This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
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It is perhaps the most difficult decision any cat owner is faced with: whether or not it is time to let a beloved pet go. There is so much emotion around the whole topic, and yet if the pet's best interests are to be served, the decision needs to be made rationally. When deciding whether euthanasia is the best option for your cat, you need to consider your cat's physical and mental condition and their overall quality of life.
Steps
Assessing Your Cat's Physical Condition
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1Consider your cat's weight and ability to eat. Food is essential to life. If the cat has pain (dental, arthritic, or abdominal are the most common in older pets) then it may inhibit her from eating because it hurts to get up and do so.[1] X Research source Go to source
- Another example is the cat that eats but regularly vomits food back up. Either of these scenarios are a cause for worry and will result in the cat losing weight. Weight loss in itself is not an indication for euthanasia but if the cat's body score falls to around 1.5 / 5 the cat is likely to feel weak, and lacking in energy.
- If there is no prospect of her gaining weight, you must consider euthanasia. If the body score falls further, to 1/5 then it is time to let her go.
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2Determine your cat's body score. A body score is a simple way of assessing how fat or thin your cat is. It consists of a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being obese and 1 emaciated. An ideal body score is around 3.
- Score 1: Ribs, spine, and pelvis are visibly sticking out, even at a distance. The cat has no body fat and looks starved and bony.
- Score 2: Ribs, spine, and pelvis are easily felt. Viewed from above, the cat has a distinct waist, and from the side the belly is tucked up. The cat looks thin.
- Score 3: Ribs and spine can be felt but not seen. The cat has a slight waist when viewed from above, and a level, but not saggy tummy from the side. Ideal.
- Score 4: Ribs and spine difficult to locate. Pear-shaped tummy from above and sagging down from the side. Can be described as chunky or stout.
- Score 5: Bony landmarks obscured by fat. Thick cover of fat over chest and tummy. Oval silhouette. Obese.
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3Assess whether the cat is able to walk to her water bowl. Elderly cats need to drink more than young, fit cats. This is because their kidney function often relies on drinking to flush toxins out of the system. The cat needs to be mobile enough to get up and walk to the water bowl, with minimum discomfort.
- Cats in pain will not get up unless it is essential. They are likely to wait longer between drinks and are prone to dehydration, which in turn puts a strain on their kidneys and makes them more likely to feel nauseous and increasing unwell from the build-up of toxins.
- Obviously, you can move the water bowl within reach, but the principle remains that it is a basic requirement for the cat to be mobile enough to walk a short distance without distress. If this is not the case then the pet's quality of life is in question and euthanasia should be considered.
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4Take note if your cat starts soiling herself. Cats are proud, clean creatures. They have a basic need to keep themselves clean. If they are unable to keep themselves clean, then the cat's dignity suffers and keeping them alive is morally questionable.[2] X Research source Go to source
- Of course a one off or occasional accident is no reason to act, but if the cat either has intractable diarrhea which catches her off-guard, or lacks bladder control such that her coat starts to smell, this causes the cat significant distress. It is also a cause for concern if a cat that used to be house trained starts soiling in the house.
- However, before you decide she has to be euthanized, speak to the vet about whether pain relief is appropriate, or look into changing her litter box to one with lower sides. Cats with arthritis can find it difficult to jump into steep sided boxes and may take the easier route of using the floor.
- Likewise, stiff achy joints can make the cat less willing to walk to another room to the tray. A trial with pain relief meds may be all it takes to clear up this unseemly habit.
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5Consider your cat's ability to groom herself. Lack of grooming could be a sign of a stiff back, or even that your cat is sleeping more and not devoting the necessary to coat care. If this is your cat's only quirk, don't panic, the chances are she's okay for a while yet.
- However, you can also look at things the other way round. A cat with a glossy, well-kept coat is a cat that still has a pride in her appearance and is well enough to do something about it. If this describes your cat, then it's likely she isn't ready to depart just yet.
- Of course, if your cat is having difficulty grooming herself, this is one area where you can make a big difference. Giving an elderly, unkempt cat a comb and brush over can make her feel much better about herself.
