OT: When's it Time? (For cats?)

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Hi, all. I need advice, or maybe just a confirmation or rebuttal of my thoughts. My cat is 17 years-old. Recently, I've noticed that she's pretty much blind. Completely. She's walking into things, going gingerly down the stairs and into rooms, as if she's groping her way. Her eyes are completely dilated. (Er, that means that the pupils are large, right?)

She also absolutely HATES my puppy, or rather, is terrified of her. And her scent. And of anyone bearing Angel's scent. Which is everyone. She pees in terror when I go to pet her or give her treats or even stand by her. She was never like that before. Uppity, snooty, prissy: absolutely; terrified, never. Hers is no longer a happy life.

She barely eats. Or rather, somedays she scarfs everything and wants more, and others she doesn't touch her food. Or water.

I personally have never had to put a pet down. I know her time is drawing near -- she's 17, after all -- but when is it time? And when it IS time, how do I go about it? Do I tell the vet I want her put down, have them do tests? I have no idea what to say.

Geez. I've had Missy (my cat) since I was 9 years-old and I am now 26. Even if she has been a pain in the butt, how the hell does anyone put down a living being?

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Its never an easy decision, I would take your concern to your Vet. Talk with them, they can give you all the real answers above. It is your choice if you euthanize or if you choose to let your cat live out her life and die at home, it's not like a person who has to suffer and be forced either with tubes or the gentler side of hospice. Death is cruel, it's our final goodbye to something we loved in life and it's never an easy thing to accept, human or animal. Even though society views Jack Kevorkian as wrong, I'm not so sure. After seeing a few of my pets die on their own, last being one of my Rotties (Holly 10 1/2 years old) suffering from a massive Heart Attack, euthanasia is the better. They just close their eyes and go to sleep, it is so peacfull and calm. I also chose to stay with my first Rottie Magic when I had to have her euthanized, it was the best choice I ever made and never regreted any of it. Not saying any of this to be cruel or sound mean...it's a part of life we all go through. It hurts the same no matter what your decission is....and it's never easy as to when...just know you do have friends here to talk with and it helps. God Bless all of you....

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

My parent's just put down our cairn terrier last Thursday. He had mouth cancer and it was time. He was young too, for a small dog - 11 years old. They made the decision because the vet said he was probably in pain.
We put our 18 year old cat down 2 summers ago. She was acting like your cat. We had them run tests and the vet confirmed her body was shutting down. I would ask your vet to do an overall health exam. They can help determine her quality of life. Because she might be okay and just really mad about Angel. So sorry Krista.

[Karol J.]

I would definitely consult my vet.

Some times the stress of a new pet speeds up the aging process of an older pet.
It's such a hard decision and I really feel for you having to make it. Your vet should be able to tell you if it's time or not. ((hugs))

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

have a long talk with your vet about options. I know that it is going to be really hard if you have to put her down, but it's like you said..she is not living a happy life at all. If you do decide to put her down, maybe have someone watch Angel for the night before, so you can be alone with her--no Angel scent included--and then when you go with her the next day, stay with her during the process and wear something that will not smell like Angel. It sounds like you're doing the responsible thing, but make sure that the vet think it's time too. --ps : did you ever find another vet or check out paces ferry vet?

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I agree with the others about talking to your vet about your options. Over the years we have had to put down a much loved older pets. For us the decision always came down to the quality of life the pet was experiencing. For our 13 year Springer Spaniel Morgan it was a combination of blindness and arthritis. I chose to stay with her scratching her favorite spots as she drifted off to sleep.

We are all keeping you in our thoughts.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

This is always a really difficult decision and my heart goes out to you. Talk to your vet and others in your family ( use your own judgement about your children - I never let them in on the decision when they were young). If you have a good vet he will leave the decision to you, but help you by a knowledgable discussion of your cat's health.

I have euthanized several dogs and one horse. Others have just died of old age. My DH and I cry everytime. I have never felt that I made the wrong decision afterward, though. Listen to your vet and your heart. I am pretty sure what you think just by reading your post, so I am sure you will make a good decision.