Is it time?

[Elfin]

My cat is 18 and is almost blind. He also gets disorientated and howls loudly for attention, looking blankly at the wall, even when he is standing right next to us. I know the howling is a symptom of old age (a kind of dementia). He is also having problems looking after his fur now, poor old boy.

I am about to move house (2 hours away) and he doesn't travel well. I guess I know that it is getting near the time when I have to think about euthanasia, but when he is sat on the bed purring and washing his face in that cute way they do, I am in two minds. But the impending move could be more than he can take.

Any suggestions?

[maggie01]

I don't really have an answer for you. We all hope when the time comes, they will go peacefully in their sleep. Perhaps you could seek the advice of your vet to see if it is kinder not to take him with you. What a decision, I do feel for you!

[dove]

whatever the result elfin, at least your cat knows its loved xx

[lankeela]

This is something that I always think of when I have to make those kind of decisions

'Better a day too soon than a minute too late'

[orange-gnome]

Hi Elfin,

I feel for you I really do like everyone has said, it is so hard to have to make that decision for our much loved pets. The advice that I want to give is that nobody can say how he will take the move to the new house, he might be fine so I would say don't jump to any conclusions that it might be fairer to not put him through it, he might take it really well, also if he was only 3 and in the best of health he might take the move badly but you would still do it. At the end of the day it is of course your decision, however if it were me I would give them every chance as long as he is not suffering, see how he takes the move but give him time to settle in after the move. Especially if he has times when he seems perfectly happy then I would get him a little brush and help him take care of his coat and give him a chance. Being blind and possibly deaf for a cat is of course disturbing and the yowling for you is hard to listen to without having doubts but does that really mean he needs to be put to sleep?

[orange-gnome]

Lankeela....... how about years too early?!!! How on earth would you know??

[orange-gnome]

I just say that because I had a cat who went blind at 16, deaf at 19, it took her a while to get used to it but I gave her extra love and attention throughout her last years and I can honestly say that she was happy, her kidneys gave out at 22 and then I made the decision to put her to sleep but I am glad that I didn't do it a day too early, she had a good life!

[furrycheeky]

As long as the cat is healthy and not in pain then continue to love him as you do now.

[Eels]

Much as this is a subject we all want to add our own advice and opinions to, only one person knows the right answer and that is Elfin. Only one person can make the decision when the time is right, and that is Elfin.

The fact that there are doubts in your mind, enough that you asked the question in the first place, suggests that perhaps you do know the answer. But it is not cruel to put an animal to sleep - they know nothing about it. Whether the animal is a year old and in perfect health, or elderly and sick, the process of euthanasia is the same for them - it's only us who are left behind that know what might have been.

Remember - you can understand why you are moving but you cannot explain this to your pet. All animals know is the 'here and now' - they can't grasp that in a week they will know their way around. If you feel that the 'here and now' of the journey and disorientation is too much to ask of this faithful friend, mentally or physically, then your decision is made. If you think he could cope ok, then go for it. But nobody else can decide for you - all anyone can do is talk it through with you until you come to a decision. And who would your cat choose and trust to make this decision for him? You of course, as the one who knows him best.

[Peri]

Hi Elfin, this breaks my heart. Two years ago we had our 17 year old cat Pip put to sleep. She had gone blind a year before but could still get around and up and down stairs. Her kidneys were also failing but then she bumped into something and got an ulcer in her eye and we had to do something. It is a very hard decision to make but it is better than watching them suffer on any level. Only you can make the decision though. Good luck and let us know we will be thinking of you.

[greeneyes]

i think you should have a word with the vet...take his advice,but if your cats well you should keep him

[Elfin]

Thanks for all your kind replies.

I know, it would be nice to have the decision made for me. I had the same dilemma last time I moved house 5 years ago, only that cat was old and arthritic. In the end I had to let him go and although it was terribly sad, it was the right time.

This old boy was a rescue cat (at 11 yrs old), so I have had him for 7 years now. He has been my companion through some tough times. He is pretty wobbly on his pins now and regularly falls off things and walks into stuff. But he is not actually medically ill as such, just getting thin, old and his senses are failing. I suppose in the wild, he would have been picked off some time ago.

Cats are such proud creatures that I feel his embarrassment now that he is somewhat less than agile!

I'll have to chat with the vet. The move won't be for at least another 6 weeks, so I have time to decide.

The problem is that as soon as you decide on euthanasia, the animal in question suddenly becomes all sprightly and seems to trot around with renewed vigour!

Aww this is horrible - he's sat next to me as I write this... not watching so much as looking in the general direction of the screen though!

I'm not very well at the mo, so I think the decision is getting to me...

[orange-gnome]

Get well soon Elfin : )
We know that you will make the right decision whatever that may be.

[dove]

elvin, this may sound harsh but if you are ill and also worrying about the cat it is not going to make you any better. Look after yourself first please xxxxxxx

[bex401]

Really feel for you Elfin,you are in a very difficult position,and you sound like you love that moggy an awful lot.Cats are very sensitive to your mood & know when there is something wrong.As everyone says only you can make that decision.Let us know what happens,my thoughts are with you.

A fellow cat lover.

[Elfin]

Dove, you are right of course. I have been poorly for a while now but the impending move means I have to try to get organised. However, I'll stop thinking about the mog for a couple of weeks - give myself a break!

Thanks everyone else for your kind thoughts and support. It is very much appreciated xx