Older cat problems

Question
Hi,  I inherited a cat about 8 years ago from our neighbor who's dog kept the cat ran off.  I moved and took her with me.  She has always lived outdoors.  Mostly in a little dog house and sometimes in the barn until this winter.  Believe it or not she is 21 years old.  She is now deaf and totally blind.  I have to keep her in a back storage room of my basement.  She will urinate in a litter box but the other way she goes in the floor.  I do let her outside when I can watch her.  She has wandered off 3 times and luckily we have been able to find her.  We live on a farm.  We love her (Punky), but her life doesn't seem to be very good now.  Sometimes when outside, she just goes round and round.  I guess I am trying to clear my conscious, but I am thinking of having her put down.  Do you believe that is the right thing to do at this point.  Her appetite is really good, but she is losing weight rapidly.  Thanks for your opinion in advance.


Maxine

Answer
Maxine,

Wow! Did you know that your cat is almost 110 years old in human years?

When, it comes to euthanasia it is NEVER an easy decision to make. I don't think there IS a right or wrong choice. I have had to make that decision numerous times....and I have gone both ways. I have gone with my head and with the veterinarian's opinion and put cat to sleep. Then after, I wondered that, if the cat had the will to live, then who am I to play God and decide who lives and who doesn't? And I questioned my decision for a long time.

Other times, thinking with my heart, I didn't put a cat to sleep because I thought it would be better for the cat to be at home and I left it in God's hands....and the will of the cat. BUT, there is NOTHING worse than watching a cat die a slow, painful death that you think is NEVER going to come. And I again questioned my decision NOT to go with euthanasia.

She may have severe arthritis, which is common with elderly cats. It makes it painful for her to get in and out of the litter box. I would use puppy pee pads next to the litter box (or the human kind that is used for incontinent people). Cats, like humans, also get  and it causes them to act in a bizarre manner. She may even 'forget' where her litter box is, or what it is used for when she has to poop. And going in circles could be a sign of a stroke.

Unlike people, cats are only with us for a brief time. She has had a good home and a long, happy life. And she KNOWS she is loved. There are SO SO many poor cats and kittens out there dying everyday who never had a home, never knew affection, never had enough to eat, and never had anyone to even care. She is lucky to have had you. You gave your cat a good, happy life, and you must let her go at some point. DON'T worry about her 'messes'. Messes can be cleaned up. She probably is feeling confused and embarrassed by her behavior too.

You may want to take her to a vet that specializes in geriatric cat care and conditions....not all vets do. And it's especially important at her age that she be seen by a vet that knows what he/she is doing. The cat should have an "elderly cat exam" to check the function of her thyroid, kidneys, and liver, and also be checked for arthritis and/or pain. If you decide against euthanasia then she can be given medication ("comfort meds") to make her more comfortable thereby improving her quality of life.

If you make the decision to put her down, you may want to give some thought to having a mobile vet come to your home. I think it is easier on an animal to be euthanized at home where they are happy and comfortable instead of adding the stress of having to take the cat to a veterinarian's office where she will be scared and confused during her 'final moments'. Then add the trauma emotionally to you to have to come home with an empty carrier to an empty silent home.

If you put your cat to sleep, or if she passes on her own, go somewhere quiet and peaceful (a park, the mountains, the country, etc.) and grieve for the the cat....and send her on her way. Then keep busy! Don't dwell on her death...it is over and NOTHING can change that. It DOES get easier in time, but it is like losing a beloved human family member and best friend. Many people have argued that comment and said it is NOT like losing a family member, that it is just an animal. I disagree. My cats are "furmans"...little creatures with fur and 4 legs who think they are human.

A suggestion: make a donation to a shelter in her name, OR save a little kitty that is bound to be put down because of over-crowding and/or because it is unwanted. Maybe an older cat who lost his owner, or they didn't want it anymore, and the cat is now sad and confused and will be put to death only because no one wants an older cat. When your cat passes, have her death have meaning by doing something positive for another poor kitty. Another cat will NEVER take the place of your kitty, but it can share a place in your heart and take away some of the emptiness in your home.

I am including some excellent links on losing a cat and support: (copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.2ndchance.info/grieving.htm
http://www.pet-loss.net/links.html

And, here is a WONDERFUL website where you can have a lasting memorial for your pet, or share your pain with others who have lost beloved companion animals. It's a very beautiful and moving site:

http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm

You can either put her in the Lord's hands...or the vet's hands. It is NOT an easy decision to make. And, if you are like me, you will never know if it was the correct one, whichever choice you make.


Tabbi