My old cat is wobbly and struggles to stand. When is euthanasia right?

It's a very difficult decision to make as to when to put a cat to sleep or not, and pain certain is a factor to consider. You've done the right thing by trying pain medications, and I'm sorry they have given him diarrhea. I don't know what kind of pain medication was used, but maybe you could talk to the vet about doing a different kind of pain medication to see if that helps him. Arthritis would make it painful for him to crouch down in a litter box to poop, especially if it's covered. You can remove the litter box top if it's covered to see if that helps. Should there be no other pain medications that are suitable for him and you really feel he is in pain, then putting him to sleep would be the best idea. Examine his quality of life, and if you feel it's poor, then letting him go would be the kindest option. I would first talk with your vet about other pain medications before making this decision. I hope this helps!

Yes, euthanasia is most definitely becoming likely, the main criteria being quality of life in an instinctively clean and independent cat who is becoming unable to exhibit normal behaviors. Acupuncture and physiotherapy may provide some options depending upon the severity of damage

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.

She may. have some arthritis pain that is causing this (and its more obvious when she's on an uneven surface such as the bed), or she maybe having some age related weakness, or possibly some issues with her back or spinal cord causing the stumbling. You can take her to your vet for an exam, pain medication may be helpful, or if your vet suspects more of a neurologic issue therapies such as acupuncture or laser may be recommended.

Yes, you need to take Katie to the veterinarian. Weakness in the hind limbs can indicate many things ranging from hyperthyroidism to a spinal issue. A physical exam, blood work and potentially x-rays are needed for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Certain conditions, if caught early, are highly treatable. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Spookie! I think that Spookie should have a Vet exam. I would have her tested (or re-tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Other causes of loosing balance or walking drunk is Vestibular disease. This is when the center of balance is off. The most common form is peripheral vestibular: issues in the ear (infection) or a nasopharyngeal polyp. Central or brain causes can be from a tumor, metabolic conditions (liver or kidney disease), bacterial causes like toxoplasmosis or something viral like Feline Infectious Peritonitis. The best place to start for a diagnosis is with your Vet examining Spookie. I hope this helps and I wish Spookie a speedy recovery!

I'm sorry you and KJ are going through this. It sounds like he is very unwell, and he is likely in a lot of pain. Please have him seen by a veterinarian immediately. Your vet will be able to perform a physical exam to help figure out what is going on, and offer treatment options. If your vet determines that euthanasia is a reasonable option, they will let you know. It may well be the case that euthanasia is recommended, but it's impossible to tell without an exam. There are a number of factors that could have lead to KJ's current condition, but it is essential that you get KJ to a vet immediately so that he does not suffer.