I have a 17 year old Ragdoll whose health is on a rapid decline: not eating as much, missing her litter box, horrible arthritis, back legs give out when she walks. She recently got a Solensia shot for her arthritis, but it does not seem to be helping. The vet said I could let her go at any time I am ready - I don't think I could ever be ready to let her go. For those who had a fur baby in a similar situation, how did you handle it? Did you get a second opinion or try another medication? How did you know it was time to let them go?
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Rapid Decline in Health
- Thread starter ABJackson
- Start Date
Hi and welcome to TCS, despite what brought you here. Has your cat has had full scale blood work done? There are a number of treatable diseases that might apply to what you are describing.
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- #3
Yes, she had a full checkup with blood work and all. He tried to take her blood pressure as she is blind, but it all comes back normal. I know there are other meds that we can try for her arthritis and am willing to try anything. I go back on the 26th, but may go in earlier to re-review her blood work. Thanks for reminding me of the blood work!
I know with my cat it took 3 months to see any real change with Solensia. But, I had to stop it shortly after because she became itchy. There is also Adequan, another injection for arthritic pain. It also contains a joint supplement, unlike Solensia. I believe it takes at least 2 injections for the first month, and then it is monthly like Solensia.
Lower sided litter boxes might be an option if that is what is causing her to 'miss' the box. She could be given an appetite stimulant to see if that helps with her eating, maybe some anti-nausea meds as well. Perhaps, she needs some pain meds too.
Honestly, I find it hard to believe that her blood work is all normal. So, her blood pressure was normal too?
Lower sided litter boxes might be an option if that is what is causing her to 'miss' the box. She could be given an appetite stimulant to see if that helps with her eating, maybe some anti-nausea meds as well. Perhaps, she needs some pain meds too.
Honestly, I find it hard to believe that her blood work is all normal. So, her blood pressure was normal too?
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- #5
Blood pressure was normal, but I want to go back and sit down with the vet and go through all the blood work and have him explain line by line what it means - maybe I am not understanding something he said. I was visibly upset when he said just love on her until you decide to let her go. I may go ahead with another shot but will also ask about the Adequan. I got the lower sided litter boxes, I have only had them for 2 days so hopefully they will help.
You can also ask for the vet to send you a copy of the blood work via email. There are generally ranges included that would tell you if anything is off. If you see something, you could post them here to see if anyone knows what they might mean, or even better, call the vet and ask to talk about it instead of waiting for the 26th.
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- #7
I was born and raised in Columbus, OH but moved down here in 1982. Did not go to OSU, but am a big fan.
To answer your question about time, I look at the quality of life. When you've done all you can do medically and your baby is having more bad days than good days and they stop doing the things that used to bring them joy, then it's time. They will tell you, but you have to be open to hearing it. It's very difficult letting a beloved pet go, but it's the last loving act of compassion you can show them.
I've found when they can't "be a cat anymore", it's time to let them go. That means, they can't/wont eat, no matter what anyone has tried, aren't drinking without human intervention on a more than temporary basis, can't walk, move, breathe, use the litter box or have remotely normal poo/pee habits. If they hide in a dark place all day instead of socializing or seeking stimulation, if they're depressed despite all the medication and treatments...that's when it's time to look them in the eyes and ask them if they still want to be here.
Of course, we want them to say yes, and many cats will hang on way too long just for you. It's the hardest call to make and 100% up to you along with your vet.
I have a boy who will be 20 in January. No teeth, IBD and bouts of terrible diarreah tracking poo all over the house wherever he sits, hyperthyroid, hypertension, Stage II kidney disease, enlarged heart, allergies (food and environment), dermatitis, flea medication allergy, psychogenic alopecia and asthma requiring an inhaler.
I can't tell you how many time family, friends and coworkers have suggested I "put him down" because "my life revolves around his care and it's expensive."
But he enjoys his food still. He drinks water. He tries his best in the litter box (lots of cleaning and butt wiping happen around here). He will still chase a toy, enjoys the catio, lies on the table whilst I work and in every other way makes it clear that despite the pills, the transdermal meds, the inhalers, the frequent vet visits, butt baths in the sink and ear cleanings from the transdermals-- he is still glad to be here.
