Need advice about putting my cat to sleep?

have you had him checked for a urinary tract infection? it sounds like he is still alive and has the will to live if he is eating drinking and playing. when you can tell that he isn't enjoying life anymore and he has stopped eating and drinking then you know it is time

that's a lot of problems-I'm not too impressed with your vet's 'findings' or lack of them-i would get a second opinion at least and try and get the most experienced vet in the practice, often one of the partners that own the vets. I'm just wondering what you feed him? as itching can sometimes be caused by a food allergy, especially by dry foods. it sounds like a lot of it is behavioural but that may well be caused by his underlying health issue, whatever it is. bright red blood in his stool is something that should have been checked out more than your vet has-his peeing in strange places could well be him trying to tell you something is wrong.if all else fails could you not build him a cat run in the garden with a bed area and keep him in one room at night? I was also concerned to read about your dog's aggressiveness and being territorial-these are very worrying signs when you have a young child in the house.

edit-that sounds worth a try-my dad was totally against getting a cat and ended up the one that fussed over it the most so as long as your mum is up for it I think your dad will come round! don't forget that if it is stress related then hopefully the symptoms should subside-you say you have changed the food but not what he's had-have you ever tried an all natural diet of just meat to see if there was any improvement? as it could be an ingredient that's in a lot of brands? I would certainly give it a go as there is nothing to lose and maybe keep him in one room most of the time for now to help with the mess.

Only a cat owner can truly know what your going through. I don't know what your religious beliefs are, but I will be praying that the Lord brings healing and strength, during your time of loss. I am so very sorry, that your having to go through this. I do know, that your baby couldn't of found, a more loving home. I'm glad she was able to find you. I think like most, you'll find my advice hard to swallow. My family just recently lost their kitty. I'd rather not go into details. The best thing you can do, may also be the hardest, but I believe it should be done, even if a person isn't ready. This is contrary to what some teach, and its not for everyone. I know that for me, if I were to lose my babies, then the fastest way to get over it, would be to bring a new kitty into my life. For me, I see no where in the rules where it says I can't go through the healing process without a new cat. When I wake in the morning, they wouldn't be there to feed. When I go to bed, they wouldn't be sleeping on my head and stomach (Yes, you read that correctly, and I love it). When I come home, they wouldn't be there to see them. A cat who loves you is truly a blessing. The healing process is hard enough. I don't see how a new kitty, could be anything but beneficial, during that type of dramatic situation. This is only my opinion for me, and everyone is different. Regardless of what you decide, I'm sure it will be the right decision for you. I honestly believe, that the sooner you rescue a new little baby, the effects can only be positive. I am so sorry, for what your family is having to go through.

The only advice that I have to give when it comes to this situation is to go to a new Veterinarian. With all of these symptoms, your Vet should have ruled out something.

Get a second or even a third opinion before going through with it. The behavioral issues are probably caused by his medical issues, blood in stool is just not healthy at all.

Good luck.

Woww this sounds really tough. It sounds like hes in pain sometimes and sometimes hes not. Or maybe hes in pain all the time and hes just hiding it. I would just go to the vet one more time and ask them what you should do. Explain everything thats happening with him including the good and bad things. If i was in your place, I really wouldnt no what to do, sorry :\

I REALLY hope your cat feels better! 14 years is a very long life to live :]

This is a tough one Connie. My gut feeling is don't have him put to sleep - yet.

The main question is whether he is in pain or not and it sounds that despite his many health problems, the only one causing him pain is the itching. Have you thought about taking him to another vet or two to get a second/third opinion - there might be other things to try that your current vet hasn't thought of - not just with the itching, but with the other problems too.

The peeing is awful for you and difficult, and I sympathise. You don't know for certain that every single errant peeing episode is from this cat, just because you saw him do it once. The blanket incident will happen every now and then when a cat is frustrated and it sounds like he has a lot to be frustrated about. I think of it as a 'protest pee' - and it is maddening - you just want to throttle the animal, I get it, but as a reason to put an animal to sleep, it shouldn't be an issue, in my opinion.

I think you need to look at his health problems, rather than his behavioural problems in deciding what to do. After ten years of his love and affection, to put him to sleep because of a behavioural issue doesn't seem quite fair imo. He's the equivalent of a fragile, enfeebled old man who is under a lot of pressure from other members of the household - esp your dog, who really needs to be brought under control I think (hard as it might be to do that) and you need to protect him at this time while you get some further veterinary opinions.

As for his health problems, I would strongly recommend going to another vet or two for some further opinions before you do anything drastic, though I fear that the most humane thing for you to ultimately do would be to put him to sleep.

Hope this helps and good luck with your dilemma - it's not an easy one.

Very difficult decision. It sounds like he's lively and playful, which at 14 is good! But I understand your other concerns. Talk to your vet and see what his/her opinion is about this. I don't believe an animal should be put down unless it's suffering...our cat had to be put down 2 years ago due to advanced cancer. We kept him as long as possible, but when he was no longer enjoying life at all...we made the decision. No one will judge you either way

He doesnt need to be put to sleep he just needs a new home where he is the ONLY animal in it...there is too much going on at your home animal-wise and he sounds like he would flourish at a home where he was the center of attention and the only animal...please dont take my comment as cruel it is not intended that way at all...but save the poor cats life and find him a home like with an elderly person who is home 24/7 that would find him to be the center of their life as well as they the center of his life as well...the itching and the bad behaviors sound to be all stress related to me which would definitely subside if stress is the issue once he is placed in a new environment.

Well from reading the first part I would say put the cat to sleep, but after reading the last part it doesn't sound like its time yet... Maybe there is something wrong with the cat, have you had it checked for everything to do with bloody stool and the puking?? It sounds like a sweet cat and I would hate to put one of my animals to sleep if they truly didn't need it. Good luck.

Ohhh I'm so sorry...

I think it may be best for the cat, though.

Take your time and think it over.

Explain to your daughter that her kitty will be going to cat heaven, all happy and with all her friends .. or something like that...

Good luck darl I.m really sorry

Zeldaforeva

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