How do you know when it's the right time to put your cat to sleep

time2getalife

Hi I have a 22 year old cat. He has lost loads of weight over the last 6 months. He is deaf and partially blind. The last time I took him to the vet he said he was very old and had used up his body fat and was now using his muscle .

Over the last month he is very confused and has lost probably more than 50% of his body weight. Ha hardly walks as his back legs don't support him for too long and he wobbles when he stands.
He is now messing where he lies and don't even seem to notice that he has been, there is now blood in it.

I think,it's time for him to be put to sleep not a decision that was easily made , yet part of me thinks I shouldn't do it as he don't really make any sound at all now.

So how do you know when it's time. Just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing .
Thank you for any replies

time2getalife

Thank you for replying. I think it's the best thing as leaving him seems cruel. Just wanted to hear what other people thought. Thank you

GwylimT

As soon as there was anything that couldn't be managed well, eg poor mobility.

torbrex

Probably 3 months ago but certainly as soon as possible now

jackieblack

time2getalife wrote: »

I think,it's time for him to be put to sleep not a decision that was easily made , yet part of me thinks I shouldn't do it as he don't really make any sound at all now.

Animals are very good at hiding their pain. Poor old boy has no quality of life. Better a quick peaceful end than lingering on in misery (an option that human's don't get)
It's time.

GwylimT

Cats tend to find the sound of the fur trimmer quite stressful, it you can shave the area yourself it makes the process a lot less stressful for the animal.

Robin9

It's time to say goodbye and remember the good times.

Jackieboy

GwylimT wrote: »

Cats tend to find the sound of the fur trimmer quite stressful, it you can shave the area yourself it makes the process a lot less stressful for the animal.

Vets don't always shave where they're going to inject.

The least stressful way to do things is to get the vet to come to your home so the cat can be in familiar surroundings rather than the surgery.

I don't think there's any question that the time has come for this old chap to pass over.

time2getalife

Thank you for replying. I will be phoning the vet today and say my goodbyes.
Thank you once again

seven-day-weekend

Your cat has had a wonderful life. It is now time for him to go. Hope all goes well today .

Pollycat

Always a very sad time and a hard decision.

I think you knew when you posted what the right thing to do is and now you've made that decision.
It sounds like it really is the kindest thing for your old boy.

Best wishes.