17 yr old cat losing weight

by Cindy
(corona ca)

Hello. My 17 yr old Siamese was diagnosed with a lung infection 2 yrs ago we exhausted all antibiotics so they told us to take him home and see what happened, well he is still alive but the cough and labored breathing never went away He now has lost weight to the point that he is just skin and bones 4 lbs! but he has a great appetite , he is only defecating 2 or 3 raisin sized bowel movements every day or two and they are very hard.He drinks water and urinates quite a bit or as much as my other cat does and can still jump up onto a high counter top. He coughs up a foamy substance every day sometimes throughout the day. He is lethargic somedays but other days he is up and moving around a bit. I dont have the money for another expensive procedure last time they levaged his throat and cleared his lungs and it cost me over $1000.00 so I cant afford to take him to the vet and I dont want to put him through that again. He also has started tearing at things like pillow cases his bed or blankets. I am guessing he may be in pain and that is why he is doing that. I really love him and hes like a member of the family but I am afraid that maybe the humane thing is to have him euthanized. I hate that idea and just about have a panic attack every time I think about it. I had a beagle with a brain tumor and when the vet at Banfield put him down he was still awake and he cried out in pain and keeled over dead and that has haunted me ever since. So I have been praying that he will just go to sleep and not wake up, however I know that may be awhile so I would like to know what I can do about his pain and or if you think I should let him go. Also how can I make sure he is put down humanely without any pain? I know this is a long letter but I appreciate you taking the time to read it and respond.

Thank you Cindy

Answer from Kate
Hi, I'm sorry to hear of your cats distress etc. It does rather sound like he may be coming to the end of his days. He may have another health problem which is causing the weight loss. Thyroid problems
http://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-thyroid.html

heart problems
http://www.our-happy-cat.com/feline-heart-disease.html

diabetes
http://www.our-happy-cat.com/feline-diabetes.html

to mention just a few.

Unfortunately your cat needs to be properly diagnosed by a vet to ascertain the true cause.

if you have a good vet he should advise you of all the options and their possible outcomes etc. this way this will allow you to make a decision about whether or not it would be kinder to let your cat go, especially as it sounds like he has other health issues too and he is rather old now.

I had to have a cat put to sleep last year and it was the hardest thing i have ever had to do. But i know i made the right decision for her and that gives me peace of mind.

I cant comment on your terrible experience with your dog, in my experience euthanasia is quick, painless and should be done in a calm quiet situation. Speak to your vet about your past experience and your concerns if this is what you decide to do. A good vet should be able to reassure you etc and also give you option. if you are not happy with what your vet says etc, then simply find another vet.

My heart goes out to you at this difficult time and I hope that whatever you decide you will know that you did the best thing for your cat.

best wishes KAte

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/pet-euthanasia.html