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

Question

Hello, My cat Bugger has skin cancer which can't be treated. He is taking 5 mg. of Prednisolone daily along with b12 shots weekly. His weight is good. His appetite is fine. I don't feel now is the time to put him to sleep. His vet has no opinion. From what I told you what do you think? Thank you. Linda. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 17 years and 7 months old

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry that you and Bugger have been through so much together during his skin cancer management. Deciding when to euthanize a beloved pet is never easy and there often isn't a clear cut, black and white answer. Instead, we're left with a lot of maybes, what ifs, and gray areas. I think it's important to consider Bugger's overall quality of life. Namely, can he still do most of the things that he always used to enjoy? That may have meant chasing a bell ball or laser pointer, jumping onto a sunny perch, or following you around the house. If he's struggling to do many of his favorite things, that's a good indication that his quality of life isn't what it used to be. Eating and drinking are all well and good, but that doesn't always tell the whole picture. Based on your description, I simply don't have enough information in order to guide you one way or the other. Instead, I think it's important for you to try to take a step back and objectively assess Bugger. OSU has a quality of life guide that I think is really helpful in making these objective and less emotional assessments. Ultimately, when we make the decision to euthanize a pet, we do it as a kindness to them to ease their suffering, even though it can be gut-wrenching for us. I'm wishing you and Bugger all the best through this challenging time. https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-decision-of-euthanizing-your-pet/

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

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