u/Jway7

Cat of 16 years ; love of our lives. He is on the downhill but still having good days. Not all bad. But many said to make an appt before there is a crisis. So I am doing that. Right now medication and daily sub q fluids are floating him. He sleeps most of day; eats deli turkey meat only. Last week on Sunday he looked very weak and at that time I felt ready because of how he looked. Went to see vet and told him my goal was one more week to get to this weekend and he gave us the sub q fluids which have improved things this week. But he still has not pooped in ages and doesn’t eat much. So why does it feel so wrong to end his life? I never had to do this before. I am so sick and cant sleep. Help me please. I cant stand idea of suddenly no him.

My boy of 16 years old either has kidney cancer or an enlarged kidney ( we only did an xray and it wasn’t clear- at his age did not want to put him through a bunch of diagnostics). We noticed around Feb he suddenly became a picky eater and then weight loss set in. He is large framed cat and was once obese. For years he was on a diet and his goal weight for his size frame was 17lbs. We met that and maintained it. Well he kept losing weight after Christmas. Slowly at first. Not so noticeable. But then I took him to vet March 20 and he was down to 12.2 lbs. We decided to do prednisone and mirataz knowing whatever he has is poor prognosis ( cancer or severe CKD). He ate amazing for a bit. Then two weeks ago suddenly not eating at all. Went to vet Sunday and he is now 10.2lbs; told the vet I wanted to try and get him to this weekend ( for my kids to be able to be here and have time with him). He said lets try sub q fluids. We have been doing that this week and he seems better. He is not in pain or seemingly; he still prefers to he around us and does not isolate. But he is only eating deli turkey or canned chicken and will eat couple bites then walk away multiple times a day. He contines to purr and lick me. He is definitely weaker but is still going to litter box and up and down the stairs ( to basement) everyday. He just looks frail and tired. He sleeps more than he used to. I am scared if I wait too long I may regret it. Should I make the appointment? I am so scared it feels like I cannot breathe. I want to do the right things. I don’t want to be too early or too late. One of my daughters is having incredibly hard time with this and freaks out/ sobs and hasn’t been sleeping anticipating that I am making the appt soon. I don’t know if I have the courage. He is such a good boy. I love him to death and feel like a horrible person that he trusts me so much that he won’t know the person I will invite into our home will be putting him to sleep. I never had a pet before that required euthanasia. I also have had cats my entire life and never had one remotely close to him. He is a bit like a dog cat— fetches and all and loves being around my kids; even during toddler stages and baby stages. He got me through incredibly dark time of my life. I am a mess and need help. I wanted him to be one of those cats that lives to 20. I know 16 is a long life but somehow it feels harder. Meanwhile I am falling a part and have been a lousy Mom, wife and employee as I spend most hours of my days lately obsessing about him. I am currently crying so hard snot is coming out my nose. I am so sick to my stomach over this.
Update: my daughter is sobbing and asked me to weigh him as she feels strongly he is doing better ( she of course wants him better). He is now 11.4lbs ( was 10.2lb Sunday). Is this all water weight from sub q fluids? He did start eating due to the fluid but feels too big of a jump to be “real.”

My 16 yr old has likely kidney cancer ( saw a huge tumor on kidney mid march). He went from a large size big eater to sudden and rapid weight loss in Feb and no appetite. He is still social; maybe a little less. He can still go up and downstairs and purring a lot. He was doing great on prednisone 1x a day and mirataz on ear. He immediately started eating a lot more again and I felt so uplifted. I know he is dying but want him to have good comfort as he still appears to enjoy life and loving on us. Then 4 days ago he stopped eating again. Like a switch was turned. His Vet said I can add sub q fluids to see if it helps. I definitely want to try it. I just wonder what are typical costs? My husband is very practical; and an accountant and basically is going to really scrutinize me on this if its a lot of money. He thinks I am in a bit of denial. But for me I am just not able to put my cat to sleep when he still seems to be enjoying this life and not in pain. Vet said sometimes these fluids are very helpful