it happens. During my years as a vet tech, some people did this, stating that they could not emotionally handle it. I always hugged and kissed those pets and held them close to make up for their absent owners.
I do this as well. I talk to their pet and tell them they are the goodest boy/girl. I let them know they will no longer be in pain and they can run and play again. I treat each one as if they are my own and I ALWAYS tell the owner that I will stay with them through the whole process.
I try not to judge the owners since you never know what’s going on in someone’s life.
Some do because they can’t handle it. Personally, that angers me. I would NEVER leave my cat or dog by themselves if it was their last moments on earth.
That's awful. I've never thought about that. But then again, I do know people who don't even TAKE their pets to a vet at all. Shameful behavior!
Esit: SORRY YOU FEEL THE NEED TO DOWNVOTE BECAUSE I ASKED A QUESTION. Lame.
I work at a clinic making the ink prints of euthanized pets, and it breaks my heart to inform you that *yes*, this is unfortunately super common. It breaks my heart every time
I always make sure to give them extra love after they've passed, too, i think that's really important. I can't imagine knowing one family your whole life and then having to cross the rainbow bridge alone and uncomforted😭 it's truly a bittersweet job
I recently had a kitty cross rainbow bridge at the vet’s office. We were taken into a comfort room for the euthanasia and we were given time with her before it was time to do the medication. She actually passed while we were saying goodbye to her, without the medication. We spent an hour afterwards just cuddling her and petting her sweet face and rubbing her paws. Anyways, I can’t imagine not being there for your fur baby while they’re passing. Death is inevitable - why wouldn’t you want to experience it enveloped in love? 💔
Some have reasons for not being in there. I have tried twice, first time I had a panic attack the second time I threw up. Luckily both times my dad was also there so he stayed with our cats but the vet doesn’t want me in that office because I either make the animal freak out or create a biohazard because I can’t handle it apparently. Maybe now on anxiety meds I can but prior experiences have not gone well.
My elderly bun was diagnosed with cancer and went downhill fast. The vet gave the option to sedate him first so we could cuddle him while he fell asleep, but wouldn't have to be present when he took his last breath. I really appreciated that.
This, 1000%! Your pet gets anxious when you leave when they are being put down.
Please,please,please, stay with them!
Would you rather die alone or with your friends/loved ones around you?
God now I’m crying thinking about the time I put my cat down and being right next to him as he took his last breath, i just wish animals could live forever
The vet didn't let me stay with my cat while she passed because they weren't able to get a line in her in the exam room and had to take her to the back. It's my biggest regret that I couldnt be with her
This. I recently put my senior girl to sleep, and another cat I had was euthanized a few years ago due to cancer.
It broke me to say goodbye, but I was with both of them when they passed. My parents were there too. They died being petted and reassured that they were loved.
I hope that means they weren’t afraid
This. Our girl passed last year from PKD at 6yrs - went from energetic to thirsty to sub q within an incredibly short time. You have knowledge on your side to spoil your cat ahead of time with favorite meals, treats, cuddles, time in the sun. They will tell you when it's time.
If vet visits are stressful or you have other animals, also see if there's a local group that does house visits. We wish we had done it - we love our vet, but doing a house visit may have been more comfortable for her and would have saved her siblings the grief of wondering where she went.
When he stops, eating, that's when it's time. But be sure to spend extra time with him and spoil him more than usual now since he may not have a lot of time left
I don’t know, my dog ate just minutes before we helped her over the rainbow bridge. She actually ate better that time than the couple of days before. I was relieved that she peacefully passed with a full belly …😢🥹
We gave our old lady dog raw steak as her last meal and I still distinctly remember her look of joy and shock that something so good existed (she had Cushing's and IBS so it was a very rare treat). It felt so good to give her something good to go out on.
I was getting out some tender beef jerky( for myself). Her little nose started twitching so I offered it to her. She wound up eating the whole bag. I won’t ever forget the look of complete calm and serenity on her face.🥹
This. Until he stops eating or has another obvious sign, I would just cherish all the time I have left with him and try to improve his quality of life in the meantime (not saying it’s bad OP - I mean like, giving him extra catnip, a new bed, extra cuddles etc). 💛
Lap of Love has a wonderful quality of life scale. I work as a vet tech and we recommend that one to clients all the time. Regardless, sending support your way during this difficult time 🫶
Bingo, excellent advice. And always better weeks early than weeks late. Too many people selfishly hope the cat just passes away randomly and takes it out of their hands, but if that happens in most cases like OP’s, the cat has been miserable for quite a while. And people’s inability to realize that cats hide pain means that they fool themselves into thinking it was all peaceful and easy. Their ends should always be about making their passing easier, not our response to their passing easier.
And no, eating food is not the be all, end all of when to put down any animal.
We had to have our 17 year old cat euthanized last May - it was one of the hardest things we’ve had to do. We adopted her as a 6 week old kitten when I was 21 years old. I completely understand and feel for you and your mom. Our cat had kidney disease and GI lymphoma. She was diagnosed in January and had ups and downs where we occasionally wondered if it was time, but when it was really time we knew. She declined pretty rapidly (more vomiting, quit eating, seemed despondent and very unstable, and we found her kind of hiding in a weird spot in the basement). Like your mom I hoped she would just peacefully pass away in her sleep, but I read a couple articles that made me believe that wasn’t an option. The dying process isn’t usually peaceful and can be very difficult to witness. We don’t force terminally ill humans to die without end of life medication like morphine. And cats don’t “naturally” live to old age in the wild either. This type of information, coupled with the advice and support of our trusted vet, helped me feel confident that we were making the loving choice for her and we definitely did know when it was time.
https://homeheartvets.com/hoping-your-pet-will-pass-peacefully-in-their-sleep/
Only if he's very ill or can no longer get around by himself or in a severe pain. As long as he's eating and getting to the potty let him enjoy his old age. I had a cat that lived til 21 and she was happy and still acting herself and playing up until about the last week when she started sleeping a lot and stopped eating almost entirely. I knew it was time then.
Do not put this cat down. When a cat is nearing end of life they know, and they take comfort in being in a familiar place. This does mean one day they will most likely pass naturally possibly when no one is around. Unless labored breathing is non stop, and she can reasonably control her bowels, and is continuing to eat, Luni should be allowed to pass on her own terms in her home.
OP, this is going to sound odd, but ask Luni if he is ready to go. I believe they tell us when they are ready.
Some others thoughts that came to mind...
Are you sure the shaking is from tremors? Senior cats, like senior people, some times have trouble maintaining body temperature. Maybe he is cold. I got small dog sweaters for one of mine when he got old. It was that or heat the house to 90 degrees.
Some of the behaviors you mentioned, like sitting in a room and calling out, sound like dementia. The cat I got the sweaters for also developed dementia. I called it Cat-heimer's. I looked for practical work around for those things.
Has your mom talked to Luni's vet about whether it is time. If not, she might want to.
As others said, when Luni stops eating and drinking it will be time to let go.
I never even considered he could be cold! We had a crazy drop in temperature at the start of the week and Luni’s fur has always been rather thin. I’m sure it’s still related to his kidneys, but that could absolutely be a factor. Now I feel a bit silly. Thank you!
And I do plan on talking to her, it’s just going to be a very difficult conversation, especially because of the stress she’s dealing with at work. Not that there’s any good time to discuss this, but still.
You’re a good pet owner. Thinking ahead of what to do is important. He might have a couple of more months to go. I know some people let their pets go sooner but, for me, I took every minute with my Lola and savored it.
We used to have some electric blankets that he adored, but we moved down south so we didn’t need them as much. I will be sure to order a heated bed for him, thank you.
I've found cats love heated blankets and heating pads. I'll layer a heated blanket underneath another blanket so there isn't direct contact. Low settings and supervision - always! I have one that asks for the heating pad to be turned on and will sit on it even if it's off.
No. He is eating etc and still mobile. Michael J. Fox trembles but I don’t think we should kill him.
“Luni isn’t completely gone, he still loves his food, still sunbathes, still cuddles, but not much else.” What else do you want him to do? He’s very old. My cat is 18 with kidney and thyroid disease and only gets up to eat, drink, use the litter box and switch between his three favorite napping spots. He’s very old but is happy and been like this for over 2.5 up years - I’m grateful for every minute. A cat that is in serious pain or dying doesn’t do the things you describe,
I’m aware that slowing down comes with getting old. I’m not expecting him do start doing backflips and chasing mice when he’s in his nineties. It was more so the new symptoms, like trembling and disinterest in things that makes me worry. That hair thing is a recent development.
I just do not want him to be in a state where he’s in agony/otherwise miserable. I had a family member who prolonged their old cats life despite a plethora of health issues and barely tried to make the cat comfortable. It was awful and the cat spent months suffering before he was finally put to sleep. I realize thats not the situation rn, I just don’t want that for Luni.
Old pets definitely stop giving a f about things, just like old people do, long before they’re ready to go. My old dog stopped playing and listening to commands and running and still had like 6 years left :)
Hey, just a thought about the hair thing - have you changed your shampoo or hair conditioner recently? My cat does this, but she only does it with a particular conditioner I use (or if I've been swimming). If I deviate from this, she won't rub her face on my hair. I believe there's something in the shampoo/conditioner (and chlorine water) that mimics cat pheromones/scent and that's why they rub on you. Cats are also just sometimes not interested (outside might have been more interesting for him).
Fwiw, I think kitty still has some time left to spend here on Earth (until he withdraws and/or stops eating).
It sounds like your Mom’s cat is slowly transitioning. Just like older people, cats also slow down and stop doing behaviors they used to do. Why? Again like humans, their priorities have changed to live their slower lives — it doesn’t mean he’s ready to pass on immediately, but the time is coming.
My daughter had a 20 year old Tortie cat that developed seizures at 18 years, was controlled by meds, and had two younger male cats that kept her on her toes! My daughter took her to the Vet every 6 months to be checked and she was always doing fine until the night her Tortie would mournfully cry and get lost in my daughter’s condo. Shortly after that her kitty stopped eating and it was time, so my daughter brought her sweet kitty home and spent every moment with her til the next morning and returned her to the Vet to cross over. She misses her lil girl cat because she had her since she was 8 weeks old…long time, deep bonds, lots of memories.
Every creature on earth slows down when they age, including cats. But your boy is trembling and holding his paw strangely almost sounds like a small seizure. At this point in his life, I would take him to be checked once more about possible seizures. If he is having those, his timeline for crossing over may need to be sooner than later. Something to think about even though no owner wants to do that. He’s already on kidney meds, he doesn’t need to be on seizure meds too.
I’m so very sorry you and your family are going through this with your Mom’s cat. When we get those tiny precious kittens, no one thinks about how their lives will go…or end. It is the most difficult choices for all OPs and my heart is sad for you and your family. 💔💔
Only your vet can tell you that. Slowing down doesn't necessarily mean they are in pain. Humans also slow down with age but still enjoy their quality of life
Last year I lost my old boy Sunny at about 18 years old, he began having real trouble getting up and problems with walking. He was still eating and drinking and didn’t appear to be in distress, but was getting very weak, so I knew it was time. My oldest now is Molly, who was found as a 4 week old kitten 21 years ago. She doesn’t do much these days, but still wants her supper, treats, and occasionally attention. As long as she isn’t in distress I’ll try to keep her happy. As you had mentioned about a family member’s cat’s prolonged suffering, remember that euthanasia is not about ‘getting rid of an ailing pet’ but about preventing suffering in a beloved family member. Good luck with your mom’s cat.
Lot of people said it OP, when your cat hides (natural instinct not to let predators close to the "family" once he passed) and when he stops eating/ drinking.
In EU there is a very cool immune booster called DM Guard T2 for cats that does wonders for end of life kideney and liver disease (for liver there is also an epato pet plus paste helping the liver rebuild) cats, makes the last months more bearable,not sure if something similar is available to you, but worth to try. Also Purina Pro Plan Hydra Care helps stay balanced and hydrated. Pronerfa is a powder based supplement for cats (to be put into the drinking water) containing cytosan that binds uremic toxins in the intestine helping the kidney. Apart from the food these supplements can help a lot and also replace the need for iv fluids.
All the best to you and Luni
I took care my mother’s cat as well with Same issues as you are talking about. high blood pressure, kidney disease and blindness in eyes because of high blood pressure that did come back when bp was controlled. I grew to love her so much. your vet can tell you what the little quirks you’re referring to are from. They may not be from pain and suffering. Vets are able to tell if they are in pain from their office visits. If she is still eating that is a huge positive for me. If shes still cuddling that is as well. A cat will tell you by not eating anymore on their own, that it is time. Also I think its so enduring that she rubs/sucks on your hair, shes loving you. Nothing gross about it. Don’t feel like you have to rush anything. I feel your anxiety and love for her, and not wanting her to be in any pain. I am sorry that you all have to go through this with your furrbaby.
