My senior cat has advanced cancer. What are my end-of-life options?

Question

My senior cat has been diagnosed with a malignant mammary tumor and my oncologist told me that it was in several mammary glands and multiple areas of her lungs. She also told me that she had thickened intestines. She told me that my cat has 1 - 3 more months left to live . Because she is so thin and frail and says that she believes that she would not survive the anesthesia or the surgery to remove the entire chain of mammary glands. What are my options under these circumstances? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

First off, I'm very sorry that Mama Kitty has mammary tumors! Unfortunately, 90% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant. I think your best option in this case is to enjoy the time you have left with her. Spoil her, give her lots of love and attention, feed her favorite foods (but not ones that are toxic!). Spend as much time with her as you can. Monitor her in regards to her quality of life, and if that starts to decline (i.e. she stops eating, stops drinking, loses more weight, becomes very lethargic, appears to be pain), then it's time to discuss with your vet humane euthanasia. It's a hard thing to do, but it will allow her to go peacefully and without any further pain. You can keep in touch with your vet to discuss her quality of life which will help you make an informed and objective decision. I work for a home euthanasia service and help owners with these decisions all the time, so if you'd like to talk with me further, you can request a consult with me. Just click the consult online button under my answer. Otherwise, again I'm sorry and I hope this helps somewhat.

My senior cat has advanced cancer. What are my end-of-life options?

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