How far will you go to extend an elderly pet's life? [View All]

[Flaxbee]

The kitty boy love of my life is at least 14 (came to my husband's house as a stray in 1993/4) and is, I fear, exhibiting some of the signs of renal distress -- lots of water drinking, lots of peeing. I have to travel abroad in the next few weeks, and then am taking him in for bloodwork.

He's perky, spry, etc. right now and I really cannot stress how much I ***LOVE*** this cat. I would do anything to keep him around as long as he is comfortable (forever would be best) but I do not want him to be in any distress in any way; I want him to have the best quality of life possible.

So I know that subcutaneous fluids can be part of treatment for a cat in renal failure. My husband is a big fan of letting nature take its course, and for the most part I agree, but if Tommycat can be his perky, happy self with subcutaneous fluids for a while I'll consider it. But for how long? How comfortable will he be?

So - how far would you go in treatment for an elderly/older cat? When do you let go? How do you feel about life-extending treatments, in so far as they don't cause (much) distress?

Anyway - just realizing I'm going to have to make some decisions soon, and wondering what others think/do. I know some will do anything, some will suggest just letting him live as long as he can naturally. What do you think, and why?