If the day comes when he is no longer that way, I will know it's time. Until then, I'll fight as long as he wants to.
Of course, we want them to say yes, and many cats will hang on way too long just for you. It's the hardest call to make and 100% up to you along with your vet.
I have a boy who will be 20 in January. No teeth, IBD and bouts of terrible diarreah tracking poo all over the house wherever he sits, hyperthyroid, hypertension, Stage II kidney disease, enlarged heart, allergies (food and environment), dermatitis, flea medication allergy, psychogenic alopecia and asthma requiring an inhaler.
I can't tell you how many time family, friends and coworkers have suggested I "put him down" because "my life revolves around his care and it's expensive."
But he enjoys his food still. He drinks water. He tries his best in the litter box (lots of cleaning and butt wiping happen around here). He will still chase a toy, enjoys the catio, lies on the table whilst I work and in every other way makes it clear that despite the pills, the transdermal meds, the inhalers, the frequent vet visits, butt baths in the sink and ear cleanings from the transdermals-- he is still glad to be here.
If the day comes when he is no longer that way, I will know it's time. Until then, I'll fight as long as he wants to.
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I don't want to hijack the OP's post, but I really need to comment on this and to thank you for what you said. You made me burst into tears and I can't stop, but I am so glad I read this.
I am currently dealing with a cat who is hungry but won't eat much. But he drinks, uses the box, cuddles (as much as he is not a cuddler), he comes out when I have people over, he gets his nose in my business, etc. He has ALWAYS had an appetite so I am extremely concerned and actually just posted a very long incoherent thread. I have been scared that his kidney disease may have suddenly accelerated from stage 2 to end stage since October but it doesn't seem end stage. Like he could fit some criteria, but not really. When I had to make the choice for my other one, I really had no choice. She had an oral tumor and couldn't groom (which she did like 15 hours a day) and she couldn't be loved on (she was a drooler by nature when she was happy, and the tumor created lots of saliva and she would choke on the excess if we pet her). I couldn't let her die in a corner alone and I knew there was nothing I could do. Jan 2 will be two years and I am still not done grieving her.
All that to say...I am so afraid of holding on to my baby too long for selfish reasons. I know people think that I am already going way too far trying to get him back to normal after a tumultuous year. But I am so, SO very thankful and relieved to see that someone else has the same perspective and I don't feel so much like a monster.
Thank you, so so much from the bottom of my heart. I needed to hear it's ok to keep trying even if he's not fully independently functional.
My old boy (stage 2 CDK) will not eat without Mirtaz transdermal. Even so, he needs something with scent, variety and texture. Today we had a 4 hour drive with the other two cats in the car. He is slow to eat his RAWZ additive and gum free wet food and his hydrolyzed dry food. So I put a packet of Hartz Delectables mousse on top and that got him going. He has IBD and the Delectibles don't have the thickeners he's most sensitive to. But it got him eating something...anything. I know cats can get car sick too.If your cat doesn't have IBD, protein allergies or additive allergies, I would as for either Mirtazipine (pills) or Mirataz (cream transdermal). Then offer a buffet...mousse treat, straight chicken or fish like Reveal Natural Wet Cat food as a topper. It's straight up chicken or fish in broth and even my super picky guy cant resist at least a bit of that. Offer some dry, some wet, some soupy, some like real meat and see what happens. Sometimes, once the taste of the food they want hits their stomach (and brain) they get the signal to eat more.
Sometimes, its also a smell issue. As they get older, their sense of smell, taste, and hearing can falter along with their vision. I put a squirt of Omega 3 fish oil in wet food to get it stinky enough, or a few drops of bacon-scented B-Complex liquid and that has been very successful so far.
Today was hard. We drove 4 hours, Old Squeaky pooped 5 minutes out of the driveway despite "going" quite a bit this morning. He pees an hour later. A the halfway point I stopped for gas and switched out the two huge puppy training pads in his carrier for a new one He sat in it and it was all over him. An hour later he pooped and peed again. He's on prednisolone so can't help the peeing but the horrible poops are the worst. Needless to say, I had a face mask with a filter handy and had to wear it for the last hour.
