Having been in this position many times albeit with dogs not cats I would much prefer to give them their wings a week too early than an hour too late. Mostly in this situation we put more consideration on our own need rather than that of our loved pet.
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When to let my old cat go..?
(92 Posts)Hello,
I have an old cat,age 17,she is definitely on the edge of life...and death.She has skin cancer that has eaten most of her nose and filtrum. BUT until this last week or so has been happy,eating,jumping up on furniture and slightly playful.The last few days has seen her get very thin,had 2 abscesses on her body,and she's started to withdraw and isolate herself.I hoped,selfishly,that she would slip away quickly,peacefully and naturally.I am taking my dog for her annual booster vaccine in the morning and had earmarked the date upon which I would also take the beloved kitty and see if it's time to be PTS.Ive recently lost my Father and I feel I'm saving myself some heartache by hoping she will go without me making the decision.I took a photo of the Kitty today to post on social meadia,and then realised how horrific her nose looks! She has had veterinary checks and I have been a responsible owner.My fab vet always says to trust our instincts and we will know when the time is right.The time is now right but I feel I can't cope with the additional heartache so close after my wonderful Dads passing ???
Thankyou to anyone who has seen my waffle and responds ?
SueH49, many people dither and leave it too late.
My friend delayed having her cat put down as it would upset her daughter. I was hopping mad about it and told her it was animal cruelty. The poor old cat went missing (took itself off somewhere to die) and the daughter was, of course, more upset by that.
Hello everyone,
I had no idea that I had these lovely responses to my post.I didn't get any alerts!I've found the replies today and now I'm crying again at how kind you all are.
I did take my lovely Cat to the vets 14 days ago today.I ended up a complete crying mess in the consultation room.My little dog was getting her shot and I'd put my cat in a comfy bed in her carry box and left her in the car and said nothing until after my dogs appointment.Then I just started crying and said I'd brought my old cat and that it was time to let her go.That morning I'd witnessed her struggling to balance to go to the toilet,she hadn't wanted to eat and she smelt bad(they are all signs that the end is near) She was PTS and was so peaceful and didn't get distressed at all.I think she loved the attention.My vet is fantastic.Thats the 3rd furry friend in 2 years that I've had to do this to. The vets also have a back door to discreetly leave by if we feel the need.I did feel the need to use it.I still shed tears about losing her and miss her.I am a person that can cope with so much and always be strong for others but when it comes to ending a pets life I bawl my eyes out.My vet has seen me cry more than my husband of 24 years,I am not a public crier,even with my lovely Dad's recent departure.I only cry in private despite being one comment,memory,photo or one hug away from tears daily! I'm sorry for the losses you've all had.Its part of being a good pet owner and I'd still rather have them and go through this than not at all no matter how badly it hurts.
Thankyou everyone,today I don't feel so alone ???
Oh how sad, but the best thing for her. I am glad it was easy and peaceful for her at the end.
I too have used the vets back door, several times! My husband also. When I ring to book, I usually ask if they will send the bill, and I'll ring and pay the next day, as I just need to get out of there after. They are very good and understanding.
Your pets are a part of your family and it is devastating to have to take that final action. You always hope they will go peacefully at home, but it rarely happens like that. ?
Seacliff,Thankyou.Im glad,but also sad,That I'm not the only one who struggles with tears in the vets.My Vet and team are wonderful.I also didn't pay on the day and popped in a few days later to settle the bill.I also donated my kitties bowls and stacks of food to the local cat shelter.I felt good about that.We won't have another cat.Ive had to let 2 go recently due to cancers.I just have my 2 little dogs now who are quite young and healthy at the moment.
I'm sorry that some of you had to wait so long for a reply,I just haven't had any alerts,do we get alerts when someone's relied?
From the bottom of my heart thankyou ⚘
It's devastating isn't it having to let go but in kindness we have to do what best for them. I know just how you feel. Our pets are part of our family aren't they.
Your dad and dear pet will never die, they will live on in your heart forever.
An old cliche but so true, time is a great healer.
Thinking of you and sending a great big hug. xxxx 
Sharon103 Thankyou ?
No I don't think you can get alerts when someone has replied.
What you can do, when you go to Forums, it says under, second one along, "I'm On". Click on that and you will see any replies to your recent posts.
I'm glad you have your 2 little dogs, to keep you happy.
Hi blubber,
I've never started a thread but I don't think you get an alert.
Perhaps a Gransnetter could confirm this.
Above your original post, click on the orange box 'watch this thread' and that will save replies.
To read them, click on 'forums' at the very top of the page, then click 'saved forums' you can then read your replies.
I hope i've got that right. 
Thankyou both.Ive clicked the "I'm on" pin and that brought up your replies.Now to try and change my username as I intended on just posting the original post and not stay on here.But I'm liking it and feel I need a more positive name now ?
Tomorrow will be the anniversary of my beloved cat's death, so I have been sympathising with you, all the way through.
Glad to hear your puss is now at peace.
Your vet is used to people crying in your situation; we all do.
Thanks for coming back and tell us Blubbering- you know you did the right thing- and we all know just how hard it is. Hugs.
Please, please, get the vet to your house today. You'd want your cat to go happy; she isn't now. This frm someone who has been in the same position many times...I'm sorry
I'm sorry, I hadn't seen your latest post. Thank you for being a good cat mother when it counted most. Your cat would thank you too x
Sending condolences! ??
I really feel for you at this time. I’ve had to do this so many times over the years and it’s heartbreaking certainly doesn’t get any easier, but I think you realise the time has arrived now, you have added pain too with losing your dad very recently, my heart goes out to you, but it’s the kindest thing you can do now for her, blubberingmesscantde
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