Is it normal to be thinking of euthanasia in this situation?

59% Normal
7 Comments

We adopted our oldest cat 4 years ago when she was 5 years old. She came to us with a lengthy medical history that included teeth removal, hysterectomy, amputated paw, allergies, etc...

From the beginning she had her quirks such as drooling (lack of teeth), vomiting from her vet recommended food, hairballs, and not using the litter properly (which I associated with missing half of one leg and not being able to enter the box properly). She was also very overweight and would not play as a means of exercise.

2 years ago we brought home our second cat, as I thought that maybe the older one needed a companion to keep her company and to play with.

Within the last 6 months the older cat has lost alot of weight, messes outside of the box rather than even attempting to go inside, digs through our garbage and is constantly on a crazed hunt for food. I've increased her food portions, but nothing helps.

I'm torn about what to do because my husband is beyond frustrated, as am I, but I feel terrible about thinking about a) rehoming her and b) euthanasia. I know that she would not be a prime candidate for rehoming, due to her behavioural issues.

Our home constantly reeks of cat poo, we can't leave the house for an hour or even go to sleep without having to baby-gate the kitchen and living room to prevent her from getting into the garbage and climbing up on the furniture to look for food.

It's getting to a point where our relationship is being strained because he's always mad at her, and I'm always mad at him for being mad. It's a confusing cycle.

Has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation? If so, how did you resolve it?

Voting Results
59% Normal
Based on 22 votes (13 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Shrunk
    8 years ago

    Depends what you mean by messing out of the box...You mean she misses the box, or just pee/poops wherever she stands? Or she is annoyed by some change and protesting it? Secondly about the weight loss... What does the vet say? Your cat is probably near to death anyway but still sounds like she has some fight... I would keep that cat... She won't be around that much longer... And about your relationship this is kind of a test... Because what if someone he loved became like that, would he just get mad and give up?? Impatience not good quality imo...

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  • [Old Memory]
    8 years ago

    I have 3 cats and they are all trained to piss and shit outside. I cannot stand the smell of a litter box so i just let them out when they want. This may be harder to train an older cat, but it makes it easier if you have a cat door that they can go through. This also isnt a good idea if you live on a busy street, but I live in the woods so its convenient.

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    • mcelll
      8 years ago

      Unfortunately letting her outside is not an option. We live in an area surrounded by coyotes and other animals. Because of her amputated paw, she wouldn't stand a chance if she were to be attacked. Our younger cat is not an issue when it comes to the smell and her own cleanliness, it's purely the older cat.

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  • Redcoats
    8 years ago

    You need to call that guy from My Cat From Hell.

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  • Sara0303
    7 years ago

    Time to euthanize it

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  • noid
    8 years ago

    She is probably reacting to your getting another cat. If you rehome one you should rehome the new cat. And watch some my cat from hell videos that address these issues effectively.

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  • JD777
    8 years ago

    We had a cat that was causing problems. Among other things, the frickin' thing peed in the floor air vents, cleverly distributing his stench all over the house. We had a family discussion and all agreed to rehome him. We placated the kids (the cat was theirs) by getting a different pet - a ball python - awesome pet.

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