Do you look down on people who euthanize too soon?

[mustangsally65]

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I am curious. I know there is no way to determine the "right" time, and there will always be regrets and what-ifs, but I'm interested in what you guys in the field think.

In November my 19-year old cat was diagnosed with renal failure, and at a follow up appointment in December the vet estimated she had one or two good months left. She's not on any meds or treatments, but she's following the course the vet described (coming for food, then not eating it when I give it, drinking a lot of water, sleeping a lot). We've been thinking about taking her in and having her euthanized before she gets to the point where she's starving/malnourished, but we're worrying about cutting her life short if she still has some time left.

I've never had to deal with this before, all my previous pets have passed in their sleep. It was not a decision I had to make, but at the same time I don't want her to be in pain and have me keeping her alive just for my own peace of mind.

Will the veterinary staff think we're doing it too soon? She is less than six pounds, and while she still appears pretty content there's a dull look in her eyes and she hasn't been herself in a long time. All she does is live for eating, and she never interacts with the people in the house unless she wants food. To me, that's not much of a life. but at the same time I don't want to have this memory that I "killed" my cat.

Thanks for any advice. 😳

 

[RTHA06]

It seems to me that you have done everything you can for your cat. It would be helpful for you to discuss your feelings with your veterinarian as these kinds of cases are often presented to them.

If you feel your cat's quality of life is poor (just living for food, no interaction with people, etc...) and it was not like that before the renal failure, consider for the both of you how appropriate it would be to say a final goodbye. I myself have had to euthanize an older pet and the decision wasn't an easy one. She had lived a long life as your cat has, but no one wants to lose their best friend. I honestly believe we as humans should be so lucky as to have a peaceful and painless death after a beautiful goodbye.

The feelings you are having are normal, but do not feel guilty for making the judgement call you feel is best for your pet. You know her best.
There are groups/professionals who can assist you in your decision in addition to your veterinarian. I believe U C Davis vet school has a pet loss/grief hotline to give counsel. Also, Colorado vet school has a hospice for pets which has had great success in helping the public.

Last but not least, a professional veterinarian or staff would never judge you for putting your cat to sleep if the quality of life was poor. I am hoping your veterinarian has given you enough information to make an educated decision. I encourage you to talk with your vet and voice your concerns. They will be able to help you with the feelings you are struggling with. If you fail to find solace with the veterinarian you are currently with, try someone else.

My thoughts are with you.

 

[MicheleVet]

I try really hard to never judge someone who is euthanizing their pet. It's almost completely a family decision and one that I, as the veterinarian, am only a very small part of.

Renal failure unfortunately doesn't always give you a perfect time. Some cats can go years while in "failure" and others only make it a month or so.

You should make the decision when you feel it is the right time.

Michele

 

[mustangsally65]

Thanks for your opinions. I think I'm just feeling guilty even though it's not my fault she's at the end of her life. I do feel like it's the right time, since she really has no quality of life.

 

[mustangsally65]

I'm taking my cat in tomorrow morning. She's not eating and she's so thin, I hadn't realized she had lost so much weight. Or maybe I was just in denial. I don't think it's too soon anymore, but it's still hard to think about getting up and putting her in her carrier and driving her to the vet, and then coming home with an empty carrier.

 

[bjolly]

it's very hard. I've had to have two pets put to sleep in the last couple years and I'm sorry you're having to go through it. I believe you just know in your heart when it's time, and it sounds like you do. No one will judge you - the decision you're making is out of love for your pet.

 

[peppy]

I'm sorry to hear that you are facing such a sad time. 🙁 I don't think anyone would look down on you for this when your concern is about the cat's quality of life. It sounds like you gave her a very full life in a loving home, and now you've reached a point where the kindest thing you can do for her is to spare her more suffering. My condolences to you.

 

[mustangsally65]

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

I know I made the right decision. And I want to say thanks to all the vets out there. I don't know how you deal with death in your field, because pets have such shorter lifespans compared to humans. You must see crying pet parents every day, and I can't imagine how difficult that must be.