How do I know when to put down my cat?

by Shari
(Cary, IL)

My beautiful cat who is 18 is starting to really decline in health. She does not seem interested in her box anymore and drinks water all day. She then throws up clear to yellow liquid and sometimes the food as well. I have made an appointment for her but I am wondering if I should prepare my children for the worst. We lost our other cat last year (he was 18 at the time of death) and my kids were devastated. We knew it would only be a matter of time for Sabrina. I do not want to drag out her life and spend money I don't really have because of her age. Is this cruel? I am just curious if the yellow tinge in her throw-up might indicate a liver problem. Her eyes are white still but they are oozing on occasion. Any thoughts?

Answer by Kate
sorry for the late reply i am on holiday at the moment.
It does sound like your cat may be reaching the end of her happy healthy life but that is only my laymans opinion the vet will be the only one who can make recommendations. Often thyroid conditions can make your cat very thirsty and may also cause some throwing up. This can sometimes be treated with medication of an operation but with your cat being so old the vet may recoomend that it would be kinder to let her pass on.

If i was you i would start to prepare your children for the possibility of her passing on, as you say it will happen one day.

best wishes
Kate