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Home How do you know when to euthanize your pet?

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October2008bride

October2008bride

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
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I''m sorry if this is a sad post, but I don''t know what to do.

My cat is 21 years old. Up until about a year ago, she was doing pretty darn well. This past year, she has started showing her age.

For example, she seemed somewhat arthritic in her back end, making it difficult for her to maintain her fur by cleaning etc (she is long haired). However, she still was social, ate, drank and went to her litter box with no issues.

About a week and a half ago, she started falling when trying to walk and finding herself unable to stand up easily once she had been lying down. Yesterday I woke up and found her sprawled on the kitchen floor by her food with her front paws spread out as if she''d been trying to drag herself.

However after a bit of time, she can stand up and walk to her bed or to the litter again.

I watched her try to drink today and she was kind of sitting on the bottom half of her legs so that her ''knees'' on her back legs were on the ground. That is weird right?

It is so sad though - I''ve had her since I was 7 and she is an amazing cat. I know this isn''t the best life right now, but I can''t tell if she is in any pain.

I know that I am probably in denial though. I just had my dog put down a few months agon though and I''m just not ready for this.

:-( Poor girl. I want to do what is right for her, but without her telling me, it is a tough decision to make.

Any advice/help you have would be appreciated.
 
*hugs* I had to euthanize my cat almost a year ago. He was terminally ill.

For me, it was when his quality of life just didn''t exist anymore, and he was only going to get worse. He could no longer get around, and had stopped eating. He wasn''t in any pain, but there was very little of the joy he''d once had. And this was the happiest, most exuberant animal I''d ever known.

For me, it helped to talk to my vet, since he knew more about what my cat was going through.

I''m so sorry about your kitty.
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When you believe your little pet will be in a happier place than they are in your home. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our faithful companions is peacefully letting them go, in our loving arms with a final kiss.
 
Thank you both, Aloros and PP. This is so difficult because selfishly, I don''t want to let her go. I honestly think that if I came home and she''d just passed away, I''d feel better. But I know from my experience with putting down my Golden Retreiver recently that the part that really is difficult is making that choice...making that decision to end her life.

After my dog was put down, all I wanted to do was take it back. Take back my decision.

But you are both right - I should give her the love and respect she deserves and not let her suffer until the end.

I''ve called my friend who is a vet to get him to come over and take a look at her.

Thank you so much for your honest posts.
 
Honestly, I found putting my dog down one of the easiest things I''ve ever done. In my case, my girl was so miserable (her liver had failed and she''d basically lost the will to fight) that no matter how much I would miss her, I had to end her pain. It was much easier to suffer myself than to watch her hurt because she wanted to make me happy.

Of course it hurts, still. Of course I wish I hadn''t had to make the choice.

Take her to the vet and see what your vet says. It sounds like she may be fading, but there might be a way to keep her comfortable for a while longer to help you make peace with all of this and give you more time to process it.
 
Sorry to hear about your cat! It''s heartbreaking to have to euthanize a pet, but when they''re in pain and unable to function or enjoy being pet or ANYTHING, it''s time to let go.

A cat of mine, about four years ago, started getting little bumps all over his body and the vet told us he had tumors and would need to be put down. We decided to let him live for about another month until it got to the point where he''d look at us and we knew he was in pain.

It''s a difficult decision, but your cat has lived an amazing 21 years! How lucky for you to have enjoyed her that long.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your precious kitty. I've not yet had to make the decision to ease a beloved pet's suffering, but those I know who have all say you just *know* when the time has come. When their quality of life is diminished, the greatest gift we can give them is to send them off with dignity and love. My heart goes out to you and I wish you much strength.
 
Honey, it''s time. Do what is right by her, put her out of her misery. She had 21 years! Yeah! You had a long time to love her; but she''s ready to go. Now you must let her.

I''ve been in this spot twice before. It hurts, but it is the right thing to do.
 
Hi October, I''m really sad that you are going through this.

I have these same questions too so I''m glad that you started this thread, it is painful to think about. My dog is 12 and has bad arthritis, to the point where it is difficult for him to walk up stairs (we assist him with a harness), stand up after laying down etc. He is a large dog at 100lbs so if his leg gives out he could really injure himself. I just don''t know if it''s time yet...he''s been my best friend (literally) since I was 13.

Sorry to threadjack, I just wish you peace in your decision.
 
go to your vet for advice! S/he might be able to give you some medication, to make your cat more comfortable.... the vet will be able to assess the level of pain she is experiencing. The vet will also be able to explore the option of euthenasia with you, if you ask about it. There are no right and wrong answers set in stone.