Got here, called ahead and had Mom fill the tub with 2 inches of warm water and get some towels handy. Washed and dried him, disinfected the carrier, fed everyone and now that everyone is settled in, Old Squeaky is glad to be here, at "the Christmas house" for another holiday.
Eating is a daily battle, litter box issues persist. Every day is lots of medicine but he's already enjoying life and we just got here. We'll be here for over a month and while today was a stinking mess, I know he's glad we're here.
Sometimes, its also a smell issue. As they get older, their sense of smell, taste, and hearing can falter along with their vision. I put a squirt of Omega 3 fish oil in wet food to get it stinky enough, or a few drops of bacon-scented B-Complex liquid and that has been very successful so far.
Today was hard. We drove 4 hours, Old Squeaky pooped 5 minutes out of the driveway despite "going" quite a bit this morning. He pees an hour later. A the halfway point I stopped for gas and switched out the two huge puppy training pads in his carrier for a new one He sat in it and it was all over him. An hour later he pooped and peed again. He's on prednisolone so can't help the peeing but the horrible poops are the worst. Needless to say, I had a face mask with a filter handy and had to wear it for the last hour.
Got here, called ahead and had Mom fill the tub with 2 inches of warm water and get some towels handy. Washed and dried him, disinfected the carrier, fed everyone and now that everyone is settled in, Old Squeaky is glad to be here, at "the Christmas house" for another holiday.
Eating is a daily battle, litter box issues persist. Every day is lots of medicine but he's already enjoying life and we just got here. We'll be here for over a month and while today was a stinking mess, I know he's glad we're here.
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I am glad he made it through the car ride even though it sounds like it was quite the adventure!!
How would I determine what it is he could be/is allergic to, if that’s the problem? Since he was little he’s always been sensitive to random foods and treats but I’ve never figured out what the common thing is. And for the last several years he’s been content with his royal canin kibble and occasional wet food can. I noticed tonight after he licked up the liquid from his wet food he was rubbing the side of his nose. He did it the other day too. I assumed it was just his one grooming habit that he has left but it looked aggressive today, so I’m wondering if maybe there’s a sinus issue of some sort. He just had his teeth cleaned in October so I wouldn’t expect it to be a tooth issue already. I plan to call the vet Monday to see if I can get him in sooner than the end of the month for bloodwork. He’s not very cooperative at the vet even with gabapentin beforehand.
Thank you for your suggestions I am going to save them to try and see if any of them help!
The only way to really isolate sensitivities is to put the cat on a hydrolyzed protein diet for 6-8 weeks. My cat refused the two hydrolyzed wet foods in existence and won't even eat a daily portion of the hydrolyzed dry Young Agai Zero Mature LID. I think it fills him up so ne never finishes the 1/3 cup daily portion and he craves wet food. So I can never really get a real tab on whether it's a protein or an additive.
I tried replacing chicken with turkey, beef, fish, rabbit, veal, and venison--same results on all of them. So my cat is suddenly sensitive to ALL meat proteins literally overnight? That's what the vet was telling me. Then I looked closer at the ingredients in many of those foods....carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, agar agar--with carrageenan being in almost everything I was feeding, and it's known to cause IBD in cats over time literally.
I cut that out immediately and returned him to his favorite chicken and he was improved. I tried chicken from RAWZ with no additives and no liners in the can that can worsen IBD. Again improved. His issue is an overall inflammation problem affecting his digestion, breathing, skin--immune-related. IBD and food/additive sensitivities can flare with no change in diet after a flare-up of asthma, dermatitis or other environmental factors.
Tonight he ate his RAWZ chicken with some Reveal chicken and broth topper and he only pooped once today. Yes, it wasn't a perfect poo but he's 20 and I think it's as good as it's gonna get.
They say each protein needs to be exclusively fed for 6-8 weeks to isolate whether it really is one....and that's after 6-8 weeks of a 100% hydrolyzed diet (no treats, no cheating) to cleanse the system of any residual effects.
I still feed the hydrolyzed carb free dry because it's more calories and hydrolyzed. I originally bought it for my diabetic cat and he went into remission on it. Now it's also a calorie boost for the old cat Squeaky. So after 2 years of experimentation, I am guessing he's not actually sensitive to a protein, but rather the additives and thickeners (and can liners) found in many wet foods.
