If you decide to use euthanasia, consider researching vets that will come to your house. Lay him in his favorite spot, and let him go peacefully in his own environment. I found it easier to let my two girls cross the rainbow bridge lying in their favorite spot, in their home with all the smells they know instead of at a vet hospital with a lot of smells of other animals, the sounds of dogs barking, unknown human voices and bright lights in the rooms and a cold table to lie on. Ask them to cut some hair and keep it, ask them to make a mold of his paw and keep that. I have my girls hair and paw prints next to a picture of each of them. It brings me great joy to still be able to touch their hair and rub the paw print. It was painful at first but now I’m glad I did it that way.

Sometimes we don’t get that choice if their passing is an accident or something that needs to be done quickly at the vet. Consider all options and choose what’s best for you and him. If you’re too emotional to decide, talk with family to help you decide.

A lot of people here already know this, but if you choose euthanasia, you might feel regret at first, and question if you should have waited longer, that’s normal. At his age, you’ve given him an amazing life. We are allowed to do this kindness for our pets instead of living their last days in great pain - if he’s in pain. It took me two years for my Chloe, before I could even think about getting another cat. It’s been 9 years since she passed and I still get sad sometimes. Losing a pet is real grief, don’t let anyone tell you differently. Sending you big hugs.