This week I’ve been looking after a friend’s two elderly cats. While one shows her age only by her lack of teeth, the one in this photo was thin and slow.
A couple of nights ago, this little guy was listless. My husband and I massaged him, got him to drink some broth, turned up the room’s thermostat, and made sure he was comfy on his pillow throughout the night.
The next morning he was back to looking awful.
A couple of months earlier he’d appeared to be on the brink of death, yet pulled through. Now, given how he’d perked up somewhat the night before, I took him to the vet optimistic that some intravenous fluids might perk him up.
Unfortunately, the vet affirmed that there was remote hope that the kitty had any more good days allotted to him, probably not a single day left without constant pain and nausea.
Of the few pets I’ve had, I’ve never had to decide whether to euthanize them.
In the case of this sweet boy, my friend decided. I did, however, decide whether to be with the kitty when the final injection was administered. The vet’s caveat was that the cat wouldn’t care either way. Given that, he suggested that if I stayed, I might always remember the cat at his worst.
After considerable deliberation, I opted not to be there.
Have you had to make such a decision? If so, how and what did you choose?
Do’s and don’ts for if your friend has lost a pet.
Here and here are professional links about pet euthanasia.
Happiness Between Tails by da-AL 
The decision to euthanize pets is a very sensitive one. I personally did not come across any such scenario, nor did I see anyone else doing it. In my country probably people would not be able to bring themselves to take such a decision. After all pets become like family members. A very touching post!
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thank you, Riddhiman. when a pet is in a lot of pain, it is often considered doing them a favor…
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I had an old orange tom adopt me several years ago. After about two years, Felix seemed to know it was his time. He had developed arthritis and suffered through a lot of pain. At the vet, I decided to stay with Felix through to the end because the cat had trusted me during the last years of his life. A follow-through just seemed to be the right thing to do in this instance.
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It is always such a hard thing to do…but I feel it is probably the most important thing we do. Our pets give us unconditional love and enrich our lives so much. I have always been with my animals as they pass. Most recently my much loved old horse. x
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have never had a horse, but somehow seems like it would be even worse than losing one of my beloved doggies…
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Losing any pet is so sad.x
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This was such a sad post. I dread the day that I may have to make that decision – hopefully it won’t be for a long time.
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This is truly touching. I had a cat as a teen over 20 years ago & to this day still think about the precious moments shared with my cat and smile. This had to be a tough decision for you but you did what was best & freed the sweet little guy from pain. Thanks for sharing
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You are very sweet, Dorothy. I urge everyone to visit your inspiring site 🙂
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Thank you so much. You just brought tears to my eyes. Tears of gratitude. I’m so grateful I found your site da-AL.
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I have had a cocker spaniel named Princess passed away suddenly due to kidney failure. Death is so painful for those left behind. I always wish I had done more for her. Couldn’t bring myself to have another dog but now I have 3 cats. I made paw promises with each of them that they have to live a healthy life of 20 years because I’m not ready to face another pet death so soon.
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Very sorry, Kally – prior to the dear arthritic doggies I have now, I’d been spared for good or bad, experiencing the difficulty of tending to & making decisins about aging pets. It definitely takes patience and courage…
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I had to put my 8 month old Tank down, after both his lungs collapsed suddenly.
Come to find out it was a birth defect that finally kicked in that no one ever noticed.
I couldn’t stay with him when he went to rest…i just didn’t think I could let go of him if I had been there. I felt guilty about it …a lot. But my husband and I laid hands on him and prayed that his pain would be alleviated and that Jesus would take him home where he would be able to run and climb and play as much as he wanted…and so he would be able to lay his tiny head in God’s lap when it was bed time and always feel His love forever.
After that…Tank went down easily…and quietly went to sleep.
It is my heartfelt prayer that one day I’ll be able to play with him again…and that he can teach me how to truly be free.
Andrea Gains of Dreas Stories blog.
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Andreas, your kind words are much appreciated. Sorry for your loss — I am certain that Tank was happy for his loving home with you ❤
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