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We are moving her to memory care next week. She is not able to take a cat with her. 2 questions- is it cruel to have him euthanized & and what should we tell her? Do you think giving her a robot cat that is designed for dementia patients a good idea?

I do not think it is cruel to have the cat euthanized. It seems like the most humane course at this point.
My suggestion is that you tell your mom that the cat passed away. If you think your mom would disapprove of euthanasia, I think it's okay to not tell her the manner of death.
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Reply to Rosered6
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No, not cruel but merciful. Do not mention the cat at all to her and see if she asks for it first. If she asks you say a friend has adopted it and it is being cared for and then distract her or change the subject. Maybe take a picture of the cat before it is euthanized so you can show her in case she asks.
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Reply to Geaton777
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No cruel at all. And I think you can tell your mom whatever would make her happiest. Rehomed with a wonderful family? Living with you? Why tell her sad news? She doesn’t need to know the truth. But don’t be surprised if she quickly forgets the cat and don’t remind her.
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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Not cruel. It would be cruel to let him suffer.
Tell mom "Mr. Peepers" is sick and has to go to the vet. Tell her he may have to stay there a while.
Once she is in MC IF she asks about the cat tell her ONCE that "Mr. Peepers" died.
Gauge her reaction. If it upsets her do not tell her again if she asks. Just say "Mr. Peepers" is still at the vet.
Or you could say that "Mr. Peepers" is living with a nice family is is getting a lot of love.
If she needs something to pet then you can get her a weighted stuffed cat. I don't think I would waste money on a robotic one. They are pretty small (at least the ones I have seen) and with the way things seem to vanish in most facilities I would thing your robotic cat would vanish as well.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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It's cruel to not put the cat down at this point. After the cat is put down you can tell your mom the cat had a stroke and passed away. It's true and keeps the elder from hoping the cat will get better or blame a human for the cat needing to be put down.
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Reply to JustAnon
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A friend had his wife's old sick cat put to sleep while she was visiting her family far away. It really needed to be done; cat was suffering. When wife came home, he sadly told her that cat had passed away naturally in his sleep, curled up in his favorite place in the sun. She was tearful for a little while but said she was glad that her cat's last time on earth was peaceful and in a place he loved.

Don't keep mom too informed. Leave out a lot of what you are thinking or what you plan to do. The last thing she needs is to be grieving over her beloved cat, so minimize that as much as possible. Be ready to change the subject any time it comes up, and have a few distractions in mind. Over time, mom will adjust to her new place, and since the cat was never part of her life there, she won't be looking for it.
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Reply to Fawnby
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