I have just found out that my 18 year old cat has cancer (neoplasia). I took him to the vet for breathing problems. After seeing x-rays, we realized that his chest had a large tumor. The vet said that at his age, the only option was to take him home and spend some time (maybe 2 weeks). He is still eating but can hardly breath (even with medication) I can’t tell if he is in pain, but he has no energy. Am I being selfish keeping him alive, or is he still O.K. because he is eating?
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June 11, 2009
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If that were me I would probably sense that he still has a little time. If he is eating and using the litterbox and sleeping somewhat comfortably, I would let him hang on for a while longer. Look into his eyes, see what he has to tell you. Listen to his breathing — is it very labored, is he suffering, and in much pain?
Is there someone with him during the day?
As I am sure you are, I would also be very very sad that I was about to lose my friend and I would talk to him and hold him and thank him for all the love and cat-ness and the special friendship that he has brought into my life.
I was told when my Princess was dying from Cancer that most probably – SHE would tell me when it was time. Having never had to put down a pet before, I had no idea what they meant by that, until the night Princess really DID let me know that it was TIME, beyond a doubt, for her to “get the needle”, and so – we took that sad bittersweet ride to the vets at 2 in the morning.
When he starts to really go down hill, then you will need to reassess your decision. To me, it sounds like two weeks may be a generous estimate, if the tumor is on his lung. Then again, cats can surprise us with their tenicacity and will to live,
I truly hope you have a good support group of people (even one or two kind compassionate understanding people can make the difference in the world) who you can turn to if the grief or the weight of your decision becomes hard to bear by yourself.
Thanks for caring so much for your kitty!
Comment by aattura — June 11, 2009 @ 10:47 am
I know you love your cat, but please, let him/her go. I kept on giving a dog I had meds because I couldn’t bear putting him to sleep. I finally realized how selfish I was being. I realized how difficult it was for him to breath, eat, drink walk,etc.. I cried like a baby when I took him to the vet, but it was the best thing I did for my beloved pet. I put an end to his suffering. I will never again let any of my pets suffer.
Comment by Graco Baby Gear — June 11, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
The ability to eat is only a portion of life, if he’s struggling for every breath I would advise you to have him euthanized so he can finally rest. If you constantly felt like you were suffocating and knew you would eventually succomb to asphyxiation, wouldn’t you want someone to save you?
I’m sorry about your kitty, it’s a terrible thing to see them go through. Take heart in knowing that you can ease his pain.
Comment by JeN — June 11, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
I think the moment the cat starts suffering, it becomes a selfish thing to keep him alive. If the cat is having breathing issues and seems uncomforatble, then it may be time to take him in to say your goodbyes. It can be very hard, but at some point you need to prepare yourself to because he won’t be around forever. I’m so sorry you’re in this position, but it sounds like you’re already preparing to do what is best for your baby.
Comment by oh_shotd — June 11, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
I have a boy Cat also and I love this little cat like my own kid, I thought your question over and put myself in your shoes and if it were my lil’ guy, I would put him Down. Put it this way if there is any question to his pain or suffering, do what your heart tells you not what you want for yourself. Beleive me I know this has to be very hard for you and my heart goes out to you, But help your little guy and Let him go now.
You will be happy you did this later after you recover from his lost.
After he is gone awhile don’t forget there will be another lil guy waiting for a home in some shelter.
Take Care
Comment by HIPPYNAN — June 11, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your poor kitty. The proper time for euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions to have to make when it comes to pet ownership. It also think it can be one of the last acts of love that you can provide for a pet that has loved you unconditionally.
You know your pet better than anyone, and only you can weigh the quality of life that he is experiencing and find a happy medium between that and his time left with you. Time is definitely not the only thing that matters, imho. Quality is every bit as important.
I’ve been told “you will know when it’s time.” I certainly knew when the time had come with my cat of 16 years. She simply… lost something of herself. As if she were a cat, but no longer my cat. I think that part of her that had been my Blackie slipped away, and I knew that it was time to let her go.
I can’t tell you if now is the right time, or tomorrow, or the next day. That is your decision to make. Just don’t let anyone make you feel that euthanasia is cruel, or is denying him more time here if you honestly feel that it’s the right time. That is the point where it becomes a gift; a final act of love.
Comment by Nikki C — June 11, 2009 @ 10:34 pm
The longer you wait, the more the cat suffers.
Comment by eggman — June 12, 2009 @ 3:56 am
when its suffering.And don’t it off. Please
Comment by green eyes from Ireland — June 12, 2009 @ 5:48 am
First of all, please accept my deepest condolences during this trying time. I’ve been there.
Cats provide a bit of a dilemma in that it’s not in their nature to show illness (illness = vulnerability to other predators). Some cats will hide and some will cry when they’re sick. but it can be hard to tell if they’re suffering.
Pick three activities your cat enjoyed in his past. Does he have a favorite food? Does he have a favorite play activity, like a favorite toy or game? Does he have a favorite habit, like being petted or following you around the house or watching the birds outside a particular window? Watch these activities. When the cat stops showing interest in his old pastimes and play, and especially when he stops eating, it’s time to end his suffering. Cats who are in physical distress may also spend periods of time in a crouching position with their paws tucked under and their elbows high and their sides pumping.
