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My old cat with liver issues won't eat. Should I consider euthanasia?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 13 years and 10 months old

My cat was diagnosed with high liver enzymes and was on a drip in hospital. He came home to me on Saturday and hasn't eaten since. He is drinking and weeing still but just sleeping all day and can barely walk (only a few steps) he had lost lots of weight beforehand and wasn't diagnosed quickly (he's always been overweight) my partner wants to keep trying him on a drip but the vet seems reluctant and I feel it may be best to let him go peacefully at home. He's about 14 years old. Please advise?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

Poor guy. It is tough when you are in these situations where you are deciding on continued care (which isn’t 100% guarantees to work) or Humane euthanasia. Unfortunately we don’t have enough information about your cats particular case to help you decide things here. Perhaps a consultation would be best to comb through all of the details such as lab work findings (even seeing the normals is quite helpful), medications tried so far, and his physical exam findings would also be helpful. But generally speaking if your pet is ill from liver disease, which can be any condition such as hepatitis, hepatic lipidosis (carries a poorer prognosis unless aggressive treatment is implemented including a feeding tube in most situations), liver cancer or even gallbladder disease can cause elevated liver enzymes, then it’s best fo an abdominal ultrasound to determine what specific liver condition is present. The prognosis of your pet should be determined by your vet and then carefully considered when determining if continued care should be done or if Humane euthanasia is the better option. I hope this helps and best wishes moving forward with a good decision regarding Elmo’s care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like Elmo has hepatic lipidosis. The only way to help is to keep him on the drip and have a feeding tube placed so that he gets nutrition. This syndrome can be reversed (if this is what he has and if there are no other contributing factors). I cannot diagnose over the internet but that is what is sounds like he has going on. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1455 If you cannot do this treatment then I suggest you have him humanely euthanized. I am sure he is suffering so passing at home will not be peaceful and actually, in my opinion, is cruel. Just because cats don't complain like we would does not mean he is not suffering. I am sorry you are dealing with this. If you have more questions feel free to post again. Best wishes.

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