How do I know when it is time to put my cat down?

There is rarely one moment. Veterinarians look at whether pain can be controlled, whether the cat is eating, whether it can move and stay clean, whether it still takes pleasure in life, and whether bad days outnumber good ones. When several of those are failing and nothing more can be done to improve them, it is time to talk to your veterinarian about euthanasia.

Can a quiz tell me if it is time?

No. A checklist can help you see the pattern and prepare for the conversation, but the decision is made by you and your veterinarian, who can examine your cat and tell you what can still be treated.

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Is it time?

Nobody can answer this for you, and no quiz should try. This checklist sets out what vets weigh so you can see where your cat stands. Tick what is true this week.

Pain and breathing

Eating and drinking

Moving and keeping clean

Joy and connection

Good days and bad days

What can still be done

Ticked

in 0 of 6 areas

Nothing ticked. Go through the list with your cat in mind, including the small things you have put down to age.

This tool organizes what you have noticed. It can't examine your pet, and its result is not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Take what it shows to your vet; if your pet is in distress, go to an emergency clinic now. Full disclaimer

How to use it

Most people ask this question long before there is a clear answer, and most say afterwards that they knew before they were ready to admit it. Writing down what is true this week helps separate the two.

The six groups are the things veterinarians weigh in end-of-life care: pain and breathing, eating, mobility and hygiene, enjoyment of life, the balance of good and bad days, and whether anything is left to try. One group on its own is usually a problem to treat. Several together are a pattern.

Come back to the list each week. If more is ticked each time, that is its own answer. For a number you can track, use the quality-of-life scale, which scores the same ground from 0 to 70 and keeps a log.

Whatever the list shows, take it to your vet. Ask what they see, what could still help, and what they would do if this were their cat. Many cats have more good time left than their owners feared, and some have less. Your vet is the one who can tell you which.

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