when to say goodbye

We've lost two cats to forms of cancer. The more recent one was a good age for a cat, had always been nervous and was getting rheumatic. He developed a tumour behind his eye and there was nothing the vet could do except give him an injection - not sure, probably steroid. Anyway, we took him home and he had about 6 weeks of behaving like a kitten. Clearly he wasn't in pain from anything and was very content. As soon as he started looking poorly again we took him back to the vet and she put him to sleep. We were so glad that he'd spent that time really happily even though we were very sad to lose him.
Hope your little cat has a happy few weeks or months, seacliff.

As long as he is enjoying his life, do nothing. You will know, or he will, when it is time to let go. It's hell, isn't it, wondering when you should go to the vet for the last time?

Hope his last days are enjoyable for him, Try not to worry, but I know that is easier said than done.

I’m so sorry, he’s so young but it’s quality of life which matters to pets, not quantity.
It’s very hard to know when cats are in pain but when one stops enjoying life it’s time to be brave and say goodbye.
Owners always agonise over whether they did it too soon or left it too late. That will be even worse when we have euthanasia for old people.

I was just looking for pictures of him, and realised we don't have that many. Partly because it's hard to get a picture of a all black cat, all we see are the eyes!

And also because whenever we have visitors he disappears. Under the bed, or under a hedge, until they have gone. He is just our cat and not very social with visitors.

I think you will now Seacliff when it is time. We had to say goodbye to our much loved dog at Christmas. We knew he was at the end of days but still having quality of life. One day I could see that that was no longer true and did what I thought was the kind thing. I think you will also know.

I'm so sorry for you it's so hard.

Seacliff I feel for you. We had to take the same decision last autumn. I'm sure you will know when the time is right.

From experience don't leave it until he's in too much pain or too ill. We did and afterwards we felt very selfish and unfit to keep pets because we kept him alive because we could not say goodbye

I'm so sorry Seacliff, I know exactly how you feel as we've had pets all through our married life and sad though it is they have to leave us. At least you have time to cuddle and fuss and make memories

I really feel for you seacliff, it is a horrible time. Four is very young but he has been a lucky little rescue cat with a safe home.

Oh dear, I know only too well how it feels x A sad time but make the most of it with him.

So sad Seacliff - these decisions are so hard to make but you will know when the time has finally come. In the meantime spoil the little guy rotten and shower him with love and any favourite food he'll eat.

Thanks. I'm in tears, stupid. I know there are so many worse things going on in the world, but it's still very upsetting. I agree that is the price we pay as pet owners, we have to make hard decisions at times.

I'm so sorry seacliff it's hard to do the right thing when we care so much for our pets. At least you have the chance to say goodbye and give him extra love. He has had a better life with you than if he had been left without a forever home. I know how you must feel.

I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved cats diagnosis.

I think you will know in your heart when its time , if he is not in visible pain and is enjoying the small stuff like food then I think you can take it day by day.

Its the toughest part of pet ownership but I like to think making that difficult decision is a big part of it - when its what's best for him not you.

I wish you luck and sending a hug for your sadnessx