Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My cat has been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. Putting her to sleep was recommended. I have brought her home because she hates the vet and I did not want her to "go out" there. She is happy here and is resting comfortably. I have spoken with a home vet to take care of it here at the house.

At this point, she has not eaten in a couple of days and is losing weight. She is interested in iced water only. She still urinates. She will get up and follow me to another room, but lays down where ever I stop. She purrs when I pet her.

What should I do to keep her comfortable?
How long can she go without eating?
When do I know the time to "do it" has arrived?

Thanks.

It does not sound as if your cat is uncomfortable at the moment. Since she is taking in water, you might try pureeing some meat with water, perhaps chicken liver with equal parts of water. As to when it is her time, you will know. It is not a question of any particular signs or "benchmarks", to use a currently popular phrase. In your heart you will just know.

Thank you so much for getting back with me. I have tried diluted baby food (meat), chicken broth, and pedialite by eye dropper with no success. Today she did refuse water initially, but with some encouragement, did drink some. She also used the litter box mid-day (urinate only).

Should I force her to consume some calories? She threw up her antibotic this morning and all the heaving looked like it took a lot out of her (and me too for that matter).

Again, thanks!

I suggest you continue to offer food and water, even by syringe, but if she fights it, don't force it on her, as she will not keep it down. We know that all living creatures eventually go, so the best we can do is to make her last days comfortable until she decides to pass on.