I think you've already answered your question :-(

Our pets try so hard to please us, even when they are in the condition you describe. It is so easy to get swayed by the displays of affection and attention that even pets on death's door exhibit. You want to think that maybe everything's OK when subconsciously you know it probably is not. And sometimes it's very hard to actually the judge the quality of life they may have......afterall, they cannot communicate verbally how bad they may be feeling, what kind of pain they are in, or how confused or disturbed they might be. All we can go on is their actions and they do their best to put on a brave front for us.

Deciding when is the toughest decision a pet owner has to make. Been there, done that too many times and it doesn't get any easier. It is always best to do it before the animal is really suffering.

Take the weekend and spend some quality time with your kitty and lavish him with attention. Feed him his favorite treats and cuddle and love him. And know that you have been a great pet parent, otherwise he wouldn't have made it to this ripe old age, and that you gave him a great and long and loving life.

And then do what you know you need to do.

My thoughts are with you.

It seems you've worked something like a miracle, keeping him functioning for this long, but it really sounds like his enjoyment of life is over.

The only time I've heard of that circling habit or obsession was when a friend told me that her ancient Weimaraner (dog) did it;
he would circle & circle, getting a little further away each time, until he circled himself into a corner, where he'd just stand with his nose towards the wall.

He had cognitive something-or-other, which is the canine version of dementia or Altzheimer's.

At this point, I think keeping him with you would prolong, not his life, but his death.

I'm sorry, & I'm holding both of you in my thoughts & in my heart.

Sarah, big hugs to you and your kitty. I agree with Sylvia - your love, care, and attention have given this cat extra years, but I think it's time to let go.

When we made that call for our old Lab, my biggest fear was that he would fall down and hurt himself while we were at work. He had terrible hips, had lost 35 pounds, and had to be carried up and down the stairs. We came home at lunchtime every day, so he wasn't alone more than a few hours at a time, but the idea of something happening to him while we were gone haunted me. I know he could have hung on for a few more weeks or months, but I would rather err on the side of caution than risk having my dear pup suffer for even a minute.

Does your vet make house calls? Lots of vets do, so the pet isn't stressed out by one last trip to the vet. My dogs love the vet, but I've never known a cat who does.

' my biggest fear was that he would fall down and hurt himself while we were at work.'

We all need to think hard about this very real possibility or likelihood.

The Weimaraner that I mentioned was 20 years old, & the vet had told his owner that it was time.

She'd had the dog through thick & thin & she just couldn't bear to face it.

& she thought she had the luxury of time to get used to the idea, something I guess everybody thinks.

When her dad fell, she had to make a fast trip out of town to help him.

A neighbor come in twice a day to check the dog, & there was a big doggie door for him to go outside.

The dog fell into the backyard pool & drowned.

His owner was devastated, but it did her beloved dog no good, & I don't think she'll ever get over it.

Thanks everyone. We are in a holding pattern for now.

He is doing better than he was but we are ready to take him in at the first sign of further decline.