How do I know when its time to put my cat to sleep?

Question

My cat is 13 years old and has hyperthyroidism for 2 years. He has been on Tapazole for 2 years. For 2 weeks now he has been pooping all over the house (couch, carpet, kitchen, etc) and vomiting daily. I took him to the vet and he did bloodwork. His thyroid level is fine with the medication. He was dehydrated so they hydrated him. He does not have diabetes. His liver levels were not normal. The doctor gave me antibiotics, vitamins, liver medication, anti diarrhea and anti vomiting medication, and Prescription Diet I/D food which he was taking before this the Prescription Diet W/D food. Nothing is helping. The diarrhea hasn't stopped. He's pooping all over the house and he was 5 lbs when I took him to the doctor. The doctor said he may have UTI and the antibiotics should help. We tried a different antibiotic because of the diarrhea and still nothing is helping. He is getting dehydrated again I am sure so I stopped the antibiotic. I think its time to put him to sleep because there is nothing more that I can do for him. How do you know when its time because the vet is not telling me its time. I will call the vet tomorrow and tell him this antibiotic is causing him to have diarrhea. The doctor said he will never gain weight because of the hyperthyroidism. What do I do?

Answer 1

When I had a kitty nearing the end of her life (diabetic), my wonderful vet told me to keep a journal each day and mark it a 'good' or 'bad' day. When the 'bad' days outnumber the 'good' days, it would be time to consider helping her. Turns out I didn't have to help her, she made the choice on her own and went back to spirit quietly in my arms.



Instead of asking the vet, ask your kitty. Sit quietly with him, love him, stroke him, whatever would be normal kitty time. Tell him you know he is not well and if he is ready to go, you understand and you are ready to let him leave his ill body. Just hold him in your gentle focus and he will let you know in your heart what the answer is.



If it will be a comfort to you, and has been to me with mine that have returned to spirit, kitties (all animals for that matter) are not afraid of dying. They are spiritual beings and have been in the pure Loving Light and they know that is where they will return. The hardest part for them is leaving their human and furry companions behind.



I have treated two hyperthyroid kitties, too, and I know it is hard. The illness makes all their body functions speed up which accelerates any other problems. One of mine also went into kidney failure and the other in cardiac failure--both about that 2 year mark from when they were first diagnosed.



Offering you loving thoughts during this difficult time.



Purrs to you and kitty.

Answer 2

I agree with you. Unfortunately I think it might be time. You have been trying for weeks to help your cat, and your poor cat is still have the same problems. I think if your cat is probably in more pain that not..If you think your cat is suffering, then I think it's time. When I have to make a decision on when it's time, I ask my vet if they are in pain, or if you can tell if they are in pain...then it's unfortunately time to put them to sleep. I'm sorry to hear that your cat is not doing well.

Answer 3

The best thing for your cat is to get put to sleep. He probably feels so bad that he is doing this to you. Also, the cat may just be giving up on life. I think you should say your goodbyes and take him to the vet.

I am so sorry.

Answer 4

I think you should put him to sleep. I know it will be hard, I went through something like that with my grandmas poodle. She was part of the family! The only problem was, she was 14. Blind and deaf. She fell over at times. You just know when to put them to sleep when it seems like they're suffering. We had her since she was a puppy! Best doggie ever.

Answer 5

Why would u in ur right mind would put a dear animal to sleep!!! That's just sad for me cuz I'm an animal lover! Plz don't! It doesn't feel good after he's gone! Just thinking about it makes me want to cry! I can't imagine what would it be like without my cat sylvester! But if ur cat is suffering maybe its time.:[

Answer 6

It sounds like it might be time but its up to you. If he seems to be in pain, it's time. I'm so sorry, I know it's hard.. I had to put my cat to sleep a couple weeks ago... enjoy the time you have left with him..!