My cat is suffering from cancer. What are my end-of-life options?

First off, I'm very sorry that Mama Kitty has mammary tumors! Unfortunately, 90% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant. I think your best option in this case is to enjoy the time you have left with her. Spoil her, give her lots of love and attention, feed her favorite foods (but not ones that are toxic!). Spend as much time with her as you can. Monitor her in regards to her quality of life, and if that starts to decline (i.e. she stops eating, stops drinking, loses more weight, becomes very lethargic, appears to be pain), then it's time to discuss with your vet humane euthanasia. It's a hard thing to do, but it will allow her to go peacefully and without any further pain. You can keep in touch with your vet to discuss her quality of life which will help you make an informed and objective decision. I work for a home euthanasia service and help owners with these decisions all the time, so if you'd like to talk with me further, you can request a consult with me. Just click the consult online button under my answer. Otherwise, again I'm sorry and I hope this helps somewhat.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Based on the information you provided, I believe you made the correct choice. Bone cancer is extremely painful. If it was in the pelvis and inhibiting her ability to defecate, this would be even more painful. If bone cancer occurs in a limb, that leg can be amputated. This will provide the patient a few more months to live (even this is not a cure). This would likely not have been an option for the pelvis. You relieved her pain and suffering by electing to euthanize her. I know what a heartbreaking choice this is, but you should bravery by putting her needs above your own. I hope this information brings you some peace.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear that. Lymphoma is an aggressive disease in cats, especially when in the gastrointestinal system and in circulation. Usually even with chemotherapy you are looking at a prognosis of 2-6 months depending on the exact type of lymphoma. You could try prednisolone as a palliative treatment to make her feel better for the time being and perhaps extend her survival time for a few weeks. If she is already anemic, she may also require a blood transfusion making things a bit more complicated. If she is not doing well and you are not interested in pursuing therapy knowing the prognosis then euthanasia is a good option. Let me know if you have further questions regarding her disease. Sorry for the sad news!

I am sorry to hear about Ernie's conditions. It certainly sounds like he has been through an awful lot and isn't feeling to well. Obviously without seeing Ernie in front of me, I can't give you my fully official opinion. However, if you feel that Ernie is no longer able to do the things he enjoys, can't eat a meal without being in pain, and is spending more time sleeping and hiding, it may be time to start seriously considering his quality of life. I know that this is a very personal and difficult decision, but sometimes it is the kindest and most humane decision you can make for your pet. All of the conditions you have named are incurable and are likely to progress. When in concert with one another, they may progress even faster. No one can make this decision for you, but I think you should do whatever you feel is right in your heart.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If she really is doing this poorly, it is very important to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible as I worry she may be unstable. If this is all confirmed to be due to her cancer and you are not proceeding with treatment of the cancer, euthanasia may need to be considered.

I'm sorry Nikita is struggling so much with constipation! Typically constipation is a chronic problem that must be managed for the entire life of the patient, but it is possible that she has cancer. It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about getting a biopsy sample of her intestines to check for cancer. This much be very hard for you to deal with, and even if she did have cancer, the prognosis is poor. I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but I would recommend looking at her quality of life. It sounds like you have done a lot for her with little to no improvement, and it may be time to consider letting her go peacefully. Letting her pass without any further pain and illness would be a kindness to her, and I would serious think about this. I'm sorry, this probably isn't something you want to read, but it may be best for her. I work for a home euthanasia service, and I face this problem with my clients all the time. If you'd like to consult with me further on this, I'd be happy to talk with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, speak to your vet about the possibility of an intestinal biopsy or potentially letting her go peacefully.

I'm so very sorry Ittybitty has been diagnosed with cancer! Your question is a hard one to answer, as I can't see her in person. It really depends on how much time surgery and chemo will buy her. If there is a chance this could add years to her life, then I would say to go for it; however, if it will only buy her a couple of months, that's a lot to put her through for a relatively short period of time. In that case, I'd say enjoy the time you have left with her. Chemo is hard on the body, and it does leave the animal feeling quite unwell. The other concern is your vet not being sure she will tolerate surgery. I would weigh those factors into consideration to make your decision. I'd be happy to consult with you further about this if you'd like, just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Good luck!