Older cats

When to let go

The average life expectancy of a cat is around 14 years. However many cats will live well beyond this. As a responsible cat owner it is important to access your cats quality of life to prevent suffering and illness due to old age. 

You know your cat better than anyone and you may notice changes in behaviour or health of your cat. Often the first signs of illness can be a change in appetite, thirst, your cats body, coat condition, behaviour, demeanour and toileting habits. Take your cat to the vet if you become aware of any of the following:

• lethargy
• unexplained weight loss
• lameness
• swelling, growths or wounds
• sneezing, coughing or laboured breathing
• difficulty/pain passing urine, blood in urine or faeces
• vomiting or diarrhoea that lasts more than 24 hours
• self neglect, poor coat condition 
• no interest in food or drink, excessive drinking or ravenous appetite
• signs of pain when touched
• no desire to move
• general discomfort

Your vet will examine your cat and advice any further tests and treatments. If your cat has an incurable illness you will have to carefully consider the quality of your cats life. The bond between pet and owner is very special. If your cats quality of life begins to deteriorate it is very hard to let go. However if there comes a time when your cats is in continual pain, discomfort or stress the most loving and courageous thing you can do it to end your cats suffering. 

Your cat may not have an illness that causes suffering but one that effects your cats quality of life. Here are the signs to look out for:

• can not longer eat or drink properly
• unable to stand or more normally
• has difficulty breathing
• badly injured in an accident
• is incontinent
• has a condition that causes uncontrollable pain

To choose to have your pet euthanased is a heart wrenching decision. When there is no other alternative, allowing your pet to die in peace and dignity is the kindest decision. 

Discuss in advance with your vet if you wish to be there when your cat is put to sleep. Being there for your cat can be less stressful and comforting to hear a familiar voice. You must choose what is right for you. 

You can choose to have your pet cremated or buried. Some people choose to bury their cat in their garden. On the Isle of Wight, Pets at Rest offer a burial and cremation service. Call Sue on 01983 525335. Sue is a wonderful lady and will take great care of your pet. 

Losing your pet can be a very traumatic experience. Do not be afraid to show your emotions, you will feel sadness, you might feel lonely or even feel anger. This is all very normal and will help you to come to terms with your loss. You should not feel guilty or blame yourself for your cats death. Instead you should treasure the memories, remember the good times and feel comforted by the fact that your pet is now at peace. 

You may feel in time that you want to get another cat. This is a personal decision, you may feel like you want to have a new cat almost immediately after or you may feel that you need to wait a while. If your cat had an infectious disease your vet will probably advice that you wait a while before getting another cat. This will reduce the risk of infection remaining in your house. 

Try to also remember that cats are all individuals. You will not be able to replace the cat you have lost. Instead you will form a new bond with another, this will take time. Your relationship with your new cat will be rewarding but may take some time to get used to.