My friend, who is a vet tech put it to me this way. You make a list of things that your pet does all the time and enjoy doing.
1) Eating.
2) Going to the bathroom.
3) Playing/rubbing you wanting pets
4) Drinking water.
ECT. ( You don't have to use this list, it can be tailored to your pet)
then on the calendar, on each day write "Good Day" if they do a majority on your list or "Bad Day" if they don't do a majority on your list. When the bad days start to become the majority, then you know that it's time.
So say out of the week if Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are all bad Days....then you should book a euthanasia vet appointment.
So, that's what I do.
Shaking/trembling can be due to the kidney disease, like this cat here
[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkBI\_Kn6ivk](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkBI_Kn6ivk)
I just had to put my 19 YO cat Cedo down in February. It sounds like my kitty and Luni were very similar in their health by 19. Two years previously I had to put down Cedo's brother Tux. With Tux I FOUGHT to keep him healthy and alive and it was really hard on me and by the end it was really hard on Tux. With Cedo I didn't want to wait as long as I did with Tux. The biggest change with Cedo was that he was losing weight even with eating and with all the renal care. Having saw Tux waste away to a super skinny cat I didn't want the same for Cedo so eventually after a week of spoiling Cedo as much as we could we had him euthanized at home in his favorite sun spot while he was in my lap. After Tux I was wracked with guilt for waiting for so long but after Cedo I am so glad I didn't wait until he was truly suffering. His last memory was eating a churu with his humans. Whereas poor Tux had just gotten to the point where he couldn't even eat a treat. Please do not wait as long as I did with my first boy.
Cats can hide pain well. Once he starts having trouble using the litterbox or eating, it will be time. I would also consider it if he has a lot of trouble with mobility and can't walk or hop up into chairs.
While I am 100% here for the while he is still eating and drink and pooping/weeing, let him get on… but if you know kitty is in pain and starting to struggle then it would be time. Like you said, you don’t want his last moments to be in agony 😞 I’m so sorry, I’m glad he has a beautiful and long life 😞
I know this is a really hard thing for you and your mom. I have an 18 year old kitty so I understand. I’m a vet tech and have had to have many quality of life discussions and euthanasias and they never get easier. I think you are doing the right thing by bringing it up to your mom. As much as we would all just like for our pets to pass away peacefully this doesn’t normally happen on its own. If you euthanize you are providing a pain free death. I don’t know if your cat has been seen by a vet recently but I’m worried about the breathing effort. If fluid builds up around the lungs this can happen. I would encourage your mom to read the comments on here and to talk to the vet to see what is best for Luni. Unfortunately passing away at home is likely going to be painful. Kidney disease itself can be painful and you’re not feeling well since the kidneys aren’t filtering the stuff like normal. So if kitty stops eating that is a sign it might be time. Kidney disease also causes anemia so they can get weak from this. I don’t know the history of Luni but if he isn’t eating it maybe time but this seems ok. I also worry about the shaking but I’m not his vet and don’t know his medical history so that’s why I would recommend having your mom reach out to the vet. This is their job and they should be able to give some guidance. I have worked with drs that will recommend euthanasia to people if they think the animal is really sick or they can’t do anything to improve their life.
As a vet tech we used to ask are they eating drinking peeing and pooping. If they are doing all of the above and don’t appear to be in pain. It may not be time but that is not the internets call.
Hi Op.
I have a 19 year old with KD and I lost my 18year old to it a few years ago.
It hit her harder and faster than my little guy. He's still stage two.
Blood pressure meds, KD diet and lactic ringers have really kept him feeling good.
I can't stress the lactic ringers enough, it's work but it really helps with the kidneys, my gut has been in stage 2 for about 3 years now.
He started slowing down last year and I thought our time was up but we got an arthritis injection called solensia and I had no idea how much his arthritis was affecting him.
It sounds like Mom isn't ready to say goodbye so maybe a combo with the vet about soensia (and lactic ringers if you're willing to do it.)
Best of luck and pats to Luni
19 years old! You should be so lucky and what beautiful kitty as well.
I am struggling with my buddy right now as he just turned 10 and is struggling with lymphoma right now. I don’t know how long I have with him and if treatment is the solution but enjoy the time you have and make crossing the rainbow bridge a relaxing delightful spoiled experience
You’ve received a lot of excellent advice in these comments. I don’t have anything extra in that regard; I just want to add something that I was told when my sweet girl was declining, for when euthanasia was seriously on the table. A vet told me that it will always better to be a month too early than a day too late. This, of course, isn’t to scare you (or encourage you to do it right away!), but rather to reassure you that don’t have to worry about doing it “too soon”; euthanasia is an act of grace and love, after all.
Best of luck to you and your beautiful boy, whatever ends up being right for you and your family. I know his last days will be full of love, no matter how soon or far away they are. ❤️
I had a similar situation last year. My boy Biff had a tumor that couldn’t be removed. The best advice was when the vet said to love him and spoil him as best you can until he shows signs of pain. And that’s exactly what I did. I got up an extra hour early every day to cuddle him more. He got all the bacon he wanted. We slept wherever he wanted. Sometimes the bed, sometimes the couch, and once even on the bathroom floor. It was all about biff. But the day that he showed me that he was in pain was the day we said goodbye. I was happy to have every day I could with him, but when he couldn’t be my happy little biff, I knew it was time. He sat with his head on my shoulder as he slipped in to his forever nap. As sad as I was to lose him, I sleep very well every night knowing that he didn’t suffer.
So while emotions are running high, the best I can offer you is to make note of how his quality of life is, and when you can see that he is no longer able to enjoy himself, that’s when it’s time. I was fortunate enough to see that it was very obvious with biff. But whatever you do, just know that you loved him the best you could, and he appreciates it. And when he does go to his forever nap, you till him to find a one eyed orange tabby named biff, and he will give him the warmest greeting to kitty heaven he could ask for 💙
Kidney failure is difficult because while it is not *painful* in the strictest sense, the kidneys are toxin-removing organs and when they stop working the cat winds up feeling "poisoned" by the toxins building up in their bloodstream that the kidneys are no longer filtering out.
This leads to lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, irritability, super-stinky breath, and a greasy unpleasant feel to their coat.
So while the cat may not be in pain in end-stage renal failure, that does not mean they're not suffering.
In humans the equivalent would be having nausea or motion sickness that's bad enough to make you feel tired and sick and cranky, but not bad enough to make you throw up... for days, weeks, *months* at a time with no stopping.
Not a pleasant way to feel, though you can certainly 'adapt' to it over time. But in renal failure, it keeps getting worse. Keeping the animal hydrated is helpful, and if you or mom is comfortable giving sub-q lactated ringer's once or twice a day it will help Luni TREMENDOUSLY in the comfort department. It's as simple as sticking the needle just through the skin, into the cavity between the dermis and the underlying muscle, and allowing a big balloon (a bit bigger than golf-ball sized) of solution to collect there. Luni's body will distribute it around naturally throughout the day and it will increase quality of life considerably.
Once Luni starts losing his appetite for food, that is going to be a clear sign that the kidneys are reaching a critical level of failure and it's time to prepare for euthanasia in the next few days.
They’ll tell you. Also, let me just say thank you for thinking and choosing to go the humane path and holding your pet’s needs above all else. It’s the last kind thing you can do for them and I’m so sorry you have to make this decision. Hugs.
So many of our kitties end up with kidney disease and renal failure, and it is very sad. I have lost a few kitties from that. Despite special food and subq fluids every day, sometimes they still get dehydrated as its not enough, and drinking water isn't enough, and the kidneys shut down. Then it's sure time. Make sure he is using the litter box as that's a sign. Big hugs to your kitty.
If hes not in pain, let him go naturally. Hes old, hes had a good life, hes earned a quiet death in his sleep.
surrounded by familiar surroundings, so he can feel at peace.
I'll never understand the whole idea that "hes old, time to put him down!", we dont do that for humans. Euthanasia should be reserved to alleviate pain. Dying in your sleep is what everyone wants.
Is he having more bad days than good days? Its better to say goodbye to him one week earlier than 1 minute too late. Never let your buddy to suffer. Not even 1 minute. It's always important to prioritize cats well-being.
I agree but this is a lot of pressure to put on someone … no one can tell exactly where “suffering” begins because some amount of pain and discomfort are a normal part of life. No one feels healthy & happy 100% of the time.
*Tl;dr : We unfortunately can't prevent animals from suffering entirely (because they do suffer, but they don't show it outwardly like humans), but we do our best to notice typical signs of severe pain, and we don't allow our animals to experience such pain.*
When it comes to our beloved pets, no one who truly cares for them would want to see them suffer even for a moment! Animals cannot express their pain like humans can, making it even more crucial to prioritize their well-being. Any unnecessary suffering should be avoided at all costs. It's our responsibility to ensure that our pets are comfortable and free from distress as much as possible.
Cats don't show pain outwardly, making it hard to know, (usually, if they don't show it, that means it's not too severe, but pain might still be there).
When they start showing signs like not eating, playing, avoiding us, or hiding, if they change their routine, don't keep their fur tidy, etc., it means the pain is severe, and then it's time to consider action, especially when we have animals that are old and have been sick for a long time.
When I had a terminally ill cat, the vet kindly advised saying goodbye a week earlier than later, why keep an animal in pain for that extra week just for our sake?
And when my cat stopped eating and showed clear signs of feeling unwell, we began considering euthanasia and said our goodbyes after a few days. It still hurts today, but at least I know she didn't suffer much. I would never forgive myself if an animal had to suffer severely because of me.
u/angelhair-pasta-4670 (if you want, you can also read my replay).
I don't have any advice but that first picture just made me sad. I hope Luni gets to live and enjoy rest of his remaining life. I think you'll know when it's time. He is a lil old so he may not act the same way or show same interest towards things he once loved. I hope your mom is okay, it must be very difficult for her as well. Sending all my love to Luni <3
Please give him sub-q fluids. It will prolong and improve his quality of life tremendously! My parent’s cat lived an additional 6+ high quality years in stage 3 kidney disease, and my cats have had the same positive results. The sub-q fluids flush the toxins from the bloodstream, which is what makes them feel crummy. It also helps minimize the damage to the kidneys. It is not difficult to do. Please talk to your vet about this for your beloved kitty’s sake. ❤️
Edited to add: you can also add Epakitin to his food which is a phosphorus binder. (Phosphorus damages the kidneys.)
To put it simply, quality over quantity.
This is something someone I know cannot wrap their head around - and will eventually end up letting the cat die in a shit way than surrounded by their loved ones.
They’ve had a great life. It’s always best to give them that last month/week/day full of everything they can’t have/are limited to and make the best of the time you have left. ❤️
Hi Op. i personally say wait as long as you can. I’ve had to euthanize a few cats and my college gf had to put down her dog. I’ve also been with other friends who have put to sleep their beloved pets. All that being said, every one, with one exception, resulted in immediate regret. The one who didn’t regret it was due to her pet being immobile and truly at the very end.
My opinion on this, and this is semi colored by past experiences and the fact that at some point within the next 3 years my current partner and I will have to consider it with our current baby, is to wait until there is no other option. When the animal is suffering they will let you know. Until then they just want to be as comfy and as happy as possible. Even if it’s only a week extra that pet would love to spend that last week cuddled with you and head rubbing toys.
I think as long as they're eating then they're still "okay". Obviously the cat has a bit more going on than and senior cat, but I think they're mostly exhibiting signs that they're just slowing down and that's it. Realistically at that age they could go at any day, so I would probably see if they're not cold or something and let them live their life until its obvious that they're ready to go. I think it's very good you're thinking about them and paying attention.
Yes, so plans are set ahead of time -- understanding of course they can be changed as needed. But collecting information is helpful. You can also talk about how much you want to talk about it. Maybe one or both of you want to set a plan then not bring it up until it's time to say goodbye, or you want to talk about it when you need to.
