To those who have had to put a pet down: how did you know it was time?

[ahem]

How did you know? I know for some of you the decision was obvious due to a sudden health crisis or a drastic turn for the worst, but what about those of you who've dealt with slow a progressive illness affecting your pet?

When I look into my baby's eyes I still see that sparkle, and he still wants lots of loving. He still begs for chicken and bosses me around when he wants something... but he does live with pain and limited mobility, and his inability to control his "bathroom" functions is starting to really take it's toll on his skin despite constant cleanings. None of his illnesses are fatal, but they're taking a lot of away from his life. He's been heading downhill for years, but how do I know when it's time to make this stop?

I don't want to put him down before it's time, but I don't want to selfishly keep him going just for the sake of us humans who love him so much. I'm 34, and this cat has been with me since I was a teenager. It's hard to imagine a world without him. :cry:

If you have any advice, I'd appreciate it. This is weighing heavy on my mind today.:cry:

Thank you.

[mainegreen]

1. I'd recommend

waiting till your cat stop eating or moving or some sign of the cat's desire to die. Mind you I'm no expert, but thats what I would do.

[ahem]

6. Thanks.

I guess I just want to make sure I read his signs right. It's hard to know that he suffers.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. He will tell you when it's time

Our Ferg stopped eating and got very weak. His meow changed from a raspy "Rehhh" to a high-pitched cry which was very eerie. He ended up dying in my arms the morning of the day I'd made an appointment to have him put down. Just give him lots of love and let him know you're there to comfort him. It will be very emotional for you, but you have the strength to get through it. Take care.

[ahem]

8. Thank you so much!

I'm sorry you lost Ferg. Nothing like the love of a fur-baby.

Like you said, this is just a very emotional time. I want to know that I'm doing right by my baby. Thanks, again.

[magnetism]

3. Had to make the decision about a year ago

It is so hard to do, but I think you will realize when it is time. The time for me was when watching the pain outweighed my desire for him to be alive. You will get to that point.

My family also had to put down a dog that we had for years and my sister could not do it even though the dog went blind, had arthritis, and had "bathroom" problems. I had to talk to her and she finally realized that it was better for our pet.

[ahem]

9. Thanks, I just want to make sure that

I really will know when it's time. I don't want to be, well, like your sister, and not let myself see when it's evident. :hug:

[youthere]

4. We had to put our black lab down a couple years ago..

God, I still cry when I think about him. We knew it was time. He'd suffered two strokes in the same week (he was 13-very old for a lab). He couldn't move his back legs, but he'd still drag himself over to me and lay his grizzled head in my lap and look at me with those big beautiful eyes. After the second stroke, it seemed every movement he made hurt him. He'd just constantly make that low quiet whine. He wasn't able to control his body functions, and left a trail behind him when he would drag himself along. We knew that we were only keeping him here because of our own selfishness and inability to say goodbye-but it was time to let him go. It was the most awful decision to have to make, and I deeply sympathize. It sucks to have to call this shot. I can only tell you that in a way it was a relief, not because of the mess, but to know that he wasn't suffering anymore.
There isn't an easy answer ahem, and I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. All I can say is that in our case, we knew we were keeping him for us...not for him. Good luck, and I hope you're able to come to peace with whatever decision you make.


:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ahem]

5. Your situation sounds like it was similar to what we're dealing with

only my little guy didn't have the strokes that your poor baby had to deal with. But the results to his health are a lot alike. My guy hasn't gotten to the constant whine/cry stage, but I think we're getting close. I just feel for him so much.

Thank you so much for your reply. It helps. :hug:

[miss_kitty]

7. I got Sammy when I was 14.

She had to be put down when I was 32. She was my best friend, all those years. It was terrifically hard to have it done. I probably waited too long.

Basically, if the quality of life is low, and is never going to get better-only worse, in my opinion, it is time.
This is the hardest decision you will make. The next time you have to do it, it will not be so hard, for a few different reasons.

Plan a ritual with good friends and family, people who know your deep love for your baby and who have been friends to the two of you. Maybe you could get the vet to come to you to ease your baby over to the other side.

I cried myself to sleep for months afterward. It broke my heart. Sometimes I still cry about her, and I like to post here because my avatar is her. Last year she was finally dead longer than she'd been alive.
I am 51 and she was the nearest I had to having a child. She is still very much in my heart.

We were very lucky to have such good loving friends for the most formative years of our lives.
PM me if you would like.
:hug:

[ahem]

10. Aw, Miss Kitty, thanks. I know you really understand.

And you're right, when I do know for sure that the time has come, we will need a ritual. I already plan to get a vet who will come to the house. It wouldn't be right anywhere else.

This is also the nearest to a child I've ever had. And even though I have three other cats, no one will ever be quite like this little guy.

Your post really touched me. Thank you! :hug:

[Deep13]

11. rabbit had kidney failure

Couldn't see going through the effort or expense of dealing with that, to say nothing of the fuzzy hopper's discomfort. It was a rational decision for me, not a feeling or whatever.

[KittyWampus]

12. stop eating/only drink water, can barely move/lay by radiator or window

without looking out, shits all over the place constantly.

Animals may WANT to stick with you because that was their 'job'.

I had to loving tell my beloved she'd completed her journey ad would get to rest under a cedar tree in the back yard. I even carried her outside to see the spot.

[henslee]

13. When good days are outnumbered by bad is a good indicator. I

Sounds like he has some pep left in him.