#1
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Should he be put down?
I have a male siamese cat who is around 15-17 years old. He (Simon) was my first pet, I've had him since I was around 3 and my earliest memory is driving him home when he was a kitten. Basically right now we're faced with a situation (which I will explain) where my father is going to put him down. I do not think that it is necessary for that, but here's the story:
He was always a little on the overweight side but about a year ago he started losing weight and has been since (not just fat but muscle mass too). The muscle mass loss is mainly along his spine and in his hindquarters. Since he started losing the weight we've been trying vet-recommended foods and nothing has helped. We believe he has some arthritis because some days he is a little slow (mainly going down stairs). It's not very often. The rest of the days he seems absolutely fine, and every day he is ok enough to jump up from the floor onto the bathroom counter. However he throws up a lot, little puddles maybe 1 - 4 times a day. There's never actually food in it though, it's always just clear liquid. I think it's because he has diabetes and gets really thirsty, to the point where he drinks too much and gets bloated and just throws it all up. He has also started to go to the bathroom all over the house...never pee (that I've seen so far) just feces. I am aware that he's obviously getting old and some problems are to be expected, but my father is of the impression that his quality of life isn't good enough to keep him around and he thinks we should put him down. In my opinion I think it's because he just doesn't want to have to keep cleaning up after him, which is ridiculous. If Simon was suffering terribly and was no longer happy than I could see perhaps turning to euthanasia for his benefit. But I don't think he's suffering enough to warrant that...the only problems are the throwing up, sometimes trouble going down stairs (but he's never stumbled or fallen or anything, just doesn't dash around like he used to) and not using the litterbox any more. He still goes outside and plays with my other cat, he still sleeps with me every night and snuggles whenever I'm home and constantly purrs. I am just at a complete loss because I don't know what to do to convince him not to do it and I feel so hopeless because if it comes down to it there's really nothing that I can do to stop him. I'm just wondering if anyone has either experienced a similar situation or has any ideas/recommendations. I can't even put my foot down too much or he'll end up taking him when I'm not home and I won't even get to say good bye... Is there something I'm not seeing? Is euthanasia the answer? I can't justify it but maybe I'm missing something... Any insight is greatly appreciated, and apologies for the length of this post... |
#2
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I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. Hopefully your father will give you the opportunity to say your goodbyes when the time does come .
Have you had bloodwork done on him lately? You state he has diabetes, is that monitored on a regular basis? Has he had his thyroid checked? Is he on a canned only diet? Kibble may be making him dehydrated and felling poorly. Does he go to the bathroom in the same place or in different places? You could put some small litter boxes around the house for him. to use. Normally a good rule of thumb is if your pet has more bad days than good, then it is time. If your pet is in pain that can't be controlled and is terminal, then it is time.
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Cat maid to: Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs) Jasper RIP (2001-2018) Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014) Puddles RIP (1996-2014) Snowball RIP (1991-2005) In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey |
#3
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From the way you describe Simon, he does seem to be still having a good quality of life and getting quite a bit of enjoyment out of each day. It is unfortunate that you are in a situation where you may not have any control over any ultimate decisions that might be made. Certainly at his age he is slowing down and starting to have some health issues, as happens to us all as we get older whether we be humans or animals. Cats can enjoy quite a long senior life.
Lets see if there are some things that can be done to make Simon's life even better. Quote:
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "The animals share with us the privilege of having a soul." -Pythagoras "The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different." -Hippocrates "Let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world." -Jack Layton "Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi Kitties: Punky (17), and Sassy (13), Twinky (10), SweetMickey 1991 to May 24, 2009 Last edited by mikischo; October 9th, 2010 at 01:41 PM. Reason: Typos and wording. Too sleepy when I posted. |
#4
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I'm so sorry to hear about your dilemma.I just wanted to add my 2 cents.My Mom still has my cat from when I was a little girl....she is now almost 24 years old!!!!! Whitley had some of the issues you are describing.She had trouble eating kibble and lost weight rapidly it took awhile for my Mom to see that she was having issues.The kibble was causing her to vomit because she wasn't chewing...at all.Once switched to canned food she began to put on weight and the vomiting issue stopped.
She also has trouble jumping up and down off the bed (although my Dad believes she just prefers to get a lift lol).They switched her litter box to a small box with lower sides so she would have less trouble getting in and out and now she uses it like a champ. I hope your Father will hear you out and at least let you try a few of the suggestions you've received here.I feel for you.Good luck |
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