put down my cat even though not in pain?

[jenniprice]

I actually put question not long ago about my cat having conjunctivitus.
Well now he has started weeing and pooing himself.
worse thing is he just lies in it!

He is 16 and very skinny and frail, and like say just stays asleep. understood the weeing but this morning came down and was just lieing asleep in his own poo.
It's like he's too weak to get up to go out.

he eats plenty and purrs loads still but my partner is saying i should get him put down.
but i just dont know if i have the heart to do it if not in pain it seems selfish.

i have brought cat litter today which he has used before so hoping he will go in there, but i dont have high hopes.
is it moral to have him put down?

[ruthann58]

so glad merlin is using his tray perhaps that is all he wanted our little cat issy never used the tray until she lost her leg a couple of months ago but now she hasnt been out for weeks she has a cat flap which she can use but since the weather has turned cold she uses the tray all the time , she sits on the window sill above the lounge radiator and meows at the birds on the bird table i think she is telling them that as soon as the weather warms up she will be out there after them ,hope all goes well ruth xxx

[osterley]

it isnt just about whether the animal is in pain but 'quality of life' having your animal put to sleep when the time is right ( and only you can judge when that is) is the last kind thing that you can do for your furry friend.
I had a dearly loved cocker spaniel, who was blind quite deaf and had arthiritis, she was nearly 16. I looked after her very well, carried her to the garden to go to the toilet several times a day, didnt leave her own for long, gave her pain killing drugs every day etc; She seemed happy and was still eating okay, but the dreaded dilemna was never far from my mind, she eventually had a stroke early one sunday morning, but seemed to recover, but we took the decision to have her put to sleep and had it done within the hour, before we could change our minds. We were grateful that we were able to be there with her at the end. In hindsight, I should have done it for her about 6 months earlier, I was in denial and kept thinking that she would perk up, but lets face it, as they get older, every day brings them nearer to the end, time doesnt move backwards.

[Schutzengel]

Good morning Jenni,
How are you and Merlin this morning? Thinking of you. Be in touch later. Off to work now, and its freezing cold. Hugs. Schutz.

[jenniprice]

Hello.
Good news is that he's still using the litter tray (and my other cats are getting good use out of it too!)
I sat and brushed him last night and he still seems happy -purring alot and rubbing his head.

Like say he is still very frail but he's eating alot and I've been treating him to alot of tuna and ham which he's enjoying.

I have never had to have an animal put to sleep before (they have all died naturally) so like say I do feel I am in a dilema as I feel i will regret it.
If he was in pain I would be straight down the vets, but as he doesn't seem to be then I just feel he has longer to go.

Thanks for everyone's support, it is very helpful.

[osterley]

never be fearful of regrets Jenni, for whatever you do for Merlin is done out of love and compassion for him and that can never be wrong.

[Schutzengel]

Hi Jenni,
Sorry I'm so late. I got held up. Then visitors who have only just left. Pleased to hear things are going OK at the moment with Merlin. I've just bought today a snuggle bed for Tansy, she loves it, and thinks she's the bees knees. Got to go now, work in the morning. Cuddles for Merlin, and Hugs for you. Love Schutz.

[jenniprice]

Hi
Just thought i'd let you know unfortunatly things haven't picked up. Merlin has got no energy and unfortunatly is not going in the litter tray.
He hasn't eaten much yesterday and today so I think his time is up.

Thank you for all your support, this has made a hard decision a little bit easier for me.
I thought i would regret it forever but alot of you have made me see that this is being kinder to him.
I have booked him in for Monday.

Merlin has had a very good life thow, he's a little angel and i hope he understands.
Again thanks to everyone xx

[Sasha-2008]

I'm sorry to hear that Merlin is not well. We had our dog put to sleep because she had arthritis. It was so sad at the time, but it was the best thing we could have done for her as her quality of life was not good, even tho at times she did seem to be happy still.

All the best for Monday, it shows how much you love Merlin because you have his best interests at heart. xx

[afcjan]

Jenni, my heart goes out to you my darling, I know how you must be feeling.

think of the happy times. I hope you get through the next few days ok.

we are all here for you and thinking of you. god bless you.

lots of love xxxx

[ruthann58]

jenni i am sorry to hear merlin has not picked up, do not feel guilty you are doing the last thing you can do for him it takes a lot of love to put him first which is what you are going to do ,he might just go to sleep on his own over the weekend you have given him 16 years of love and fuss and he knows this ,making his passing easier for him is the last unselfish thing you can do .all my love to you Ruthxxx

[Schutzengel]

Jenni love. I'm so sorry it has had to be the big decision for you. This weekend will be so hard for you, and you will be in my thoughts. I hope Merlin slips away gently in his sleep before Monday. If not, there will be many of us on here thinking of you as Merlin passes over the Rainbow Bridge. Can't write any more now, too many tears for you and for Merlin. Will write to you next week. One way or the other your precious Merlin will be at rest after a long, happy, and much loved life. All my love and hugs. Schutz.

[jenniprice]

Hi
Thank you for all your kind words.

Merlin passed away this morning in his sleep.
I am happy he died at home and looks peaceful asleep in his box.
Alot of tears have been shead, but like you say he has had a happy life.

He saw all the family yesterday and had some chicken before he went to sleep so I hope his last day was nice for him.
He seemed so weak last night so I was prepared today.
I am just glad again that we didn't have to take him to vets.

We are digging a hole in our garden today and burying there in his favourite spot.
Thanks again to everyone xxxxx

[sara3]

hi jenni,

I saw your post but didn't comment as everyone else said pretty much what I was thinking. you did your best for your kitty, it's a tough time with tough decisions. at least it was a peaceful passing, and you have nothing to question yourself about.

I'm sorry you lost Merlin, but he obviously had a lovely owner and a good life x

[ruthann58]

hi jenni i am so sorry that merlin has gone but so glad that he died peacefully in his box at home and that you did not have to take him to the vets he had a long and happy life with you ,love to you all ruth xxx

[mrs.chappie]

Sincere condolences jenni, on the loss of your much-loved puss.

Like many of the good folk on AB, I've been there too. I took a puss in as a stray and looked after her for at least five years, before I had to take her on that awful trip to the vets.

So sorry lass. Thinking of you. x

[afcjan]

Jenni

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I am glad you didnt have to go the vet but it doesnt take the pain away that Merlin has passed.

god bless the little fella on his journey to Rainbow Bridge.

take care and keep in touch.

luv Jan xxx

[bensmum]

I am so sorry that he has died but at least he was at home with you where he was loved and his passing was easy and painless. Having an animal put down is hard but the kindest thing in some cases and I am sure your decision was the right one but he went in his own way which saved you that heartache and the doubt which often accompanies the decision.
For now you will be sad but he had a good long life and you will eventually remember all of that. My thoughts are with you
xxx

[Sasha-2008]

Hey I'm sorry to hear about Merlin passing away, it brought tears to my eyes as I also have a cat & I will be heartbroken when the time comes.

At least he died peacefully in his sleep which is alot nicer then having to take a trip to the vets.

Sounds like he had a lovely & happy life with you, I'm sure he knew how much you loved him.

xx