I have an old (over 20) year old cat, I adopted him years ago from a neighbor who was ill. He and I have had a routine for years, I get up to find him staring at me waiting for his canned food. Get up, take his bowl in to clean it, use the rest room, wash his bowl and put on the coffee. Then feed His Majesty. For the last two days he's just slept. His vet said he was okay, just old. Yesterday he missed his litterbox for the first time. He got in the litter box but not all the way so he urinated on the floor. He is not in pain, he ate a little of his food (I took it to him) and ate a few of his treats.I won't let him suffer. But I will sure miss him.

I wish I had a solid answer for you but I don't even though we went through the same thing this year with two of my mom's cats.As you suspect, I think his time is near. One of my mom's cats (male) started doing the same thing - missing the box. It got worse to the point he was going everyplace but the box. Finally one day he was clearly in pain. Took to the vet who said he had a bunch of tumors blocking his bladder and there was nothing we could do. It wasn't even detectable before that. So we had to say our goodbyes to him.So just watch him closely though it's hard because cats don't want to show pain. You know better than anyone else if his habits or personality change. Good luck,Scott

He looks pretty good for a 20 year old. I had one who made it to 23. It was during the last six months that it became obvious "that" time was approaching. He became lethargic, started to drink a lot and lost a lot of weight.

I think my Mom put it best when we were facing this with our 16 year-old Golden ... "You will know."

Good luck with your decision. Yes, 20 is getting up there. I know how hard this can be.

How do you know it's Time? It was time. | Good Sam Community

41 Replies

nabi
Explorer
May 03, 2015
I know I sound like a broken record but I firmly believe that it is the most loving thing we can do for our fur family members. We can help them along on their journey when life becomes to painful to endure... ...with our human family members we frequently have to watch them have a very slow and often painful death without any other recourse...your kitty knew she was loved...
Uppercrust
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
Sorry for your loss, it is never easy losing a loved furbaby.
rwj146
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
My Thanks to all for the kind comments. Kind words do help. My best wishes to everyone, Bob J.
_tpc_
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
*Hugs* Very sorry for your loss. :(
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
Knowing that you did the right thing still doesn't fill that giant hole-in-the-heart when they're gone. I DID giggle about you going out in the rain to buy your cat's favorite treat - it shows the kind of love and friendship that allowed him to enjoy a wonderful long life :-) (((HUGS!)))
xteacher
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your kitty is in a better place; it's the ones left behind that it's hardest on.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
Heartfelt condolences. Losing your best furry friend is never easy.
brewjaz
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
So sorry for the loss of your sweet kitty. You did the right thing by letting him go while he still had his dignity--your decision was the right one. Keep the memories of the good times with him--he'll always be with you in your heart.
CA_POPPY
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
Ohhh, sorry! But bless your vet who called it the way he saw it. No use prolonging the inevitable at that point. I know you will miss your fuzzy friend, and of course we all understand...
rwj146
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
It was time..

So many things wrong, but mostly just old age. Kidneys failing, an infection ( Dr. told me what it was but I Forget) and best case scenario 3 more months at best.

I don't have the way with words that Bryan does with his eulogy to Keiss, but I lost a faithful companion. And friend.