Current Events > serious: how do you know when it's time to put a pet down?

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my cat has been suffering from heart disease for the last 8 or 9 months and took what appears to be a turn for the worse yesterday, so right now we are discussing whether to bring him into the emergency vet tomorrow (where they will prob recommend he is put down) or leave him home and continue to observe his condition.

his quality of life has definitely taken a massive hit but we still see a little life in him. this is the first pet that's ever been "mine" in the sense that I have to make the big decisions so I am kind of at a loss of what to do.

for your own pets, how did you know when it's time to put them down?

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Is he experiencing pain from it? If that answer has any chance of being a yes, I think it's only humane that they're put down. You don't want to remember the last months/year of your pet being a shell of their former selves. Or for them to suffer any longer.

I went through this very thing back in 2014, so I really do feel for you right now. It's going to be tough at first, but things will get better over time.
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When your arms start getting tired

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Demigod_Elessar posted...

Is he experiencing pain from it? If that answer has any chance of being a yes, I think it's only humane that they're put down. You don't want to remember the last months/year of your pet being a shell of their former selves. Or for them to suffer any longer. I went through this very thing back in 2014, so I really do feel for you right now.

this, i had to put my cat down in 2019 because in the last month prior to it, he was basically in pain and barely moving around at all. don't making a living being suffer more for your own ego if it really is the case

Reis posted...

this, i had to put my cat down in 2019 because in the last month prior to it, he was basically in pain and barely moving around at all. don't making a living being suffer more for your own ego if it really is the case

I guess what Im struggling with is how to determine my cats discomfort level. He used to be very active and playful but how he sleeps most of the day, doesnt play anymore, gets tired and has to rest after doing basic stuff like climbing on a chair, etc. but hes still eating, hes still affectionate, still makes it to bed with us most nights etc. hes only 6 so its a hard choice to make

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Romulox28 posted...

I guess what Im struggling with is how to determine my cats discomfort level. He used to be very active and playful but how he sleeps most of the day, doesnt play anymore, gets tired and has to rest after doing basic stuff like climbing on a chair, etc. but hes still eating, hes still affectionate, still makes it to bed with us most nights etc. hes only 6 so its a hard choice to make

In this case, I wouldn't do it yet. But given what you describe about his condition overall, I would be preparing for the possibility of sudden death, or a sudden turn for the worse where you do have to quickly make the decision to put him down in the near future. For now though - I think your hunch that he has a bit of life left is right.

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Romulox28 posted...

Reis posted...

this, i had to put my cat down in 2019 because in the last month prior to it, he was basically in pain and barely moving around at all. don't making a living being suffer more for your own ego if it really is the case

I guess what Im struggling with is how to determine my cats discomfort level. He used to be very active and playful but how he sleeps most of the day, doesnt play anymore, gets tired and has to rest after doing basic stuff like climbing on a chair, etc. but hes still eating, hes still affectionate, still makes it to bed with us most nights etc. hes only 6 so its a hard choice to make

Basically what Trumble above me said. But also just talk to your vet, he'll be rather knowledgeable about the situation. Just for some input.
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Vet told me it's time when they don't really eat or don't enjoy being loved or doing anything

Sorry to hear, tc. Give love while you can

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I was never really a connect with animals guy but I noticed when the spirit left our husky's eyes. She was put down shortly after. She just never looked happy, or even content anymore. Idk how to articulate it better. Sad eyes

You'll know.

It's extremely hard. Sorry.

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Sounds really young for that kinda of thing. I'm so sorry.

Romulox28 posted...

I guess what Im struggling with is how to determine my cats discomfort level. He used to be very active and playful but how he sleeps most of the day, doesnt play anymore, gets tired and has to rest after doing basic stuff like climbing on a chair, etc. but hes still eating, hes still affectionate, still makes it to bed with us most nights etc. hes only 6 so its a hard choice to make

Even after this sudden turn yesterday? You may have a little more time left but it sounds like it could be nearing the end. I'm so sorry.

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I remember my little doggie was having seizures and convulsing - vet told me she wasnt gonna make it and so I had held her in my arms until I basically felt her body just sleep

sucked, but I do think it was the best decision since it kept scaring her but at least she was in my arms and still happy

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