Would it be wrong if i took my mothers neglected cat to a no kill shelter

[CatLover49]

Yes. He does.

I was going to answer his other message thread until I saw this one.



No, thyroid issues are absolutely not a good reason to euthanize a cat.

It's not like kidney failure or cancer or something like that. Cats can live with thyroid problems, just fine, if they are taken care of. In some cases, thyroid problems are transitory, meaning that they seem to go away by themselves.

Read here: Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Cats | petMD

In my opinion, hypothyroid is just one of those things that happens to cats when they get old. It's a natural part of the aging process. This is how Mother Nature tells us that your cat is getting ready to pass on to the next life.

Your job as a cat's main human is to help her transition to the next life by making her as comfortable as possible until the time comes.

If the cat is in pain or otherwise suffering it MIGHT be reasonable to euthanize but, in this case, the cat is likely NOT suffering. She's just growing old.

O.P. mentioned that the cat lives out of a garage or something like that. Right?

What about making a nice place in the garage for the cat to stay where she can be warm, comfortable and well fed until she comes to the end of her road? Make her a nice bed to sleep in. Give her a "kitty condo" to live in. A clean box with the front cut out like a miniature dog house would fit the bill, nicely. Put some of her favorite food and some clean water nearby.

You should want your cat to know that she was loved and cared for in her old age before she passes on.

You SHOULDN'T want to uproot your cat from her home, throw her in a cage at some animal shelter until she dies or put her to sleep in some sterile hospital room. That's heartless!

Don't forget your mother. She probably understands that the cat is old and is coming to the end of her road. She might even understand that thyroid problems are just a symptom of aging. Maybe she's already trying to make the cat comfortable until she transitions.

I don't see any evidence that O.P. has even considered that. It only seems like he's fixated on taking his mother's cat away and killing her. Put the cat's issues aside for a moment and ask yourself, "Do you really want to hurt your mother like that?"

It's her cat. She's probably known this cat for a decade or more. It's been your mother's friend and companion for all that time. Now, you're planning to throw it all away?

That's some pretty selfish behavior.

I'm guessing that your mother is elderly, as well. If I was you, I wouldn't want there to be such a dark cloud over the last years of my relationship with my mother.

Consider this... If your mother is elderly and her cat is elderly... Maybe they are ushering EACH OTHER to the next life.

Taking the cat away, putting her into a shelter or euthanizing her is only turning a beautiful thing into pain and heartbreak.

Very selfish n unlovin behavior...

 

[Nick1302]

I really hope u still have the cat...n gonna get the meds the kitty needs...N GONNA keep the kitty...And u need to reply to us members..out of respect u came on the site for help..Well u need to answer our questions..n keep us updated..In order for members to give accurate advice...Just saying...How old is ure mom??And how old is the kitty???

I apologize, that is rather rude. It turns out the cat does have hyperthyroidism. My mom missed the call from the vet yesterday when they called to explain this, so she wasnt able to get the meds yesterday, because the vet was closed when she realized they called her. They are open right now, but she doesnt usually get going until around 11, and the vet closes at 12, and opens again at 1. I said we are probably going to have to keep the cat inside to make sure we are able to administer the medication. She said no, because the cat has been outdoors all its life. She also said that the cat has been here in the morning, and at night, so it should work. Well, the cat wasnt here yesterday morning, or last night. She was here about 4 this morning, but shes. Ot here now. She and I are going to go talk to the vet about it today, so maybe they will reccomend to her keeping the cat inside.

 

[Nick1302]

Very selfish n unlovin behavior...

I was never planning on euthanizing the cat. Honestly, that's something I could see mom wanting to do. My mom didnt even want to take the cat to the vet to get tested for hyperthyroidism in the first place. I told her if it has hyperthyroidism, than it would have a very painfull death, and she told me the cat I'd old, and is going to die anyway. I took it upon myself, and took it to the vet. The cat does have hyperthyroidism, and I am planning on making sure it gets the treatment ot needs. My mother would rather just keep the cat outside, and administer the medication when the cat happens to show up.

 

[Nick1302]

I really hope u still have the cat...n gonna get the meds the kitty needs...N GONNA keep the kitty...And u need to reply to us members..out of respect u came on the site for help..Well u need to answer our questions..n keep us updated..In order for members to give accurate advice...Just saying...How old is ure mom??And how old is the kitty???

