Euthanize or amputate?

My 16 year old cat, Patrick, broke his right hind leg on Thursday and is currently on pain medication. He's an indoor/outdoor cat, but recently has been all outdoors as my parents got a new aggressive dog who always acts as though he's going to attack and hurt Patrick. Patrick has thyroid and or kidney problems and an increased heart rate. The vet isn't sure he would survive surgery and my parents are worried about his adjusting if he gets his leg amputated. My parents are set on euthanizing him but I'm really struggling. I really want to know what's best for him so I can have peace of mind. I don't want to euthanize him if he has a chance.
Hes a really tenacious cat with a strong will to survive. But what's best for him?

Can you promise to keep him indoors and safe from the dog? It sounds like the dog has suddenly taken center stage and the cat is an afterthought. How did his leg get broken? I hope you have some say in saving him. It's a sad outcome if the cat has to be put down because the cat was allowed outdoors and then got injured because of it.

We can't tell you what's best but we can offer ideas. If he's going to have the surgery he's probably going to have to be an indoor only cat from now on, and for that to work he needs a safe indoor environment away from the dog. Even if it's just a room.

If you can afford the surgery the worst case is he doesnts survive it but that's no worse than euthanizing him.

As far as adjusting, I've seen many cats, even late in life lose a limb and they adjust mentally very quickly if not immediately. Physically he may need time and help as his one leg will need to strengthen to allow full mobility,and with his other issues he may have a complicated recovery. But if recovery isn't working then euthanasia is always an option.

It sounds like you want to give him the chance. Listen to your heart and make sure it's your decision, and not your parents. The last thing they or you need is for you to blame them for a decision they pressure you into.

Stephen

My opinion?

Absolutely, amputate if it can not be cast and healed correctly.

He will get through like a trooper, don't determine because of his age, he may very well have several years of life to live. To euthanize for a broken leg?

That's just not a good reason, you know. Your parents might think it is because it might be convenient to them, but your cat deserves to live!

You will be amazed at how quickly he adapts to 3 legs, cats do it all the time.

PLEASE, for his safety and lessen his tremendous stress he must be going through now with the dog, keep him safe and out of the dog's reach. So very unfair, poor old guy, senior years should be spent relaxing by the pool sipping catnip tea, not run outdoors away from his comfort zone, by a big aggressive dog.

That's so sad for him

The vet knows of his conditions and will be careful. He will be fine I bet. It's just a case of "well it could happen...." 

Vet didn't say he won't make it. That's different.

Thank you everyone for your replies!

I read another post on here almost identical to my current situation, and her vet ended up saying that euthanasia is the best route.

I really wish I could get my cat's leg amputated, but he won't be able to rest safely inside, and I don't want his wounds to get infected while he heals.  This cat means the world to me, and I've been crying non-stop for days.  I also feel that putting him down for a broken leg seems like it's not worth it, but my parents are worried about his quality of life

I was hoping that if I collected enough consensus that getting him amputated was best that I could convince my parents otherwise, but it looks as though this is the best decision.

Thank you guys so much. This forum really is a great support.

I've known two 3-legged cats. One is currently 16-years-old and passed her recent physical with flying colours. The vet was impressed. The other lived until she was 18. The dog acts aggressive (stressful), but has he actually attacked? One full-out clawed swipe of the dog's nose might put the dog in its proper place. If you kept the cat in a separate room or in a large dog crate while in the rest of the house near the dog until the leg has healed, they might get used to each other.

patrickcatrick9 said:

 
Thank you everyone for your replies!

I read another post on here almost identical to my current situation, and her vet ended up saying that euthanasia is the best route.

I really wish I could get my cat's leg amputated, but he won't be able to rest safely inside, and I don't want his wounds to get infected while he heals.  This cat means the world to me, and I've been crying non-stop for days.  I also feel that putting him down for a broken leg seems like it's not worth it, but my parents are worried about his quality of life

I was hoping that if I collected enough consensus that getting him amputated was best that I could convince my parents otherwise, but it looks as though this is the best decision.

Thank you guys so much. This forum really is a great support.

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So does this mean you have decided to euthanize your cat?  Was this decision made because we are telling you it's best to keep him indoors and that's not possible?

Okay, hold on here. Let me ask about his leg. What is wrong with it? I know you said broken, so the vet is not able to repair it, correct? It will need amputating.

Your cat is very familiar with outdoors obviously, how far does he wander? Or does he stay close to home, backyard, no further than the general area around the house?

Are there dogs that he needs to run from?

I ask because if he does as most older cats will and stays pretty close to home, with no real threats to his safety, then I say amputate, allow it to heal (it doesn't take that long) and allow him to go outside again. 

It's not that he won't be able to run, as he will just fine, but might not be able to say, climb a tree as well on 3 legs, so as to get away from a dog chasing him.

A cat adapts VERY well and fast after losing a leg, believe me, they are quite resilient, accepting, and simply carry on.

There is no threat to his quality of life! The only loss of quality of life is having to deal with the darn dog's behavior, NOT losing a leg........

PLEASE re-think on this, at 16 yrs old he has been loyal to you as your loving companion, please do the best you can for him now when he needs you to step up and be there for him.

Euthanizing him when he is not ready to go is sad and unnecessary.

Try to educate your parents on life for a cat who loses a limb, they will be suprised.

Good luck, and I promise, I don't mean to make you feel bad or guilty, you are obviously in a situation that seems a bit out of your control, but do your best at convincing them that it is not that big of a deal that they may think it is.

Patrick has now crossed the Bridge:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/274547/just-put-my-cat-down-and-im-dying-inside

RIP Patrick.