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Unsure if it is time

post #1 of 5
10/4/11 at 2:02pm
Thread Starter 
Snowball is 17 years old. I have had the blood workup and the other senior tests and she doesn't have anything "wrong" with her; she's just old. She is almost blind and she has not been stable on her feet, although she does walk. Now she has open sores on all four of her legs and the vet says these are pressure sores because of the way she lays. I am trying to keep them clean and use ointment, but Snowball goes down to the basement. Our basement is not finished so she gets dirty. Infection concerns me. The only way we can keep her upstairs would be to barricade her in a room and we don't feel comfortable with that. Now I notice her nose is completely black. I am unsure what that is. At first I thought it was just dirt, but it won't come off and feels rough, kind of like a scab. Snowball does still eat and almost always is anxious for her meals. She still uses the litterbox, although she sometimes "misses." She seems to me to spend more and more time in the basement by herself. I am wondering if the time is drawing near to help her to the bridge, but I am not sure. My daughter thinks I am just being silly and Snowball is technically her cat. However, she lives in another state and can't see what I am seeing, a decrease in health. I think I am waiting for a sign, like for a vital function to stop working, or Snowball to "tell me" or the vet to say it's time, something. But I'm afraid there isn't going to be one.
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post #2 of 5
10/4/11 at 2:32pm
Have you taken her in for the nose issue? Have you discussed your concerns with the vet? Some won't talk much until asked.
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post #3 of 5
10/4/11 at 3:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bridget View Post
Snowball is 17 years old. I have had the blood workup and the other senior tests and she doesn't have anything "wrong" with her; she's just old. She is almost blind and she has not been stable on her feet, although she does walk. Now she has open sores on all four of her legs and the vet says these are pressure sores because of the way she lays. I am trying to keep them clean and use ointment, but Snowball goes down to the basement. Our basement is not finished so she gets dirty. Infection concerns me. The only way we can keep her upstairs would be to barricade her in a room and we don't feel comfortable with that. Now I notice her nose is completely black. I am unsure what that is. At first I thought it was just dirt, but it won't come off and feels rough, kind of like a scab. Snowball does still eat and almost always is anxious for her meals. She still uses the litterbox, although she sometimes "misses." She seems to me to spend more and more time in the basement by herself. I am wondering if the time is drawing near to help her to the bridge, but I am not sure. My daughter thinks I am just being silly and Snowball is technically her cat. However, she lives in another state and can't see what I am seeing, a decrease in health. I think I am waiting for a sign, like for a vital function to stop working, or Snowball to "tell me" or the vet to say it's time, something. But I'm afraid there isn't going to be one.
First of all, only you will know when it is time to put your animal to sleep. I think it is good to keep a list of three to five things you know your cat really likes. When there is only one or two things left on the list then it might be time to consider putting her down.

I have a terminally ill almost two year old cat. She is still doing better then any veterinarian or I thought. However I know one day it will be likely I will need to put her to sleep. So I found making that list to be a very wise idea, just my opinion.

But please take heart in that you gave Snowball a long and happy life.

Quote:
Originally Posted by catsallaround View Post
Have you taken her in for the nose issue? Have you discussed your concerns with the vet? Some won't talk much until asked.
That is VERY VERY true. It is also a VERY GOOD point .
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post #4 of 5
10/4/11 at 4:02pm
I'm sorry you are facing this tough time with Snowball. If she is developing sores/lesions on her skin, her immune system and possibly ciruculatory system are showing signs of stress, or "failure." As to whether "it's time," only you will be able to make that decision. Be aware, however, that cats are very stoic and will try to hide any weakness or illness for as long as possible.

Continue to make your observations. Talk to the vet, and post here. I'm sure you will be able to make the right decision when it is time.

C
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post #5 of 5
10/5/11 at 9:04am
Thread Starter 
Thank you. Snowball seems to be perkier last night and this morning. Some of the info on the Internet indicated that often just when you make the decision for a cat, they perk up and make you change your mind. Regarding a list: I really think the only thing on it is eating. But how do I know, maybe she really likes staring off into space, that's why it's so hard I guess. I do notice she is spending a little more time upstairs now that our foster puppy is gone. I think my criteria for now is if she is upstairs sometimes and approaches me for food (rather than having to go find her), then I will leave it alone, at least until Christmas when my daughter can spend some time with her. That is, of course, unless she seems to be making a rapid decline.

I know what you mean about vets. Sometimes it seems like she is just keeping a happy face because that's what I want to hear.
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