End-stage feline cardiomyopathy requires compassionate palliative management focused on maintaining comfort and quality of life rather than aggressive intervention as the disease progresses.
End-stage feline cardiomyopathy management requires honest and compassionate decision-making about the welfare implications of continuing versus stopping aggressive intervention. Thoracocentesis provides genuine relief and justified quality of life between procedures. However, when the interval between procedures shortens dramatically or quality of life between procedures is poor, continuation of drainage may extend suffering rather than wellbeing. Cats suffocating in respiratory distress from undrainable fluid experience acute and severe suffering. Proactive euthanasia before the onset of such a crisis is one of the most compassionate acts available to owners of cats with end-stage heart disease.