You could firstly deal with pain management, and then, consider euthenasia ''when the time comes''. You wouldn''t have to do it in that single one visit (unless you wanted to) you could re book after exploring all your options and considering for a while.
Some vets may even be able to visit you in your home, and carry out the procedure there, depending on the are you live in.

Of course, there are a few issues that arise after the procedure as well, some people choose to have ashes returned in a a memorial urn, or to have ashes interred at a special location. Hopefully your vet will be able to discuss all these aspects with you.

Your vet clinic should be very considerate and compassionate regarding your pet and her circumstances.
all the best.
 
Your beloved cat will let you know by refusing food. Hugs to you and your cat.
 
Date: 8/22/2008 9:31:36 PM
Author: shimmer
Hi October, I''m really sad that you are going through this.

I have these same questions too so I''m glad that you started this thread, it is painful to think about. My dog is 12 and has bad arthritis, to the point where it is difficult for him to walk up stairs (we assist him with a harness), stand up after laying down etc. He is a large dog at 100lbs so if his leg gives out he could really injure himself. I just don''t know if it''s time yet...he''s been my best friend (literally) since I was 13.

Sorry to threadjack, I just wish you peace in your decision.
Click to expand...
Shimmer I''m sorry that you are experience this tough call as well. I''m sure you will figure out what is right for you guys.

The vet emailed me and will be at work tomorrow so I will call him. I''m also going to keep an eye on Muffin (yep - you can tell we named her 21 years ago!) and see if she is eating etc.

Either way, I know her time is coming. I think I will just spend some more time with her and she''ll let me know.

Thank you so much everyone for your support. I know that 21 years of a wonderful cat is great and a gift, but it is times like this that make me wonder if it is worth it knowing that this terrible moment will always come. Ugh.

Thanks though - I''ll keep you updated and really truly appreciate the support.

Beautiful Muffin.jpg
 
I am so sorry. It is hard to see a pet suffer.

I think when their life is clearly tough for them, when they are suffering in any great manner and cannot enjoy their life. A vet would certainly know if your pet is really suffering. I know for friends of mine, when their pet could no longer stand or get up, that it was getting close to the time. You want your pet to be happy, and even when a pet is not really able to do anything or be mobile at all, it hurts to admit that they are not well enough.

I am hopeful you feel wonderful about your pet having 21 wonderful years of life. That is so incredible to me, I am sure you were a wondferful parent!!!
 
Oh honey - this is probably one of the most heartbreaking decisions you will ever have to make.

I think the best thing is to try to really listen to what your kitty is trying to tell you. I know it sounds cheesy, but they really will let you know when it is time.

And please know that when that moment comes, you are giving her the best gift you possibly could by giving her a painless, dignified end, in the arms of the person she loves most in the world - there is no greater gift we can give our pets at the end of their lives.
 
I agree with Amber, in my experience they always let me know when it was time.

I would be in denial, trying to convince myself that I can hold onto them a little longer, but if I forgot about what I wanted and really listened to them it always became clear. And as much as it hurts and there are regrets about things I should''ve/could''ve done, I never regretted making that decision because I was always sure I made the right decision FOR THEM.

I am so sorry about your cat
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It''s never easy but you really are giving her the best gift by letting her go and you shouldn''t feel bad about that...
 
I am really sorry October.
We just put our 13 1/2 year old Lab down last month and I just knew it was time.
We put her down right before something catastrophic happened; not wanting her death to become an uncontrolled situation.
She was 75lbs,and was having trouble walking due to arthritis, she groaned every time she lay down, and it hurt her to go to the bathroom. Her quality of life was dwindling, and I was afraid that her legs would give out outside, and we would have to just put her down then and there, because at 75lbs, I couldn''t move her. She may have had some time left, a week or a month, but it was just time passing to a bitter end.
We had someone come to our house so that she was never nervous, and she died very peacefully. I was holding her, and her last breath was a peaceful one. The pain had left her. I miss her terribly every day, but I am so glad that her death was without suffering. My heart goes out to you.
 
my cats have always let me know......the problem has been the vet has not been available when the cats indicated their desire to leave this world. and that is not a good thing to have to experience......for you or the cat.

movie zombie
 
You just know IMO...
 
Hello October2008bride,

First, your Muffin is gorgeous. Oh how I love that picture of her.

Second, I hope I can get through this post without crying but my first reaction to your initial post was I think I would want to think about letting her go before it gets worse. I say "I" because I don''t want to tell you what to do in any way.

