What would you do if this was your cat?

I think in your heart of hearts you know what should happen now LlfL...it's absolutely heartbreaking and the very worst part of being a pet owner but the the very best thing you can do after a lifetime of happiness with you. Our beautiful Cane Corso slipped away being fed ham by me....she knew and felt nothing. My heart was breaking when I phoned the vet to say it was time..but her words will always comfort me...Far better a day too early than a day too late. I most firmly believe that we will see our beloved pets again one day...how could it be heaven if they were not there to share it. ❤️

Vet visits are often incredibly stressful for cats so ask your vet for a home visit. This way your precious Milo can pass peacefully in his own home.
My heart goes out to you.

So sorry you are having to face this. I'm sure I read somewhere that it's possible to arrange for pets to be PTS at home when the time comes? It is something I will consider for my 19 year old torti if/when needed.

The choice you have with your beloved Milo is a heartbreaking one and one most pet lovers will have faced at some time.
You have obviously considered both options , but as you say , he is an old boy and is weakening daily.
I know I would let him go if when the Vet thinks it’s time.
I wish Milo a dignified end to his lovely life.
Sending my regards.

Just to add - my son's elderly cat died at home last year, and they decided it would be better to let her die naturally rather than go to the vet's and be PTS. The poor thing struggled to breathe right at the end, and they said it was really quite distressing for her and them. It's not something I would ever have done.

Yes I agree with Willow, let him go painfree at home,why put him through more,lots of love and cuddles,.
So sorry.

Georgesgran I absolutely agree

I’m so sorry for you Esmay . I’ve had cats and dogs and it’s horrible when they’re poorly and elderly. With elderly animals , we’ve made the decision to have them pts. A scan may show you what’s wrong but then do you treat those ailments in an elderly animal ?
Thinking of you 💐

Take him to the vet and cuddle him closely as he goes for his forever sleep, it’s the kindest way for him but so very sad 🥰

Oreo

I would take him back to the vet and let him put the cat to sleep. It’s the kindest thing you can do for him.

This.

I was in a similar position just last week. Our cat Toby had gone off his food, or I should say couldn't eat his food. He could manage very soft, lappable food only. He was losing weight and couldn't groom himself properly. We took him to the vet who examined his mouth (he wouldn't let us touch it). She found a large growth under his tongue. It was untreatable. We made the decision to let him go, there and then. She was so kind and Toby didn't suffer.
Perhaps you should think of having your cat put to sleep, it's often the kindest thing to do. I'm sorry you are going through this, it is hard to let them go.

Oreo

I would take him back to the vet and let him put the cat to sleep. It’s the kindest thing you can do for him.

I agree with you.

I’m sorry for your anguish over this LLFL. x

Thank you so much for all your helpful comments and support. We have pretty well made up our minds what to do. We will definitely not be taking him back to the Vet for a scan and more shaving of fur. We will ask the Vet’s advice about end of life care.

I love cats and I always wish they lived a bit longer because they become part of your family. We faced this with our 23 year old lovely boy and in the end I took him to the vet who put him down. He died very peacefully in my arms and, because we loved him so much, we made a little memorial garden for him. I still get teary thinking about him. We have two beautiful little rescue cats now and they might well outlive us but my children are all cat lovers so they would house them in that event. Hope you can make a good decision that you are happy with.

My cat is 15 and fortunately seems healthy at the moment, but in your position I wouldn't go any further with treatment. Vet visits and scans are all going to be stressful for him. I would opt for a few hopefully comfortable days at home and then a peaceful end.

My heart goes out to you. Milo has been a very lucky cat having you take good care of him for so long. I think it is time now to be with him as he is put to sleep.
My lovely cat had to be put to sleep a few years ago. I always remember the vet saying to me " you have made the right decision, remember he is not aware of what is going to happen " I stayed with him and stroked him as he slipped away. It was incredibly quick and very peaceful, he simply ' fell asleep ' Distressing as it was I was grateful to be able to witness him have a tranquil end to his life. Your vet may put Milo to sleep in your home- worth asking.
You love Milo and will make the correct decision. 💐💐

Such a difficult decision to have to make. I think perhaps strong painkillers at home where he could be comfortable in his own bed?
Thinking of you.

Poor you .
This is so painful .
I think that I'd let Milo pass quietly in my arms after having some very strong analgesia.
Bless you both.

I would do the kind thing. My 18 year old Bengal was in a similar position with cancer two Christmases ago. She died purring in my arms, as did my 21 year old two weeks ago, who had just gone downhill rapidly.
I will be thinking of you.

We've been in the same situation more than once, so I feel for you. It's such a hard decision to make.

We had one cat that was diagnosed with a tumour behind his eye. The vet offered treatment that would keep him comfortable for a while so, as his main symptom was a watery eye, we agreed. The cat spent about 6 weeks pain-free (even from his arthritis) and as lively as a kitten. As soon as he started to go downhill we took him back to the vet to be PTS.

The decision you make - you know Milo better than anyone - will be the right one.

Hate this bit. It never gets easy. 💐

Don’t take him to the vet again.
If he can be comfortable and happy at home with pain relief then that is the thing to do but if he can’t be comfortable with you then you know what to do.
Heartbreaking but the loving thing for him.

I think it's time to say goodbye to your cat. When we had a similar decision to make, a few years ago, the vet said we are custodians of our pets, we give them a good life and we should let them go when the time comes. I thought this was a good way of putting it and it made our decision easier.

Yes yes yes! Please do the kindest thing and let him fade away in comfort. Repeat vet visits and procedures are so stressful for a poor old puss. Spoil him and let him have all his favourite treats and cuddles.

My gorgeous cat Mollie was 14 and we were in a similar situation. I just didn’t want her to suffer so we made the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep. We were with her to the end cuddling her. I cried buckets she was my little girl.

I feel for you it is so very hard. My lovely vet offered palliative care but said the kindest thing to do was to let her go. You must do what you feel is right for Milo.