Particularly for cats diagnosed with terminal diseases, considering euthanasia can be one of the most heart-wrenching decisions pet owners must make. While it’s understandable that you want to spend more time with your cat, delayed action can lead to unnecessary suffering, diminishing your cat’s quality of life. Here is a compassionate guide to recognizing the indicators of when to euthanize a cat.
When to Euthanize a Cat
Deteriorating physical health, significant appetite and weight loss, visible suffering, and noticeable changes in daily behavior. Paralyzed cats who are unlikely to recover from accident injuries can also consider end-of-life options to prevent further suffering. After exploring the treatment options available, these changes can collectively indicate the advancing stages of diseases and may signal the time to consider humane euthanasia.
As a veterinarian, I realize how hard it is for humans to decide on euthanizing pet cats. The difficult time will come when a cat’s quality of life significantly diminishes. In such a diagnosis, you may consider euthanasia to keep your cat free from pain.
What Are the Reasons to Put a Cat Down?
These physical and behavioral changes can significantly impact your cat’s daily life. The following observations may indicate that a medical condition has progressed to a point where putting your cat to sleep should be discussed with a veterinarian to prevent unnecessary agony.
Keep in mind that some of these indicators can be common signs of certain feline illnesses affecting their quality of life. Monitor your pet’s condition to determine if these signs, collectively, are humane reasons to put down a cat.
1. Deteriorating Physical Condition
You may notice difficulty moving and persistent breathing difficulties, particularly for older cats. Euthanization can be an option if your cat has renal failure and isn’t getting better with treatments. With illnesses, your pet may suffer from seizures, severe dehydration, vomiting, and generalized weakness.
2. Loss of Appetite and Weight
Cats with deteriorating health conditions may lose their appetites, ultimately causing them to stop eating. Sometimes, your cat may try to eat yet experience vomiting and diarrhea. Refusing to eat and significant weight loss, along with a terminal diagnosis, are primary indications that it’s time to euthanize cats.
3. Chronic Pain
Most cats, particularly older ones, may experience chronic pain and degenerative illnesses. While certain medical disorders are treatable, some conditions, like kidney problems, may be progressive. You may consider putting your cat to sleep if the disease compromises your pet’s ability to function, just like when to euthanize a cat suffering from FIP.
4. Loss of Interest
An unwell cat could become uninterested in playing or interacting with other pets. Cat behavior expert Dr. Mikel Delgado says some cats are more affectionate than others. A previously affectionate cat may seek isolation with significant behavior changes or lethargy, diminishing their quality of life.
5. Paralysis and Untreatable Injuries Caused by Accidents
Deciding to put a cat down due to untreatable injuries from an accident can be the most humane thing a human can do to prevent a cat’s further suffering. While cats with spinal trauma have a 60% survival rate, neurological and physical issues may continue to manifest in a pet’s body. When an animal is in extreme agony, it’s clear that the injuries are compromising their capacity to have a good quality of life.
6. Change in Attitude, Behavior, and Daily Routine
Despite your best efforts to give medicines and maintain the quality of life, a pet cat suffering from a disease’s advanced stages may show significant changes in their attitude and behavior. These may include withdrawing from interaction and struggling with basic daily routines, like eating, grooming, or using the litter box.
What Is the Quality of Life Scale for Cats?
The Quality of Life Scale is a tool that helps cat owners and vets objectively evaluate a cat’s well-being and determine if they still have an acceptable quality of life. As you score the key factors, you can assess your cat’s comfort and happiness. This scale can guide you in end-of-life discussions and make sure that your pet’s best interests are the top priority.
| Quality of Life Factor | Score (1-10) | Considerations |
| Hurt | Pain management effectiveness – breathing, whimpering, restlessness | |
| Hunger | Interest in food, capability to eat, maintaining weight | |
| Hydration | Water intake, skin elasticity, overall hydration status | |
| Hygiene | Self-grooming, cleanliness, dignity | |
| Happiness | Responsiveness to people, purring, playing, contentment | |
| Mobility | Capability to move around, reach necessities independently | |
| More good days than bad | Overall assessment of daily experiences and quality of life |
A total greater than 35 points is an acceptable quality of life for hospice care and can be used to monitor the cat’s condition and maintain your pet’s comfort. However, if the total score consistently falls below this threshold, it’s a strong indicator that the feline’s quality of life is no longer adequate and there’s a risk of continued suffering.
At this point, it would be best to discuss end-of-life options with your vet to make the most compassionate decision for your beloved companion.
Should I Choose Palliative Care, Hospice Care, or Euthanasia for Cats?
As a veterinarian, I often encounter cat owners who struggle to determine and decide whether to provide continued care or consider euthanasia. The choice between palliative care, hospice, or euthanization depends on the progression of symptoms and diagnosis, like deciding to euthanize a paralyzed cat.
- Palliative care: Palliative care is best for middle-aged and older cats still responding to treatments. This may also be a good option if your cat has the ability to maintain a relatively normal routine and you can provide medications at home.
- Hospice care: A cat may transition to hospice care when there’s evident disease progression despite aggressive treatment. The focus of hospice care is to maximize comfort rather than exploring more treatment options.
- Euthanasia: Consider putting down cats when you’ve tried the options for treatment available, including palliative and hospice, and your cats quality of life has not improved. To help with the difficult decision euthanasia, consult with a veterinary professional to understand how pet euthanasia works.
Related Questions
How Do I Know if My Elderly Cat Is Suffering?
To determine if your elderly cat is suffering, watch for signs such as loss of appetite or difficulty moving, as these may indicate that your cat is in distress that compromises their quality of life. A vet can properly assess your cat’s condition and help you determine whether your cat is experiencing significant suffering that affects their daily comfort and happiness.
When Should I Say Goodbye to My Old Cat?
Saying goodbye to your elderly cat should be considered when their discomfort cannot be managed effectively through hospice or medication, and they can no longer enjoy basic activities with their human family. It’s important to plan this decision thoughtfully with your veterinarian and family.
Can I Still Improve My Cat’s Quality of Life?
With the right plan, you may still be able to improve your cat’s quality of life. Working with your cat’s veterinarian can help maintain an acceptable level of comfort and a quality of life through palliative or hospice care.
Do Cats Know When They Are Dying?
While cats may know when they’re dying, there’s no real way for them to determine their impending death. Felines are intuitive animals; some may detect weakness and physical deterioration, causing them to become more reserved.
What Happens Right Before a Cat Dies?
A cat near death can’t verbally express their goodbyes, although they will become weak and may lose their desire to eat. Breathing may become labored and irregular. The cat will become quieter and calmer right before death as its body and organs shut down
Conclusion
The moment your cat stops responding to medical treatments, their quality of life may continue to deteriorate. When you notice behavior changes, mobility issues, and weight loss in your pet, it may be time to consider euthanasia. My veterinarians at Paws into Grace can help you and your family members make an informed decision.