I had to let my Mittens (18 years old, can tell by the name, too!) go 3 months ago. Oh my god. She had been my absolute best friend for the 10 years I had her. I really, honestly thought I might nearly die if/when I lost her. And I read advice that said "you will know" and I agonized over what would be too soon (the horror!) and what if I waited too long (worse than horror! torture!).... and I ''talked'' to the lovely people here on PS who calmed me and patted me and talked me through it. I mean pages of my updates and they replied and gave me love and support.

Let your vet friend take a look. Meanwhile, give her lots of extra love. Spend extra time with her. It did end up that "I knew" when to let her go but it happened on a Sunday and she started to decline fast and that was very stressful.

All my love and keep posting if it helps you. Sorry to tell you my whole story there.


Molly
 
My family has not been so good at knowing when it is time. I don''t think you can ever KNOW when it is time, but I think if you are asking the question, that is a pretty good sign.
 
See what the vet says.

One of my cats has arthritis and takes medication. Once in a while he''ll get a steroid shot and it really seems to help.
 
I am misty-eyed reading this.

Your sweet Muffin is 21!!! Most cats never come close to achieving that kind of life span, that says so much for the kind of pet parent you have been to her. You have given her a long and wonderful life.. and that is not nothing.

I, too, would see what the vet says... but my sense is that perhaps, sadly, it is time...

I am so very sorry. Please keep us posted.

*hugs*
 
Date: 8/22/2008 5:49:45 PM
Author: purrfectpear
When you believe your little pet will be in a happier place than they are in your home. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our faithful companions is peacefully letting them go, in our loving arms with a final kiss.
Click to expand...
Perfectly said, no pun intended.


I''m sorry about your kitz.
emrose.gif
 

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time and open their hearts in their posts.


I wanted to update you all and let you know that Muffin is now gone. Last night was a rough night for her - she tried to get up once and collapsed. I spent most of the night lying next to her and petting her and I promised her I would take her to our friend the vet today. She didn''t want to live like this, I am sure.


When I picked her up this morning to leave, she didn''t meow. She didn''t even tense up. She just looked at me, and then looked away.


My poor girl had gotten so weak and frail in the past 3 days, that I think she just knew.


We took her to the vet, and luckily my good friend''s husband (who after all these years is our good friend too) was working, and he took us into the family room. We spent some time with Muffin, and then the vet took her to the back for about 5 minutes.


When he brought her back, he told us that he examined her and said she was so weak that she couldn''t support herself on any of her legs (before her front were fine, just her back would give out) and that her heart murmur was worse since he''d last seen her. He agreed that it was time, and that made me feel better that a professional who has known her for 4 years felt like there had been significant changes and that she wasn''t the same and was weak and ready to go.


We said good bye. As you can imagine, it was one of the hardest things I''ve ever done. I feel very blessed to have had 21 years with the beautiful girl, and will miss her every day.


I just came home and the grief has hit me all over again, but honestly, reading your posts has helped me tremendously, so thank you.


I''m going to show one more picture of her sleeping the way she often did - covering her face. She was so cute.


Thanks again for your kind words - I truly appreciate it.



Beautiful Muffin I will miss you.jpg
 
I''m so, so sorry about Muffin. She had a wonderful 21 years with you and she is no longer in pain. I love this poem and I hope it gives you some comfort.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
 
Ohmy... now I am openly crying... I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I knew what to say...

You did the right thing... and hopefully that is comforting to you... your poor sweet baby was suffering, despite the best of care, and unfortunately, she just wasn't going to get better.

You did your best by Muffin (and what a beautiful girl she was
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) and then you made the hardest, most unselfish decison that an animal lover ever has to make...

I can't imagine what I will do when it is Boo's time... although I would feel so blessed and privileged to have him for 21 wonderful years.

Oh, honey, I know you hurt... and I am so very, very sorry.

*hugs*

Lynn
 
I am so sorry. You did the right thing for your sweet Muffin. HUGS!!!!
 
Oh, hun. I''m so sorry you''re hurting right now. It''s one of those pains that gets easier, but never really goes away. It does stop being all-consuming after a while, though. When it''s hard, please remember that you gave her a wonderful life. 21 years! I hope I''m blessed enough to have my kitties that long. She was lucky to have somebody as loving as you were, and I''m sure she felt all of that love in her last moments.

*big hugs*
 
your pictures in your mind and in your heart are forever. she was very loved and what you did was loving. perhaps she and my Gato cat who was 23 when he passed and been with me for 21 years will be romping together in a field of wheatgrass and catnip.

movie zombie
 
I''m so sorry to hear about your cat. You definitely did the right thing for her. Take care during this painful time.
 
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