Lung Cancer, Difficulty Breathing and Euthanasia (15 year old cat)

Hello,

I certainly hope no-one ever has to go through what we have over the last few days. We noticed that one of our cats, a 15 year old female did not come to eat wet food that we put out for her one night. We did not think much of it because we leave kibbles out during the day for our kitties so we figured she was probably just not hungry. The following morning, she did not come to eat the wet food for her breakfast, so that made me suspicious. Luckily, I work from home full time so I could monitor to see if she was ok. I noticed a wheezing sound in her breathing. At this point she purred a little when I pet her so i figured I'd check on her a little later, which I did. The breathing seemed to be a bit more difficult for her. A little later, she had moved to an unusual spot in the corner of our dining room and was laying down. Still having difficulty breathing. I comforted her and noticed she did not purr. She moved to the hall near my office and laid down. The breathing was still abnormal so I took her to the vet.

The vet examined her and determined she had fluid buildup in or around her left lung so she recommended we start with X-rays to see what might be causing the buildup. The vet at this point suspected it was either something wrong with the cats heart or cancer. The x-ray revealed a tumor approximately 2x2x2 centimeters in size in the left lung and some fluid around the lung as well. This was horrible news being that the cat was so old and at this point the vet stated it really was not treatable. The vet recommended we euthanize, as it would be the most humane thing to do at this point.

We took our kitty home with so we could spend one last night with her and to say our goodbyes to her and comfort her best we could. We euthanized the following day, sadly. 

We cant help but feel guilty that we did not do enough to try to save her. I want to believe that she was in pain and was suffering because she was having difficulty breathing, was not drinking and eating and was very lethargic. We are heartbroken and just trying to feel a little better about having to put our cat to sleep, not that we will ever truly feel better about it.

We are happy that our vet came to our home and preformed the procedure here instead of us having to put the kitty through another trip to vet as her last life experience.  She died in my wife and my lap, peacefully.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Do you think our cat was indeed suffering and that we did not choose the path we chose too quickly?

Thank you,

Kevin

I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

I've not had a cat with lung cancer, but I did nurse a cat with congestive heart failure through his final months and know all too well the agony of watching an animal fight for breath repeatedly. We kept going because my mother (whose cat he was) wasn't ready to let go. Hand on heart, if I had that time over again I'd have chosen early euthanaisa. For me, I think the fairest thing is to say goodbye before the fight truly begins. I can't say for certain what I'd have done in your position (none of us can till we're faced with it), but I truly hope I'd have the courage to act as you did. You gave her a peaceful end, and that is the last and greatest gift we can give to our animals.

Rest in peace, gorgeous girl

The most common and probably the most humane time to choose euthanasia is before the cat is in real pain and discomfort and no quality of life. Essentially making the decision to let them go while they still have their dignity and themselves intact instead of a cat so decimated by pain that it unbearable to watch and forever burned in your heart and brain. It is never an easy decision for anyone and anyone who makes this decision is wracked with guilt and second guessing. It's part of the grief process , guilt because we couldn't fix what was wrong.

That said I am sorry for your loss. What was her name ?

I am so sorry for your loss, you made the right decision.

I'm so sorry for your loss. There are so many times in my past that I wish we hadn't waited. I was a lot younger though so it wasn't always my call. I think about our Siamese in particular, who struggled for days with congestive heart failure before we finally took her in. Also have had dogs with CHF, one that got so bad that day we took her in that it was truly an emergency at that point.

As much as it has hurt, I'm reminded time and time again that I really did the right thing the last time I was faced with this decision. It's so hard, and I also understand wanting that one last night with her. That's what I did with Lucky (he had end-stage renal failure). And I feel like you did the right thing for your baby.

to you.

Kittens Mom, Thank you for the reply. Her name was Jerry. We had her since she was a kitten. Almost 16 years. Her brother, Tom is laying next to me now.

kshaley said:

 
Kittens Mom, Thank you for the reply. Her name was Jerry. We had her since she was a kitten. Almost 16 years. Her brother, Tom is laying next to me now.

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That's a very long time. There is a crossing the bridge section where you can tell Jerry's story. Post some pictures and share.

