If it is already difficult to euthanize an elderly cat that can no longer have a good quality of life, doing it to a furry that is sick costs horrors. Before making that decision I think that it is very important to talk to the vet, try other alternatives and, most importantly, observe the animal Well, he will be the one to tell us how he is.
Based on this, when to euthanize a cat with kidney failure? This is a very common disease in domestic cats, and unfortunately it can be fatal. When do you have to make that decision?
What is kidney disease in cats?
Kidney failure is a progressive disease that affects the kidneys. It usually manifests itself in older cats (from the age of 10). It can be acute, that is, it appears almost suddenly for no apparent reason and / or also chronic, which is forever.
Final phase of kidney failure in cats
Once it becomes chronic, the kidneys can no longer filter toxins and waste from the body, so that their health is further weakened. It is when the life of the animal is in serious danger.
What are the symptoms?
Los most common symptoms are:
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Mouth ulcers
- Weakness
- Increase in water intake
- Urinate more times
- Hypertension
- Anemia
- Vomiting
How is it diagnosed?
Whenever we see that our beloved cat shows one or more symptoms, we must take him to the vet as soon as possible, especially if we suspect that he could have a serious disease such as kidney failure. Once there, what they will do will be a blood test and a urine test to make the diagnosis.
Likewise, he will also ask us a series of questions, such as if we have noticed that he goes to the sandbox more times, if he drinks more water than usual, if he has lost appetite or if we notice him lethargic, for example. The more information we can give you, the better, that is why it is interesting to keep something like a »diary», in which we note when you started to feel bad, what are the symptoms that appear, and other information that we think may be useful .
What is your treatment?
The treatment goes through administer the medication indicated by the veterinarian and for changing his diet. This has to be low in protein of plant origin and phosphorus, in addition, you have to make sure that you drink enough. For that, what we can do is buy him a fountain type drinker, which will be much more pleasant than the conventional drinker. Likewise, we can give it chicken broth -boneless- or fish -boneless-.
But also we should keep him company and give him a lot of love. We must give them reasons to want to move on, and that can only be done like this, with pampering, with company and with prizes (cat treats, for instance). Respecting him at all times, being patient, always keeping him in mind.
When should it be sacrificed?
Euthanizing a cat is never easy. But you have to think about it, that is, If it is an animal that can no longer lead a normal life and is suffering, and if veterinary treatment no longer relieves it, then it may be the best option.
However, before making the decision, talk to your vet. He will know how to advise you much better than I can. But from your own experience, if your cat you see that he no longer wants to continue living, that he spends the day in a corner, without eating, showing no interest in anything, lethargic and without courage, it may be time to let him go.
It would not be good, neither for him nor for you, to prolong his pain. I know well that you get to love a cat very much, that it is a small animal but that conquers your heart as few do, that it can become your confidant and your life partner. Saying goodbye to him hurts, and it hurts as much as you want it to.
But you have to try to think of him, only him.
How is death from kidney failure in cats?
It will depend on whether he is in treatment or not, and whether it is decided to euthanize him or not. If it is being treated and it has already reached the point where the animal, for not wanting to continue living, is taken to the vet to be euthanized, euthanasia will end the pain. First you will be injected with anesthesia, which will put you asleep, and then the lethal injection.
On the contrary, if it is an animal that does not receive any treatment, it will have a hard time until the pain itself consumes it.
I hope that everything you have been able to read here has been of some use to you. Remember that saying goodbye to the cat will never, never be easy, but all the good times you spend together are sure to be unforgettable.
Much encouragement.