My sick stray cat needs help. Should I put him down without a vet?

I'm sorry to hear that your kitty isn't doing well. Before considering euthanasia, I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam and some basic lab work to find out what is causing these issues. Some problems, such as hyperthyroidism, are very treatable with medication once a diagnosis is made.

I am sorry to hear about Ernie's conditions. It certainly sounds like he has been through an awful lot and isn't feeling to well. Obviously without seeing Ernie in front of me, I can't give you my fully official opinion. However, if you feel that Ernie is no longer able to do the things he enjoys, can't eat a meal without being in pain, and is spending more time sleeping and hiding, it may be time to start seriously considering his quality of life. I know that this is a very personal and difficult decision, but sometimes it is the kindest and most humane decision you can make for your pet. All of the conditions you have named are incurable and are likely to progress. When in concert with one another, they may progress even faster. No one can make this decision for you, but I think you should do whatever you feel is right in your heart.

Poor Squeak does sound like he's ill, and has a lot of things going on with him at the moment. I think you should take him into the vet. Unfortunately, dying is not a gentle or pain-free process, and he could suffer greatly while you are waiting for him to pass. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis to see how his organs are functioning and to diagnose what is causing his symptoms. If you really are against taking him to a vet and want to let him go peacefully, I would call to see if there is a vet in your area that does house calls, and they can come to your home to put him to sleep. That is a way of letting him go without pain and in peace, and it would be much kinder to have that done for Squeak than allowing him to suffer until he has passed.

He does need to see a vet as soon as possible, as he could have a severe respiratory infection, heart disease, or possibly even cancer if he's an older cat. I would call the RSPCA to come out and get him. They can get him the medical treatment he needs.

I am so sorry to hear about Sunny. I know how difficult this decision is. It sounds like Sunny may have chronic rhinitis - which is notoriously difficult to treat. He also has some other “old kitty” problems like kidney disease. When I discuss quality of life with my clients, I remind them that no one knows their pet better and therefore you are the only person qualified to make that decision. We talk about “measuring” quality of life with markers such as: is he still eating and drinking? Is he comfortable? Is he pain free? Can he walk? Does he interact with his humans? Or, we use the good day/bad day system. When Sunny is having more bad days than good, it is time to think seriously about humane euthanasia. Finally, it is never wrong to seek a “quality of life” exam with your vet to talk about any end of life treatments meant to buy comfort and the best quality time you can have with Sunny. I hope that you can find peace and clarity for yourself and Sunny. I wish you all the best in the time ahead- no matter what you choose.

First off. I'm so sorry Choocherboo is sick! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I recommend looking at the cat's quality of life. Are they eating, drinking, doing things they normally enjoy like playing? Or are they having difficulty breathing, spend most days sleeping, don't eat, vomiting, are losing lots of weight, and/or appear very ill? When the cat's quality of life has declined, that's when euthanasia should be considered. Unfortunately I can't tell you what to do, but I do suggest evaluating his quality of life, and if it's declined, then euthanasia would be the kindest option. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Having him euthanized is a valid option if his quality of life is not good. If he cannot control his bowels and is not able to eat, that is not a happy life for him. Older cats can have liver, kidney disease and diabetes that can cause illness. You may want to have a vet examine him to see what the treatment options maybe before making that difficult decision. They can tell you want to expect long term to see what his quality of life will be like if he starts on a treatment. You know him better than anyone, so you will be able to know best how happy he currently is.