How do you decide when is the best time to put down a cat who won't stop urinati

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   Hippie Housewivesposted 11 years ago

   How do you decide when is the best time to put down a cat who won't stop urinating inside the house?
   
   We have 2 old cats (about 17 years). For over a year now they have peed on everything from the clothes inside my cupboard to our couch and even the dishes in the kitchen cupboards. We have tried multiple litter boxes, pheromone collars, numerous vet visits etc, nothing helps. The vet runs tests and they always
   come back as clear, so we have been told that it is an emotional problem. We love them to death but nothing seems to be working and I literally spend half my day cleaning up after them, not to mention that my home smells like crap all the time! Please help with any advice

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2. 74

   Cre8torposted 11 years ago

   Honestly, I would've put them deep into the woods by now or perhaps down. 2 things. #1- you never feel ok about putting an animal down. I procrastinated w my dog agonizing over when was okay. I woke up finding him unresponsive covered in water from his bowl he fell into. (It went from bad to worse very quick so please don't assume he had been living this badly or I would've put him down sooner.) I had him put down that day, still felt bad and cried like a baby. It was time no doubt but did I wait too long? (Of course he wasn't peeing in my crock pot either.) #2- I love animals I do. And they live (17 yrs in your case) a wonderful life. Much better than without us for that time if at all. When they begin destroying our home and really our way of life, (half of every day u said? You're a saint in my eyes) we should not feel quite so guilty. If it were a stray coming in and doing this, would you be asking this question? I know there is personal attachment but is that all that makes it different? If so, maybe it shouldn't, just maybe a few more tears. (Maybe of joy in your case....half a day...your dishes and clothes...did I tell you you're a saint?)

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      Hippie Housewivesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks so much for your comment. Deep down I know you are right, I guess I really just needed some reassurance. They are sisters and have been inseparable since birth, so being put down together will probably be the least traumatic for the old girls.

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   DzyMsLizzyposted 11 years ago

   
   
   Our most senior kitty, who turned 15 this year, has had epilepsy every since she was a kitten.  (Long story, but basically caused by the rescue group insisting on spaying her WAY too young!)
   She lived a fine, happy life with us and outside of accidents caused by break-through seizures when her medication was in need of adjustment, we had no problems with her at all.
   Not until about a year ago, when it seemed she could not remember where the litter box was.  I was constantly cleaning up accidents in the hallway, in the bedroom, in the living room, and not only pee.
   She has been checked out by the vet, and outside of her underlying medical problem, she's fine--just getting a bit senile, and perhaps a bit of arthritis in her hips that makes climbing into the litter box a bit difficult.
   So, about a year ago, we put her out to live in the shop, which has a cement floor and no carpet; much easier cleanup.  (Mind you, she has her snuggly bed, food, water, a litter pan for those fluke times when she uses it, and the shop has no windows, but does have central heat and air conditioning, so she's perfectly comfortable.)
   As she's aged, she's also gotten a bit cranky with the other cats, so really she seems to enjoy her peace and quiet out there.  Sometimes I need to have the shop open for a few hours, and bring her back in the house so she won't get out into the yard, because she'd be sure to wander off and get lost or worse--she tends to just walk without paying attention to where she's going--and I think a lot of that is on account of the strong drugs that control her epilepsy.  At any rate, the last time I brought her in, she had a raging fit the whole time--running up and down the hall "swearing" at everything and nothing.  She calmed down at once when she went back out to the shop, so I no longer feel guilty that she lives out there alone nowadays.  Naturally, I do go out an pay attention to her, and pet her, brush her, etc...
   So--if you have a garage, or an area like that where you can make the kitties secure, warm and happy, it might be an option.   I, personally, would look for any other choice but putting them down.  You might also ask for a second veterinary opinion..they could have bladder issues...Best wishes.

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      Hippie Housewivesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks so much for your comment. We don't have a garage or shop. We did try a few vets, the last  bill was R4000 ($400) with no answers so any more visits and we'll need a bank loan. All the best to your kitty and good job for keeping her so happy! X

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