As a cat owner, knowing when to say “Goodbye” is one of the hardest decisions you may face. Your cat is more than a pet—they are a beloved family member—and losing your whiskered pal can be intensely emotional. Our Just Cats Clinic team has put together this guide to help you understand common ailments in older cats, learn how to evaluate your whiskered pal’s quality of life and explore their options for end-of-life care.
Common ailments in aging cats
As cats age, they become susceptible to various health issues that can impact their quality of life. Recognizing common ailments and seeking appropriate treatment can add to your whiskered pal’s healthy years and help you make informed decisions about their care when the time comes. Watch for these common conditions in elderly cats:
- Arthritis — Arthritis causes stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Your cat may have difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or getting into and out of the litter box.
- Kidney disease — Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, decreased appetite, nausea, and dehydration.
- Hyperthyroidism — An overactive thyroid gland causes weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, high blood pressure, and poor coat condition.
- Diabetes — Diabetes causes excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and increased appetite.
- Cancer — Cancer signs vary but may include lumps under the skin, unexplained weight loss, or behavior changes.
- Heart disease — Heart disease causes weight loss, coughing, and exercise intolerance.
Assessing your cat’s quality of life
Deciding when to say ”Goodbye” often hinges on your cat’s quality of life. The ultimate goal is for your whiskered pal to have more good days than bad. When in doubt, discuss your concerns with our team so we explain how to assess your cat’s quality of life. Monitor your cat for the following:
- Daily activities — Monitor your cat’s ability to eat, drink, groom, and use the litter box.
- Pain — Subtle behavioral changes, such as hiding, reduced activity, poor appetite, or aggression, may indicate that your cat is in pain.
- Appetite and weight — Consistent weight loss or refusal to eat suggests a poor quality of life.
- Hydration — Dehydration is common in cats with conditions that accelerate water loss, making them feel unwell. Signs include lethargy, dry or sticky gums, and skin that does not return to normal after tenting.
- Mobility — Arthritis or other conditions that significantly impair mobility can prevent cats from using the litter box, grooming, or spending time in their favorite places.
- Social and emotional health — Cats who lose interest in socializing or participating in activities they once enjoyed may be suffering.
End-of-life care options for cats
If your cat develops a chronic or terminal disease and is approaching their final weeks or months, you have several options to consider. Palliative and hospice care are approaches that focus on managing signs, addressing pain, and ensuring comfort without attempts to cure underlying diseases. Our team will work with you and your cat to determine the most distressing aspects of their condition and find solutions.
Euthanasia is a compassionate option to prevent further suffering when your cat’s quality of life has significantly deteriorated and treatments are no longer adequate to control their discomfort. Euthanasia can be a peaceful experience for the cat and the owner, but saying “Goodbye” to a beloved friend is never easy. Consider euthanasia when your pet has more bad days than good, their condition is unlikely to improve, or when further treatments are no longer financially or emotionally feasible.
Deciding when to say “Goodbye” to your cat is a deeply personal and often heart-wrenching decision. Our Just Cats Clinic team is here to support you in caring for your cat and making the right decisions for your family. Contact us to schedule a consultation or to learn more about senior and end-of-life care for your whiskered pal.