What would you do?
 

One of my cats, Jesse has feline dementia. She is quite old, we're not exactly sure as she adopted us, but the vet estimates 13-15 yrs. Her kidneys are not great, but he says they are still functioning, but the dementia is really worrying me.

She has most of the symptoms, the worst being the howling at night. She sits in the kitchen howling in the most awful manner. It doesn't last long, but if you look at her eyes, you can see she is not "there". Once you pet or pick her up the howling stops and she goes back to normal. She also forgets that she has eaten and asks for food constantly, then looks at it and walks away. She does eat at her mealtimes though.

She also forgets to come to bed at night, she sleeps with us and the yorkies, and she will howl in the TV room as if she is lost:cry: until I fetch her.

She has lost a lot of weight and is a shadow of her former self. She gets a vitamin shot every few weeks to perk her up and help with the dementia, but
I don't think this is helping anymore.

She very seldom leaves my side and is very needy. Do any of you have any suggestions on what I can do to help her, should I PHTS:( The thought of that kills me, but if it is best for her?

Sheilagh

Aw, I'm so sorry. I have a cat named Daisy who looks just like her! The little white spot and everything. I can't tell you what to do, other than listen to your heart and do what you feel would be best for her. If she is in pain and suffering, then it might be best to PHTS. But if she isn't, why not let nature take its course? You know in your heart what is best for her. Sounds like she has had a great, loving life with you... just remember that!

Oh, Sheilagh, I am so sorry. Your Jesse is beautiful and I know this has to be breaking your heart. I just don't know what I would do were I in your position. I will pray that God will guide you to the right decision. Listen to your heart. God bless you all.

I know that is a very hard decision. My daughter is dealing with that with her cat right now. She knows that it is coming but it is hard. We have had to do that with several animals and it is always hard. You will know when the time is right.

Our last cat also had this but she did not howl, she would walk around the walls of the room like she was lost. You could see that she was not all there, we were lucky and the spells would only last a short time and they didn't happen every day. She was also diabetic and a heart mummur. She lived to be 16 years old. We had to put her down 1/1/07 not a good New Years. You will know when it is time, they seem to let you know. Take care she is a beautiful kitty.

she is beautiful and very lucky to have a caring owner the owner will know when the time comes though its always sad to lose a pet

I agree that you have to listen to your heart. It always makes me sad when someone is faced with this :( Sending warm thoughts your way. Jesse is beautiful and very lucky to have had a wonderful life with you and you with her.

{{{Sheilagh}}}} - Like many who are blessed to share our lives with the magnificent creatures God lends us, I have been faced with this decision several times. I agree: the owner knows "when" or "if".

I'm praying that God, in HIS infinite mercy, will take Jesse quietly - soon.

love and prayers to your family,
a

Thank you all for you kind thoughts. She is sleeping on my lap right now and I can feel every bone in her body. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, but is just not Jesse anymore. She has always been alpha in the house, even over the yorkies, but lately, Munchie and Nougar are vying for her position:( maybe this too is a sign. She also doesn't want to play with Coffee anymore, much to his disgust.

Our vet will be away for the whole of next week, I think I will watch her closely till he returns ( his Dad has cancer) and ask him (again) what he thinks and then, I guess I already know the answer.

Thank you for your prayers, I think we're going to need them.

Sheilagh

I agree you will know when the time has come. She is a beautiful cat.

I have never heard of that. How sad. I am so sorry.

:( Sheihlagh, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I believe that your kitty will let you know when it's time to let her go. There is a look that comes into their eyes that says "Please, Mama, help me". Believe me, you'll know. Consider yourself hugged!!

She's a beauty, but maybe I'm partial because I have a gray cat;)

The only way to feel any sort of comfort in having her PTS is if her quality of life just isn't the way it used to be. It sounds like she does still have good moments, but when those are few and far between its probably time to seriously consider PTS.

I had a cat that had this, she lived to 16. We decided to put her down when she couldn't control her bowels or walk right anymore. one of my cats howls at night....but he doesn't have dementia, I really don't know why he howls...but I know how you feel. You will know what the right decision is.

I'm sorry Saphire. It's a tough decision. We had to put our Newman down over the summer. He had cancer. It was not easy but as I look back I think that I did the right thing. Quality of life is what you have to ask yourself. You said she is a shadow of herself. I think you with that statement you have answered your own question?

Sometimes we have to do the most unselfish thing we can do and that is to let our baby go even though it hurts so.

I hope the best for you and your baby.

Elaine