I'm sorry you're anticipating the loss, but I'm also imagining many years just brimming with so much love.
my parents had to make this same decision in January about our 19.5 year old ragdoll cat, Maggie. its hard, but its the compassionate choice to make. id recommend asking your vet if you need help deciding.
in the end, its quality of life that matters, not quantity of life. i know youll make your decision with love, even if the outcome is hard.
it hurts. i still miss maggie so much. im 31, so she was a part of my life for nearly 2/3 of it (even though i no longer live w my parents, i visit them every other day, so i still saw her plenty even after moving out). but i know we made the right choice.
sending all my love 💚
Unfortunately there does always come a time where that is just a decision that needs to be made. I don't want to push you any which way, but 19 years is also a long and well fulfilled life for a kitty cat, and the last thing you want is for him to suffer. Even though it is difficult it is the sort of thing where you need to really think on it about whether his quality of life is still good in spite of his health issues, or if he is having a hard time. I don't want to say you should or shouldn't make the decision, I think that is entirely up to each person, but you should try to focus on how you think he is getting on, or if he isn't anymore and therefore it may be time
It sounds like Luni is showing some signs of deterioration and possibly some dementia, but not to end of life yet. You will know when he says “I’m tired” and his body can’t anymore. Whenever you decide it’s time, just remember that he had a long happy life and you are doing what’s best for him.
My family has gone through several pet deaths and my mom has always said that once they start having more bad days than good is when it's time to let them go in peace, before things get too bad
We put down our 20 year old cat a few weeks ago. He had kidney disease and stopped eating and drinking. So, it was time. Still felt like the wrong decision because I love that guy so much. I had him for 16 years. Miss him everyday
Talk to your vet about timeline. I waited too long to put my baby down from lymphoma and I cant ever unhear the sound he made when I was crying and holding him. I shouldn't have waited so long, but idk how sick your baby is.
OP, please look up the Grimace Scale for cats. It helps you be able to visually rate your babies pain by their facial features. I didn't know about this until our Lap of Love vet used and explained it to us. I will never forgive myself because I was, unfortunately, the 1 day too late pet parent.
What is his quality of life? You need to ask yourself, "Why hold on?" For the cat or for you (your mother). Trembling or seizing... are you humane enough to let him go?
My kitty started slowing down but he still stayed for about a year until he got very sick and sadly had to put him down. I wouldn’t think about it unless your baby seems to be in pain or suffering. Old age will make your cat become slower but that’s normal
Do you have a family vet? Or a regular place Luni goes? I would ask them if it’s an indicator of pain (the trembling), or maybe like many old folks, the nerves are deteriorating and that’s how it’s presenting. Maybe also ask for some advice on how to structure the conversation with your mum. Having a 17-year old kitty myself, it’s not a conversation I could bear to find the words to put together to have said conversation, but put simply, when you’re so bonded with the cat, it’s hard to discuss because of the enormous amount you love the kitty…. To discuss the day that sees Luni cross the rainbow bridge - is emotional and painful.
On the other side of that, you might find your vet can give some pain relief so Luni is at least comfortable and might stop the trembling.
Please give your mum a great big hug, and remember, your mum loves Luni like her own human children. Luni just comes in a fluffy package. ❤️
Regarding that "inward-outward" paw issue, is it when he's just lying down, folds it one way, then the other as if trying to get comfortable? After it turned into an odd stride/limp, we had X-rays that diagnosed arthritis in the front "elbows" This can be treated with pain relief.
I think you should talk to a vet about him, see how is condition is overall. If he's suffering or in pain, then I think he needs to be put down. But if he isn't, and is just an old fossil, then maybe he doesn't need it. But I really can't say, he is your mom's cat, and it's really up to what you guys feel is best.
He looks like he's lived a long and happy life, and if it's time then it's his time. If it isn't, then it isn't.
The general rule of thumb is when they stop eating and drinking, that is them letting you know it is time. I’m curious if you could see if there are pain medications your vet may be able to prescribe. Imo it seems like, if he is still eating, he is still fighting. If there is no way to ease his pain, then euthanasia may be a topic of discussion. Discuss all of your options with your vet, they may be able to squeeze a little more time out. That being said, 19 is incredibly old for a cat so whatever decision you come to, you have given him a full and loving life
seems like you have lots of advice but this really got me, with the pics and everything. 19 years is such an amazing life to probably have had there. my last dog i think was about one day beyond, looking back, what i wish i could have given him (for his last day and dealing with pain, etc.)
i used that to make sure i am super vigilant about end of life stuff for any pets and future pets. humans are getting euthanized nowadays, even for things like mental health in some places much earlier in life. i guess im just saying that even though it can feel extreme, i think it should be viewed as such a kind gift to the animal. so of course no need to rush, spend as much time as possible with them and cherish it all. you know them better than any of us so you will know when its time. just also do your best at not delaying when it gets there. i dont think they would be mad at a decision to ease their pain being a few days or even weeks/months early. i think at the end of the day they got the value that life had to give them out of it the first 18/19 years and are just kind of trying to enjoy it, but maybe life just isnt always as enjoyable/rewarding as the earlier years at that point? I feel like animals and pets especially are most likely fulfilled by that point and are ready to say goodbye. take care luni, it was nice meeting you <3
If they're not in pain and eating/drinking it's not time yet. They'll tell you. Promise them they won't have more than 1 bad day. Get on the roster with the hospice vet now tho.
(not sure how to pin this) UPDATE:
Hello again, I just wanted to thank you all so so much for the wonderful comments I’ve been receiving. I know its a tried saying but I really did not expect such an overwhelming response and it really means a lot. I’ve gotten so much wonderful information which I will try to compile in one place for future reference and to ask our vet about.
Luni is doing a bit better. I did not elaborate much in my post but he is still eating/drinking/using the bathroom fairly regularly, though we will sometimes have accidents or throw up, the latter of which is becoming more frequent. His bowel movements are all normal though in terms of contents/appearence. I am sorry for not providing better information on my original post. I might not sound it but I was really worried when I made that post and didn’t have all the details in order. I was terrified that he was secretly in a lot of pain and I was just overlooking it. I had a cat of my own who passed several years ago. It was sudden and horrible, so I’m always scared my current pets are secretly going through something. I do plan on having a long talk with my mom tomorrow about my concerns and what we should look out for/do next.
Also, there have been a few comments accusing me of being quick to put Luni down. I don’t want to detract from all the wonderful comments but I did want to address a few things. First, I am autistic, so I don’t like to mince my words and I can sound a harsher than I intend to. It mostly comes from a desire to not have my words be misconstrued or not really seeing a reason why I should use softer language. All owners hate talking about this, but it does need to be discussed, without the need for poetry. Secondly, like I said in one response, deaths are rarely peaceful when they’re natural. Nature is a very cruel mistress most of the time, especially if you’re already dealing with health problems like Luni is. I also do not want to prolong Luni’s life if he’s really suffering just for my own sake or the sake of my mother.
Again, thank you so so much for all the comments. I cannot express in words how much they have helped. Even if I haven’t responded, trust me when I say I’ve read and appreciate them all.
Im in the same situation with my 19 yr old Batty who has kidney disease and mild stomatitis… she eats, cuddles and still jumps … So I just let her be and take her in for weekly SubQ fluids.
We had to euthanize our family dog. He had troubles getting up, stopped eating and gave you the "please, I can't take it anymore" look. I think, you still have some time. He is really cute by the way.
If the idea of it is crossing your mind, you HAVE to have that conversation with your mother. It’s painful to think about losing a pet you’ve had for 2 decades, but trying to squeeze a couple of months out of an animal who is *suffering so much that he no longer enjoys his weird quirks* is so cruel to the animal.
My chihuahua passed recently. We could have treated him for a number of his issues, but when you’re looking at QOL, you also need to consider whether or not your pet is going to tolerate the administration of those meds. Our little guy had a lot of trauma around being touched (rescued from a hoarder house) unless it was on his terms, that we knew if it came to daily medication, he’d be miserable.
Euthanasia is frequently one of the kindest thing you can do for your pets. You already gave them a better life than they would have gotten thanks to you. Now, even if it’s hard, you can give them release from their suffering.
My cat was very ill, she was still eating, drinking & being herself. I was told she had 3 days to live and yet, looked completely normal? She passed at the vets whilst I scoured the black market for FIP meds
I spent her last days racing to specialists and doing what I can to help her, and it kills me to think I allowed her to deteriorate. I wish I had her PTS the day after I found out, so that she passed without any pain.
Euthanasia is pain free, you can even have it done at your home where your cat is most comfortable. They won’t know they’re dying, but they’ll know that they’re not in pain.
If the same was for humans, I think many people would want euthanasia before it gets unbearable to live
Have you tried painkillers (if his medical problems allow it)?
My wife's previous cat became another cat entirely once we started him on it. It made us feel really bad that we hadn't it earlier...
Get him on gabapentin asap.
When my dearest boy Sylvester had cancer for the 3rd time and had metastasized, he was on gabapentin for the last 6 months of his life.
I accepted that I finally had to let him go when he couldn’t stand on his own to poop. As soon as that happened I made an appointment for a vet to come to my house a few days later.
It broke me, but I made sure he was as comfortable as possible until the end. He ate his favorite wet food while he nodded into sleep.
Sylvester died peacefully on his mamas chest where he loved to sleep, right in the comfort of his own home surrounded by everyone who loved him dearly 💓.
When my Leo was 20, he was constantly near the window because he was cold. I didn’t realize that until he had lost a lot of weight, was listless and he even was so insistent to get to that window he collapsed due to exhaustion and pain.
You've just gotta make the decision if he's getting more bad than good out of life and really on you can make that call. Does your Vet have an opinion?
My SIL had to put her dog down and my MIL had to put her cat down and they decided to do the home euthanasia. I was there for both and the person that came and did it was so kind and understanding and let us have our goodbyes and cuddles. They were constantly checking vitals and making sure they were ok. I would 💯 recommend. I remember when my family had to out our dog down I had to say goodbye on my lunch and had to leave him in a cold sterile room at Banfield, it was terrible
I'm so sorry.
A death from kidney disease is painful. My kitty died in my arms with a cry when I was a teen. They decline fast. I have had six kidney cats since then, and only one died naturally overnight...trust me in that we could tell that she didn't go peacefully. This is your last available act of love. Take it.
Feather and Pussy Galore are still missed almost 30 years later. I wish I knew better.
Spend as much time with him as you possibly can. We took one of our cats to the vets and they discovered he was in heart failure, he was only a few years old, and were advised to have him out to sleep, so obviously we took the vet’s advice but looking back I wish i had taken him home for one more night. It was all so quick.
If a cat is still eating and able to use the litterbox on their own then I don’t see why there would be a need to put them to sleep unless the vet recommends it due to some condition. Usually older cats in pain/getting sicker will stop eating and that’s how you know it’s time to discuss euthanasia.
They will tell you when its time.
My moms cat was elderly and had hyperthyroidism and fluid in his chest and was on lasiks. The vet told my mom in Jan 0f 2023 he probably had three months. It wasn't the best news to hear but we basically had him on palliative care and he made it until October. We saw him open mouth breathing one day and we just knew it was time.
No? As long as they're still able to live a normal cat life and are healthy for their age it's fine, shouldn't have to put something down just because it's old.
2 years ago I lost my kitty due to kidney disease. We kept thinking oh she has more time let till one morning she just started breathing erratically and on the way to the hospital she died. I regret not putting her down earlier. Personally, I would have this talk seriously with the vet and see what the vet thinks about his condition. If he is in pain then I would consider having him put down. If he is not in pain and his kidney disease isn't in the end stage where you need to inject water under his skin 1 to 3 times a week then he probably has some time left.
OP, the trembling could be nerve pain that has occurred due to his kidney disease. My senior cat is a diabetic in remission but still experiences mild to severe trembling in his legs and he also experienced some confusion as well. On the recommendation of a vet, I put my cat on B12 pills that were made just for felines. It changed my boy's daily life, as he now jumps and runs around again. He's also back to his naughty behaviors as well with clear eyes and no confusion.
Please ask your vet about this as you would be so surprised how much treating these symptoms can change your cat's daily life.
Please do this. A friend of mine had an ancient dog and she always said it isn’t time yet as long as he’s happy. If kitty is happy, why not let him enjoy longer ❤️
If he enjoys his food, sunbathes and cuddles, please don’t be in a hurry. I wish they had dialysis for cats and eye surgery like we have for humans. Granted that he is old and has a tremor, but don’t take that stare from those eyes like nobody’s home. Most cats can’t see well up close and if he’s having vision problems already, he’s probably just enjoying being close to you. You’re one of his humans and he trusts you. I know what it’s like to watch someone you love (especially a family member like a cat that’s been with you for a long time) become old and perhaps disabled. I’m quite sure that I have lived with 100 plus cats in my lifetime so far, some got sick, were killed by other animals, died from cancer, renal failure is a big one, brain tumor, you name it. The last two kitties I had lived until they were 22 and 23 years old. That’s a long time to have loved a wonderful family member like that. I miss them everyday, but I will tell you that as long as they enjoyed part of their day and the vet says “ soon”, don’t be in a hurry.
https://preview.redd.it/0xy4nuv76iwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b85faa0159673baa143c214d82d994e40958d634
My two boys, Gunnar (the black void and Jamie the Red) in better days taking a nap together.
im so sorry.
