2023 version was closed, so starting a new one. (Please move if I missed a new version)
For all you cat lovers, I’d appreciate advice. Our dear urchin is nearing 20. We know the time to say goodbye is coming soon. Such a hard decision to best determine “when”, so appreciate all the guidance from those who have been there.
Previously, all our prior pets quit eating, giving us some type of sign. Not the case (yet) with urchin.
Vet is great, but will not be the one to tell us, and rightfully it is our decision to make. At urchin’s last visit a few months ago, vet said he still looked good for his age, albeit with arthritis, slowly advancing kidney disease and hypertension (taking meds for all).
Vet advised to watch for vomiting, lack of grooming, seizures, or other major changes. We have not seen any of those. He still eats, drinks, and uses the litterbox, but less so every day. He hasn’t “played” for a long time, doesn’t enjoy his prior, or really any activities, and is definitely retreating in phases.
First, he claimed a remote spot in our living room. After about 4 days, he decided to join us again, and back to his prior (albeit slower) self. Then he found a spot under a desk. Stayed for about 4 days but occasionally came to visit. He has now moved to a spot under a bed. He has been there about 3 days and leaves only to eat, drink, use the litter box, and a very rare hello.
I don’t want him in pain, but cats are notorious for hiding that. He has no other known major medical issues other than above, but obviously his “quality of life” has taken a negative path. It breaks my heart, but is that enough to say goodbye? He has improved in the past, so we don’t want to be hasty either. Or, do we wait until we see more of the above signs?
AAUUGG. The absolute worst part of loving a pet!