Advice needed

[nsweezie]

Hello fellow cat lovers,
I need some advice.
My gorgeous boy Odin, who is 11(ish- he was a rescue so we aren't totally sure how old he is) has cancer and is not doing well. It can't be treated as it is too far advanced, so he is terminal at this point. Our whole family is beyond gutted as he is the sweetest cat and brings us such joy.
My question is, when do you know it is the right moment to let him go? He isn't in pain at this point, but he has lost a lot of weight, and doesn't eat very much any more. He spends most of his day sleeping and he almost seems depressed- he was the cleanest cat ever but he doesn't groom much anymore. I guess what I am trying to say is that while he isn't suffering he doesn't seem to have a lot of quality of life any more either.
I'd really like to hear what others who have gone through this would advise.
I've attached a pic of my boy, he is such a gorgeous boy don't you think?

[chocolatepuppy]

Yes, your boy is gorgeous. When my cat Sassy was dying from cancer I watched her quality of life. When she stopped looking out the window, sitting for hours and watching my big fish swim around and then, started hiding, I knew it was time. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. {hugs}

[Freedom]

What a handsome orangie! I am sorry you are having to deal with this. You've had such wonderful times together, hold on to those.

Does he still enjoy being held, being cuddled? Give him lots and lots of love.

At some point, you say, "this is not right, this is not fair, this is not how I / we want to remember him."

[moosmom]

He is so beautiful!!

Chocolatepuppy gave you the best advice. You'll know. When his quality of life starts deteriorating, and isn't doing what he so loved doing and not eating, that's a sign. If he's not in any pain, just make him as comfortable as possible. I have a friend who has a 17 year old cat who has termial cancer. She is stick thin and will oly eat turkey, ham or chicken baby food. The vet gave her 3 months to live, a year and a half ago!!

Try giving Odin some of that. He might enjoy it. You and Odin will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Laura's Babies]

My heart goes out to you since I know what you are going through. Boo ate good and was able to do what she wanted right up to the day I took her in to be PTS. The deciding factor to me was that tumor that had been hard as a rock before was suddenly loose and weighing down on her head and that same day, although we had her on antibiotics, it was clear there was a lot of infection in it. That's when I picked up the phone and made the appointment.

Afterwards, I regretted I waited as long as I did because she lived on top of the refridgerator with her face shoved into a corner so the other cats wouldn't see her. It was SO sad to see her like that but I just wasn't ready to give her up yet. God! I still miss her so!! I don't think I will ever get over loosing her.....

[catmandu]

All I could do when My Dear Old Found Cats were ill and I knew that they would be Angels was to make them as comfortable as I could nd to give them the treats that I knew that they would like the most
We are sending pryaers for Dear Odin, that your White Coats can help him as much as possible and if there is anything that Odin really likes, to treat him as Odin is so special to you, and all of we Cat Lovers on Pet Talk

[Taz_Zoee]

I've been a part of this forum for several years. I read a lot of stories of fellow pet lovers having to make this difficult decision. I always thought I could not do that. Then when my kitty Taz became ill I turned to my PT family and asked the same question you are asking now. They said I would know when it was time. But I didn't. I kept asking Taz to let me know when it was time.
After having to give him subQ fluids for two weeks I took him for a check up. He weighed 6.7lbs (he weighed in at 21.5 at his heaviest) and the vet basically said there was nothing more to be done. That's when I knew it was time to let him go. He let out a big sigh when they gave him the first shot to relax him. Oh boy, the tears are flowing again and this was almost 3 years ago.
Anyway, even though you don't think so now............you will know when it is time. I can't tell you how, but you will know.

[Randi]

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Odin is a gorgeous boy and it hurts to let him go, of course. Give him all the love you can, while he's with you.

I agree with what Freedom said:

At some point, you say, "this is not right, this is not fair, this is not how I / we want to remember him."

Sending Odin lots of kisses, and hugs to you.

Take care!

[mrspunkysmom]

So sorry to hear of Odin's passing. He obviously loved you very much. Play hard at the Bridge, Odin!

[Laura's Babies]

My tears are mixing with yours. I am crying with you. It is just so hard to loose one but he choose his own time and his own way. He choose to be by your side and I find that very touching and I would find a lot of comfort in that. May God be with you and your other fur kids in your time of sadness. ((((HUGS))))

[Catty1]

{{{hugs}}} Odin knew how much he was loved, and loved you too. Lying down beside you - heavens, I tear up at that. There is no good way to lose a great furry friend, but he did choose his own way, and wanted to be beside you.

Thinking of you today and in the days ahead.

[phesina]

Oh, I am so sorry. What a sweet and touching way for him to say goodbye.

God be with you and bring you comfort. Odin is healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge, with you in spirit always. He is waiting to welcome you HOME... One Fine Day.

[Shady]

So sorry, Godspeed Odin.

IMO he waited until you could be with him, to go..they have this way of knowing...I think.

It's so hard, but it really is about them in the end, not us.

Take care.

[Jessika]

I had to make that decision last Easter with my heart kitty, Sophie.

There is nothing set in stone that says when the right time is, but a common comment made by clients when they have to make that decision is "the bad days outweigh the good".

I have faith you made the right decision for him. RIP Odin, say hi to Sophie up there for me. My thoughts are with you. /hugs