My mom is only 57

 

[Nick1302]

My mom is only 57

The cat is 14 1/2

 

[CatLover49]

I apologize, that is rather rude. It turns out the cat does have hyperthyroidism. My mom missed the call from the vet yesterday when they called to explain this, so she wasnt able to get the meds yesterday, because the vet was closed when she realized they called her. They are open right now, but she doesnt usually get going until around 11, and the vet closes at 12, and opens again at 1. I said we are probably going to have to keep the cat inside to make sure we are able to administer the medication. She said no, because the cat has been outdoors all its life. She also said that the cat has been here in the morning, and at night, so it should work. Well, the cat wasnt here yesterday morning, or last night. She was here about 4 this morning, but shes. Ot here now. She and I are going to go talk to the vet about it today, so maybe they will reccomend to her keeping the cat inside.

Im NOT trying to be rude..

 

[Nick1302]

The fact that you care enough to come here and ask questions I think speaks volumes. Not to mention taking him/her to the Vet. That's pretty wonderful.

Have the tests come back yet for kitty? What's their name?

If your mom really doesn't want to care for the kitty and you really don't then I would spend the time finding a rescue group to help. A shelter is no place for a cat if it can be avoiding. Not that shelters are bad but cats don't do well confined like that and that makes it's harder. Shelters are the last resort IMHO. Even no-kill.

Take your time thinking it over all the options.

XOXOXO



If the above is accurate I think that's not an option. Euthanizing for thyroid - yeah - no. There is no need for that. Find a rescue group to take kitty.

If you need help, let us know whereabouts you live and someone here can probably help you find a rescue group that is close to you that can help.

PS - BTW I had two dogs with Thyroid issues. I don't know where it's like where you live but I had the vet write a prescription to take down to the pharmacy as the meds were cheaper.

I was never planning on euthanizing the cat, but unfortunately, that's something I might be able to see my mother doing. When my dog had 2 mast cell tumors, I had to get them removed for about $1,000. I told my mom I would be willing to do it again and again if that's what it took. She told I should just have her euthanized if it got to that point. She unfortunately didnt make it through the first surgery, due to the cancer already spreading to my lungs, but do you see were I'm getting at. If shes willing to have a 3 year old dog down, than surely she wouldnt have much trouble euthanizing, and old cat, which might end up costing thousands to treat in the years leading to its death.

 

[Nick1302]

Im NOT trying to be rude..

No, I was apologizing for being rude. Sorry...

 

[CatLover49]

I was never planning on euthanizing the cat, but unfortunately, that's something I might be able to see my mother doing. When my dog had 2 mast cell tumors, I had to get them removed for about $1,000. I told my mom I would be willing to do it again and again if that's what it took. She told I should just have her euthanized if it got to that point. She unfortunately didnt make it through the first surgery, due to the cancer already spreading to my lungs, but do you see were I'm getting at. If shes willing to have a 3 year old dog down, than surely she wouldnt have much trouble euthanizing, and old cat, which might end up costing thousands to treat in the years leading to its death.

I was under the impression ure mom was elderly from reading some of the other members replys..thats why I asked ure mom n cats age...No harm meant...And was under the impression YOU..no offense...was just trying to get rid of the cat.. I apologize if I overstepped...

 

[She's a witch]

But can vet even euthanize a cat for non life threatening issue? Is this even legal, and if so, within ethical veterinary standards?

 

[CatLover49]

But can vet even euthanize a cat for non life threatening issue? Is this even legal, and if so, within ethical veterinary standards?

I sure hope NOT

 

[Caspers Human]

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism? I'm unclear on which.

HypER- means the cat's body is making TOO MUCH thyroid hormone.

HypO- means the cat's body is making TOO LITTLE thyroid hormone.

Neither is painful, PROVIDED, the cat gets the care she needs.

I get the impression that you are worried about things that aren't as bad as they seem.

Yes, your mom's cat needs care but, no, this isn't the end of the world. Don't let your worries push you into making rash decisions.

Take things as they come, one day at a time.

Solve problems rationally and thoughtfully and things will come out as well as they can.

 

[CatLover49]

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism? I'm unclear on which.

HypER- means the cat's body is making TOO MUCH thyroid hormone.

HypO- means the cat's body is making TOO LITTLE thyroid hormone.

Neither is painful, PROVIDED, the cat gets the care she needs.

I get the impression that you are worried about things that aren't as bad as they seem.

Yes, your mom's cat needs care but, no, this isn't the end of the world. Don't let your worries push you into making rash decisions.

Take things as they come, one day at a time.

Solve problems rationally and thoughtfully and things will come out as well as they can.

