should I put her down?

Question
I have a cat, Festus. She is 14 in cat years. She has been hyperthyroid for just over a year. The symptoms then were that we just couldn't feed her enough. She constantly wanted more food.
So that's when she was diagnosed.
About a week ago, she was peeing all over my house. She thought it was her dirtbox!
So we took her to the vet. He said he felt like we would be fighting a loosing battle, but he increased her med. It seemed to help for a few days or so, but then she went back to her old behavior. Last night I had to keep her in the bathtub (it has a door) And she also has been growling.
She growled at the vet last week too. She won't eat right. She eats but only a little bit at a time so I have to pick her up and give her the med in an eyedropper. Then she growls at me and tries to claw me. Other times when you try to move her she will growl.
But if you don't' touch her and leave her alone,she seems fine.
I don't know what to do. I love my kitty. I hate to put her down if its not right. Money is tight. We are on a fixed income. I hate to see her suffer, but I hate to destroy a life too.
What's the right thing to do? She's my baby. But I don't want to make her hurt either. I don't know what to do!

Answer
Joyce,

Poor kitty. There is really no right or wrong decision. I've made decisions both ways and neither are easy.

When I decide to euthanize I always wonder if I did the right thing. I sometimes think that if they have to will to live, who am I to euthanize them? I am not the Maker who decides who lives and who dies.

But not euthanizing them and  watching them suffer a slow death is horrible.

In this situation you can't let money be a factor. A suggestion I would have is if you decide to euthanize is to have a mobile vet come to the home so the cat does not suffer any anxiety and stress from traveling to the vet's office and being at the vet. Let her go peacefully in familiar surroundings.

Your cat is approximately 72 years old in human years. They get 'kitty alzheimers' like people do which explains so of his behavior. Also it sounds like he is in pain and it hurts when he is touched or picked up. He also doesn't understand what is happening to him and he is scared and confused.

Give him LOTS of love and reassurance. If you can, don't lock him up, that makes the confusion worse. If he is lucid enough, he may think that he did something wrong when it's something he can't help.

This isn't a pleasant subject but I will give you some information on what to expect if the cat is dying:

Understanding the signs and symptoms of dying will help you prepare for your cat's exit from this world, and possibly even allow you to make your pet's final moments more comfortable.

Reluctance to Eat and Drink
As a cat's body begins the process of shutting down, the animal will gradually refrain from eating and drinking. As a result, you'll also notice a reduction in the amount of urine and feces released, and the urine will begin to take on a darker coloring.

Distraction/Disorientation
Many cats seem to become distracted during the dying process. They appear unaware of much of what is going on around them, and often will just stare into the distance at nothing in particular. In what appears to be an extension of the distracted aspect, some cats also become a
little disoriented. They don't seem to recognize their owners as they once did, and they are sometimes startled by sudden noises or touches. At times like this, it's very important to take a slow and gentle approach with your pet. Speak softly to announce your presence, and touch lightly. If you must move your cat or adjust him to a more comfortable position, do so with great care.

Breathing Changes
A cat's breathing will certainly change as death approaches. In some cases, the breathing becomes rapid and shallow. In other cases, the lack of hydration leads to a gurgling sound in the chest as normal lung secretions thicken. Sometimes the breathing will simply become slow and rhythmic, with intermittent pauses between breaths that become more prolonged as the final moments near. Eventually, they all but cease except for the last agonal breaths which may come minutes apart. In the end the heart and lungs come to a complete and final rest.

Restlessness
Some cats do not go as gently as others, and some become restless as the time approaches. They may struggle to change positions, or may actually try to wander away to
a place they feel more secure during their final moments.
Sometimes they get a burst of energy and run. Usually they are mostly gone when this happens.

Body Cooling
As the heart begins to slow its beats, the cat's body temperature begins to cool, first in the extremities and then the torso itself. As a result of decreased circulation, the cat may lose some or all feeling in his limbs and become unable to move for himself. If the cat has fleas they will start jumping off as the it cools.

Increased Sleeping
Dying can happen quickly or it can go on for hours and even days. During a prolonged death, most cat's will spend a majority of the time in light sleep, occasionally waking up in response to what is going on around them and drifting back into sleep.

Sight and Hearing
As the body grows weaker, a cat's sight will often grow dim until he no longer appears able to see anything. However, even when sight fails, the cat is still likely able to hear what is going on around him, including the sounds of his family's voice.

Being Certain Your Pet has Passed
It may be difficult to be sure when your cat has well and truly passed away. Watch for a complete relaxation of the entire body. Your touch doesn't provoke any kind of reflexive response. The cat's eyes are fixed and dilated.
There are no more breaths after ten minutes worth of observation. There is a release of bodily fluids and waste.
Wait for a few hours to make sure rigormortis sets in and the cat is stiff to be competely sure.
This information is from cats.lovetoknow.com by author Kelly

I very sorry you are having to suffer like this about what to do. I hope and pray that the end will  come quickly when it does.

When that unfortunately happens here is an excellent site for pet bereavement. It also has an article on the euthanasia decision: (copy and paste, or type the whole link into your address bar):

http://www.pet-loss.net/links.html

And here is a wonderful site for remembering your beloved pet:

http://rainbowsbridge.com/

I hope this helps a little. Bless you and Festus. Just remember: he KNOWS he was loved. Please write back if I can answer any more questions or give you support in any way.

Carol