On Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:40:22 -0400, "David McCracken"
wrote:

The first pet I've ever owned is very sick and is being treated for
lymphoma. Despite her illness, she still has the strength to do her usual
routine; she still eats, uses the litter box, etc. Her personality is still
there.

I've had some friends tell me they think I'm prolonging her suffering and
she should be killed. In three months, I've spent thousands on chemo
treatments and other tests and procedures, as I would for any daughter of
mine.

Personally, I believe I'm in the best position to judge whether or not she's
suffering. She's certainly not in any pain, is still affectionate --she's
still herself in many respects.

But since this is my first cat and I've never had to euthanize an animal, I
do wonder if I'm dragging things out.

I'm curious how other, more experienced pet owners out there have wrestled
with this. Some people have told me I'll "just know" when the right time
will be.

Thanks and I appreciate any insight.



My favorite cat had lymphoma and it was just real hard to tell when it
was time. He was taking prednisone alternating with a chemo drug, the
name escapes me at the moment. Luka something I think. Anyway, from
the time he got sick he seemed to be ok once on chemo, but he never
climbed the cat tree again. He used to sit on the bottom level where I
put a very soft pad for him.

I think that was a clue that he was always a bit dizzy and not really
feeling well. I went with the treatment (and yes, the whole thing was
very expensive) because I was told that he could live another 18
months with a high quality of life. He didn't. He lived maybe 5 months
and I'm not at all sure that he had much of a happy time at the end.

Cats do cover up their pain and discomfort very well so it can be
tough to know what to do. Unlike dealing with a human daughter, cats
can't talk and you can't euthanize a human even though we might want
to.

I hated the daily struggle to get him to take his pills. It got easier
as it went along but he knew it was coming and always put up a
struggle. I ended up getting them compounded into a cream that I could
just put in his ear. Not as effective perhaps, but less trouble.

I don't think you're at the point of euthanasia yet. If she's still
doing the things she always did, then let her keep on. I did wait too
long with Nico though. If you notice that she no longer climbs the cat
tree, or that she is losing interest in things that used to attract
her, then it's getting close. It's the toughest part of pet ownership.