She's 13 years old....we love her so much....too hard to decide...?

She's 13 years old....we love her so much....too hard to decide...?

My cat Coconut lives with my father...so technically...she's HIS cat. Anyway, over the past few months, she was diagnosed with a Thyroid problem so she wasn't gaining weight. Recently...she is withering away to nothing...she's SO thin...and she refuses to eat. My father called lastnight to say that she's barely moving...and that he couldn't handle what needs to be done. I went to check on her this morning and she's running around and meowing...which I did not expect at all. I was totally prepared to get to my fathers, see her in terrible shape and do what needed to be done...but her actions swayed me. I know cats don't live forever...I know eventually we'll have to let her go....but when is the right time? Like I said before, she's not eating...very thin....doesn't get around like normal....but she's not lethargic...completely aware of herself and surroundings....should we give her more time?

User Comments

1. My sister's cat had the shrinking thing at the end. But even after she was 1/2 her regular size she still had the spark of enjoyment in some portion of everyday. She lived a long time after getting really thin, years. My sis finally could see there was no quality of life left. Then she did the right thing. Ptollie was 20!!
2. If she isn't experiencing any pain,let nature take it's course. Why shorten her time? If she starts to suffer, thats the time.
3. You'll know when it's time (perhaps you already do).
   
   The bottom line is there comes a point where you are keeping her around for your well being, not hers. If she has no real potential for a reasonable quality of life then prolonging the inevitable will only make you both miserable.
4. I have 2 cats and 2 dogs just let the cat roam freely and try giving the cat a liver food to get her going that what I do with my cats just incase they act a bit fishy
5. Hi,
   I just had to put my beloved cat down on Saturday, so I know what you're going through. The main thing to remember here is that she's not eating, as much as she may still be able to walk and purr, that doesn't change the fact that, well, she's going to just be slowly starving from here on out. I know it's horrible to think about, but that's the truth. Every day will be worse than the last, and that's reason enough to let her be in peace. Cats don't show pain until it's very very severe, so you won't necessarily see how sick she is. If she isn't eating anymore, now is the time, because that's no way to die. Show your love for her by letting her go in peace and quickly. I'm going to grieve for a long time and so will you, but we will both know we did what was best.
6. Aw, I'm sorry. This is such a tough decision. Well, from what I was told by a couple of people. When a dog or cat is getting terminally ill. They don't feel good for a long time. Animals deal with death differently than us. It's a complete part of life and they know it. My dog knew she was going to die when she died. You could tell. What happens is they sense that you're gonna take them in and they get a sense of rejuvination. They seem better but it's more of like a "excitement" of releaving of pain. Plus they want to be strong for you and say goodbye. So this may be why she seemed better. But I guess give Coconut another day, if she slips back, it's time. I'm sorry, I know it's hard. I got lucky in a way. My dog was 14 and she started acting weird all of a sudden and we knew it was time. I went home to take her to the vet and knew she probably wouldn't make it. When I got home she already let go in her own bed. It made it much easier on me. Good luck with Coconut and hold on to the memories.
7. Why haven't you both put seen fit to have this kitty on meds and/or any other vet recommended treatment?
8. I'm sorry. I cannot advise you. I wouldn't know what to do either. Out kitty is 5 months old. When we had her spayed she stayed overnight and I missed her like crazy. I can't imagine having to make this kind of decision. Good luck to you and your kitty. (or your dad's kitty) And again, I am sorry.
9. I BELIEVE THAT AN ANIMAL SHOULD NEVER SUFFER! PPL JUST HAVE TO LET THEM GO. I KNOW ITS HARD BUT SHE WILL BE A PEACE!
10. You have to look in to your heart and not let her suffer to much , I went threw the same thing with a lab just a couple of months ago .
11. This sounds a lot like hyperthyroidism. Do take her to a vet and ask about it. There is a medication available that would help her with this. A simple blood test would answer the question, and she may have several more years of happy life.
12. My boyfriend's parents cat was under similar conditions, very thin but still loveable and meowy as ever. His parents didn't know what to do so I suggested feeding her wet food (I know some people don't think it's a good idea) and within a week she was eating again and put back on a little bit of weight, not 100% but pretty close. At first it was just the wet food then they started mixing it in with her crunchies. Their cat is 16yrs old. Try the wet food and see if it works otherwise I'd suggest speaking to the vet about it. No one likes to know that their pet is suffering and it's a tough decision when it comes between putting them down or not. The vet could probably give you a better idea of lifespan and pain. Give her lots of love! Best wishes!
13. The extreme agitation and anxiety your father's cat is showing is because of her hyperthyroid state. That can be treated with a daily medication and you must get that for the cat. She does not have to die because of it.
    
