Please advise: Cat dying from Leukemia

solar.cats

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
1
Purraise
0
Hi guys,

My 11 year old cat Jackson is in the final stages of Leukemia. He was extremely healthy until 2 months ago and then he started to lose weight. He was able to maintain a healthy and active life. Unfortunately, three days ago he got very sick. He is lying on the floor and doesn't have a lot of strength left. His eyes have gone rather blank and although he isn't in obvious pain, he obviously isn't having a lot of fun either.

I took him to the vet yesterday and the vet said he didn't have long to live. My question is: What should I do? I'd much rather let him die peacefully than shoot him or take him to get killed at the vet. Should I just let nature run its course?
 

taryn

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Jan 8, 2010
Messages
930
Purraise
2
Location
O'Fallon, IL
He's not dying peacefully, he's most likely in severe pain. The only way he'll have a peaceful death is if you take him to the vet to be put to sleep.

Do the right thing and take him to the vet and end his suffering.

Taryn
 

jennyr

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 6, 2004
Messages
13,348
Purraise
593
Location
The Land of Cheese
Maybe your vet would come to your home to put him to sleep so he would be comfortable in familiar surroundings. MAny vets do this last kindness. But it sounds as if his time has come, and I am sorry you are going through this with him.
 

ligwa

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
May 17, 2011
Messages
192
Purraise
18
Location
Vermont
Please, please, please, do not shoot your cat. Take him to the vet.
 

bastetservant

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
1,499
Purraise
19
Location
near Chicago
I'm so sorry your kitty is coming to this difficult and untimely end. I've been through it myself, and I know how devastating it is and how hard it is to know what to do.

The kind and loving thing is to have the vet give your cat an injection to allow him to pass away peacefully. I'm surprised your vet didn't suggest that at the time he said your cat didn't have long.

A vet coming to your house to do it would be best for the cat. There is an organization for vets who make housecalls, and you can google to find it. Sooner rather than later will release your poor kitty from suffering.

Please accept my condolences. I'm so very sorry.

Robin
 

darlili

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,310
Purraise
14
Location
Illinois
Please contact your vet and have him come to your home, or you go to him, if there is still need. The vet can give your beloved pet an easy passing, and you can be there if you choose. It'll be worth the fee to allow your baby a peaceful passing without fear. Please don't shoot your cat.
 

gloriajh

FERAl born “Pepper”
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2006
Messages
2,027
Purraise
66
Location
CA - Desert
Shoot him?

Sorry, since this is the first post of this member, I often wonder about the post when such things as shooting an animal - vs - humane euthanizing could have taken place at the vet's office at the time of the diagnosis ???

If I'm wrong, I deeply regret my comments, and I sincerely apologize.
 

darlili

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,310
Purraise
14
Location
Illinois
Some members may be from a rural area, where shooting an animal had traditionally been considered a humane way to put an animal down, and vets may be few and far between.
 

gloriajh

FERAl born “Pepper”
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2006
Messages
2,027
Purraise
66
Location
CA - Desert
Originally Posted by darlili

Some members may be from a rural area, where shooting an animal had traditionally been considered a humane way to put an animal down, and vets may be few and far between.
Yes, I know about rural practices (I'm from Missouri, and that was a common practice FIFTY years ago)
- but if someone has an internet connection, and has "taken them to the vet already, without the vet's help", I'm a bit skeptical.
 
Top