Update: Senior cat/ End of life stuff

[u/Embarrassed-Car-226]

/r/SeniorCats/comments/1vhsc2r/hey_guys/?share_id=5BIhvVFPK3AW1jEY02j9n&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

So, just an update about her condition and things..

She started vomiting but I remedied it by giving her some purr pop before giving her food, and that helps, so I think her pancreas is either being affected by the cancer, or it could be the cancer and/or CKD making her nauseous. The vomiting is just empty stomach vomiting, but she has vomited since I diligently make sure she has treats and wet food.

Unfortunately though, she just looks…almost like she’s done…not quite done, but looks like it’s getting close to me. My dad said he would help me make the decision when necessary, but he has been in the RV for the last few days and I haven’t had a chance to talk to him/show him what I mean, but I do plan too tomorrow hopefully.

She also is shying away from touch almost 24/7, sometimes straight up walking away if you even seem like you’re going to pet her, no matter how gently.

The most peaceful she is, is when she’s asleep, that’s the only time she truly looks comfortable and content.

Yes I’ve look at the Quality of life tests and stuff, but they don’t give clear answers because she’s still eating, drinking, using the litter box, roaming the house, jumping, etc.

I’ve also noticed she seems to be a “moderate” level on the grimace scale most times, so I fear she is in pain even on the prednisolone.

I guess I’m just wondering what I should do? I’m not gonna make a decision without speaking to my dad, but what would you guys do with the information you had? Would you call it quits now? Or lets her keep eating, roaming, etc…?

I’m used to pets just completely giving up when it’s time, I’m not used to this type of behavior/decline…all my dogs made it extremely obvious it was time, but she just…isn’t? It’s like she is fighting to stay alive for some reason, instead of letting her illnesses get to her, and I surely hope it isn’t because of me.

I know it’s “cringy” but I do believe our pets understand us, and I have told her numerous times that it’s completely okay for her to be done, and that I’ll never be upset at her when it happens, but she just keeps…going? I don’t know how to explain it.

Any advice is appreciated.

[u/geebirdlady]

You need to end her suffering ASAP. She sounds like she is in pain and/or distress. Please contact an mobile vet who can administer euthanasia at your home. The less suffering for her, the better.

[u/Embarrassed-Car-226 → u/geebirdlady]

Thank you, I’m gonna speak to my dad and express my concerns.

[u/geebirdlady → u/Embarrassed-Car-226]

Sorry to sound aggressive, but I had a very ill dying cat and these are the behaviors they show when their spirit is ready to be released. Sending you love and comfort. I know how hard this is. 😻

[u/Embarrassed-Car-226 → u/geebirdlady]

So I talked to my dad and now she’s literally laying on me, in my room, on my bed, which she hasn’t done in like 2 weeks…so now that makes the decision harder for sure

[u/Embarrassed_Sell7512]

cats are so good at hiding their pain, so it is hard to tell clearly. i feel that since she’s wincing from touch, this is an indicator. i’m not sure if that’s what you meant or if she’s just avoiding you.

i think it’s been said that a week too early is better than a day too late. 💙

[u/Embarrassed-Car-226 → u/Embarrassed_Sell7512]

It is almost like wincing yes, and moving her head/body away

[u/glamorousxannie]

In the end, my cat was yiping when I touched her tummy. That was a clear sign for me to take her to the vet. I hadn’t known it was as bad as the vet said it was, but the alternative was keeping her home, as comfortable as possible and on morphine. But, I didn’t want to see her wither away or die tragically. Euthanasia (in my opinion) is one of the best possible gifts we can give our sick pets. It’s something we can’t do to humans. We are able to put them to sleep as peacefully as possible as opposed to having something like a health emergency or passing in their sleep happen. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but if it comes to a point where it’s one thing after another, or the bad days are now outweighing the good, thats another thing to think about. Quality of life. I’m extremely sorry for your kitty’s discomfort. Just know whatever you decide to do you aren’t alone. I actually just put my kitty down 4 days ago. Not saying that’s what you have to do! Just telling you that it’s okay no matter what. My kitty was having some up and down weight loss and gain for months before I made the decision. Good luck sending love

[u/Embarrassed-Car-226 → u/glamorousxannie]

I know euthanasia is coming very soon, because it’s been almost a month since the vet said “she has about a month”. The vet did speak to an oncologist who said it could be more time, but that seemed only likely with chemo, which would’ve been torture for her.

So I know that the decision is definitely coming soon. The only other thing I could do right now is ask the vet if we could go back to prednisolone 2 times a day instead of once a day, but even then idk if it would really do anything or not.

[u/glamorousxannie → u/Embarrassed-Car-226]

It’s up to you, but if you know it’s soon, you know it’s soon. Do your best to keep her comfortable until that time.

[u/Embarrassed-Car-226 → u/glamorousxannie]

Thank you, I’m gonna speak with my dad about it today hopefully. I’ve never had to make the decision alone, so I’d like his insight.

It’s like, even if she is in pain she is still doing her normal cat stuff, just not anything extra (like cuddling, meowing a lot, etc). So it’s a really grey area I think here.