    Do not give her "more time" as she is suffering mightily from her condition. Get the medication for her right away!
    
    My cat Kinsey was just diagnosed with a slight elevation in his T-4 reading and started on medication a week ago. I had another cat who was treated for this condition and she lived to be 22 and 1/2 years of age.
14. starvation is not a pretty way to go. She might have good moments, but her overall quality of life probably sucks. I'm not a vet, so I don't know -but - can't something be done to help her?
15. I think the best thing to do would be to call the vet and make an appointment to get her checked out. Ask him flat out if it's time. You don't want her to suffer. Good luck.
16. Sounds like you and your dad really love that cat. Take her to a vet and have her examined, it could be just a virus or other simple thing that the untrained person can't see. I am sure she is worth a few $$$. I had a female cat that lived for 18+ yrs, until cancer got her. Good luck.
17. Take her to a new vet. My dog has a similar condition and she has gotten treatment for it. She lost a ton of weight and is not as active as she was, but she is generally doing very well otherwise (and will be 13 in April)
18. Is she on medication for her thyroid problem? You can also force feed her, a vet can show you how to do this. She should probably go to the vet again, ask about methimazole if she isn't on it. Perhaps they can give you some other suggestions after looking at her.
19. Right now, yes. But cats, like other animals, are very good at hiding just how sick they really are. A trip to a vet you trust for an honest evaluation would be best. The right time is before her quality of life is nothing but pain, and letting her live would be torture until she had a slow painful death. Having just lost a 21 year old German Shepard to cancer, it is better if they go before they're in pain all the time, and with those they love holding their paw to ease the journey.
20. make an appointment with your vet ASAP and have her checked out the vet can give you medication for your dad's cat
    thank you
21. I have a poodle little sweet dog.he has congestive heart failureland was doing ok for 2months,now he coughs constantine is having seizures almost every time he starts coughing,,I had to say to my 10 yr santhat peanut is going to heaven soon.I'm going to go to the vets today and have her go in peace...he looks so sad but I can;t have him suffering any longer..he still can eat but this is not any kind of life for him...you should have those same kinds of thoughts also..if she;s not eating;she must be really ill.well I;m crying as I write this/but my peanut of 6yrs must go to the rainbow bridge today asap....good luck to you and your baby also.....Shelly in Seattle
22. Vet trip in anyone's plans? At all?
23. Honestly, 13 is not that old for a cat, many live till 18 or longer. Has your vet discussed all the options with you for treatment (medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery) ? You may also want to ask for a prescription high calorie diet, like Hills A/D or Eukanuba Max Cal. There is nothing wrong with choosing euthanasia if you think she is suffering, but if shes comfortable and happy and your willing to try, Id would give her a little more time.
24. I would take her to the vet for an honest assessment: there may be meds that could help her live comfortably and happy for a few more years. Thin? So what. Old ladies get thin too. Their apetite slows, the metabolism slows... but 13 is not ridiculously old. Ask the vet for their opinion, if you can afford some meds, I would of course, let kitty have more time to enjoy you and dad, and give kitty lots of love. If the day comes where she is suffering, then the kind thing to do is let her go, while stroking her head and telling her how loved she is.
    Good luck.
25. This is such a tough decision for those of us who love our pets. I would think your vet would be able to diagnose and supply meds to regulate her thyroid or at the very least help answer your question. You never want to see your pet suffer but it sounds like Coconut still has some good days left in her. We had to send our cat to the Rainbow Bridge this past August after 15 wonderful years together and I know how hard it is to do. Good luck!