My senior cat is sick and suffering. When is it time to say goodbye?

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 :-(

I'm sorry you are faced with making this decision. It is always tough. The best thing to do is to assess her quality of life. If her quality of life is poor then you know it's "time". I think these links will help you more. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-decision-of-euthanizing-your-pet/ ) ( https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I am very sorry that Toby is not feeling well. It is always hard to make that tough decision. I would recommend taking a hard look at his quality of life. I feel that a patient not being in pain, eating well, maintaining body weight and being happy is how I judge quality of life. If you feel that his quality is low it most likely is time to make that tough decision. I hope that helps.

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.

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.

It is such a hard decision to make! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question with my clients all the time. I recommend looking at Pete's quality of life in order to make this decision. When a cat stops eating, is very lethargic, has trouble breathing, or just wants to sleep all the time, that is a sign their quality of life has decreased to a point where letting them go should be considered. I'm sorry you are facing this, but I hope this helps.

What a tough situation for you to be in! I would recommend running at least blood tests on your cat, specifically a geriatric blood panel. That would give an idea of how her organs are functioning, if there are any medical conditions present (such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease), and it will help your decision as to whether or not to let her go. She could potentially have an underlying medical condition that isn't treatable, or has reached a point where letting her go is the best option. Also, if her organs aren't functioning well, a dental will not be safe for her as the anesthetic risk would be too high. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com