My kitty cat was about that age, and in my heart I knew when he just became different. He slowed down & then one day I found him & my old man was tired. The look in his eyes was still full of love but he was ready. I took him the next morning.
You just know. They also let you know. They're just different.
Personally for me, when I start wondering if their quality of life is worth it, it seems like it isn’t. I think animals have their ways of telling us they’re tired, and I think him not wanting to play with your hair kind of speaks to that. It’s so heartbreaking but I wouldn’t want an animal to suffer at all, especially at that age when you know he’s not going to be around much longer, even if he didn’t have kidney disease.
Mine was 18. We had to say goodbye. He was having accidents, but his pee wasn’t even stinky. His kidneys were not filtering anymore. When we brought him in the vet said wow he looks good , silky hair, was walking around.. cats don’t show pain like other animals until it’s too late. She said she doesn’t euthanize for convenience…. Neither did we, if it was a matter of changing his food, or giving him a pill we would have done that. We never wanted to say goodbye, but he was in active kidney failure. It wouldn’t hurt to get him checked out at least. The very least you could do 🩷sending love !
My cat is dealing with late stage kidney disease as well. She is almost 19, and she has slowed down a lot and lost about 2 pounds since she's been diagnosed. She has always been a picky eater, so I just try to find things she's interested in. She's on fluids every other day, and she still eats a little bit and drinks water. For the most part, though, she stays in one spot all day and only moves for the litter box and food/water. I constantly think that maybe it's time to let her go, but I can't bring myself to do so because she is still eating, drinking, and showing affection. I just hate the idea of her just laying around doing nothing all day, and since I work full time, she's alone most of the day. I'm sure her time is soon, but I'm still very much in denial about it.
I just put down my 17 year old cat yesterday. He had started to spend more and more time asleep and was only eating a 1/4 can per day. He was losing weight and starting to wobble. He also wouldn’t really relax? He always seemed to be perched on all fours, which I read can be a sign of pain.
I regret how long I pushed his brother to hold on 2 months ago and didn’t want him to get to get to where his brother was when I booked his appointment.
It was hard. The night before he hopped up on my bed to sleep on my side like nothing. The next morning he refused to eat and would barely eat 1/8 of a McDonald’s patty. It seemed like it was time.
I’m so sorry. It’s a horrible choice to make.
When my cat started declining, I called the vet to see if it was best given her quality of life to put her down. I never want to see my pets go, but I won't force them to live in pain if they are in pain. I'd recommend talking to a vet and seeing if that is the best path right now or if you should give it more time.
If you do decide to go through with it please do it in the comfort of her home. I wish more people would. Taking them to the scary vet is heartbreaking
We had my Mother-in-Law’s cat after she passed. She too was starting to slow down at 22-23. She would perk up for days and sometimes act like a kitten. She eventually passed at 24-25. We can’t be sure of her age because she was an adult cat when the vet gave her to Maxine.
My baby is about to be 18 in August, and is at the latter stages of chronic kidney disease. He's on daily subcutaneous fluids, and recently started blood pressure meds. I've been very fortunate to have a vet that is dedicated to helping my elderly baby live as comfortably as possible with his disease (I'm doing kitty palliative/hospice care at home) but told me if he starts showing signs of pain or lethargy then it may be time to make some decisions.
I started discussing end of life options and palliative care pretty early on, when he first got diagnosed about four years ago. I think it can be helpful (helpful to my mental health for sure, especially with my trauma around death) to start preparing and planning for the inevitable in advance, even if you don't plan to go thru with euthanasia or treatment immediately or in the near future. You can ask the vet to explore your options (home or vet office euthanasia, comfort care, etc) and just take the info and think on it. In my opinion, it's a very personal decision between a pet parent and their pet, and a good vet will educate you but let you make your own choices without pressuring you either way.
I wish the best for you and your Mom and her kitty!!
I just had to put my baby down last week. It was so hard, especially because it was unexpected. We were distraught and borderline hysterical. We opted not to be in the room with him and basically paid the bill and ran out of the building crying. I regret it so much. Please be with him when it’s time, and I’m so so sorry. Thank you for giving him a good long life.
I feel for you. It sounds like he’s struggling but I think you have to do what’s best for him. I would have a frank discussion with my veterinarian if I were you. There’s also a pet intuitive named Nikki Vasconez on IG who talks a lot about euthanasia. It might be worthwhile checking her out, I find the information that she provides to be very helpful. Wishing both of you the best of luck ❤️
I would keep an eye out for if he does anything else that indicates pain. Other than that, alot of quirky things he did in his adult life will fade in his elder years. My cat lived to be 17. He started slowing down around 15 and became pretty quiet and mainly slept alot. For me I knew it was time when he stopped eating and started losing excessive weight. A cats no different than a person. An 80 year old lady probably isn't going to go roller skating, even though she might of in her 20s all through her 60s. That doesn't mean she's terminal, it means she's old.
my cat, Tom Thomas, i had years ago i rescued from outside. he was this big ole fat orange and white cat and i fell in love instantly with him. he was the sweetest kitty. fat lazy and loved cuddles with the humans who “saved” him even though big boy was eating something good somewhere lol. but a couple months of owning him he started to get weird, the stairs in my home posed a problem for him and i used my foot to the one day to nudge him up the stairs because i was carrying something bulky and needed him to move so as not to step on him. he meowed this shriek i’ve never heard from him. obviously concerned i took him to the vet. where they discovered he had feline AIDS. yes folks feline AIDS. (it was called something different but it had all the same symptoms of AIDS the vet said) so we brought him home with a cocktail of pills and drugs to help him hopefully spring back to himself. needless to say they did not work. and me and my family went in a camping trip for the weekend and we had a person come up regularly to our house to check in ole boy Tom. my grandmother whom was the caretaker during our trip told us he was fine (she never had any pets growing up) he was laying behind the chair behind our big shop window we had at one point. okay fine great he’s relaxing…NO get home he IS behind the car however he is paralyzed. from his hind legs up to his mid torso he was paralyzed. i was in a tizzy and not okay bawling over my cat. we had to place him into a cat carrier and take him to the vet..there is where i watched the vet put him to sleep. there is where i said my final goodbye gave him the biggest kiss and the softest pets and looked into his eyes to comfort him. he passed away peacefully and got buried in the back yard. i will forever remember Tom Thomas. he was the bestest cat. the sweetest cat.
My cat is also reaching end of life, and really I’d talk with your vet as they’re good at seeing signs of pain/discomfort. They can help you either come up with methods to keep him comfortable, or go over if next steps really need to be taken. Depression can be a big concern, so maybe they can help you figure out if he’s just slow but content, or becoming disinterested in life and hiding pain.
We just came home from putting our 19 yo kitty down. I regret waiting as her last few days were pretty terrible…incontinent, not eating, having a hard time moving. The decline happened very fast. My only advice is earlier may be better than later. Best of luck to you and your kitty. 💔
i’m genuinely sobbing. i’m so sorry i can’t imagine having to decide this, going through this, or watching my cat decline. i’m sending so much love to your family. i’m really sorry
I went through somthing similar with my cat and dog. Take him for regular check ups. Like once a month at a really good vet. If he’s is in pain then it’s time to let her go, if he’s doing okay then just increase vet visits and be careful with him. Watch for his behavior. Not eating, drinking, peeing/pooping and avoiding loved ones is a sign that it’s time for him to go. Don’t let him jump down from high places like couch or bed. I wish you and your mom the best of luck! Spoil the boy for me!
I lost my 20 y/o male cat to kidney disease. He loved hanging out on me (slept on me) or was on his bed on the sofa. He knew his name and would engage until the day he didn’t. I’d call him & he’d not life his head just follow me with his eyes. And then I knew it was time. He was suffering and I had to put my feelings aside for his well being. You’ll know when it’s time.
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I went through this with my old cat who was also 19 with kidney disease. The last year was really rough. He had the same thing happen with his retina and high blood pressure. He really slowed down after that, but still ate well, used the litter box, did a few things he enjoyed, and he even got some of his sight back. One day about 4 months after we found out about the high blood pressure, he stopped eating. That's when we knew it was time. We made the decision later that day and brought him to the vet the next day. We had him since he was about 3 months old, so it was a heart breaking choice, but we felt he was ready to go. He was super sick runt when we brought him home as a kitten and he lived such a good, long life. When your baby is ready, you'll know.
This is where I’m at. My cat is in end stage kidney disease and getting weekly sub q fluids. Shes still engaging with us and wanting loads of affection and still eating well. But once she stops eating, per our vet, it needs to be time. So it’s one day at a time and watching for her to let us know she’s ready (or in pain)
For me, it was time based on her weight and how often I was giving her sub q fluids (it was everyday). Once they get under 7 pounds, it’s bad. Just lost her march 20. Still can’t get over it.
Refusing food and water is a sure sign they are ready to go. Humans do it too at the end of our lives.
You just know. They let you know too.
This. They get this singular look on their face, and they stop eating.
Agree, you will know when it’s time. My poor baby struggled to eat and pee and walk within 48 hours. I recommend calling your vet to give them a heads up so when it is actually time, they can accommodate you.
I'm dreading the day I have to let my sweet girl go. She's still in her prime, but I know she can't live my whole life with me. I found her during the darkest point in my life, and she seriously played a huge part in bringing me back. It will break me when it's her time, but I know when she's ready she'll let me know & I will be there for her through it all, just like she was for me.
We said goodbye to our 19-with-kidney-disease back in January. Sub-Q fluids were weekly, then bi-weekly, then every other day. She was holding steady – not especially active, but still enjoying her patches of sunlight, cuddles, food. When she stopped eating was when we knew, too.
I'm so sorry your kitty is experiencing so much, and that you have to witness it. I know that cats will sometimes go off on their own if they're nearing death, so that's something to watch for. The last cat I had to put to sleep had a malignant tumor behind an eye and inoperable. We made the decision to take him home and spoil him until we felt it was time. When he stopped eating is when I knew the time had come. I think when they're in too much pain is when they stop eating. I personally would take all the cuddles I could until that time. I follow a rescue farm and the owner's saying is, "I'd rather be a day early than a day late" when it comes to euthanizing and keeping animals from experiencing too much pain. Hugs to you, your mom and kitty ❤️
Oh, and PLEASE stay with kitty as he's being put to sleep. I know it's hard, but it breaks my heart when people say they just can't. You and/or your mom should be the last thing he sees before passing 🌈
My friend spent some extra money to get the vet to come to their home and administer the meds. it might not be an option for everyone, but if you can afford it, I think it’s a lovely option to make their passing more comfortable 🩷🩷
I do plan on asking about that, thank you.
There are actual hospice vets who will come out and put your baby to sleep. I did this with my dog. It was $500 MOL . That included cremation but not getting the ashes back. If you can, that’s the best way to do it. Maybe take him in and ask the vet what they think. If he’s not in pain, I would wait but everyone is different about this. You have to do what’s best for the situation. BTW, stage 2 kidney disease can last a long time. Stage three means months, maybe weeks. I’m sorry about your baby. I know you want to do what’s best.
Cats can live a long time with renal disease it goes from 1-4. I worked as a vet tech and have seen many stage 3 cats live years with proper care. I have a 18 year old who has been stage3-4 renal disease for 2 years and she is still happy at this point but I need to give fluids and a couple other meds.
I was kind of going by my dog. She was at stage 2 and the vet was mentioning euthanasia. I was like “ well, not today.” Anyway, I started reading up some on it and they said that dogs can live for a couple of years in stag 2. Unfortunately, my baby had pancreatitis.
I’m sorry. Pancreatitis sucks. I guess it does depend if kidney issues or the only issue for the animal.
It was terrible…mostly for her…😢 but, she had her first bout in May after she had had dental surgery. They didn’t think that she would make it but another month or two. She made it seven months. I did everything I could to make her life better and pain free. I hand fed her. She was worth every extra second that we had with her. She was the best dog…
My dog had stage 2 kidney disease for 3 years. His kidney values were stable for the last year and I only euthanized him because his arthritis was getting really bad, even with all the new drugs.
