Cat with tumour

[karenmac60]

My 17 year old cat has just been diagnosed with a tumour in her chest which is pressing on her oesophegus and stopping her keeping food down. As a result she has lost quite a lot of weight but apart from that she is strong and healthy for her age and a very contented wee soul. The vet has put her on steroids, but because of her age there's not much else he can do for her and I've been told to expect the worst within a few months. She still won't eat much and I'm concerned that the weight loss will kill her before the tumour does. Can anyone recommend any foods I can give her that she'll be able to eat easily (like you'd give complan or something to a sick human to build them up) and also any tips on making things easier for her as she gets worse would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks

[lankeela]

When we had a rescued cat with cat flu, we gave it a liquid food that was a sort of beef broth that you feed invalids, more of a sort of bovril type consistency and the cat licked it up.

My worry would be how you would know whether or not the cat was suffering and when would be the right time to let her go.

My personal feeling is better a day too soon than a moment too late.

[karenmac60]

She'll be getting monitored closely by the vet and the minute she is suffering I will do the right thing. Thanks for the info.

[carmalee]

I have a very old animal whom I love dearly - she has been an amazing true friend to me through very difficult times. Thankfully she is still able to eat, drink, sleep and go 'pee and poo' normally. Much as I love her (and I really do) I won't keep her going just for me. Ask yourself - do you want her to be killed by a tumour or do you want to make the decision to spare her from that? Trust me I know it's hard whatever you decide I really do sympathise with you.

[Rosetta]

The sad thing is that you may have to take the heartbreaking decision for your lovely cat. I am sure you will know when the time is right, we will be thinking of you . Let us know as you will find there is a lot of support on here when the time comes

[karenmac60]

Thank you Rosetta, I appreciate your support. To both Lankeela and Carmalee, please understand that apart from losing weight she seems in no way ill - you both make me sound like I am dragging the poor thing's suffering out just to keep myself happy. This is by no means the case - the vet was amazed by how healthy she is for her age with or without a tumour. The last thing I would do is cause her any pain or discomfort but I'm not going to have her put to sleep while she still has a good quality of life just because I know that won't continue. On the good news front, she has not been sick since she got her steroid injection and has recovered some of her appetite and even gained a little weight. I haven't seen her this perky in years and while I know that can't continue I'm making the most of it while it lasts. Thanks.