The time will come when a cat’s quality of life significantly diminishes. In such a case, you may consider euthanasia to keep your pet from pain and suffering. It’s a tough decision to make, so we’re listing the signs to know when it may be time to consider euthanizing your cat.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Cat?
You’ll know it’s time to euthanize your cat when your veterinarian has given a terminal diagnosis such as cancer or kidney failure and the quality of life has become dramatically affected. There may be drastic weight loss, difficulty moving and persistent breathing difficulties. Consider your decision based on whether your pet is suffering more than faring well.
Although euthanasia can be heartbreaking, remember that it may be the most humane choice to free your cat from pain. Aside from consulting your veterinarian, here are key points to consider before making a life-changing decision.
Deteriorating Physical Condition
The primary reason for a cat’s physical decline is often an underlying disease that causes anorexia, discomfort, dehydration or weakness.
Loss of Appetite and Weight
Often elderly and frail cats may lose their appetites, ultimately causing them to stop eating. Sometimes, your pet may try to eat yet suffers from 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, especially if you’ve tried multiple ways to encourage eating. Veterinarians may prescribe an appetite stimulant and anti-nausea medication. If there is no improvement euthanasia may be the best option. You may also assess your cat’s quality of life using this scale.
Chronic Pain or Terminal Illness
Most cats, particularly older ones, may experience chronic pain and degenerative illnesses. While certain medical disorders are treatable, other ailments may be progressive leading to suffering.
You may consider euthanasia if a terminal disease compromises your pet’s ability to function. The moment your cat stops responding to pain medications and symptomatic care such as anti-nausea medication may be the turning point.
- End-stage kidney failure: Euthanasia can be an option if your pet has renal failure and isn’t getting better with treatment. With this illness, your pet may suffer from seizures, severe dehydration, vomiting and generalized weakness.
- Heart failure: Cats and dogs commonly suffer from heart disease. Cardiomyopathy accounts for nearly two-thirds of heart conditions diagnosed in cats. It causes structural heart abnormalities which lead to fluid accumulation in and or around the lungs. The challenge may be managing the symptoms and slowing down heart deterioration. Heart failure can not be cured and medications may help make your cat more comfortable for a time until the disease becomes too advanced.
- Critical care: Accidents or an acute emergency such as difficulty breathing or severe anemia with internal bleeding may leave you with little time to make an informed decision. This may happen due to trauma or poisoning with rodenticide (rat bait) among others . Euthanizing your cat can be the best course of action if there’s a grave prognosis.
However, it may also be due to mobility issues, preventing your pet from reaching some body parts.
Loss of Interest
If your cat is losing interest in routine activities, in addition to having a weakened physique, an illness, and mobility problems, euthanizing may be the kindest gift.
An unwell cat could become uninterested in playing or going for walks. It may also become disinterested in eating its favorite treats. Cat behavior expert Dr. Mikel Delgado says that some cats are more affectionate than others. For some, they will show love by wanting to be in the same room as you. However, detached cats may prefer to rest rather than get your attention. A previously affectionate cat may seek isolation with significant behavior changes or lethargy when it is time for euthanasia.
Related Questions
Do Cats Know When They Are Dying?
Cats are intuitive, so at some point, they know when they are about to die. Their instincts allow them to detect weakness and physical deterioration.
Is Euthanasia Better Than Letting a Cat Die Naturally?
Euthanasia is better than letting your cat die naturally because it removes unnecessary pain and suffering. It can serve as your last help to your pet because professionals ensure your pet is comfortable with a more peaceful transition.
Conclusion
If you notice behavior changes, mobility issues, chronic illness and pain, and weight loss in your pet with a terminal diagnosis from a Veterinarian it may be time to consider euthanizing your cat. Your Veterinarian and family may help make an informed decision together.