End of the road, what to do?

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

I've got a much loved 14yo cat with advanced kidney failure. He really perked up the last 18 months on a specialised diet, but he's very suddenly gone downhill this week (he's just very suddenly completely stopped eating).

But he seems pretty happy! Just lying in the sun, purring. Still making it outside for the toilet, able to jump up on the bed etc. But he's skin and bones now, and I don't see he can carry on for more than a few days.

I've never really been in this situation before- all my other cats have been pts as clearly in pain/back legs stopped working/became totally incontinent, and I was always 100% confident it was the kindest decision. But in this case, would it be cruel to just let him die on his own?

Ps I'm definitely not going to pursue any more treatment like IV fluids, or even teeth pulled etc.

 

[leflynn]

Let him die on his own? No, be kind and don't let him suffer, you wouldn't allow a human to suffer and at least as humans we can make sure our pets don't either

 

[tiahatti]

I'm sorry to hear this. He sounds like a lovely boy. I think if it was my cat I might have him pts so that he slips away without pain.
I'm sure whatever you decide will be the tight decision.

 

[OldNag]

I have lost a cat to kidney failure before - my heart goes out to you.

Mine was doing ok on various meds but then suddenly went very downhill very quickly and I had to get him to the vets PDQ to be PTS.

If I could turn back the clock, I would have had him PTS a couple of days earlier, while he was still feeling his old self.

Sending a big hug x

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

Let him die on his own? No, be kind and don't let him suffer, you wouldn't allow a human to suffer and at least as humans we can make sure our pets don't either

I understand the sentiment, and this is why I've always had pets pts in the past (although the decision has always been much clearer). But as someone who had to watch my own mother die a horrible death from cancer, it's absolutely not true that we don't allow humans to suffer. I'm not really sure why that's relevant.

 

[ycbm]

I'm very sorry you are in this situation, but kidney failure isn't painless, and his blood will be flooded with toxic waste his kidneys can't remove, probably giving him a permanent hangover. Purring in cats can be a sign of distress as well as pleasure. Please give him a dignified and pain free end.

 

[Shady]

As YCBM says

I would honestly pts now and I say this as a serious cat lover who understands your pain very well. Iv'e lost cats to kidney failure and while some do slip away , most don't and they are gradually building up toxins as the kidney's lose more function . This can have a sudden impact causing the cat to become terribly confused and distressed. I would spare you that as it's really upsetting.

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

It looks like everyone's leaning the same way on this. I just can't bear stressing him out bundling him in the basket and taking him down the vets (and listening to him crying the whole way because he hates the vet ?) I'm not ready to make the decision right now, but I think I'm going to try and steel myself to call the vet this afternoon and make the necessary arrangements.

Thanks for being honest.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Once they stop eating it is because they feel too unwell with build up of toxins. They may well perk up very slightly once not eating because nothing poisoning them but it doesn't last and they soon feel very unwell indeed. Be kind, have him PTS. I had a lovely tabby boy in final kidney failure and he hated going to the vets. He was turning somersaults in the basket all the way there but he had to go.

 

[Shady]

Honestly I do really feel for you . I know it's awful . Iv'e been there many times thinking, oh just one more day and I tell you truly, if I could turn back the clock I would have said goodbye sooner on 3 of mine . Sending you a big hug. Be strong . xxxx

 

[ycbm]

It looks like everyone's leaning the same way on this. I just can't bear stressing him out bundling him in the basket and taking him down the vets (and listening to him crying the whole way because he hates the vet ?) I'm not ready to make the decision right now, but I think I'm going to try and steel myself to call the vet this afternoon and make the necessary arrangements.

Thanks for being honest.

Forget your user name, be brave for him. It's a lovely day here and I hope where you are. Make his last day a lovely one. It will be the kindest thing you've ever done for him.
.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

Make the call. Is there any possibility of a home visit from your vets? Sorry you are facing the difficult decision but as loving owners it's the kindest one. (HUGS)