Putting cat down today - right decision?

[juliesh]

Hi everyone - this is my first post, have joined today just so I can get some feedback from others about this.

I have had my cat approx 15 years and for the past 8 months she has not been using her litter tray - occasionally she will but majority of time on the bathroom floor. At first I thought it was due to her age. Around the same time she developed a lump on her head which I ignored at first but then decided to take her to the vets as it got larger. This was 3 months ago. I was told it was only a cyst but had it removed anyway. I also had all her teeth done weeks before that.

Anyway, that's just an introduction because the main problem now is that she started to lose her appetite 4 weeks ago so back to the vet again. Was told she had a tumour in her tummy and could have days left. I was so upset. She would eat the occasional bit of food but only half a dishful a day, this got to no cat food at all but would eat bits of chicken, ham, tuna - this past week she has eaten a small fingerful of tuna or ham but nothing all day - she is gradually wasting away and can feel her bones.

She is restless and keeps moving positions whilst resting and jumping from one chair or place to another, sometimes with her back to me. She looks so depressed.

I chose not to euthanise when I was told she could have days because I wanted to think about it and at that time she was still having some food but now it's heartbreaking seeing her like this. She has had diarrohea for weeks too.

I am going away tomorrow for a week and planned to get mum over to look after her but have come to the decision that this is not fair on mum and not fair on my cat to go on suffering. I rang the vet today to make an appointment, almost sobbing on the phone. I keep going to her to talk to her and stroke her and feel so guilty. I know it's probably the right thing to do but can't help but feel guilty that I could have prevented this if only I had taken her to the vet sooner. I spent nearly £300 having her teeth done and a lump removed but it was the wrong lump.

I am wondering if I should have opted for having the tumour removed too - this isn't just a money issue though, but more the opinion of the vet which seemed like it wouldn't be worth it - saying she could have days for example and being an old cat.

Anyone any words of wisdom? I had a similar situation with my other old cat a year ago - I knew it was the right decision because that morning she couldn't walk and was falling on her back, but this time, I don't know why I am finding it so much harder - maybe it's because now and again she goes outside in the sun and rolls on her back.

Thankyou

Julie

[Cindy]

If the vet thinks she is terminal, and if she is uncomfortable now, a week away from you would be hard for her. Please do not feel guilty because this is an act of kindness and love on your part. ((((hugs))))

[mamabear]

I hate to say this but I must.

Why hasnt your vet given you a prescription diet to put her on. NO HUMAN food at all for any animal unless you know what you are doing and even then you do not give an injured or sick animal any human food at all.

She should have been put in my opinion on a diet that was suited for her when she refused to eat. What blood work did they do on her. Did they check for liver,kidney,thyroid problems.(just to name a few)

Is she weak because of lack of food? Of course if i or you havent eaten we would be weak too. I am very surprised that the dr. didnt run tests and just let it go as tho she were going to die and there was nothing else to be tried or thought of.

[juliesh]

Thankyou Cindy.

Mamabear - When she was last at the vet (approx 3-4 weeks ago) the vet said to give her anything that she would eat as long as she eats something. I thought it was ok for cats to eat human food during these circumstances. Not sure how a pescription diet could help if she is refusing to eat because of a tumour.

Yes she is probably weak because of a lack of food but she was like this before she completely lost her appetite - thought it was down to her getting old. Eg, walking up the stairs took her longer. She was eating fine then.

Prior to this vet visit she had her lump on her head removed and had blood tests to test for problems such as kidneys etc so they didn't do blood tests all over again, particularly when it was a tumor diagnosed.

[Traci]

How was the tumor diagnosed, and where is it located? Xrays, ultrasound and bloodwork are the only ways to determine tumors. Depending on the tumor and it's location depend on whether it can be removed surgically or not. Also, general health status of the cat and/or secondary health issues are taken into account for determining surgical candidacy.

So, this was all "determined" 4 weeks ago, but you/your vet have not had kitty in for followups since then? Did your vet bother to discuss with you palliative care options? That is, did he tell you about medications to help alleviate symptoms? Kitty has had diarrhea for "weeks" and your vet has not adressed this??? He has not addressed kitty's anorexia at all???

I find the vet's lack of comittment apalling, and I'd get her to a more comitted, knowlegeable vet ASAP, to address kitty's symptoms. Could it be that you simply resigned yourself and didn't tell your vet your kitty is having these symptoms? You can't just wait around and not address her symptoms, all the symptoms she has are extremely debilitating and it's not surprising why she is anorexic, weak, diarrhea etc, those needed to be addressed right away!! There ARE medications available to help these!!