Echo this. Make it a good day for the cat, lots of cuddles, a nice fish dinner, etc. My mom’s cat really enjoyed Haagen Das vanilla bean ice cream when she got into her 20s.

It's still the best time to see my family as the one out of state son. I wouldn't change it for anything. Mom, dad, and brothers are free for anything. Christmas movies and music are playing. It's the reason I take time off right now.

Same boat here in IT. No one is around to have problems anyway, just hang out and monitor what small thing might need attending to. It's much easier to ask for time off over the spring and fall when everyone is back after all their winter/summer vacations.

Isn't hard work and work itself part of the experience? Working a crappy entry level job is a big motivator for pursing a career, higher education, or trade skills. This is why you see spoiled kids with so many "experiences" but no real world experience, have no idea what they want to do with their life, or get some nonsense degree because they have no idea how the real world works.

My company is closed between Christmas and New Years. This year we closed at 1 pm on the 23rd and we don’t go back until the 3rd. That way we have full use of our PTO days when we want them.

You’re welcome. It was a really emotionally draining experience to go through for me, so I wish you peace and your kitty comfort as you two travel this road together.

Not necessarily true but the one advantage young adults probably have is they don’t pay bills and can pocket all of their money.

I dunno, I enjoy taking time off when many others are, so I know I won’t have to come back to a pile of crap that I missed and then work to catch up.

In my experience (not a vet, cat sitter of 15+ years) the yowling is probably from the deafness, and to a lesser extent, the dementia.

Has her activity level changed?

Does she exhibit any signs of physical pain or distress?

Is she grooming herself?

Has your vet suggested anything like Zofran or Cerenia for the nausea?

How's her appetite? Does she stay sufficiently hydrated? (drinks enough water)

Is she eliminating and urinating normally? Does the output look normal.

What behavioral meds have you tried?

If you have the means and it won't unduly stress out your cat, then the bloodwork could help figure out what's going on with her.

While many say 17 years is a long life for a cat (it is) many of my own cats and those in my care have reached 20 and beyond. If your cat has an issue that might be a be easily remedied and allows her to have some more happy and pain-free time, then why not look a little longer for non-heroic options before considering saying goodbye?

My 2¢.

Just got news our 14yo cat has liver cancer, and this is really helpful. Thank you for such a well-explained response and for the link.

Lucky in Australia our laws aren't written by companies. It's by law ya get minimum 4 weeks PTO plus 2 weeks sick PTO (for permanent full time employees) - every year. And it carries over every year.

That's very sad someone had 1600hrs leave accumulated, that means they didn't take much leave during the years!

High blood pressure can cause this, there can be different causes of the high BP.

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For me it's the opposite. The amount of incoming work doesn't decrease so the people who don't take vacation during that time are stuck having to cover for the people who do.

I had to put my 17 year old cat down 4 weeks ago. She was suffering and in pain. I know you want to help her and this isn't the answer you are looking for, but you really need to consider the quality of kitty's life, and the toll her care is taking on you. The kindest thing you can do might be to say goodbye. I'm so sorry.

not Being able to see could be a big cause if she’s only doing it at night. You can get those baby additions that you put on ur main light and it emits a dim light, then you can use an eye mask if it’s too bright.

Is there any meds that could help her sleep? Melatonin or something?my Nan has some else she wounders at night.

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I know that this is not easy to hear. But if she is suffering as much as you say she is, and there is no cure, I would honestly out her down. It's hard but it's the best thing to be done. Speak to your vet about this.

It’s so good. They at home, no nasty car rides, no weird smells at waiting room and a cold table. It lets them be in their home like an elderly person should.

“Jackasses” for using their time when they want? Waaahhhhhh

Laughing and crying at the same time being in HR

Have you left a light on for her? I got a 16 yr old and she does yowl, I left a decorative light that has a timer so it stays on all night and she seems happier, he eyes could be going too which will not help her. Warmth and mini stairs too

This sounds much much better than the alternatives. I'm sad to say that we may be approaching this point in the next few years with our cat and it's a comfort to know that such a humane option exists.

I haven’t worked since December 16th because my entire department took PTO. We’re all back on the 3rd. It was basically 7 free PTO days (4 were holidays).

A vet comes to your home and performs a brief exam to make sure euthanasia is appropriate. Then, they will administer a sedative. They will then leave you with the pet to say your final goodbye. At that point, they will return and administer a drug that stops the heart. The vet will remove the body if you desire and then notify you when cremation is completed. I will simply never do it any other way.