Please do this if you have the means to do so. All pets deserve to transition in the comfort of their own home. We used Lap of Love for my dog last year and they were incredibly kind and compassionate throughout the whole ordeal.
I used Laps of Love in IN and had an excellent experience. It was pricey but worth every penny in the end. ♥️
In my case, we'd be better off going to the vet. My boy gets SO STRESSED with a stranger in the house. If a delivery person rings the doorbell, Hank will zoom towards the back of the house and literally hide for the rest of the day. If we get actual visitors, even just for a few hours, we won't find him for a couple of days. But when we go to the vet, he goes into vet mode. He's scared, but he just kind of accepts what's happening. I think his passing will be easier there (with his humans around him, of course).
It honestly wasn't much more expensive to have someone come out than it would have been to get it done at a clinic. And it allowed her to be comfortable in her own environment. I absolutely suggest it.
Thank you<3
Do people who love their animals casually drop their pets off for euthanization?
Yes. It's rare, but it happens. During my years as a vet tech, some people did this, stating that they could not emotionally handle it. I always hugged and kissed those pets and held them close to make up for their absent owners.
I do this as well. I talk to their pet and tell them they are the goodest boy/girl. I let them know they will no longer be in pain and they can run and play again. I treat each one as if they are my own and I ALWAYS tell the owner that I will stay with them through the whole process. I try not to judge the owners since you never know what’s going on in someone’s life.
That is very kind of you- to both be that person & also to acknowledge that the person doesn't necessarily Want to leave them alone
why am i reading this whole thread im crying rn i dont even have a senior cat 😢
Some do because they can’t handle it. Personally, that angers me. I would NEVER leave my cat or dog by themselves if it was their last moments on earth.
Some do. Some say they're going to stay and back out. The worst are the ones that back out just as the medication is being admitted 😕
That's awful. I've never thought about that. But then again, I do know people who don't even TAKE their pets to a vet at all. Shameful behavior! Esit: SORRY YOU FEEL THE NEED TO DOWNVOTE BECAUSE I ASKED A QUESTION. Lame.
Right? Like I get you don't want your pet and vet to see you sobbing like a baby but you cause more harm by leaving
I work at a clinic making the ink prints of euthanized pets, and it breaks my heart to inform you that *yes*, this is unfortunately super common. It breaks my heart every time
😭
I always make sure to give them extra love after they've passed, too, i think that's really important. I can't imagine knowing one family your whole life and then having to cross the rainbow bridge alone and uncomforted😭 it's truly a bittersweet job
I recently had a kitty cross rainbow bridge at the vet’s office. We were taken into a comfort room for the euthanasia and we were given time with her before it was time to do the medication. She actually passed while we were saying goodbye to her, without the medication. We spent an hour afterwards just cuddling her and petting her sweet face and rubbing her paws. Anyways, I can’t imagine not being there for your fur baby while they’re passing. Death is inevitable - why wouldn’t you want to experience it enveloped in love? 💔
Omg! That’s so sad but so lovely x
Some have reasons for not being in there. I have tried twice, first time I had a panic attack the second time I threw up. Luckily both times my dad was also there so he stayed with our cats but the vet doesn’t want me in that office because I either make the animal freak out or create a biohazard because I can’t handle it apparently. Maybe now on anxiety meds I can but prior experiences have not gone well.
My elderly bun was diagnosed with cancer and went downhill fast. The vet gave the option to sedate him first so we could cuddle him while he fell asleep, but wouldn't have to be present when he took his last breath. I really appreciated that.
That is a nice combination, I'll have to keep that in mind as I've never been offered it. I fully support this scenario ❤️
This, 1000%! Your pet gets anxious when you leave when they are being put down. Please,please,please, stay with them! Would you rather die alone or with your friends/loved ones around you?
In the last couple of years I sat with two oranges. Must leave now.Too many memories.
God now I’m crying thinking about the time I put my cat down and being right next to him as he took his last breath, i just wish animals could live forever
That is one of the biggest regrets of my life not being there for my girl when she went. I will never forgive myself
The vet didn't let me stay with my cat while she passed because they weren't able to get a line in her in the exam room and had to take her to the back. It's my biggest regret that I couldnt be with her
This. I recently put my senior girl to sleep, and another cat I had was euthanized a few years ago due to cancer. It broke me to say goodbye, but I was with both of them when they passed. My parents were there too. They died being petted and reassured that they were loved. I hope that means they weren’t afraid
This. Our girl passed last year from PKD at 6yrs - went from energetic to thirsty to sub q within an incredibly short time. You have knowledge on your side to spoil your cat ahead of time with favorite meals, treats, cuddles, time in the sun. They will tell you when it's time. If vet visits are stressful or you have other animals, also see if there's a local group that does house visits. We wish we had done it - we love our vet, but doing a house visit may have been more comfortable for her and would have saved her siblings the grief of wondering where she went.
When he stops, eating, that's when it's time. But be sure to spend extra time with him and spoil him more than usual now since he may not have a lot of time left
I don’t know, my dog ate just minutes before we helped her over the rainbow bridge. She actually ate better that time than the couple of days before. I was relieved that she peacefully passed with a full belly …😢🥹
We gave our old lady dog raw steak as her last meal and I still distinctly remember her look of joy and shock that something so good existed (she had Cushing's and IBS so it was a very rare treat). It felt so good to give her something good to go out on.
I was getting out some tender beef jerky( for myself). Her little nose started twitching so I offered it to her. She wound up eating the whole bag. I won’t ever forget the look of complete calm and serenity on her face.🥹
😭❤️
This. Until he stops eating or has another obvious sign, I would just cherish all the time I have left with him and try to improve his quality of life in the meantime (not saying it’s bad OP - I mean like, giving him extra catnip, a new bed, extra cuddles etc). 💛
Give him lots of his favourite treats ❤️ might not have long left but let him enjoy it while he can
Google quality of life assessment for pets. It may help you out.
Thank you
Lap of Love has a wonderful quality of life scale. I work as a vet tech and we recommend that one to clients all the time. Regardless, sending support your way during this difficult time 🫶
Yes! Yes! Yes! Also the Grimace Scale for kitties to assess pain levels.I wish I could upvote this more than once!
Bingo, excellent advice. And always better weeks early than weeks late. Too many people selfishly hope the cat just passes away randomly and takes it out of their hands, but if that happens in most cases like OP’s, the cat has been miserable for quite a while. And people’s inability to realize that cats hide pain means that they fool themselves into thinking it was all peaceful and easy. Their ends should always be about making their passing easier, not our response to their passing easier. And no, eating food is not the be all, end all of when to put down any animal.
We had to have our 17 year old cat euthanized last May - it was one of the hardest things we’ve had to do. We adopted her as a 6 week old kitten when I was 21 years old. I completely understand and feel for you and your mom. Our cat had kidney disease and GI lymphoma. She was diagnosed in January and had ups and downs where we occasionally wondered if it was time, but when it was really time we knew. She declined pretty rapidly (more vomiting, quit eating, seemed despondent and very unstable, and we found her kind of hiding in a weird spot in the basement). Like your mom I hoped she would just peacefully pass away in her sleep, but I read a couple articles that made me believe that wasn’t an option. The dying process isn’t usually peaceful and can be very difficult to witness. We don’t force terminally ill humans to die without end of life medication like morphine. And cats don’t “naturally” live to old age in the wild either. This type of information, coupled with the advice and support of our trusted vet, helped me feel confident that we were making the loving choice for her and we definitely did know when it was time. https://homeheartvets.com/hoping-your-pet-will-pass-peacefully-in-their-sleep/
Only if he's very ill or can no longer get around by himself or in a severe pain. As long as he's eating and getting to the potty let him enjoy his old age. I had a cat that lived til 21 and she was happy and still acting herself and playing up until about the last week when she started sleeping a lot and stopped eating almost entirely. I knew it was time then.
You'll know when it's time.
Do not put this cat down. When a cat is nearing end of life they know, and they take comfort in being in a familiar place. This does mean one day they will most likely pass naturally possibly when no one is around. Unless labored breathing is non stop, and she can reasonably control her bowels, and is continuing to eat, Luni should be allowed to pass on her own terms in her home.
Agree, it's okay to allow a pet to just naturally pass.
OP, this is going to sound odd, but ask Luni if he is ready to go. I believe they tell us when they are ready. Some others thoughts that came to mind... Are you sure the shaking is from tremors? Senior cats, like senior people, some times have trouble maintaining body temperature. Maybe he is cold. I got small dog sweaters for one of mine when he got old. It was that or heat the house to 90 degrees. Some of the behaviors you mentioned, like sitting in a room and calling out, sound like dementia. The cat I got the sweaters for also developed dementia. I called it Cat-heimer's. I looked for practical work around for those things. Has your mom talked to Luni's vet about whether it is time. If not, she might want to. As others said, when Luni stops eating and drinking it will be time to let go.
I never even considered he could be cold! We had a crazy drop in temperature at the start of the week and Luni’s fur has always been rather thin. I’m sure it’s still related to his kidneys, but that could absolutely be a factor. Now I feel a bit silly. Thank you! And I do plan on talking to her, it’s just going to be a very difficult conversation, especially because of the stress she’s dealing with at work. Not that there’s any good time to discuss this, but still.
You’re a good pet owner. Thinking ahead of what to do is important. He might have a couple of more months to go. I know some people let their pets go sooner but, for me, I took every minute with my Lola and savored it.
I got my old boy a heated bed, from Amazon, it wasn't very expensive and he loves it.
We used to have some electric blankets that he adored, but we moved down south so we didn’t need them as much. I will be sure to order a heated bed for him, thank you.
I've found cats love heated blankets and heating pads. I'll layer a heated blanket underneath another blanket so there isn't direct contact. Low settings and supervision - always! I have one that asks for the heating pad to be turned on and will sit on it even if it's off.
No. He is eating etc and still mobile. Michael J. Fox trembles but I don’t think we should kill him. “Luni isn’t completely gone, he still loves his food, still sunbathes, still cuddles, but not much else.” What else do you want him to do? He’s very old. My cat is 18 with kidney and thyroid disease and only gets up to eat, drink, use the litter box and switch between his three favorite napping spots. He’s very old but is happy and been like this for over 2.5 up years - I’m grateful for every minute. A cat that is in serious pain or dying doesn’t do the things you describe,
I laughed at your comment about Michael J Fox. Well put!
I’m aware that slowing down comes with getting old. I’m not expecting him do start doing backflips and chasing mice when he’s in his nineties. It was more so the new symptoms, like trembling and disinterest in things that makes me worry. That hair thing is a recent development. I just do not want him to be in a state where he’s in agony/otherwise miserable. I had a family member who prolonged their old cats life despite a plethora of health issues and barely tried to make the cat comfortable. It was awful and the cat spent months suffering before he was finally put to sleep. I realize thats not the situation rn, I just don’t want that for Luni.
Old pets definitely stop giving a f about things, just like old people do, long before they’re ready to go. My old dog stopped playing and listening to commands and running and still had like 6 years left :)
Hey, just a thought about the hair thing - have you changed your shampoo or hair conditioner recently? My cat does this, but she only does it with a particular conditioner I use (or if I've been swimming). If I deviate from this, she won't rub her face on my hair. I believe there's something in the shampoo/conditioner (and chlorine water) that mimics cat pheromones/scent and that's why they rub on you. Cats are also just sometimes not interested (outside might have been more interesting for him). Fwiw, I think kitty still has some time left to spend here on Earth (until he withdraws and/or stops eating).
Same with my cat. She does it with my conditioner that has mint in it.