I agree

 

[FeralHearts]

I was never planning on euthanizing the cat, but unfortunately, that's something I might be able to see my mother doing. When my dog had 2 mast cell tumors, I had to get them removed for about $1,000. I told my mom I would be willing to do it again and again if that's what it took. She told I should just have her euthanized if it got to that point. She unfortunately didnt make it through the first surgery, due to the cancer already spreading to my lungs, but do you see were I'm getting at. If shes willing to have a 3 year old dog down, than surely she wouldnt have much trouble euthanizing, and old cat, which might end up costing thousands to treat in the years leading to its death.

I'm glad and I understand now. I have a family member who views animals pretty much the same way.

Bless you for making the efforts that you are.

Ther is NO shame in not being able to care for the Cat properly yourself. It is a commitment. I can see you are really trying to help but are stuck.

.... but if they need to be moved, please try a rescue.

But can vet even euthanize a cat for non life threatening issue? Is this even legal, and if so, within ethical veterinary standards?

Yes - but - it depends on where you live.

In many of the US states and Canadian provinces, animals have NO rights. They are considered property. It's pretty disturbing. We've been fighting a long time to have them recognized with their own set of rights across the board.

Edit to add: I would hope most Vets would refuse that ... the problem in refusing is... what is that person going to do with/to the animal? And that is a separate heartwrenching topic. :-(

 

[jefferd18]

What of she agreed to let me take it to the shelter, and I did that? Would it be wrong that I'd rather do that than for the meds?

It is not as simple as up and taking her to a no-kill shelter, most of them (especially this time of year), have a long waiting list. If you take her to the Humane Society or just any shelter, you are condemning her to death.

Ask friends, ask family, veterinarians, and rescue groups.

 

[shebaa]

Have you tried having a pet for your anxiety? sometimes all a person needs is a pet. why not try caring for him/her. And also its one or the other, not a IT
And you can get pet prescriptions online, they are much cheaper than from your vet.

 

[Caspers Human]

Have you tried having a pet for your anxiety? sometimes all a person needs is a pet. why not try caring for him/her. And also its one or the other, not a IT
And you can get pet prescriptions online, they are much cheaper than from your vet.

Yes, it's absolutely true that having a pet can have therapeutic effects for your emotions and overall health.

When I was in school, I was taught that it is proper to refer to an animal as "it" when you don't know the animal's gender or when you are unfamiliar with the animal or the owner. However, after somebody introduces you to the animal and tells you whether it's a boy or a girl, it is okay to refer to the animal as "he" or "she" as the case may be.

For instance, if you were a wildlife biologist studying animals in nature, it is more proper to refer to animals as "it."

If you were a veterinarian speaking of animals in a clinical setting, it is more proper to refer to animals as "it" but, if you were talking to a client about their pet, it is more proper to refer to the animal as "he" or "she."

When a person speaks of an animal in the wrong context it makes them seem like they are being cold when they should be friendly or overly familiar when they should be neutral.

 

[Willowy]

Cats almost never get hypothyroid. It's always hyperthyroid in cats for some reason.

I've found that it's almost never best to remove a pet from a substandard home, unless the pet is really being abused. If you do that, they'll just get another pet, and that one won't be used to their home and may suffer worse. It's best to provide food or meds or whatever yourself and keep the cat in their own home.

 

[1 bruce 1]

From what I remember, thyroid medicines are some of the most inexpensive out there.
I'm sorry your anxiety makes you unable to care for a pet, but the fact you care enough to ask for input and want ideas, makes me think you're more able than you think. I'm not pushing you to adopt her, or any other animal at all, just paying you a compliment
Some shelters have come far, and have more habitat like areas than cages. Some have foster programs or just kind hearted folk who work or volunteer there that prefer to adopt seniors. So if you do go this route, go that extra mile and do some research. Visit them if you can.

 

[Leomc123]

nick your mother sounds like a family memeber of mine, if it was up to them to pay for medication or to euthanize the cat, they would go for let the cat be as it is until it dies or euthanize it, but i will never allow it until it is trully time to euthanize for the right reasons.

Nick you are a doing a wonderful thing looking after your mothers cat, if you are taking the cat to the vet and trying to get meds, then i think you will be fine with looking after this poor cat. If your mom doesnt want to allow the cat to be an indoor cat, are you able to allow the cat to sleep in the garage or laundry or a make a cheap cattery with cage wire or something similar.

I some how think that your mother will be stubborn in letting the cat stay inside the house. I hope she changes her mind and allows the cat to be indoors.