Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

I need reassurance that it is okay to euthanize my 10 year old cat.

I'm writing this with a really heavy heart and hoping for some kind words or personal experiences. My 10-year-old cat, Simba, has been my constant companion through so much – breakups, job changes, and everything in between. Lately, he's been struggling with chronic kidney disease, and it's been so hard to watch him decline. We’ve tried all the treatments the vet recommended, but nothing seems to be helping. He's lost so much weight, and he just seems miserable, barely eating or drinking. I feel so guilty even considering euthanasia, but I also can’t bear to see him suffer anymore. I know he's had a full life, but I keep wondering if I’m making the right decision or if I'm just giving up too soon. Has anyone else gone through something similar? How did you cope with making such a heart-wrenching decision?

Answer:

I'm really sorry to hear that you're facing this tough decision with your beloved cat. It's never easy, but it's important to consider your cat's quality of life. At 10 years old, some cats can have ongoing health problems or experience considerable pain from conditions like cancer, significant kidney failure, or severe arthritis. If your cat is showing signs such as being unable to eat or drink, withdrawing from interaction, experiencing difficulty breathing, or displaying signs of pain that aren't relieved by medication, it may be time to consider euthanasia as a humane option.



When contemplating this decision, think about how much of their good day-to-day life your cat is missing. If good days are outnumbered by painful ones, it might be an act of love to let them go peacefully.



You can make your cat comfortable at home by creating a quiet, cozy resting spot, offering plush bedding, and keeping their environment calm.



Look for any signs that the situation is serious, like labored breathing, confusion, crying out in pain, or an inability to move without discomfort.



If you're still unsure, we can talk it through with a video consult at Dial A Vet. You're not alone in this, and we're here to help you make the best decision for both you and your cat.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 20, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Dog has mysterious fever and 2 diagnosis in a few days
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat sometimes drooling after tooth extraction?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hole under my neutered cat's testicles.
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat with food allergy- atopica next step. Should I get second opinion?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links