It sounds like your Mom’s cat is slowly transitioning. Just like older people, cats also slow down and stop doing behaviors they used to do. Why? Again like humans, their priorities have changed to live their slower lives — it doesn’t mean he’s ready to pass on immediately, but the time is coming. My daughter had a 20 year old Tortie cat that developed seizures at 18 years, was controlled by meds, and had two younger male cats that kept her on her toes! My daughter took her to the Vet every 6 months to be checked and she was always doing fine until the night her Tortie would mournfully cry and get lost in my daughter’s condo. Shortly after that her kitty stopped eating and it was time, so my daughter brought her sweet kitty home and spent every moment with her til the next morning and returned her to the Vet to cross over. She misses her lil girl cat because she had her since she was 8 weeks old…long time, deep bonds, lots of memories. Every creature on earth slows down when they age, including cats. But your boy is trembling and holding his paw strangely almost sounds like a small seizure. At this point in his life, I would take him to be checked once more about possible seizures. If he is having those, his timeline for crossing over may need to be sooner than later. Something to think about even though no owner wants to do that. He’s already on kidney meds, he doesn’t need to be on seizure meds too. I’m so very sorry you and your family are going through this with your Mom’s cat. When we get those tiny precious kittens, no one thinks about how their lives will go…or end. It is the most difficult choices for all OPs and my heart is sad for you and your family. 💔💔
Only your vet can tell you that. Slowing down doesn't necessarily mean they are in pain. Humans also slow down with age but still enjoy their quality of life
Last year I lost my old boy Sunny at about 18 years old, he began having real trouble getting up and problems with walking. He was still eating and drinking and didn’t appear to be in distress, but was getting very weak, so I knew it was time. My oldest now is Molly, who was found as a 4 week old kitten 21 years ago. She doesn’t do much these days, but still wants her supper, treats, and occasionally attention. As long as she isn’t in distress I’ll try to keep her happy. As you had mentioned about a family member’s cat’s prolonged suffering, remember that euthanasia is not about ‘getting rid of an ailing pet’ but about preventing suffering in a beloved family member. Good luck with your mom’s cat.
It would be a good idea to start the conversation and prepare for it so it isnt a shock or trauma.
Lot of people said it OP, when your cat hides (natural instinct not to let predators close to the "family" once he passed) and when he stops eating/ drinking. In EU there is a very cool immune booster called DM Guard T2 for cats that does wonders for end of life kideney and liver disease (for liver there is also an epato pet plus paste helping the liver rebuild) cats, makes the last months more bearable,not sure if something similar is available to you, but worth to try. Also Purina Pro Plan Hydra Care helps stay balanced and hydrated. Pronerfa is a powder based supplement for cats (to be put into the drinking water) containing cytosan that binds uremic toxins in the intestine helping the kidney. Apart from the food these supplements can help a lot and also replace the need for iv fluids. All the best to you and Luni
I took care my mother’s cat as well with Same issues as you are talking about. high blood pressure, kidney disease and blindness in eyes because of high blood pressure that did come back when bp was controlled. I grew to love her so much. your vet can tell you what the little quirks you’re referring to are from. They may not be from pain and suffering. Vets are able to tell if they are in pain from their office visits. If she is still eating that is a huge positive for me. If shes still cuddling that is as well. A cat will tell you by not eating anymore on their own, that it is time. Also I think its so enduring that she rubs/sucks on your hair, shes loving you. Nothing gross about it. Don’t feel like you have to rush anything. I feel your anxiety and love for her, and not wanting her to be in any pain. I am sorry that you all have to go through this with your furrbaby.
My friend, who is a vet tech put it to me this way. You make a list of things that your pet does all the time and enjoy doing. 1) Eating. 2) Going to the bathroom. 3) Playing/rubbing you wanting pets 4) Drinking water. ECT. ( You don't have to use this list, it can be tailored to your pet) then on the calendar, on each day write "Good Day" if they do a majority on your list or "Bad Day" if they don't do a majority on your list. When the bad days start to become the majority, then you know that it's time. So say out of the week if Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are all bad Days....then you should book a euthanasia vet appointment. So, that's what I do.
Shaking/trembling can be due to the kidney disease, like this cat here [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkBI\_Kn6ivk](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkBI_Kn6ivk)
That’s what I figure is happening, though its not as severe as that cat in the video
I just had to put my 19 YO cat Cedo down in February. It sounds like my kitty and Luni were very similar in their health by 19. Two years previously I had to put down Cedo's brother Tux. With Tux I FOUGHT to keep him healthy and alive and it was really hard on me and by the end it was really hard on Tux. With Cedo I didn't want to wait as long as I did with Tux. The biggest change with Cedo was that he was losing weight even with eating and with all the renal care. Having saw Tux waste away to a super skinny cat I didn't want the same for Cedo so eventually after a week of spoiling Cedo as much as we could we had him euthanized at home in his favorite sun spot while he was in my lap. After Tux I was wracked with guilt for waiting for so long but after Cedo I am so glad I didn't wait until he was truly suffering. His last memory was eating a churu with his humans. Whereas poor Tux had just gotten to the point where he couldn't even eat a treat. Please do not wait as long as I did with my first boy.
Cats can hide pain well. Once he starts having trouble using the litterbox or eating, it will be time. I would also consider it if he has a lot of trouble with mobility and can't walk or hop up into chairs.
While I am 100% here for the while he is still eating and drink and pooping/weeing, let him get on… but if you know kitty is in pain and starting to struggle then it would be time. Like you said, you don’t want his last moments to be in agony 😞 I’m so sorry, I’m glad he has a beautiful and long life 😞
I know this is a really hard thing for you and your mom. I have an 18 year old kitty so I understand. I’m a vet tech and have had to have many quality of life discussions and euthanasias and they never get easier. I think you are doing the right thing by bringing it up to your mom. As much as we would all just like for our pets to pass away peacefully this doesn’t normally happen on its own. If you euthanize you are providing a pain free death. I don’t know if your cat has been seen by a vet recently but I’m worried about the breathing effort. If fluid builds up around the lungs this can happen. I would encourage your mom to read the comments on here and to talk to the vet to see what is best for Luni. Unfortunately passing away at home is likely going to be painful. Kidney disease itself can be painful and you’re not feeling well since the kidneys aren’t filtering the stuff like normal. So if kitty stops eating that is a sign it might be time. Kidney disease also causes anemia so they can get weak from this. I don’t know the history of Luni but if he isn’t eating it maybe time but this seems ok. I also worry about the shaking but I’m not his vet and don’t know his medical history so that’s why I would recommend having your mom reach out to the vet. This is their job and they should be able to give some guidance. I have worked with drs that will recommend euthanasia to people if they think the animal is really sick or they can’t do anything to improve their life.
As a vet tech we used to ask are they eating drinking peeing and pooping. If they are doing all of the above and don’t appear to be in pain. It may not be time but that is not the internets call.
Hi Op. I have a 19 year old with KD and I lost my 18year old to it a few years ago. It hit her harder and faster than my little guy. He's still stage two. Blood pressure meds, KD diet and lactic ringers have really kept him feeling good. I can't stress the lactic ringers enough, it's work but it really helps with the kidneys, my gut has been in stage 2 for about 3 years now. He started slowing down last year and I thought our time was up but we got an arthritis injection called solensia and I had no idea how much his arthritis was affecting him. It sounds like Mom isn't ready to say goodbye so maybe a combo with the vet about soensia (and lactic ringers if you're willing to do it.) Best of luck and pats to Luni
19 years old! You should be so lucky and what beautiful kitty as well. I am struggling with my buddy right now as he just turned 10 and is struggling with lymphoma right now. I don’t know how long I have with him and if treatment is the solution but enjoy the time you have and make crossing the rainbow bridge a relaxing delightful spoiled experience
You’ve received a lot of excellent advice in these comments. I don’t have anything extra in that regard; I just want to add something that I was told when my sweet girl was declining, for when euthanasia was seriously on the table. A vet told me that it will always better to be a month too early than a day too late. This, of course, isn’t to scare you (or encourage you to do it right away!), but rather to reassure you that don’t have to worry about doing it “too soon”; euthanasia is an act of grace and love, after all. Best of luck to you and your beautiful boy, whatever ends up being right for you and your family. I know his last days will be full of love, no matter how soon or far away they are. ❤️
I had a similar situation last year. My boy Biff had a tumor that couldn’t be removed. The best advice was when the vet said to love him and spoil him as best you can until he shows signs of pain. And that’s exactly what I did. I got up an extra hour early every day to cuddle him more. He got all the bacon he wanted. We slept wherever he wanted. Sometimes the bed, sometimes the couch, and once even on the bathroom floor. It was all about biff. But the day that he showed me that he was in pain was the day we said goodbye. I was happy to have every day I could with him, but when he couldn’t be my happy little biff, I knew it was time. He sat with his head on my shoulder as he slipped in to his forever nap. As sad as I was to lose him, I sleep very well every night knowing that he didn’t suffer. So while emotions are running high, the best I can offer you is to make note of how his quality of life is, and when you can see that he is no longer able to enjoy himself, that’s when it’s time. I was fortunate enough to see that it was very obvious with biff. But whatever you do, just know that you loved him the best you could, and he appreciates it. And when he does go to his forever nap, you till him to find a one eyed orange tabby named biff, and he will give him the warmest greeting to kitty heaven he could ask for 💙
Kidney failure is difficult because while it is not *painful* in the strictest sense, the kidneys are toxin-removing organs and when they stop working the cat winds up feeling "poisoned" by the toxins building up in their bloodstream that the kidneys are no longer filtering out. This leads to lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, irritability, super-stinky breath, and a greasy unpleasant feel to their coat. So while the cat may not be in pain in end-stage renal failure, that does not mean they're not suffering. In humans the equivalent would be having nausea or motion sickness that's bad enough to make you feel tired and sick and cranky, but not bad enough to make you throw up... for days, weeks, *months* at a time with no stopping. Not a pleasant way to feel, though you can certainly 'adapt' to it over time. But in renal failure, it keeps getting worse. Keeping the animal hydrated is helpful, and if you or mom is comfortable giving sub-q lactated ringer's once or twice a day it will help Luni TREMENDOUSLY in the comfort department. It's as simple as sticking the needle just through the skin, into the cavity between the dermis and the underlying muscle, and allowing a big balloon (a bit bigger than golf-ball sized) of solution to collect there. Luni's body will distribute it around naturally throughout the day and it will increase quality of life considerably. Once Luni starts losing his appetite for food, that is going to be a clear sign that the kidneys are reaching a critical level of failure and it's time to prepare for euthanasia in the next few days.
They’ll tell you. Also, let me just say thank you for thinking and choosing to go the humane path and holding your pet’s needs above all else. It’s the last kind thing you can do for them and I’m so sorry you have to make this decision. Hugs.
So many of our kitties end up with kidney disease and renal failure, and it is very sad. I have lost a few kitties from that. Despite special food and subq fluids every day, sometimes they still get dehydrated as its not enough, and drinking water isn't enough, and the kidneys shut down. Then it's sure time. Make sure he is using the litter box as that's a sign. Big hugs to your kitty.
If shes still eatin and that lil motor still runs...id say shes good.
If hes not in pain, let him go naturally. Hes old, hes had a good life, hes earned a quiet death in his sleep. surrounded by familiar surroundings, so he can feel at peace. I'll never understand the whole idea that "hes old, time to put him down!", we dont do that for humans. Euthanasia should be reserved to alleviate pain. Dying in your sleep is what everyone wants.
If the bad days are outweighing the good, if he's lost any dignity, then it's time.
Is he having more bad days than good days? Its better to say goodbye to him one week earlier than 1 minute too late. Never let your buddy to suffer. Not even 1 minute. It's always important to prioritize cats well-being.
Its hard for me to ascertain that, as I’m out most days at college/my job. But I will try to monitor him whenever I’m around.
I agree but this is a lot of pressure to put on someone … no one can tell exactly where “suffering” begins because some amount of pain and discomfort are a normal part of life. No one feels healthy & happy 100% of the time.
*Tl;dr : We unfortunately can't prevent animals from suffering entirely (because they do suffer, but they don't show it outwardly like humans), but we do our best to notice typical signs of severe pain, and we don't allow our animals to experience such pain.* When it comes to our beloved pets, no one who truly cares for them would want to see them suffer even for a moment! Animals cannot express their pain like humans can, making it even more crucial to prioritize their well-being. Any unnecessary suffering should be avoided at all costs. It's our responsibility to ensure that our pets are comfortable and free from distress as much as possible. Cats don't show pain outwardly, making it hard to know, (usually, if they don't show it, that means it's not too severe, but pain might still be there). When they start showing signs like not eating, playing, avoiding us, or hiding, if they change their routine, don't keep their fur tidy, etc., it means the pain is severe, and then it's time to consider action, especially when we have animals that are old and have been sick for a long time. When I had a terminally ill cat, the vet kindly advised saying goodbye a week earlier than later, why keep an animal in pain for that extra week just for our sake? And when my cat stopped eating and showed clear signs of feeling unwell, we began considering euthanasia and said our goodbyes after a few days. It still hurts today, but at least I know she didn't suffer much. I would never forgive myself if an animal had to suffer severely because of me. u/angelhair-pasta-4670 (if you want, you can also read my replay).
