It's very sad that your cat is so ill. Unfortunately your vet really doesn't
know how long there is left. The answer you gave "up to a year or it might
die next week" is the same as not knowing if you think about it. I know how you
feel though, especially about not wanting to make his life a misery with
treatment that's pointless.

It might be easier to get the vet to say how likely (very likely, possible,
unlikely) it is that your cat will still be around in 12 months time. That's
much less definitive, and from his experience the vet should be able to  tell
you  how other cats have gone on from where your cat is.

In the meantime give your cat loads of love and strokes, and look after yourself
too.

best wishes,
Jim

Jim

Human doctors are often wrong too. Very often people outlast whatever
estimate they give. The same could go for your cat. Only you can really
judge how much discomfort your cat is in because you know it's regular
behaviour.

I'm sorry though that your cat is not feeling well. What kind of liver
problems does it seem to be having?

What has he had done and what more do they suggest?

Mike,
I can understand your frustration. If it were me I would spend everyday
just loving and cuddling him.
I am so sorry he is ill.
Its hard not knowing.
Purrs for you and him.
Holly

**How old is your cat? Many vets don't like to give a set amount of time,
because, honestly,  animals can be very resilient, just like people. I would
try using your* gut instinct, because you know your cat much better than any
vet. If  your vet recommends a procedure down the road that is very
invasive, and/or painful, then I would think long and hard before making the
decision. There is trauma with any* procedure done, some much more than
others, and you wouldn't want to make him/her sicker by the trauma, since
his immune system is already compromised.

I, personally, like to take a holistic approach to most cat health issues
that I  might be faced with.  But, getting back to your question, just use
your own good judgement. When I had to have my 15 year old, elderly ( now
deceased) cat, Blue, eye' removed, back in 2000, my vet insisted* to me that
Blue would only* have about a year left, maaaybe, a maximum two year left,
Tops!  But I knew better, and with lots of TLC care, Blue lived on for
another good and happy 4 1/2 years.

ML

Doctors usually use their judgment when passing on really bad news,
assessing how the owner would react if told the truth; accept it or have
hysterics.
I suspect the vet may have formed an opinion about you as the owner, right
or wrong.
Just be kind to your pet, relieve any pain and accept nature's course.

Icedog.