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6Determine whether your cat is able to rest without pain. This is a big one. It is a basic necessity that the cat can sleep and rest without being disturbed by pain. A cat in pain is more likely to be restless, and show tell-tale signs such as swishing her tail, or resting with her ears drawn back.
- Pain also causes tension in the muscles and the cat is more likely to have a hunched-up, "tight" appearance, rather than lying on her side with her legs extended. Cats in pain are also more short-tempered and grouchy. So be alert for changes in character from sweet-tempered to hissy and spitty.
- Of course pain comes in different intensities and different cats have differing tolerances to pain. When deciding whether it's time for euthanasia the underlying question to ask yourself is if the pain means she spends more time feeling unwell, than she does getting pleasure out of life.
Consulting a Vet
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1Discuss the matter with your vet. Don't forget your vet is there to advise you. The ideal situation is if your cat has seen the same vet for years, because she has followed the cat throughout her life and is aware of her normal appearance and behaviors.[3] X Research source Go to source
- The veterinarian will also know you, and this makes it easier to have a full and honest discussion about what is best for your pet.
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2Call your vet at the first sign of concern. If your cat is on regular medication and the vet is familiar with him, you should ring and ask to speak to the vet at the first sign of concern.
- The vet may suggest a visit to the clinic, or suggest a change of medication or a different dose. The vet will try to find a solution to your pet's problems before the topic of putting the cat down is even broached.
- When you first become concerned, speaking to a professional does not commit you to having the pet euthanized - it simply gives your pet the best chance of finding a medical solution.
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3Set up an appointment to have your cat physically examined. If your pet has not been to the vet for some time and you are growing concerned about their physical condition, book an appointment for a physical exam.
- Again, this is not committing you to euthanasia but it will give to vet an opportunity to conduct a full examination and give you time to discuss your cat's health in person.
- This allows you to get an honest opinion about the cat's health, and if it isn't time to let her go it provides a bench mark against which to measure any deterioration later on.
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4Know what signs the vet is looking for when considering euthanasia. There are two elements in making a decision about euthanasia. The first is the physical side, and the second is the mental.
- The vet's role is to check for signs of ill health or pain that mean the animal is suffering, or about to suffer, and to advise you on the options for treatment. Sadly, euthanasia is sometimes considered an appropriate "treatment" if it is not possible or practical to alleviate the cat's suffering through medications or other means.
- During the health check the vet will assess things such as the cat's hydration levels, body condition, and signs of pain. She will also trouble shoot for conditions such as anemia or cancer that might indicate that the cat is unlikely to respond to treatment. She will assess the cat's general mobility and state of mind.
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5Understand that the vet only wants what's best for your cat. It is the veterinarian's job to ensure an animal does not suffer, and if the cat has a problem that is badly affecting her quality of life and there is little chance of improvement, then the vet will help you understand this and guide you towards making the best decision.[4] X Research source Go to source
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6Be honest with the vet about the cat's condition. In some cases, cats who are feeling poorly at home will seem to perk up at the vet's clinic. This is simply a result of stress.
- Be aware this can happen, and the vet knows it, so be honest with the veterinarian and explain how the cat acts at home. She will appreciate the honesty and help you make the best decision.
- Keep in mind that certain factors, such as senility, are often best judged by the owner who lives with the pet, rather than the vet in a ten minute consultation.
Making a Decision
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1Make a list when you are calm. While the cat is still well, make a list of things that would be unacceptable to you if the cat started/stopped doing them. The list could include things like no longer grooming herself, no longer eating, or soiling on carpets and furniture regularly. Having this list will help to make it easier for you to decide if your cat starts doing any of these things.[5] X Research source Go to source
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2Find the tipping point. Life is a balancing act. Sometimes things go well, other times they go badly, but everything should balance out in the end. Your cat's life is a bit like this.
- An elderly or sick cat will have good days and bad days, but if the overall balance is positive and the "bad" is never extreme pain, then it is reasonable to carry on. However, there comes a time when the bad outweighs the good.