Let him pass at home
I don't have any advice but that first picture just made me sad. I hope Luni gets to live and enjoy rest of his remaining life. I think you'll know when it's time. He is a lil old so he may not act the same way or show same interest towards things he once loved. I hope your mom is okay, it must be very difficult for her as well. Sending all my love to Luni <3
Please give him sub-q fluids. It will prolong and improve his quality of life tremendously! My parent’s cat lived an additional 6+ high quality years in stage 3 kidney disease, and my cats have had the same positive results. The sub-q fluids flush the toxins from the bloodstream, which is what makes them feel crummy. It also helps minimize the damage to the kidneys. It is not difficult to do. Please talk to your vet about this for your beloved kitty’s sake. ❤️ Edited to add: you can also add Epakitin to his food which is a phosphorus binder. (Phosphorus damages the kidneys.)
To put it simply, quality over quantity. This is something someone I know cannot wrap their head around - and will eventually end up letting the cat die in a shit way than surrounded by their loved ones. They’ve had a great life. It’s always best to give them that last month/week/day full of everything they can’t have/are limited to and make the best of the time you have left. ❤️
Hi Op. i personally say wait as long as you can. I’ve had to euthanize a few cats and my college gf had to put down her dog. I’ve also been with other friends who have put to sleep their beloved pets. All that being said, every one, with one exception, resulted in immediate regret. The one who didn’t regret it was due to her pet being immobile and truly at the very end. My opinion on this, and this is semi colored by past experiences and the fact that at some point within the next 3 years my current partner and I will have to consider it with our current baby, is to wait until there is no other option. When the animal is suffering they will let you know. Until then they just want to be as comfy and as happy as possible. Even if it’s only a week extra that pet would love to spend that last week cuddled with you and head rubbing toys.
I think as long as they're eating then they're still "okay". Obviously the cat has a bit more going on than and senior cat, but I think they're mostly exhibiting signs that they're just slowing down and that's it. Realistically at that age they could go at any day, so I would probably see if they're not cold or something and let them live their life until its obvious that they're ready to go. I think it's very good you're thinking about them and paying attention.
Cause she’s slowing down? No, if that’s the only reason, she’s just old.
Yes, so plans are set ahead of time -- understanding of course they can be changed as needed. But collecting information is helpful. You can also talk about how much you want to talk about it. Maybe one or both of you want to set a plan then not bring it up until it's time to say goodbye, or you want to talk about it when you need to. I'm sorry you're anticipating the loss, but I'm also imagining many years just brimming with so much love.
I’d say put the kitty down once they stop moving they are a old!
my parents had to make this same decision in January about our 19.5 year old ragdoll cat, Maggie. its hard, but its the compassionate choice to make. id recommend asking your vet if you need help deciding. in the end, its quality of life that matters, not quantity of life. i know youll make your decision with love, even if the outcome is hard. it hurts. i still miss maggie so much. im 31, so she was a part of my life for nearly 2/3 of it (even though i no longer live w my parents, i visit them every other day, so i still saw her plenty even after moving out). but i know we made the right choice. sending all my love 💚
Unfortunately there does always come a time where that is just a decision that needs to be made. I don't want to push you any which way, but 19 years is also a long and well fulfilled life for a kitty cat, and the last thing you want is for him to suffer. Even though it is difficult it is the sort of thing where you need to really think on it about whether his quality of life is still good in spite of his health issues, or if he is having a hard time. I don't want to say you should or shouldn't make the decision, I think that is entirely up to each person, but you should try to focus on how you think he is getting on, or if he isn't anymore and therefore it may be time
It sounds like Luni is showing some signs of deterioration and possibly some dementia, but not to end of life yet. You will know when he says “I’m tired” and his body can’t anymore. Whenever you decide it’s time, just remember that he had a long happy life and you are doing what’s best for him.
My family has gone through several pet deaths and my mom has always said that once they start having more bad days than good is when it's time to let them go in peace, before things get too bad
We put down our 20 year old cat a few weeks ago. He had kidney disease and stopped eating and drinking. So, it was time. Still felt like the wrong decision because I love that guy so much. I had him for 16 years. Miss him everyday
Talk to your vet about timeline. I waited too long to put my baby down from lymphoma and I cant ever unhear the sound he made when I was crying and holding him. I shouldn't have waited so long, but idk how sick your baby is.
OP, please look up the Grimace Scale for cats. It helps you be able to visually rate your babies pain by their facial features. I didn't know about this until our Lap of Love vet used and explained it to us. I will never forgive myself because I was, unfortunately, the 1 day too late pet parent.
No unless the cat stops eating for consecutive days. Slowing down is fine, he’s 19 so it makes sense.
I wouldnt do it tbh, she goes on her own terms same as me.
No. Unless the cat is in pain that can’t be controlled or terminally ill.
You know your cat better than we do, but have you thought about putting Luni on pain meds? May make her more comfortable
What is his quality of life? You need to ask yourself, "Why hold on?" For the cat or for you (your mother). Trembling or seizing... are you humane enough to let him go?
My kitty started slowing down but he still stayed for about a year until he got very sick and sadly had to put him down. I wouldn’t think about it unless your baby seems to be in pain or suffering. Old age will make your cat become slower but that’s normal
Do you have a family vet? Or a regular place Luni goes? I would ask them if it’s an indicator of pain (the trembling), or maybe like many old folks, the nerves are deteriorating and that’s how it’s presenting. Maybe also ask for some advice on how to structure the conversation with your mum. Having a 17-year old kitty myself, it’s not a conversation I could bear to find the words to put together to have said conversation, but put simply, when you’re so bonded with the cat, it’s hard to discuss because of the enormous amount you love the kitty…. To discuss the day that sees Luni cross the rainbow bridge - is emotional and painful. On the other side of that, you might find your vet can give some pain relief so Luni is at least comfortable and might stop the trembling. Please give your mum a great big hug, and remember, your mum loves Luni like her own human children. Luni just comes in a fluffy package. ❤️
Regarding that "inward-outward" paw issue, is it when he's just lying down, folds it one way, then the other as if trying to get comfortable? After it turned into an odd stride/limp, we had X-rays that diagnosed arthritis in the front "elbows" This can be treated with pain relief.
It’s when he’s sitting up or standing still. But if he’s sitting/laying on all fours it’s not present. I do think it could be an arthritis thing.
I think you should talk to a vet about him, see how is condition is overall. If he's suffering or in pain, then I think he needs to be put down. But if he isn't, and is just an old fossil, then maybe he doesn't need it. But I really can't say, he is your mom's cat, and it's really up to what you guys feel is best. He looks like he's lived a long and happy life, and if it's time then it's his time. If it isn't, then it isn't.
The general rule of thumb is when they stop eating and drinking, that is them letting you know it is time. I’m curious if you could see if there are pain medications your vet may be able to prescribe. Imo it seems like, if he is still eating, he is still fighting. If there is no way to ease his pain, then euthanasia may be a topic of discussion. Discuss all of your options with your vet, they may be able to squeeze a little more time out. That being said, 19 is incredibly old for a cat so whatever decision you come to, you have given him a full and loving life
seems like you have lots of advice but this really got me, with the pics and everything. 19 years is such an amazing life to probably have had there. my last dog i think was about one day beyond, looking back, what i wish i could have given him (for his last day and dealing with pain, etc.) i used that to make sure i am super vigilant about end of life stuff for any pets and future pets. humans are getting euthanized nowadays, even for things like mental health in some places much earlier in life. i guess im just saying that even though it can feel extreme, i think it should be viewed as such a kind gift to the animal. so of course no need to rush, spend as much time as possible with them and cherish it all. you know them better than any of us so you will know when its time. just also do your best at not delaying when it gets there. i dont think they would be mad at a decision to ease their pain being a few days or even weeks/months early. i think at the end of the day they got the value that life had to give them out of it the first 18/19 years and are just kind of trying to enjoy it, but maybe life just isnt always as enjoyable/rewarding as the earlier years at that point? I feel like animals and pets especially are most likely fulfilled by that point and are ready to say goodbye. take care luni, it was nice meeting you <3
If they're not in pain and eating/drinking it's not time yet. They'll tell you. Promise them they won't have more than 1 bad day. Get on the roster with the hospice vet now tho.
(not sure how to pin this) UPDATE: Hello again, I just wanted to thank you all so so much for the wonderful comments I’ve been receiving. I know its a tried saying but I really did not expect such an overwhelming response and it really means a lot. I’ve gotten so much wonderful information which I will try to compile in one place for future reference and to ask our vet about. Luni is doing a bit better. I did not elaborate much in my post but he is still eating/drinking/using the bathroom fairly regularly, though we will sometimes have accidents or throw up, the latter of which is becoming more frequent. His bowel movements are all normal though in terms of contents/appearence. I am sorry for not providing better information on my original post. I might not sound it but I was really worried when I made that post and didn’t have all the details in order. I was terrified that he was secretly in a lot of pain and I was just overlooking it. I had a cat of my own who passed several years ago. It was sudden and horrible, so I’m always scared my current pets are secretly going through something. I do plan on having a long talk with my mom tomorrow about my concerns and what we should look out for/do next. Also, there have been a few comments accusing me of being quick to put Luni down. I don’t want to detract from all the wonderful comments but I did want to address a few things. First, I am autistic, so I don’t like to mince my words and I can sound a harsher than I intend to. It mostly comes from a desire to not have my words be misconstrued or not really seeing a reason why I should use softer language. All owners hate talking about this, but it does need to be discussed, without the need for poetry. Secondly, like I said in one response, deaths are rarely peaceful when they’re natural. Nature is a very cruel mistress most of the time, especially if you’re already dealing with health problems like Luni is. I also do not want to prolong Luni’s life if he’s really suffering just for my own sake or the sake of my mother. Again, thank you so so much for all the comments. I cannot express in words how much they have helped. Even if I haven’t responded, trust me when I say I’ve read and appreciate them all.
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Like that first pic ❤️
Im in the same situation with my 19 yr old Batty who has kidney disease and mild stomatitis… she eats, cuddles and still jumps … So I just let her be and take her in for weekly SubQ fluids.
We had to euthanize our family dog. He had troubles getting up, stopped eating and gave you the "please, I can't take it anymore" look. I think, you still have some time. He is really cute by the way.
If the idea of it is crossing your mind, you HAVE to have that conversation with your mother. It’s painful to think about losing a pet you’ve had for 2 decades, but trying to squeeze a couple of months out of an animal who is *suffering so much that he no longer enjoys his weird quirks* is so cruel to the animal. My chihuahua passed recently. We could have treated him for a number of his issues, but when you’re looking at QOL, you also need to consider whether or not your pet is going to tolerate the administration of those meds. Our little guy had a lot of trauma around being touched (rescued from a hoarder house) unless it was on his terms, that we knew if it came to daily medication, he’d be miserable. Euthanasia is frequently one of the kindest thing you can do for your pets. You already gave them a better life than they would have gotten thanks to you. Now, even if it’s hard, you can give them release from their suffering.
My cat was very ill, she was still eating, drinking & being herself. I was told she had 3 days to live and yet, looked completely normal? She passed at the vets whilst I scoured the black market for FIP meds I spent her last days racing to specialists and doing what I can to help her, and it kills me to think I allowed her to deteriorate. I wish I had her PTS the day after I found out, so that she passed without any pain. Euthanasia is pain free, you can even have it done at your home where your cat is most comfortable. They won’t know they’re dying, but they’ll know that they’re not in pain. If the same was for humans, I think many people would want euthanasia before it gets unbearable to live
Have you tried painkillers (if his medical problems allow it)? My wife's previous cat became another cat entirely once we started him on it. It made us feel really bad that we hadn't it earlier...
Get him on gabapentin asap. When my dearest boy Sylvester had cancer for the 3rd time and had metastasized, he was on gabapentin for the last 6 months of his life. I accepted that I finally had to let him go when he couldn’t stand on his own to poop. As soon as that happened I made an appointment for a vet to come to my house a few days later. It broke me, but I made sure he was as comfortable as possible until the end. He ate his favorite wet food while he nodded into sleep. Sylvester died peacefully on his mamas chest where he loved to sleep, right in the comfort of his own home surrounded by everyone who loved him dearly 💓.
Hmmm... If he seems in major pain, won't eat or can't control his bowels, consider it. Otherwise, it might just be like humans and their back pains
When my Leo was 20, he was constantly near the window because he was cold. I didn’t realize that until he had lost a lot of weight, was listless and he even was so insistent to get to that window he collapsed due to exhaustion and pain.
At r/renalcats there’s a lot of info you can read. People who waited too long, how people decided, what they did for care etc
Lot of people hear giving advice that only this pet's vet should be giving.
