when to put cat to sleep...

I took my 1 yr old male kitty Scout to the vet yesterday for some bleeding ulcers on his tongue.. and we found out he was FeLV + He had been vaccinated, but never tested and the vet said he probably had it when I adopted him.

He is very anemic.. normal red blood count should be 24-45.. his was 12. The vet said that the prognosis is poor. I have 3 other cats who will have to be tested. They have vaccinated, but vet said they could still have contracted FeLV.

I am going out of town today and I am facing a tough decision. Scout is still eating canned food well, and still drinking, although he is lethargic most of the time. I will be gone for a week and I have someone pet sitting, but Scout bites everyone but me and I know they can't medicate him for the ulcers. I can't afford to board him and pay a petsitter for everyone else too. I considered taking him with me, but he would come into contact with my mom's cats and that would not be fair to risk infecting them.

The vet said if I couldn't separate him from my other cats I should consider putting him down, as he is already weak and anemic. But part of me just doesn't feel right doing this when he is still eating and trying to live.

I am just agonizing over this...

oh my goodness, I am so sorry about Scout This is such a tough situation I take in FeLV cats exclusively, and I have to tell you that when a positive kitty becomes anemic it usually is the end of the line. My Simon became ill last year and his red blood cell count was only 6, the vet had never seen a cat with a level that low still alive, these cats are very good at hiding their illness. While Scout is still eating now, I honestly think that will change here shortly. The only thing I can say is there anyway you can reschedule your trip, even for a couple days? Just to give you and him a little more time together? otherwise I would suggest putting Scout to sleep now as he, not to get graphic here, but he will just waste away. I know how tough it is to make this decision if you have any other questions please PM me

Katie offered sound advice. I have nothing else to offer except I'm sorry that you and Scout are having to go through this.

We hope everything goes well for you with Scout.
Thats a tough decision you have to make. Katiemae said it the best...

No matter how hard the decision is, you must make the best decision for your cat. Don't let him get too bad in health before you make the decision to put him to sleep. There will be lots of sadness but at least you cared for him, gave him a good life & made him a happy boy.

Please update us on what is going on with Scout & what you decided for him.
Best Wishes for you, if you need anything at all, we are all here for you!

well, luckily I have a wonderful vet.

I took scout in this morning to put him to sleep, but I just couldn't, not when he jumped up in my lap this morning and head-butted me and started eating his dry food again.

The vet is going to board and treat him while I am gone for free. She said she didn't feel right about putting him down yet either.. they say an animal will let you know when it's time and he seemed to be telling me that it just wasn't time yet. I told the vet that if he gets worse while I'm gone, she has permission to put him down if she feels it nessisary. I said goodbyes this morning because I didn't expect to bring him home.

I have the sweetest vet in the world.. I'm so glad there are people left who actually care about the animals more than they do making money..

Originally Posted by 4kittiesmom

well, luckily I have a wonderful vet.

I took scout in this morning to put him to sleep, but I just couldn't, not when he jumped up in my lap this morning and head-butted me and started eating his dry food again.

The vet is going to board and treat him while I am gone for free. She said she didn't feel right about putting him down yet either.. they say an animal will let you know when it's time and he seemed to be telling me that it just wasn't time yet. I told the vet that if he gets worse while I'm gone, she has permission to put him down if she feels it nessisary. I said goodbyes this morning because I didn't expect to bring him home.

I have the sweetest vet in the world.. I'm so glad there are people left who actually care about the animals more than they do making money..

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That is an absolutely wonderful thing for your Vet to do for you.

Originally Posted by catcaregiver

That is an absolutely wonderful thing for your Vet to do for you.

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that is really great I hope Scout is able to recover under your vet's care

Originally Posted by 4kittiesmom

well, luckily I have a wonderful vet.
I have the sweetest vet in the world.. I'm so glad there are people left who actually care about the animals more than they do making money..

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At least there are still great vets like that out there!
So happy that Scout is in good hands at the vets
Update us on when you come back & what happened to Scout...

Wow... what a great vet. I love when they do that head-butt thing Give us an update when you are back from your trip. Good luck...

Originally Posted by 4kittiesmom

well, luckily I have a wonderful vet.

I took scout in this morning to put him to sleep, but I just couldn't, not when he jumped up in my lap this morning and head-butted me and started eating his dry food again.

The vet is going to board and treat him while I am gone for free. She said she didn't feel right about putting him down yet either.. they say an animal will let you know when it's time and he seemed to be telling me that it just wasn't time yet. I told the vet that if he gets worse while I'm gone, she has permission to put him down if she feels it nessisary. I said goodbyes this morning because I didn't expect to bring him home.

I have the sweetest vet in the world.. I'm so glad there are people left who actually care about the animals more than they do making money..

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That was going to be my suggestion. So you could at least not worry too much about it while you're gone. You and your vet make a great team!

I'm sorry, I bet it was tuff saying goodbye when you left. Ick! Though rest easy, as cute little Scout will be in good hands, looked after and well taken care of while you're gone.