Hey guys, My cat is ten or eleven years old. He began to show symptoms of disease around a month ago. Lumps began to grow under his skin, he ate less and less, and he had little energy. I have taken him to the vet several times. First, he was diagnosed with FIV. Following the physical, they determined that the majority of the lumps were cysts from a skin infection. He has two larger ones in his throat, but I was informed I’d need biopsies, CT scans, and lab work at another facility, which might cost up to $700, not including the expense of removal if they were tumors. I don’t have that type of money.
His kidneys and thyroid were both normal, according to his bloodwork. His teeth could use a cleaning, but a thorough exam would cost $200, which I don’t have till later next month. They offered me appetite stimulants for him, Mirtazapine (3.5mg per 24 hours), but they haven’t been particularly effective. He’s stopped eating dry food in the previous two weeks and now only eats wet food one to three times each day. I tried numerous varieties, but he just eats two. Drinks plenty of water yet still urinates and defecates.
He’s quite slim at this stage. Sleeps a lot. I have many areas set up around the house, and he cycles between them during the day. She still craves love and has the energy to jump into my lap. He doesn’t appear to be in agony, but seeing him deteriorate like this breaks my heart, and I’m considering euthanizing him.
I just wanted to see if there were any other possibilities before it came to that. I keep hope he’ll snap out of it and start eating again, but I know that’s unlikely.
7 Likes
I am not a vet, but that sounds like cancer to me, thus it is not ridiculous to euthanize him.
6 Likes
We got a kitty for my mom the year b4 she died. That was 17 years ago she was a grouchy old lady a little standoffish forever. Then she just got old and it was time lover her and let her go. It hurts but he shouldn’t.
5 Likes
If he has cysts on his neck, he may have difficulty eating. If he is otherwise healthy, having the cysts biopsied might be an excellent idea.
4 Likes
I am a vet tech. I am not your precessional, but I can provide broad recommendations based on my experience.
This sounds like cancer. Many times, we must measure the stress that diagnosis and treatment might cause to the pet against the actual value of determining what is wrong. It is normal to discover tumors or other grave illnesses after thousands of tests and have to euthanize the pet since the condition is incurable. Owners can save money and reduce their pet’s stress by assuming an untreatable sickness is likely based on the symptoms and providing palliative care. Given the symptoms you mention and your financial concerns, this strategy is entirely appropriate. I would ask your veterinarian if considering gentle euthanasia.
4 Likes
Thank you. I have already scheduled another appointment this week, and I’ll ask him that. I figured it was untreatable, just wanted to see if there was something I was missing.
3 Likes
It sounds identical to one of my cats. Her problem was a tumor on her liver.
I am sorry, but euthanasia is kinder for kittens.
2 Likes
Please make a selection that will benefit your cat. This is cancer, and there is no quality of life. Please be gentle. It’s better to be two weeks early than one minute late. It’s time. I am sorry.
2 Likes
Vet, and schedule euthanasia before it becomes awful.
1 Like
Quality of life is crucial. Even in New Hampshire, humans have the ability to terminate things. Cats cannot go to New Hampshire on their own, but you can help ensure that your cat does not suffer any longer.