Accepted Answer

Hi Jean

I'm so sorry your girl is going through this.

It's always tough to decide when to help your pet pass over.

When you're looking at "quality of life" in an animal, you have to look at not only how bright she is, but whether or not she can do cat things - being able to act out normal behavior is important to animals.

She's drooling and finding it hard to swallow and now just having small amounts of liquid. She has to be feeling quite a bit of hunger, which is a form of suffering in itself - she is bright and wants to eat, but just can't physically do it. I don't think that's a great way to live, and given her condition, things aren't going to get any better.

If there's nothing else your vet can do for her, then I think you need to seriously consider letting her pass in the not too distant future, even if she does seem otherwise bright and happy. The alternative is watching her slowly starve while she constantly feels hunger.

I wish you all the best while you deal with this difficult time.

Rosie

Expert:	Dr Rosie Brown
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	9/6/2008

Cat Veterinarian

16 years experience in small animal practice.