I am facing a horrible moral dilemma. I'm moving to Costa Rica in early July.

[sinkingfeeling]

I have a 19 year old cat who looks like hell and requires daily thyroid medication. Andy is also FIV positive so he can't pass the health requirements to gain entry into the country.
Andy was rescued from an outside drain by my son at the Chilli's he managed. He took the little black kitten home and he and his wife named it Little Orphan Annie. They had to keep it outside because they were renting. I arranged for my vet to spay Annie and we were all surprised on the day of the surgery when the vet discovered Annie was really Andy!
I took Andy to join my other outside stray cats when my son and DIL moved out of state. I ended up with 4 cat guys that I fed and vaccinated.
Andy remained an outdoor cat until 5 years ago when I moved to Illinois. By then, I only had him and Gabby. They adjusted well to indoor living in an apartment. We lost Gabby to heart disease in 2021.
I have discussed Andy's fate with my current vet. She believes given his age and health, I should put him down right before I leave the country. I have no one here who could take him or handle the expense of his care. But, the idea of betraying his trust is killing me. We've not had a great relationship. Andy never wanted to be cuddled nor sit on my lap. He has bitten me numerous times, once requiring a tetanus shot. I have scars! However, I've never put down an animal not already dying or in severe pain. I would appreciate your words on this.
Thanks

[SheltieLover]

1. Could your son take him?

Rescue?

[Jilly_in_VA]

2. He's probably too old for rescue

I say this as an experienced shelter volunteer. You could talk to your nearest no-kill shelter, but I think the kindest thing, given his age, health, and disposition, would be to do as your vet suggests. It's painless, and perhaps the vet would come to your home and do it. I have done this once for a dog I loved simply because she was elderly and we couldn't care for her any more, given her numerous ailments. She wasn't dying but would have been soon.

[hlthe2b]

3. Unless you could possibly enlist a vet tech or similar to care for the cat in its last days--providing the needed $$$

to do so, I don't know what else you could do. You are right that they would not allow an FIV-positive cat to come in. It seems that would be your only alternative unless you delayed relocating for a year or so...

The cat is fortunate to have found you and to receive the care that you have provided. But, I honestly think you would have to accommodate any short-term "adopter" with the considerable funds needed to do so to be successful. The shelters are full of adult dogs and cats needing homes so the challenge would be major unless you can reach out to the right experienced person. I'm sure I'm not saying anything you don't already know, but I wish you good luck with whatever decision you make.

[Walleye]

4. I am sorry for your situation, unfortunately, I have no advice. It's such a personal thing.

People who don’t ever have pets, don’t understand the grief of losing one. There’s no way to explain it.

[NCgayguy]

6. Hi Walleye

I am in total agreement with you. This really breaks my heart! I wanted to make a reply but didn't know what to say because it's so emotional. You said it perfectly! Thank you! Reis

[Nigrum Cattus]

5. Where are you/cat ?

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Illinois, Bloomington.

[Nigrum Cattus]

9. I'm in SoCal

Are you 100% sure that he is FIV+ ?
I have a cat that tested + for FLV and it turned out
that it was a false +. He deserves to live out his
life.

[Eko]

8. Contact this guy.

https://www.theasherhouse.com/
Here is the contact page https://www.theasherhouse.com/pages/contact
Ive been watching him for years now and he is a good person.
Eko.