I’ve got to go back to work, but I need to say this…our oldest cat, Stache is going to be put down on sunday. Her throid condition isn’t improving, she’s always hungry and can’t control her bowels. My wife loves that cat, but says she can’t let her live in this way just hoping she’d get better. I’m sad but I gotta go back to work.
I’m so sorry to hear this, and I know how hard it is to make this decision. I was faced with the same dilemma last September, with my oldest dog. It was nearly the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but after 16 years of wonderful companionship, it was also the last and kindest thing I could do for Jake. I’m still sad about losing him, but I don’t regret the decision I made. Nothing to offer except good vibes and moral support, but I hope you know that yours is the best decision you can make under such difficult circumstances.
I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
That sucks - I had to do the same thing, for the same reasons, to my Tosha late last year. It’s very hard, but you’ve made the right decision.
So sorry for you, Jolly Roger.
If you can afford a bit more cash and can find a vet to do it, having them come to your house to do it is so much more human IMO, particularly for a cat.
I’m so sorry. 
I know Stache will be remembered fondly.
I’m so sorry. I’ve had to make that decision several times, and it never gets easier. But you know it’s the right thing to do.
I’m sorry to hear this, Roger. I’ve had to do this with one of our cats for the very same reason. Trouble and Nosy were the first pets my wife and I got, before we were married, even. I still remember two 6 month old kitten faces peering out of the christmas tree that first year we had them. At the age of about 12 , Trouble started losing weight. He went from 14 lbs to about 7, and was still ravenous all the time. Finally the new vet diagnosed what was going on. The thyroid medications made a big difference, and he had several good years after that. Finally, though, he was losing weight again, and he was literally a bony cat-shaped lump who also couldn’t control his bowels. He could get right next to the litter box, but just wouldn’t or couldn’t get in it. At least this was on the basement floor. I took him to the vet one last time, knowing what was coming.
It will probably be very hard to do, but if you have this done at the vet’s clinic instead of at home like Billfish678 suggested, then stay in the room with Stache when this is done. She’s been a friend and companion and member of the family for years, probably. Let the last thing she sees and hears and smells be someone she loves.
I’m so sorry. I know how hard it is.
Last year I had to put down my oldest cat, who I got when I was 18 and had been with me my entire adult life. Then 6 months later the second oldest died who two years after getting the first cat, I found in a dumpster and took in. Neither was easy.
The oldest who had to be put to sleep, I took to a vet, they knocked her out, then 10 minutes later gave her the final injection. Her last time with me was me holding her as she fell asleep, purring the whole time.
If you have to do it, then do it that way.
Good luck, and I’m sorry you have to make that choice.
You have my heartfelt sympathies. Our cat Sal is now 20+ (we don’t know how old, exactly; we’re his second home and his previous owners found him as a stray) and is under medication for his thyroid. He’s lost weight in the past year and still seems perky, but I’m afraid the day is not far off when we’ll have to make the same decision you have. Savor the memories, and know that you have done your cat a last kindness.
Would you be willing to share a picture of Stache here?
Sending supporting thoughts your way. I got a dog last fall and she totally owns my heart, so I can’t imagine what it will be like when I’m in your position.
My sympathies, it’s a hard thing to go through.
don’t worry about it, it’s only a cat!
Thats a dickish thing to say. The cat has been a part of our family since we were married. As a matter of fact we got Stache on our first anniversary because when I asked my wife what kind of gift she would want she said “a cat”.
Stache is not just a cat, she’s our cat and shes been with us for fifteen years. She’s been a friend, a playmate and a comforting presence. She’s to europe with us twice. Seeing her in pain hurts and knowing we have to put her down hurts even worse.
Aw, geez. I’m so very sorry. We had to put our cat down this past October, and she was 18 years old. She was in kidney failure. I know the sadness you’re experiencing now, and will experience for some time to come. Just know you’re doing the right thing for Stache. You have my most sincere condolences.
Moderating
In this thread it’s just taking advantage of the OP and the other people in the thread to get a drive-by witticism off your chest, which nobody here thinks is funny. In other words, a textbook definition of being a jerk.
Don’t do this again.
For the Straight Dope
Spectre of Pithecanthropus
I’m so worried about doing the right thing. The wife spends more time with that cat. Honestly out of the four of them, only Banshee can considered “my” cat. I wouldn’t put Banshee down unless I knew she was in pain and suffering. The wife says Stache told her “its time”…and I believe her. (not that the cat actually spoke, but you know what I mean) Its just that ending her life…I don’t want to do it. I can’t force her to endure being miserable either, but I don’t want to say goodbye.
Yeah.
The situation royally sucks donkey balls. I was in the same place not long ago. Our 17 year old cat was finally succumbing to just general old age. You can look for a thread by me started in the BBQ pit called something like “Fuck, here goes the cat”. Some tear jerking details, but also some useful info too I think for someone in your position.
It sucks, but really, at some point, you ARE doing the right thing by bringing things to a close. Honestly, putting our cat down was more heartbreaking in someways than some friends and relatives that I’ve lost.
Wow, Jolly Roger, I’m sorry. And I’m sorry that someone felt the need to be a jerk in your thread.
‘My’ kitty, Ponch, is only about five years old, and hopefully I will have him for a long time to come. But I do love him, and can only imagine what it will be like when it’s finally his ‘time’. But it’s much more humane to put the kitty down now than to let it suffer.
It’s hard, I know, but it’s the right thing to do!
Hang in there. You and your wife will be in my thoughts.