Did I make the right choice to put my cat to sleep for chronic illness?

You have just lost your companion of 5 years and you have ever right to question the decision. All too often as pet parents, we struggle with the question of whether or not we made the right decision to euthanize. In a younger pet with a treatable disease, the guilt seems multiplied because you will inevitably ponder the unknown. The unknown being the outcome of treating for a few more days or even the outcome of a surgery. While it is imbedded in our DNA to contemplate what could have been, the answer of the unknown remains unknown. Ultimately, this is not a question or right or wrong. All too commonly more heartache and suffering are endured down the road of unknows. In this case, it was more likely than not your cat with a history of crystals would encounter future complications especially if stones were present. Take comfort in knowing you eliminated pain and suffering in the present and the future. I hope the joy of his memory will comfort you through this difficult time.

Oh wow, I am so sorry. That is so hard. Don't feel guilty, based on his symptoms, I don't think Dustin would have survived surgery. Letting him go was the best option for him, the kindest thing for him. You let him pass without any further pain or suffering. I hope this helps.

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.

Having him euthanized is a valid option if his quality of life is not good. If he cannot control his bowels and is not able to eat, that is not a happy life for him. Older cats can have liver, kidney disease and diabetes that can cause illness. You may want to have a vet examine him to see what the treatment options maybe before making that difficult decision. They can tell you want to expect long term to see what his quality of life will be like if he starts on a treatment. You know him better than anyone, so you will be able to know best how happy he currently is.

Poor Molly! From what you're describing here, it sounds like she was extremely sick. In my experience, when a cat is not eating, feeling poorly, and not responding to supportive care for several days, the problem is generally not treatable and euthanasia is the kindest option. So yes, I think you made the right decision for your kitty. I'm very sorry for your loss.

A stroke, vestibular disease, aortic thrombus clot, and brain tumors are all possible. I know you did not make that decision lightly. At 15 1/2 if she had started to have strokes then she probably also had heart disease and possibly hypertension. IF she had recovered then it is very likely that she would continue to have events in the future. While the “what if’s” can never be answered I think that you should be confident that you made the decision that you felt was best for her and what she was going through. The decision is never easy. I likely would have made the same choice. Take care and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. Based on this bloodwork and on what you’re telling me, I think that euthanasia was a very reasonable and humane decision. Not only were the red cells low, but the white blood cells and platelets as well, and there isn’t any evidence of the body trying to “regenerate” these cells on the bloodwork you’ve attached. A transfusion may have given a temporary “Bandaid” to the situation, but I’m afraid that a cure was likely impossible. I know how difficult these decisions are. Please rest assured that you did the best thing for your kitty. I’m afraid continuing to treat would likely have only prolonged your cat’s suffering. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. Please let us know if you have any other questions we can help you with.