Kevin, I am so utterly heartbroken for your loss. 

She did NOT suffer. you made the right decisions and please know your kitty knew you loved her and you did what you could. My heart goes out to you.

I think it is completely normal to ask if you did everything possible and the answer is usually that the decision you made was the right one. When their suffering is beyond temporary, making that difficult decision is usually the better option. When there are multiple serious health issues unfolding, my experience is that it leads to a cascade of other health issues that only goes one direction. You saved your friend that suffering and frightening experience. However, it doesn't lessen missing your friend or wishing that it had been different.

I'm so sorry but given the diagnosis , I 1000% agree with Kittens Mom. I lost my first true fur kid to cancer that had metaztized to her lung and I waited too long. By then both lungs collapsed and my god, I can barely think of it without sobbing, 30 years later. The fact I was 25 and had just lost both parents to cancer does not help my guilt.

I'm sorry, there are few harder things to bear (there are some of course ). But thank you for not making her suffer.

You did the right thing.  Making the decision to let a kitty go is one of the hardest things a cat owner ever has to do.  One of our members wrote a post about this--it's beautifully written and very comforting.      http://www.thecatsite.com/t/237066/when-the-moment-comes

To prolong a life that has no chance of being cured, to prolong the pain until it is unbearable, to watch a decline to the point of knowing for sure it is unbearable,  those are all things we all never want to experience, and is to be avoided at all cost. Whether you knew it or not, your precious Jerry was showing you it was time for her to go,  the refusal to eat, the difficulty breathing, the change in her routine. You did exactly what a loving family would do, you ended the pain and  a future full of pain, bewilderment, and fear. It just hurts so bad to let them go, to never have them in our lives again, to accept that such an important part of our lives is gone.The bond you formed with that precious little girl can never be taken from you as long as you live.  The pain we feel is unbearable at times, the hole in our hearts takes a long time to heal. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, please know we all here on this site share your pain and offer you what comfort we can, by acknowledging it and feeling the same because we have experienced it ourselves and would never wish it on anyone. I wish you peace, and pray you find comfort in your precious memories of happier times. RIP sweet Jerry, you gained your beautiful wings, and are at peace knowing you will be forever held in loving hearts!

misterwhiskers said:

I'm so sorry but given the diagnosis , I 1000% agree with Kittens Mom. I lost my first true fur kid to cancer that had metaztized to her lung and I waited too long. By then both lungs collapsed and my god, I can barely think of it without sobbing, 30 years later. The fact I was 25 and had just lost both parents to cancer does not help my guilt.

I'm sorry, there are few harder things to bear (there are some of course ). But thank you for not making her suffer.

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Thank you misterwhiskers. I am sorry to hear what you have gone through as well.

Di and Bob said:

 
To prolong a life that has no chance of being cured, to prolong the pain until it is unbearable, to watch a decline to the point of knowing for sure it is unbearable,  those are all things we all never want to experience, and is to be avoided at all cost. Whether you knew it or not, your precious Jerry was showing you it was time for her to go,  the refusal to eat, the difficulty breathing, the change in her routine. You did exactly what a loving family would do, you ended the pain and  a future full of pain, bewilderment, and fear. It just hurts so bad to let them go, to never have them in our lives again, to accept that such an important part of our lives is gone.The bond you formed with that precious little girl can never be taken from you as long as you live.  The pain we feel is unbearable at times, the hole in our hearts takes a long time to heal. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, please know we all here on this site share your pain and offer you what comfort we can, by acknowledging it and feeling the same because we have experienced it ourselves and would never wish it on anyone. I wish you peace, and pray you find comfort in your precious memories of happier times. RIP sweet Jerry, you gained your beautiful wings, and are at peace knowing you will be forever held in loving hearts!

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Thank you so much for this. Very touching.

Thank you everyone for your responses. They all mean more to me than you could possibly know. I am saddened by some of the stories you've shared and sorry for all who have gone through the loss of loved one. I am also very grateful for the support you have all provided. It has been painful and will continue to be but it is comforting to know this forum and people like you exist. Thank you. Adding a picture of Jerry and me taken some years ago.

Kevin

Oh what a beautiful face. Thank you for sharing her.