20 replies to this topic

[crankbait2009]

I am really tossed on what to do right now. I have a Siamese cat that is roughly 12-13 years old.

She has gotten to the point to where she is very colse to being 100% blind. She can't really walk through the house without running in to the walls or any obstacles in her way. Now she isn't running at full speed but fast enough to where i know she feels it. She is a very skitterish cat, always has been. So when she gets spooked by one of the dogs or spooked by her own breath, she panics and tries to run away.......then SMACK, the wall jumps out in front of her.

She has also started to isolate herself in one area of the house where she sits, sleeps and just relaxes. It seems as if her sense of smell is still outstanding. So she gets around by the scent of whatever she smells. Quite impressive. (ex:we are having dinner or eating anything that strikes her fancy (meat), she's over there in a heart beat)

She knows where the cat litter room is and that is where she eats, drinks and occassionally uses the cat box. Iv'e seen her in there. But for some odd reason, she is going to the bathroom (both 1 and 2) in random spots throughout the house. I can't figure out why. Every morning we wake up and there is a new pile that she has left behind. frustrating as hell.

From what I can tell, she is in good health. She very seldom throws up, eats, drinks and meows every once in awhile to let me know she's still kicking.

At what point do I have her put down? I realize she may be healthy but I know its not good for her with no sight. Then to add to it, she is using the house as a cat box.

what to do, what to do

[clayton86]

im not a vet but the house as a litter box may be related to cancer or a infection.

[A-Jay]

It's always a tough time - for everyone involved.

My parents bred Siamese cats while I was growing up. They are very interesting and intense little animals.
No cats for me now, all dogs but the decision is still the same - very hard to know "when".

I've helped many dogs "cross the Rainbow Bridge" and will continue to do so.
The same commitment and love I felt for each of them as puppies is still there as they reach the end.
I try my best to be there whenever the dog needs me throughout it life, especially in the end.

It's different for everyone. I hope and try to time this before the dog looses it's dignity. When the quality of life is so undermined, it's time.
Clearly if the animal is in pain, there is never even a question. Doesn't make it any easier.

It's great to know you're considering a humane and responsible decision.
I volunteer at the local County Animal shelter and it's just plain alarming how many people refuse to accept this responsibility as a pet owner. Instead they simply dump the animals on the side of the road leaving them to fend for themselves at a time when they really needed the owner the most. It's sad.

I'll say this, If you think it's time - it probably is.

Stay Strong

A-Jay

[Marty]

A-Jay is right, it's different for everyone. I did what I think other pet owners should do, that is, ask the vet what they would do if it was their cat. I took his advice and put her down. We don't want to see any loved one suffering, be it person or animal.

[Lund Explorer]

I had a Siamese pick me as her human once. We had a long life together, but as A-Jay said, when the quality of life is gone it is time to make a decision.

My sympathies for you, I know its a hard time.

[VolFan]

What's said is very true. If you think it's time, it probably is. You could put a couple other litter boxes throughout the house to see if that helps. Old age sucks, ask Dwight and SirSnooksAlot. :-)

[Raider Nation Fisher]

That sucks Homie. I feel for ya. Like Marty said, ask the vet for his opinion.

[Glenn]

Does the litter box have a lid on it? If so, take it off. Our cat has a bad back, so she started using random areas when it became too painful to crawl into the litter box.

We removed the lid. Problem solved.

[Michael DiNardo]

It sounds like her only health problem is the blindness. If this is correct I would not have her put down for this necessarily. I am not a cat person, but could you try to provide a litter box close to where she spends the most time, her "secure" room. Also, if the dog can be lept away from her so as to not startle her. If she is eating and drinking and doing 1 and 2 regularly she still sounds healthy. Good luck with her.

Mike

[crankbait2009]

There is no cover on her cat box. We used to have one when we forst got her, but she had no interest in that.......so we have went coverless.

i may place random ones through out the house to see if she uses them.

[roadwarrior]

We have a 17 year old cat named Boots. He is real close, but still goes out or uses the litter box without incidence.
My daughter works part time as a veterinary assistant which includes putting down 3 or four animals a day. Boots
is her cat even though he lives with me and my wife. The cat will be put down when my daughter decides it is time.
That sure makes it easier for us.

Ask your vet for some guidence. Random "accidents" would not be acceptable in our house.

[SirSnookalot]

Old age sucks, ask Dwight and SirSnooksAlot. :-)

Hey watch it buster..................

[guest]

I have a young cat (~2 years old), in fact he is watching my cursor move as I type right now. When ever he starts to have accidents in my house, is when I will have to get rid of him, or at least put him outside. I am not a germ-freak, but cat waste is disgusting and loaded with infection causing bacteria. I would give an honest attempt to remedy the situation.

If i'm ever in such bad shape that I'm soiling all over my care takers home, I would want to be put down.

[Fishing Cowgirl]

Have her checked out to be sure there isn't a medical reason for the litter box not being used.

I had to put down and cremated my 13 year old Tortiseshell cat: "Thunderpaws'. She went from the
"Cat-Who-Made-Noise-While-Running" to barely moving from under the bed, not eating or drinking in just a week. She used to harass our heeler when he was in his crate, by rolling around in front of him. So I will sometimes place her Urn in front of him, just to let him know she was still here.

I'd like to think she'd enjoy that.

[Traveler2586]

That sucks Homie. I feel for ya. Like Marty said, ask the vet for his opinion.

X2

It sounds like her only health problem is the blindness. If this is correct I would not have her put down for this necessarily. I am not a cat person, but could you try to provide a litter box close to where she spends the most time, her "secure" room. Also, if the dog can be lept away from her so as to not startle her. If she is eating and drinking and doing 1 and 2 regularly she still sounds healthy. Good luck with her.

Mike

Our cat Lucy is also having issues. We took her to the vet thinking she would be put down. The vet examined her and said it wasn't time and recommended a Rx that helped a lot in her case. Lucy has problems with sight and getting around, and has her secure place, but she still wants to be around us. The vet also suggested a cat box centrally located on each floor, but Lucy will also get confused where she is, so we have a "Little Green" carpet cleaner. We feel Lucy is one of our family and want the best for her, so we care for her like we would ourselves, i.e. good food, doctor visits, meds. When she is in pain, or can no longer care for herself the vet will tell us it time. Until then all we can do is give her the love and care she needs.