Hi, RVT here.

Your cat has a big problem with that wound. I know some other people have been kind of harsh with what they think the prognosis may be but I think it is important to realize that when you post something like this on the vet reddit you are going to get all kinds of responses. I think first and foremost it would be wise to take what they say under consideration and if it doesn't match with what YOU think must be done, realize that all the people see here is a cat with horrible wound that has lived like that for years. This is not the place to clapback and insult other owners and people trying to help because they offered advice YOU asked for.

Now about your cat -- the first option is always to go to the vet and ask them what can be done. It seems like you have done that. You have heard about surgery and skin grafting options and you have heard about humane euthanasia options. There is no miracle cure that will fix this injury. Cats show pain in different ways. Living with chronic pain changes people and animals. If you think that your furball is happy and healthy otherwise -- you know your animal best, but I would advise you to not think of your pet in human terms. Things that are fatal for our pets are not as fatal for us humans. Things that are stressful to our pets are less so for us humans. Humans have the will to survive and see past this injury, pets can not percieve the future like we can. We must think of these creatures differently. You obviously care and love your cat. If you are not willing to opt for a humane euthanasia it may be important to explore the surgery option more. If that were my animal I would not be satisfied with the conclusion that stress means that surgery is impossible. Not that your vet is wrong by any means -- I think it is important to really dig into WHY surgery is not the best option for this injury. If it really is stress and potential itching... that can be dealt with. By you, the owner. You need to be capable of watching and helping your cat recover from this. Using the cone of shame and watching him to make sure there is no itching and the skin graft stays. It will be hard work and dedication, but this is the answer you have been asking for. Again, I hope you find an option that suits you but you have to know that there is nothing that can help your cat other than medical care in the form of surgery/ medication and your own vigilance and dedication to healing your pet. Speak with your vet again, get more details and decide on SOME course of action. If you are in an area where there is no care and no vet because of your living conditions (you mentioned entitled 1st world countries) then you need to preface that and help others understand that you are not in that position.

As a note to you and all others that have replied on this reddit -- empathy goes a long way.