Senior cat not doing well

I'm at a loss and just looking to talk to any fellow cat lovers out there other than my family.  Our beloved orange tabby is 19 years old, one month shy of his 20th birthday.  His name is Alfred.  I'm so heartbroken that this cat out of no where has decided to start packing it in.  In recent years, his arthritis has gotten worse and he walks usually hunched over.  I give him a Trameel tablet in his food for his joint relief which seemed to help him.  But in the last week he has decided that food no longer really interests him (he stopped eating for 3 days than stated eating again) still taking water but his back legs are really bad now. Walks almost sideways at times and/or drags one of his feet when he walks.  Sleeps most of the time.  I am so on the fence about if he is trying to let me know it's time.  I've been giving him sponge baths to keep him clean as he can no longer balance himself to contort his body to clean himself. I am almost afraid to take him to vet because I don't want to hear that I have to do this.  The last animal I put down (cancer) was my 10 year old yellow lab ten years ago...and that was painful...I was kind of hoping Fred would pass away peacefully in his sleep...is that asking too much?  Anyone?       

I'm so sorry your friend isn't doing well.  He's showing all the classic signs of declining health.  I would get him to the vet for a check up just to be sure it's nothing other than old age.  Think about his quality of life and make any decision based on that.  He's had a well-loved, very long life with you and that's such a wonderful thing for you both.  It's a difficult place to be in for you, but I'm pretty sure you already have an inkling of what's the best decision for him. 

I know you're right.  I will call the vet and see what they say, I just hate to hear those words...as done anyone who has a pet who they love with all of their heart.  I brought him home at 6 weeks...my son was 5...heartbroken...miserable.  But thank you for listening 

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. It's never easy, but see what the vet says in terms of making him comfortable. They are such wonderful companions aren't they!

Sending hugs...

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this.  It's the price of admission for having our cat companions, but It's really tough.  You and he have been together his whole life!  And what a great life that's been, almost 20 years, certainly much more than average. 

A couple years ago I lost a cat after having her around her whole life (from about 10 weeks, I think, to just over 17 years).  Judging by what you've said so far she was sicker than Alfred has been.  We spent her last couple months trying to treat her for kidney disease, but she died from complication of congestive heart failure we think.  Amber did pass at home, but I'll tell you having done it both ways, it was no easier, and I think about some of the things at the end and worry that she may have suffered too much.  Her passing felt sudden, even though she was sick, and it wasn't in her sleep.  I feel like I missed being with her at the end, although if she knew what was happening at that moment (not sure if she did) she certainly was trying to be with us.

It's not an exact science, figuring out whether he might pass on his own or whether euthanasia is in order, but consulting with a vet may help you get that sorted a bit better.  As long as he can be comfortable, that is what I think matters.  Who knows, there could even be something obvious where he could have simple and non-invasive treatment (the only kinds one would likely choose for a 20-year-old cat).  Some cats are destined to live a bit longer than others.  But if it turns out to be his time, know that you've given him a great home and great life all those years.

Hang in there and best wishes.

Just remember, the greatest love you can give them is to let them go when the time comes.

My heart is breaking for you, and my tears are flowing as I type this.  BUT, as others have pointed out, maybe he's got something else going on that just needs a quick fix and he'll get back on his Trameel or perhaps something stronger and come back home with you still

The best piece of advice i got was that letting them go a week too early was better than a moment too late. In other words don't leave it till you're not sure if he is suffering or not. Such an awful decision for you. You'll know when the time is right. Sending a big hug x

Thank you everyone for your kindness,time and advice...i made my decision yesterday and had my beautiful boy euthanized today and I am at peace...it was the right decision...I just wanted to avoid causing him pain and I did and he too was tired. As much pain as it was for me to do it I felt a world of greatness better not letting him suffer...I loved him for 20 years and I would have done it another 60. Thank you again in helpings come to grips with this difficult decision [emoji]10084[/emoji]️

I'm so glad you found peace with this decision.  In the days to come, please never look back and question yourself, as so many of us seem to do.  It's natural, but try  not to. 

He was very lucky to have had you to love him for all those years .

My sympathies for your loss. 

RIP Alfred[emoji]10084[/emoji]️[emoji]128062[/emoji][emoji]10084[/emoji]️[emoji]128062[/emoji]

I'm so sorry for your loss.  You loved him very well and for such a long time.  He was so blessed to have your love for so many years.  Big hugs to you. 

The TCS team would like you to know that we are so very sorry for your loss. Threads are locked after someone has suffered such a loss, as a sign of respect. We invite you to place a tribute at http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge  as an enduring testimony to your friend.