Trust your knowledge of your cat. If he looks like he’s suffering, and if laboring to breathe eclipses everything else he’s doing, then it would be kinder to put him to sleep.
Comment by diinzumo — June 12, 2009 @ 7:00 am
You are in a tough spot and have my sympathies. The decision is purely yours. My 15yr old was diagnosed with cancer on Friday and on Sunday we put her down. She was a loyal and loving member of our family. This was the hardest decision we ever faced with her. Ultimately, it was a decision of compassion. She was eating very little and not getting enough water. We did not want her to suffer. We allowed her to die with dignity. Cats are such proud animals that anything less was not acceptable for us. We miss her dearly. I know this is not easy for you, but your thinking has to lie with your cat and how much he is suffering. I’m so very sorry you’re faced with this decision.
Comment by Bea W — June 12, 2009 @ 7:38 am
first give him alot of love then when you think he is in pain, it will probaly be the right time
Comment by angiecak — June 12, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
when it is suffering and no longer has a quality of life
Comment by WENDY S — June 12, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
If he is having breating issues, and is that old, and you know he has cancer, please wrap him up in a big soft blanket, and say your goodbyes, and take him and have him put down, or some vets will come to your home. Please, the poor guy, he’s lived a good life, dont let him suffer.
Comment by The Warden — June 12, 2009 @ 11:00 pm
i no this sounds horrible, but it may be best for him to be put down. i no how u feel, i had a 20 yr old cat i had him all my life, then his kidneys failed and i had to put him down. it was sad but it was best…..
Comment by Yoga Wolf — June 13, 2009 @ 4:11 am
You mentioned he is having trouble breathing already. You know your pet better than we do. I think you already know the answer to this. As hard as it may be, say your goodbyes, and let him go in peace.
Im sorry for your loss, as I had this same situation with a pet of mine who was 14 when i had to let him go.
Comment by Heather W — June 13, 2009 @ 8:54 am
When the cat has no ‘enjoyment’ left, if he is having severe problems breathing and doesn’t purr or cuddle then you should probably consider it time. You will feel better if you are holding him when the time comes. It is so hard to lose part of your family.
Comment by Professo — June 13, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
It is a terrible decision to have to make. I had to make that decision 6 years ago with my most beloved cat that was only 2.5 years old. I could have brought him home and kept him alive for a while but it would have required fluid injections (his kidneys were 75% damaged from the cancer). I decided that I did not want him to suffer. That for me was the key, he/she won’t know when he/she is put to sleep, it is very quick, no suffering. Quality of life is key, but only you can decide what is best for your pet.
So sorry you have to make such a tough decision, I know how hard it is.
Comment by DK Julie — June 13, 2009 @ 5:43 pm
We grieve when any loved one passes on. It is our loss that we grieve for. I chose to euthanize one of my babies last summer who was suffering from chronic kidney failure. I miss her terribly, even now. If there is a “Rainbow Bridge”, I know she crossed over, and is safe, comfortable and happy. It was my love for Christine that also allowed me to make the decision to euthanize her. It’s the bond you share with your baby that is keeping him going. Whatever you choose, it has to be your heart. Good Luck.
Comment by Susan T — June 13, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
My father is a Vet, 46 years of experience and still going at it, one thing he has done right all his life. I can say for sure he will give you the absolute right answer.
Even if you don’t live in Ohio, you can make a quick call during business hours for advice, and say I (his son) gave you his name and bnumber to call) Dr. RG Schneidhorst DVM, 2670 Ft Amanda Rd. Lima, Ohio 45804. (219)991-2391. I called recently and copuldn’;t get throught, so If the number has ben changed you can search on internet for correct contact
Comment by Skydog70 — June 13, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
If you feel that he is having a hard time, let him go. It will be best for him, say your good-byes and if you personally can, be with him when it’s done. I know how hard this is I’ve been there. Bless you both, my thoughts are with you.
Take care;^(
Comment by SureKat — June 14, 2009 @ 5:27 am
he’s in pain, you have loved him for 18yrs. he’s had a wonderful life, but a time does come when you just have to let him go.
He will go onto a better place. Put him out of his misery. Make a memorial for him in your garden.
I have one of my cats who is buried in my back yard, he was my first cat, I found him when I was 6yrs. old, he was a stray. I gave him a wonderful life & he past away at 17yrs. old, I remember him always, he was a boy, I had named him Cathey (CAThey) i was only 6.
my other cat is actually in a solid silver Urn in my china cabinet, she was 16, she was in pain with a tumor near her mouth, I had to take her to the vet to put her to sleep, she growled when they stuck her with the needle, it was a horrible ordeal for me, but I know she’s in a better place too.
We all have pets, we love them all we can & give them the best lives possible, knowing full welll they Will die well before us. It’s tough, but we have to just remember the good times we had & never forget them.
We will see them again soon.
Comment by Punk Baby Clothes — June 14, 2009 @ 7:18 am
Even when the cat is in a little pain it may still be living a good life. When it stops eating and or dinking it is a good indicator that it is time to put it out of it’s misery. If he is still affectionate than he still has some quality to his life and your concern for him is very comforting in his time of need.
Good luck and I am so sorry for you.
Comment by elcid812 — June 14, 2009 @ 7:35 am