We have three cats but one is really old (approx.

You have done such a great job with this cat - to get her to this age is remarkable! Images available only to Customers.

It sounds like she's got a urinary infection and if treated early enough, it may be all she needs. I can't pretend it may just be this, especially in a geriatric cat, but you know you have to find out.

If a vet suggests to any owner that they euthanize their pet, it's usually the best recommendation they make based on their evaluation of the deterioration and pain levels in the animal. Vets do not make this decision lightly. Most will do anything they possibly can, with the owners cooperation, to avoid this at all costs.

You know she can't go on forever, but your love for her can. Not having her treated when she needs it, just because it scares you that this may be her last days, isn't what you want to carry around in your heart.

Again - it might not be that! It may be something treatable that gives her many more (months? years?).

Also, her difficulty walking is another obvious sign of aging and this too might be manageable with medications. At least something to take the edge off (alleviate pain).

I have had to make the decision you're facing more than a few times. I'm facing it again right now with a very elderly rescued cat who has seen me through some incredible times and traveled with me thousands of miles. I know that one day soon I'll have to make the most difficult choice any animal caretaker has to make. To put the cat first and myself second.

Please don't fail her now. You've done so much - for so long and she needs you to love her just a little more than you 'want' her. Yes?

__________________
Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

I didn't think about a urinary infection. She drinks alot like it may be her last and I wondered if she was diabetic. When she urinates she goes so much more than any cat we have ever had before. She only howls when she is trying to have a bowel movement as far as I can tell. Other times she just howls in her cat bed and I have been trying to distinguish if this is for pain or not.

Even if she's diabetic, there's treatment. If it's thyroid, there's treatment. Howling is usually pain. It's usually pain when they can't hold it in anymore. In the meantime, cat's are remarkable at hiding symptoms (it insures their survival in the wild) - so imagine what you're not aware of in her suffering.

You know what needs to be done (having her seen). I know you do! Seriously, this cat didn't live this long (a truly admirable age) without you really caring and attending to her needs properly.

A vet exam will remove the guesswork about what this is and whether or not it hurts 'all the time' or just 'some of the time'.

It may help her live longer or it may help her pass with dignity.

You do not have to have her euthanized - even if he recommends it. There is nothing preventing you from taking her home, no matter what he says. At least you'll know what's going on - you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

From the bottom of my heart I understand that you'd prefer to pull the covers up over your head, with her in there with you and just have her last until you're old and grey (or older and grey'er?), but from the bottom of your heart, you know that's not how life goes.

Make that appointment right now - just do it. Take her in for an evaluation. It doesn't mean you have to do anything else. Just that. I'll walk with you through this. One step at a time.

__________________
Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.