First post on this sub, so thanks in advance for your perspective and input.

We (spouse and I, no human children) have an 18.5 year old neutered male indoor cat, who we’ve had since kittenhood. His brother/littermate was unfortunately put to sleep back in January, so he’s been our single child recently. And loving all the attention. At our most recent vet visit, they recommended upping all his meds given his worsening kidney failure, dehydration, anemia, weight loss, arthritis/lack of muscle in hind legs. So we’re now on a schedule of daily subcutaneous fluids, pill, ear gel, and a twice-weekly medicine that just gets added to the IV. He is not the type of cat you see on YouTube who just sits quietly and calmly while you administer subQ fluids - this requires the two of us: one to insert the needle/distract him with treats/keep him occupied and somewhat still and the other to hold the bag and make sure everything is flowing. He walks a bit bowlegged but is able to get to the litter box (when he doesn’t track it everywhere…) and food/water OK. Healthy appetite and he’s still got a personality.

Having said all that, I’m not sure if it’s worth the stress and anxiety. Now I’m concerned for a weeklong vacation we have coming up in a few months, and some planned long weekends away, and also to him for the daily poking and prodding. He’s not in any obvious pain or discomfort, but is it time to consider end of life? Is that too selfish? Am I jumping the gun just because we went through this a few months ago and want to be sure we aren’t artificially dragging this out just for us human parents?