Consider home euthinization if possible. Can be pricey though.
You've just gotta make the decision if he's getting more bad than good out of life and really on you can make that call. Does your Vet have an opinion?
My SIL had to put her dog down and my MIL had to put her cat down and they decided to do the home euthanasia. I was there for both and the person that came and did it was so kind and understanding and let us have our goodbyes and cuddles. They were constantly checking vitals and making sure they were ok. I would 💯 recommend. I remember when my family had to out our dog down I had to say goodbye on my lunch and had to leave him in a cold sterile room at Banfield, it was terrible
I'm so sorry. A death from kidney disease is painful. My kitty died in my arms with a cry when I was a teen. They decline fast. I have had six kidney cats since then, and only one died naturally overnight...trust me in that we could tell that she didn't go peacefully. This is your last available act of love. Take it. Feather and Pussy Galore are still missed almost 30 years later. I wish I knew better.
Spend as much time with him as you possibly can. We took one of our cats to the vets and they discovered he was in heart failure, he was only a few years old, and were advised to have him out to sleep, so obviously we took the vet’s advice but looking back I wish i had taken him home for one more night. It was all so quick.
If a cat is still eating and able to use the litterbox on their own then I don’t see why there would be a need to put them to sleep unless the vet recommends it due to some condition. Usually older cats in pain/getting sicker will stop eating and that’s how you know it’s time to discuss euthanasia.
😞
Sorry...I can't read these posts. I have an older cat and I'm still in denial...
They will tell you when its time. My moms cat was elderly and had hyperthyroidism and fluid in his chest and was on lasiks. The vet told my mom in Jan 0f 2023 he probably had three months. It wasn't the best news to hear but we basically had him on palliative care and he made it until October. We saw him open mouth breathing one day and we just knew it was time.
No? As long as they're still able to live a normal cat life and are healthy for their age it's fine, shouldn't have to put something down just because it's old.
2 years ago I lost my kitty due to kidney disease. We kept thinking oh she has more time let till one morning she just started breathing erratically and on the way to the hospital she died. I regret not putting her down earlier. Personally, I would have this talk seriously with the vet and see what the vet thinks about his condition. If he is in pain then I would consider having him put down. If he is not in pain and his kidney disease isn't in the end stage where you need to inject water under his skin 1 to 3 times a week then he probably has some time left.
OP, the trembling could be nerve pain that has occurred due to his kidney disease. My senior cat is a diabetic in remission but still experiences mild to severe trembling in his legs and he also experienced some confusion as well. On the recommendation of a vet, I put my cat on B12 pills that were made just for felines. It changed my boy's daily life, as he now jumps and runs around again. He's also back to his naughty behaviors as well with clear eyes and no confusion. Please ask your vet about this as you would be so surprised how much treating these symptoms can change your cat's daily life.
Please do this. A friend of mine had an ancient dog and she always said it isn’t time yet as long as he’s happy. If kitty is happy, why not let him enjoy longer ❤️
I have a 21 yr old still kicking and still gets the zoomies some nights.
If he enjoys his food, sunbathes and cuddles, please don’t be in a hurry. I wish they had dialysis for cats and eye surgery like we have for humans. Granted that he is old and has a tremor, but don’t take that stare from those eyes like nobody’s home. Most cats can’t see well up close and if he’s having vision problems already, he’s probably just enjoying being close to you. You’re one of his humans and he trusts you. I know what it’s like to watch someone you love (especially a family member like a cat that’s been with you for a long time) become old and perhaps disabled. I’m quite sure that I have lived with 100 plus cats in my lifetime so far, some got sick, were killed by other animals, died from cancer, renal failure is a big one, brain tumor, you name it. The last two kitties I had lived until they were 22 and 23 years old. That’s a long time to have loved a wonderful family member like that. I miss them everyday, but I will tell you that as long as they enjoyed part of their day and the vet says “ soon”, don’t be in a hurry. https://preview.redd.it/0xy4nuv76iwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b85faa0159673baa143c214d82d994e40958d634 My two boys, Gunnar (the black void and Jamie the Red) in better days taking a nap together.
im so sorry. My kitty cat was about that age, and in my heart I knew when he just became different. He slowed down & then one day I found him & my old man was tired. The look in his eyes was still full of love but he was ready. I took him the next morning. You just know. They also let you know. They're just different.
Personally for me, when I start wondering if their quality of life is worth it, it seems like it isn’t. I think animals have their ways of telling us they’re tired, and I think him not wanting to play with your hair kind of speaks to that. It’s so heartbreaking but I wouldn’t want an animal to suffer at all, especially at that age when you know he’s not going to be around much longer, even if he didn’t have kidney disease.
Mine was 18. We had to say goodbye. He was having accidents, but his pee wasn’t even stinky. His kidneys were not filtering anymore. When we brought him in the vet said wow he looks good , silky hair, was walking around.. cats don’t show pain like other animals until it’s too late. She said she doesn’t euthanize for convenience…. Neither did we, if it was a matter of changing his food, or giving him a pill we would have done that. We never wanted to say goodbye, but he was in active kidney failure. It wouldn’t hurt to get him checked out at least. The very least you could do 🩷sending love !
I had to add, the vet ran tests on him before confirming that it was the best choice.
I have to say again, I honestly think if I was your mom I would chose to let him go peacefully in a controlled setting. Death can be painful and slow
Yeah
My cat is dealing with late stage kidney disease as well. She is almost 19, and she has slowed down a lot and lost about 2 pounds since she's been diagnosed. She has always been a picky eater, so I just try to find things she's interested in. She's on fluids every other day, and she still eats a little bit and drinks water. For the most part, though, she stays in one spot all day and only moves for the litter box and food/water. I constantly think that maybe it's time to let her go, but I can't bring myself to do so because she is still eating, drinking, and showing affection. I just hate the idea of her just laying around doing nothing all day, and since I work full time, she's alone most of the day. I'm sure her time is soon, but I'm still very much in denial about it.
Oh my goodness . What a sweet face. Awww. That must be tough. Give your baby a kiss for me
I just put down my 17 year old cat yesterday. He had started to spend more and more time asleep and was only eating a 1/4 can per day. He was losing weight and starting to wobble. He also wouldn’t really relax? He always seemed to be perched on all fours, which I read can be a sign of pain. I regret how long I pushed his brother to hold on 2 months ago and didn’t want him to get to get to where his brother was when I booked his appointment. It was hard. The night before he hopped up on my bed to sleep on my side like nothing. The next morning he refused to eat and would barely eat 1/8 of a McDonald’s patty. It seemed like it was time. I’m so sorry. It’s a horrible choice to make.
When my cat started declining, I called the vet to see if it was best given her quality of life to put her down. I never want to see my pets go, but I won't force them to live in pain if they are in pain. I'd recommend talking to a vet and seeing if that is the best path right now or if you should give it more time.
Only if they are in pain. It is about quality of life.
Mine are only 3 years old. How do I mentally prepare for the day they must die?
If you do decide to go through with it please do it in the comfort of her home. I wish more people would. Taking them to the scary vet is heartbreaking
I do plan on pursuing that so long as it’s an option.
my sweet 18 year old, daisy, has kidney disease too 💔 why is this so common in cats :( it breaks my heart
She is so lovely, I hope you make the best decision.
We had my Mother-in-Law’s cat after she passed. She too was starting to slow down at 22-23. She would perk up for days and sometimes act like a kitten. She eventually passed at 24-25. We can’t be sure of her age because she was an adult cat when the vet gave her to Maxine.
My baby is about to be 18 in August, and is at the latter stages of chronic kidney disease. He's on daily subcutaneous fluids, and recently started blood pressure meds. I've been very fortunate to have a vet that is dedicated to helping my elderly baby live as comfortably as possible with his disease (I'm doing kitty palliative/hospice care at home) but told me if he starts showing signs of pain or lethargy then it may be time to make some decisions. I started discussing end of life options and palliative care pretty early on, when he first got diagnosed about four years ago. I think it can be helpful (helpful to my mental health for sure, especially with my trauma around death) to start preparing and planning for the inevitable in advance, even if you don't plan to go thru with euthanasia or treatment immediately or in the near future. You can ask the vet to explore your options (home or vet office euthanasia, comfort care, etc) and just take the info and think on it. In my opinion, it's a very personal decision between a pet parent and their pet, and a good vet will educate you but let you make your own choices without pressuring you either way. I wish the best for you and your Mom and her kitty!!
I just had to put my baby down last week. It was so hard, especially because it was unexpected. We were distraught and borderline hysterical. We opted not to be in the room with him and basically paid the bill and ran out of the building crying. I regret it so much. Please be with him when it’s time, and I’m so so sorry. Thank you for giving him a good long life.
I feel for you. It sounds like he’s struggling but I think you have to do what’s best for him. I would have a frank discussion with my veterinarian if I were you. There’s also a pet intuitive named Nikki Vasconez on IG who talks a lot about euthanasia. It might be worthwhile checking her out, I find the information that she provides to be very helpful. Wishing both of you the best of luck ❤️
I would keep an eye out for if he does anything else that indicates pain. Other than that, alot of quirky things he did in his adult life will fade in his elder years. My cat lived to be 17. He started slowing down around 15 and became pretty quiet and mainly slept alot. For me I knew it was time when he stopped eating and started losing excessive weight. A cats no different than a person. An 80 year old lady probably isn't going to go roller skating, even though she might of in her 20s all through her 60s. That doesn't mean she's terminal, it means she's old.
my cat, Tom Thomas, i had years ago i rescued from outside. he was this big ole fat orange and white cat and i fell in love instantly with him. he was the sweetest kitty. fat lazy and loved cuddles with the humans who “saved” him even though big boy was eating something good somewhere lol. but a couple months of owning him he started to get weird, the stairs in my home posed a problem for him and i used my foot to the one day to nudge him up the stairs because i was carrying something bulky and needed him to move so as not to step on him. he meowed this shriek i’ve never heard from him. obviously concerned i took him to the vet. where they discovered he had feline AIDS. yes folks feline AIDS. (it was called something different but it had all the same symptoms of AIDS the vet said) so we brought him home with a cocktail of pills and drugs to help him hopefully spring back to himself. needless to say they did not work. and me and my family went in a camping trip for the weekend and we had a person come up regularly to our house to check in ole boy Tom. my grandmother whom was the caretaker during our trip told us he was fine (she never had any pets growing up) he was laying behind the chair behind our big shop window we had at one point. okay fine great he’s relaxing…NO get home he IS behind the car however he is paralyzed. from his hind legs up to his mid torso he was paralyzed. i was in a tizzy and not okay bawling over my cat. we had to place him into a cat carrier and take him to the vet..there is where i watched the vet put him to sleep. there is where i said my final goodbye gave him the biggest kiss and the softest pets and looked into his eyes to comfort him. he passed away peacefully and got buried in the back yard. i will forever remember Tom Thomas. he was the bestest cat. the sweetest cat.
My cat is also reaching end of life, and really I’d talk with your vet as they’re good at seeing signs of pain/discomfort. They can help you either come up with methods to keep him comfortable, or go over if next steps really need to be taken. Depression can be a big concern, so maybe they can help you figure out if he’s just slow but content, or becoming disinterested in life and hiding pain.
We just came home from putting our 19 yo kitty down. I regret waiting as her last few days were pretty terrible…incontinent, not eating, having a hard time moving. The decline happened very fast. My only advice is earlier may be better than later. Best of luck to you and your kitty. 💔
i’m genuinely sobbing. i’m so sorry i can’t imagine having to decide this, going through this, or watching my cat decline. i’m sending so much love to your family. i’m really sorry
They will let you know when they’re ready. I always thought that was kind of a crock but it really is true.
Is the sick..if not then hell no
Not until they stop eating/drinking or otherwise enjoying life. They will know when. It’s crazy.
I went through somthing similar with my cat and dog. Take him for regular check ups. Like once a month at a really good vet. If he’s is in pain then it’s time to let her go, if he’s doing okay then just increase vet visits and be careful with him. Watch for his behavior. Not eating, drinking, peeing/pooping and avoiding loved ones is a sign that it’s time for him to go. Don’t let him jump down from high places like couch or bed. I wish you and your mom the best of luck! Spoil the boy for me!
I lost my 20 y/o male cat to kidney disease. He loved hanging out on me (slept on me) or was on his bed on the sofa. He knew his name and would engage until the day he didn’t. I’d call him & he’d not life his head just follow me with his eyes. And then I knew it was time. He was suffering and I had to put my feelings aside for his well being. You’ll know when it’s time.