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Dr. Erica, Veterinarian
Category: Veterinary
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Experience: 11 years of small animal practice, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College
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cat: did i do the right thing she really was loseing alot of weight

Resolved Question:

just had to have my cat 0f 16 yrs put to sleep vet said she had infection of the uterus and a operation was needed but could not provide an answer on how long she would live after that did i do the right thing she really was loseing alot of weight and was a good freind but just did not want to come home and find her not alive one day i dont know

Submitted: 3 years ago.
Category: Veterinary
Expert:  Dr. Erica replied 3 years ago.

I am very sorry for your loss as losing a cat can be very painful- especially one you have had for so long. They make great companions and give you unconditional love. Therefore, it is up to you to return the favor when it is time and let your cat die peacefully without any suffering. I honestly believe in this case you did the right thing. Having an infection of the uterus (pyometra) is very serious. It is a cat's nature to hide their symptoms if they are sick (so they would not be preyed upon in the wild) so she was probably feeling much worse than she was letting on. The infected uterus makes them septic, gives them a fever and can make them nauseous. Without surgery to remove it (which she was probably not strong enough to survive), the uterus would eventually rupture and she will bleed to death. Owners always want to have their pets die at home so they do not have to make the difficult decision of euthanasia but this rarely works peacefully. Usually the pet lingers and suffers and the owner regrets the decision. I have had many clients say that they waited too long to euthanize and felt terrible that they were selfish in trying to keep their pet alive. Animals are lucky that euthanasia is an option for them so your kitty never had to live a day in her life where she was in pain. Although you will surely miss her dearly, please find comfort in the fact that she is thankful for the decision you made for her. Please don't look back with regrets, just fond memories of your time together. She was a very lucky cat to have had such a loving family. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Dr. Erica, Veterinarian
Category: Veterinary
Positive Feedback: 100 %
Satisfied Customers: 585
Experience: 11 years of small animal practice, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College
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