- The tipping point may occur when the cat stops responding to pain medications, or you notice a deterioration in house training. Although it varies from cat to cat, a point is usually reached beyond which quality of life becomes unacceptable.
- Once this tipping point has been reached, euthanasia may be the kindest thing for your cat.
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3Try to balance all the factors. It is the nature of hard decisions that they are not clear cut. Continuing with the scales analogy, it may not be one large thing that tips the balance (such as the cat having a stroke) but it may be lots of smaller things added together (such as the cat no longer grooming, soiling herself, and losing weight).[6] X Research source Go to source
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4Consider your cat's quality of life. "Quality of life" are three words much talked about in the context of animal euthanasia. As well as physical factors such as pain, quality of life can be quite an abstract idea that includes factors such as the cat's enjoyment of life. Considering the cat's quality of life will help you to reach a decision about what is moral and humane.[7] X Research source Go to source
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5Prioritize quality of life over quantity of life. A useful concept to keep at the back of your mind is "quality of life, not quantity of life." If you decide to keep your cat alive, it's important to ensure that her life is worth living. If she is in constant pain, it would be kinder to put her down, as her quality of life is non-existent.[8] X Research source Go to source
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6Trust your instincts. Trust your instincts is sage advice when it comes to euthanasia. You know your pet, and chances are if you think she is suffering, then she is. No owner wants to say goodbye, but it comes down to putting the cat's best interests first, and your reluctance to let go second. You may just know when it is time.[9] X Research source Go to source
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7Don't feel guilty about making the right decision. The first thing to remember is that by deciding to euthanize your cat, you are not killing her, or playing God. These ideas are not helpful. In fact, what you are doing is making a positive decision to prevent the cat from unnecessary pain, discomfort and distress.
- The second thing to remember is that it is better to let the cat pass early, rather than do nothing and watch the cat deteriorate. Owners do not consider euthanasia lightly, and it is highly likely that if the thought of euthanizing your cat has occurred to you, then your cat is close-to, or already in distress.
- The third thing to remember is that cats show you love and compassion throughout their life, and when their quality of life fails, it is an unselfish decision on your part to say goodbye and bring that life to a dignified end.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Occasional flashes of her normal self are not a reason to postpone euthanasia in a cat that is losing weight, soiling herself, or no longer enjoying human company.
References
- ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/euthanasia-making-the-decision/
- ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/euthanasia-making-the-decision/
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-say-goodbye
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-say-goodbye
- ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/features/put-pet-to-sleep#1
- ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/euthanasia-making-the-decision/
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2009/march/ten-ways-you-know-its-time-euthanize-your-pet-6745
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2009/march/ten-ways-you-know-its-time-euthanize-your-pet-6745
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2009/march/ten-ways-you-know-its-time-euthanize-your-pet-6745
About This Article
If you're not sure whether to euthanize your cat, decide whether it is right to keep your pet alive if it struggles to walk to the water bowl, since it will be in pain and dehydrated. Additionally, consider other factors in your cat's life, like whether it's soiling itself or able to groom. Alternatively, work out its body score on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese. Euthanasia will be your only option if your cat has a body score of 1 out of 5 and has been losing weight. For tips on how to discuss the matter with your vet and how to find out if your cat can rest without being in pain, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"I'm debating what to do with my 18-year-old kitty. Hearing others' stories and similarities has given me more insight and knowledge. I've never had to consider putting a pet down, and this has been a helpful tool. Thank you."
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"I am currently deciding on if continued treatment for a 5 year old cat who is in the ICU for brain swelling (possibly FIP) is worth continuing. For now I think it is, but this article has helped with knowing what to keep at the forefront of my decisions."
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"This helped me to never again have a vet talk me into euthanasia for a cat who is mobile, grooms himself, eats on his own, walks to the litter box, has weight gain despite oral squamous cell cancer and hyperthyroidism, and is sleeping well because of pain medication."
