My old cat can't walk, has dilated pupils. Is it time to say goodbye?

Hi, it sounds like he is going to pass away, I would personally request a home visit so that he can be put to sleep without suffering . He could be going for days and it’s not fair on him in this condition. I understand why you don t want him to take to the vets, however at home it will be less traumatic and there is the option of giving him a sedation so that he does not realise so much what’s happening. Thinking of you at this difficult time,

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.

I'm sorry to hear that your kitty isn't doing well. Before considering euthanasia, I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam and some basic lab work to find out what is causing these issues. Some problems, such as hyperthyroidism, are very treatable with medication once a diagnosis is made.

I'm so sorry G is so sick. I work for an home euthanasia service, so I face these kinds of questions frequently with my clients. I would look at G's quality of life in make the decision as to when to euthanize him. If he's in pain, losing weight, having diarrhea, detached, and head pressing, his quality of life isn't very good. When a cat is in constant pain, they will be suffering daily, and in my opinion, that is when it is time to let them go peacefully. It's never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet, and they are often ready to go before we are ready to let them go. By letting G go peacefully and without further pain, you will be giving him one last great gift. If you'd like to discuss this further with me, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Again, I'm sorry he's so ill :-(

It may not be his time yet but he does need to be examined by the veterinarian today. The disorientation and potential blindness is concerning for low blood sugar, hypertension, a brain tumor and a few other conditions. Some of these conditions respond very well to treatment and some don't but first, you must know what is happening so you know the treatment options. Just like humans, diseases are best diagnosed and treated early so have him examined today. I hope he gets this figured out quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

It depends on what the cause is. The cat may have gotten into something toxic, infectious, etc. Because the cause is unknown, it is hard to say what the prognosis is. If you are able to, I would try and catch the cat and take it in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

This is a very difficult decision but moving such an elderly and infirm cat would not be advisable and could precipitate progression of kidney disease. Euthanasia is a very valid option in this case and will ensure he does not suffer from any stress or upheaval