Natural Remedies

When Is It Time To Put Down An Elderly Cat

Posted by Bama (Alabama, US) on 11/17/2014

My cat is 13 1/2 years old. I have taken very good care of him for all these years. He acts so pitiful, it's obvious he doesn't feel well and wants me to do something. The vet prescribes pills, etc, which are hard to administer (afraid we'll hurt him, he struggles so hard). Any ideas on how to tell when to put him down? I think it's time, just want input. I don't want to do it too soon if there's anything I can do for him. He hardly eats but drinks okay, has a hard time stepping into the litter box. He just looks so miserable.

Replied by Theresa
Mpls., Mn
11/17/2014

Hey Bama!

Thank you for asking such a difficult question. I think you know the answer, but I will confirm: now is the time. Your old guy is not happy, not comfortable, and is eating very little but drinking. That usually means a renal condition - aka 'old cat's disease'. You PTS when they have more bad days than good - and it sounds as if your guy is there, waiting for you to act and do this last *kindness* for him. I can tell you from having to say goodbye to many pets over the years, I have *never* thought "I PTS too soon! " - and my ONLY regret is that I waited to PTS and my pet suffered due to my inability to accept that it was her time to pass.

{{{{{{{{{{Bama}}}}}}}}}}}}