Do you think it's time to euthanize our cat?

Our cat is 15 years old. She weighs only 4 lbs now; 2 lbs less than a year ago. We brought her this week and the vet says she's blind now, and wants to do some bloodwork on her. But, he also says her teeth are bothering her however he's not sure she'd survive being put under to clean them. So he wants to do some other bloodwork first. She really seems confused. She only comes out from under the bed at night to lay with me. Sometimes I have a hard time letting her lay with me because she drools so much. It's a little gross and keeps me awake.





She doesn't interract with anyone else or the other cats any more. We moved 2 months ago and now I understand she's confused because she doesn't know this house.





She is drinking still and using the litter box.





The teeth cleaning will be 3-400 bucks and may not be the source of the problem. I am starting to think maybe we should have her put to sleep and end her misery.

Do you think it's time to euthanize our cat?
I feel very bad for you because putting a beloved animal down is a terrible experience. I have been through this a number of times. As hard as it is try to remember what you and your animal shared.


I'm sharing a part of a poem entitled " A Cat's Plea".





And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with this last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.





I hope this will give you some answers and peace of mind....I've read this poem many, many times and I can never get through it will dry eyes. My heart is with you.
Reply:Drooling is also a sign of a stroke, particularly if it's coming from one side of the mouth only.





Can you call a second vet and get another opinion? If she's in pain but anesthesia is not an option, or if he thinks she has had a stroke, it may indeed be time.





If her bloodwork is normal and he can clean her teeth, I would do that before euthanasia.





But if it is time, let her go knowing that this is the last gift a loving owner can give to their best friend...Good luck.
Reply:I would let her go. I know it is a hard decision but her quality of life sounds really low.
Reply:We recently had to put one of our kitties down and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It was the first time I'd ever had to make this decision. She had different symptoms than your kitty but we knew she was suffering and miserable. We had the option to bring her to the vet and run her through a battery of tests but like your little girl, she was old and timid and we just didn't want to put her through all that when deep inside we knew it was time. You really need to use your own judgement and decide if you want to put her through all that the vet will do to her, put out the money for it and probably find it's time to put her down anyway.





My heart is with you, I know what a tough decision it is.
Reply:Only you can decide when it is time. No one can tell you. You know your cat. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. It is a very tough decision. I know because I made it on Wednesday for my beloved beagle. She had been suffering from cancer.





Trust yourself and your own instincts. I am very sorry that you are faced with this decision. Take care.
Reply:I would put her to sleep, stop the pain she must be feeling. I am sorry. Good luck to both of you.
Reply:The summer before her kidneys finally gave out she had her teeth cleaned. She went in in the morning and was given fluids, then at noon she was anesthetized, the procedure was done, and she received fluids again in the afternoon. She had a blood pressure and heart monitor during the procedure. So it was more expensive than most teeth procedures.


I felt that if the plaque and bacteria were not taken care of her kidneys could be further damaged with infection.





It's true that the teeth may not be the source of your cat's problem (though highly suspect I would think).





Please give your gal a chance to feel better and have a better life.
Reply:if one eye is larger than the other it could be uveitis. Ask yourself how her quality of life is. If she is depressed and not enjoying herself it may be time. Im sorry that you have to make this hard decision. Good luck
Reply:You know, this is a hard, no, VERY hard decision. You could do it either way. l think you should pamper her and make some good memories with her for a few days/week. Then, l think maybe it would be better to have her put to sleep. In Heaven, she will not bear any pain, she will be napping on the fluffiest cloud, and bursting with energy she didn't have on Earth. And the best part is that you will see her again. When you die, you will be re-united with her, and all the other decesed members of your family. Well, Good Luck on the decision.





PS. I will pray for your cat and your family.





~ Animal Lover ~











Also, you should listen to the answer above, from "old cat lady" She may be right. But, make sure your cat isn't in a lot of pain. God Bless.
Reply:I know it depends on a lot of factors but you have to think what would be the best thing for the cat. When I had my calico put down I was really upset but it was for the best. She had cancer I really didn't want her to suffer. Search your heart you will find the right decision. You know the cat better than anyone else on the internet look deep down inside you will know what to do but what ever you do don't go alone make sure someone is there for support
Reply:I would call another vet and check on the tooth care if she needs lots of teeth pulled it could be up to 400 but my dog just got his teeth cleaned and 4 pulled for 125 and this is in Sweden where things cost more.


If your girl is unhappy and not having a quality of life you need to put her first. Giving a pet freedom from a bad life from illness and pain is the finest gift of love and the hardest thing in the world to do. Take lots of pictures and get her paw prints you will treasure them later.


Tell her you love her and explain to her about the Rainbow Bridge and hold her while she is put to sleep so at least her last moments she will not be scared or alone. Tell her you love her and let her sweet soul slip away.


Sending prayers.



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