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"Thank you for the sensible, rational advice. Our dear little cat, Lucy, is exhausted after a stroke and probable renal failure. She is not eating, except for a few of her treats, and is confused and lethargic. Today we called the vet to help her to go."
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"This really helped me with my decision to put my cat Tobey down tonight. What a wonderful article that really eased my mind that I came to the right decision. The talk about not feeling guilty was the best thing I could read. My deepest thanks to you."
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"It feels like tomorrow will be the day to say goodbye to my cat, and I have been agonizing for days. Reading the article helped to reinforce emotionally what I already know rationally about waning quality of life and trusting my gut. Thanks to all."
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"This is an answer to a lot of prayers that I have about when is it time to let go. I will so miss her after 20 years of a perfect life with hardly any illnesses!! There is no way I want to know or see her have to suffer now at the end. Thank you!!"
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"It's a hard thing to do but now I can see that it's nearing the time to end her life. She's over 19 years old and is having trouble eating much everyday and has lost a lot of weight. She still drinks lots of water but has been vomiting often."
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"My cat's health has been slowly going downhill in the past few months. In the past month, I've seen his quality of life erode, but was having trouble letting go, even though I know it is selfish of me. I now know it is the right time to let go."
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"The entire article was very much a help. Also, the additional resource articles at the bottom were very helpful as well. Best article I have ever read. Covered just about everything you want to know, the how-to, even handling emotional issues."
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"My 12-year-old cat has stopped eating and is drinking very little. She has also stopped grooming herself, she has lost lots of weight. She is under vet care, but after reading this I'm feeling it would be kinder to let her go with dignity."
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"Only after reading these various articles did I understand the true condition of my 20-year-old cat. It was with a heavy heart that I eventually euthanized him. It hurt so bad (still does), but he's no longer suffering and at peace."
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"When you mentioned about quality vs quantity of life. I see my 17-year-old cat is no longer able to do any of the things he once was able to do. I am so sad about it. It hurts to let him go. I have been in a struggle over this."
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"This article made the most sense to me after reading many more prior to this one. Very straightforward and to the point. I know feel more confident that I will be making the right decision to euthanize my cat in the near future."
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"The truth here made me cry, as my cat is 20 and still enjoying human company, but I can tell she has kitty alzheimers, and now is lame much of the time. The article comforted me about the decision I will soon need to make."
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"This was a well written article, especially during the hard time at the end of your pet's life. When you don't have experience with this or don't know who to ask, this was comforting and helpful. I really appreciate it."
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"I wish I'd found this article before my 15-year-old kitty passed last August. I should have put him to sleep. I have another 15-year-old kitty, and according to your article, she is good to go for now. Thank you."
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"Having read the advice regarding euthanasia and older cats, I now feel more confident that I am in a position to make the right decision when the time comes and hopefully get it right without feeling guilty."
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"I loved my 17-year-old cat and did not want her to suffer. She had become very thin, was having accidents, and had disorientated episodes. This article helped me to feel I did the right thing."
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"I already thought that my decision was the right one, but after reading all of these points, I'm certain that it is. The pictures are kind of funky but the advice is helpful. Thanks!"
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"I am torn between letting him go and spending more and more on tests which never actually speak to his issues. This article did clarify what we should consider for him."
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"The article was much more specific about cats appearance, weight loss, quality of life, change in habits, mood. The score on cat weight was very helpful. Thanks."
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"The You Tube video really helped. Seeing another cat at the end of life. My cat doesnt have the normal signs but I think it may be time. "
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"We have been wondering when it will be time to put our old cat to sleep. Glad I could ask my questions here. Thank you for your help!"
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"I had to put down my baby yesterday. This comforted me that my decision was the best one, and I feel a little better. Thank you."
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"It made us more aware that we have to think about him, not ourselves. It still will feel life-changing, as we love him to bits."
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"I like that you put the cat first, not the people's feelings on what to do or when to do it."
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"Most thorough and helpful. You've captured all the key issues. Thank you."
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"It has helped me to know when my beloved cat should be PTS. Thank you."
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"Made me realise it is now time to say goodbye."