My cat has lymphoma. How do I know when it's time to say goodbye?

Question

My cat was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma 6 weeks ago. His hymatocrty has dropped from 33/32/27/23/25/20 each week. He eats and moves around in the mornings. them in the afternoon he doesn't do much. He is never his old self. Do you have any resources for measuring quality of life, so I can make the best decisions for him. I know it's coming soon, but I don't want to do it too soon, he has been the best cat. I also don't want to selfishly make him suffer by waiting too long. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 14 years and 1 month old | 7.8 lbs

Emily, DVM · Accepted Answer

This is a very difficult situation for you to be in. When it comes to quality of life I advise owners to look at what things there cat enjoys doing and if they are still doing those things. Examples could be eating, playing, or interacting with you. If those factors are not what they should be then it is a matter of can this be fixed or not. For example if your cat is not eating due to nausea could we give him medication to make them feel better and eat. Or if they are weak due to anemia could we give a blood transfusion or stimulate the bone marrow to make more red cells to help them feel better. If though none of the interventions are acceptable to you then it might be time to assess the quality of life and end any suffering. Ultimately it is your decision about what constitutes Peter having a good quality of life and if those measures can be met or not realistically. As you know lymphoma ultimately is fatal. Some cats can do very well for a long period of time however with his dropping red cell level I am concerned about Peter's long-term prognosis.

My cat has lymphoma. How do I know when it's time to say goodbye?

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