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Do you believe in pet euthanesia and when do you know it is time?

Today I took my 17 year old cat to the vet and his check-up didn't go very well. He has chronic kidney disease and we've known this for a few years now, but he continued to do well. Now it seems to be catching up with him and he has lost a lot of weight and he needed an infusion of fluids today to perk him up a bit.
The vet basically said in a nutshell that cats with his weight loss are nearing the end and we might have a few more months with him, if we are lucky. She said that she predicts that we will have to make the choice soon about whether we want to let him go or not.
I know he is not doing his best right now, but I don't feel like it is yet time. He still has more good days than bad.
How do you feel about pet euthanasia? I know some people think that God or nature should take them and we shouldn't interfere, etc. But I don't know. When do you know it is time?
DragonFruit · 61-69, M
There's something someone told me that your pet will tell you when it's time. When my old cocker spaniel took a cookie from me, dropped it on the floor and gazes up at me with a sad look, I knew it was time (she had cancer and had been eating less and losing weight, but until then had always accepted a treat willingly). I don't think it's always that clear…growing up, had a dog who just went into a corner & died. You don't want your pet to suffer for too long, but you don't want to end their lives when they are still having good days. Wish I could help more, but you have to make the decision when you think it's time.
MrsNesbitt · 56-60, F
If they're in pain it's the only choice. But as someone has already said, it's very hard to do.
GJOFJ3 · 61-69, M
Never an easy choice but when bad days out number the good days it is time. Sorry for you.
SW-User
Awh. That's dreadful. I am so sorry. I had to put my dog to sleep. It broke my heart.

So long as your kitty isn't in pain, keep him as long as you can. Spoil him, give him all the love and treats possible. And then when the time comes, let him go to sleep in your arms. Good luck. And again, I'm so sorry
Fernie · F
2 of my kitties died in my arms...I wouldn't have it any other way
DragonFruit · 61-69, M
I actually took my cocker spaniel to the vet to be euthanized, and she died in my arms in the waiting room. A year earlier, we had been told she only had a month or two to live….she made the most of her remaining time.
Fernie · F
My cat was diagnosed nearly a year and a half ago, with Renal/Kidney failure.. I have to inject her every other day with subcutaneous fluids. I'm sorry your your boy is failing.It's different for every cat. I am SO dreading the day I have to make that choice. No way I could let her die naturally...in pain and discomfort...could you? The quality of their lives is up to us.
Ynotisay · M
Absolutely believe in it. One of the hardest things you'll do but also one of the most selfless.
A good thing to remember though is that animals, unlike human animals, don't fear death.
Good luck.
Javik05 · 26-30, M
I think if it's the end, and if he's in pain, then the kindest thing to do is to euthanise him. It's not nice, but it's better than suffering.
If they're suffering I think it'll be humane to put them out of their misery. Which in all cases that I've heard that is how it's used.
Socialclutz · 36-40, M
If the animal is suffering it's time to let it go. It's not an easy choice to make but when that animal is visibly suffering you don't let it suffer. I'm sorry to hear your time with loved member of the family is near its end.

 
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