Q. Hi Rabbi Bartfeld, I hope you and your family are doing well. I am coming to you with a shaila.
I’ve had my cat for close to 12 years, ever since she was a baby. I love her deeply.
On December 24, 2021, the cat had several seizures throughout Shabbat. After Shabbat the only Veterinarian that was available on December 25, 2021 was over zoom. The vet was in the U.S and since I suspect there isn’t a lot of money to be made since I am not there, she told me the following:
The cat is close to 12 years old, and chances are she developed partial seizures and recommended for me to contact a local vet to put her on anti seizure medication. She also told me to be careful, that at her age, these seizures are probably coming from something neurological, either in the spine or a brain tumour, and that there is little chance of a cure.
– Ever since, I have been in and out of veterinarian offices and hospitals and they put her on anti seizure pills. They looked like they were working but the seizures have now come back.
– I called the vet and they told me that I need to take her to a neurologist ($300) who will recommend a full MRI that will cost me an extra ($3000).
– The thing is that apart from the cost, I don’t this helps, since the MRI will just either confirm that it’s a brain tumour that will cost maybe another $10,000 to have it removed with no guarantees of survival on a cat that is already at the end of its life, or they will say that it’s inconclusive and to continue to give the same anti-seizure pills that I am already giving her.
– I briefly spoke to Rabbi Deitsch at the Chabad house that I am going to now and he told me not to put down the cat until the Vet tells me it’s necessary.
I am in a bind. Can you please tell me how I should proceed, or at least do you know a veterinarian in the community who can give me good advice who won’t try to fleece me for more money?
Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom!
A. On question 1427 we addressed the following Shailah: “We are a family of Bnei Torah but we have had a cat for many years that grew up with our children and is like part of the family. The cat is old and sick, the vet says he has a kind of animal cancer and should be put down. We don’t know if it is suffering or not, should we follow his instructions? The vet says to have the cat cremated, is that correct or should we netter bury it in our back yard? Thanks so much for your advise.”
To what we answered: “Noda Beyihuda (Y.D. 2: 10) maintains that in hunting when it is permitted (not for sport) there is no concern of making the animal suffer, because “to kill animals or all types does not involve the prohibition of tzaar baalei chayim.” the actual killing is not considered causing an animal to suffer, and there is therefore no prohibition. Others disagree, Shoel Umeishiv (2: 3: 65) rules that the prohibition certainly applies to killing. He proves his case from the rationale presented by the Chinuch (440) for the mitzvah of shechitah. A similar principle emerges from the Ri Migash (cited in Shita Mekubetzes, Bava Metzia ).
Chazon Ish is quoted (in Dinim Ve-Hanhagos Mi-Maran Ha-Chazon Ish, 2: p. 40) as having been asked by a member of the family how a dying fly should be treated. The Chazon Ish responded that the fly should be killed, so as to prevent its extended suffering.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that in your case, the assessment if the animal is suffering should be better done by the vet, who should also put him to sleep without suffering, when necessary.
As far as how to dispose of the body, the Rov recommends that it should be done in the most environmental friendly and legal way.”
I showed Horav Miller Shlit’a your question and his opinion was to terminate with great compassion the suffering pet. He maintains that for animals in terminal and constant suffering and painful condition that is the best option.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Ahar