Our cats bring joy, comfort and love into our lives, and the bond we share with them is irreplaceable.
However, there may come a time when we are faced with one of the most difficult decisions of all: euthanasia.
Talking about pet euthanasia is never easy, but it’s a conversation that can help prepare us for the difficult decisions we may face as our beloved cats age or fall ill.
In this article, let’s talk about pet euthanasia, when to consider it and how to approach this heartbreaking decision with compassion.
What Is Pet Euthanasia?
Pet Euthanasia, often referred to as “putting a pet to sleep,” is a medical procedure that humanely ends a cat’s life to relieve suffering. It is performed by a veterinarian through an injection that is supposed to quickly stop the heart. The goal of euthanasia is to provide a peaceful and dignified end for a cat that is suffering and has no reasonable hope of recovery.
What Drug is used?
The drug most commonly used in cat euthanasia is a barbiturate called pentobarbital. Pentobarbital is a fast-acting drug that induces deep anesthesia, followed by a painless shutdown of the heart and brain. The veterinarian usually administers it through an intravenous (IV) injection, and it takes effect within seconds to minutes, ensuring a peaceful and humane end for the cat.
The drug is usually brightly colored, as a safety measure to prevent accidental use.
I’d STRONGLY ADVISE ask the vet to sedate the cat first as I have been cats having a reaction when the drug is injected. Sedation allows the cat to already be asleep, or almost asleep.
When Should Euthanasia Be Considered?
Deciding when to consider euthanasia is incredibly personal and varies from cat to cat. Ask your vet if it’s their recommendation, as most vets will be honest with you when the time comes to consider euthanasia as a kinder option. You know your cat best, and you can always seek a second opinion just to be certain you are making the right decision.
Here are some scenarios where it may be a recommended option:
Terminal Illness:
If your cat has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, such as advanced cancer, and treatments are no longer effective in managing pain or prolonging a quality life.
Chronic Pain:
When a cat is in constant pain that cannot be alleviated with medication or other treatments, and their quality of life has significantly deteriorated.
Severe Injury:
In cases of severe injury where recovery is unlikely and the cat is in distress, euthanasia may be the most humane choice.
Low Quality of Life:
Cats with multiple health issues and a very poor prognosis may be candidates for euthanasia if their quality of life is very low.
Assessing Quality of Life
One of the key factors in deciding whether to euthanize is assessing your cat’s quality of life.
I was told by a vet nurse once to think about 5 things the cat enjoys doing – e.g. playing, chasing his brother, eating, etc. If the cat cannot do 3 out of 5 of those things, their quality of life is affected.
As a rescuer, I have had to make the hard decision of euthanasia more times that I would have liked. I would always hope and pray that the cat would go off in his sleep, on his own terms and spare me the decision. However, it doesn’t always work out that way and sometimes, we have to take the hard decision.
These are the questions I ask myself:
Did I try every possible medical means to help him?
Can the cat use the litterbox on his own? Or is he peeing on himself? Or do I need to express his bladder for him?
Can the cat eat on his own? Or do I need to keep force feeding him?
Can the cat move around comfortably, or is he in pain or discomfort? Is he breathing properly?
Is the cat just lying there, not doing anything?
Does the cat just appear miserable?
Is the cat’s condition causing him more bad days than good ones?
Your veterinarian can help guide you through this assessment and provide insight based on their medical expertise.
For me, I sort of know when it’s time.
The cat will usually appear listless, have inappetence, not use the litterbox, eyes sunken in, dry nose, static unkempt fur – these are signs that he’s nearing the end.
So now you have a decision to make – do I let him go via euthanasia?
Or do I let him go on his own, even if that means I will have to keep force feeding, or he will literally starve till he goes on his own? If the cat has difficulties breathing and all medical avenues have been exhausted, do I let him struggle till he goes on his own? (if the cat has fluid in lungs, or even a severe heart condition)?
I know for some people, they say it’s against their religion, morality and belief. While I respect that, I have seen too many cases where I had to let them go to be kinder to them and spared them a longer suffering.
The Euthanasia Process: What to Expect
The euthanasia process is designed to be as peaceful and stress-free as possible for both you and your cat. Here’s what typically happens:
Saying Goodbye:
Prepare yourself and say your goodbye to your cat. Let the other pets say goodbye to him. Think about all the happy times you’ve had together and thank him for choosing you as his companion. Consider his suffering and why you have made this decision to free him. Find a vet that can offer euthanasia services at home to provide a more comfortable setting for your cat.
Never Leave his Side:
Do not abandon your cat in his time of need and let him go without hearing you or being near you. Never leave his side just because you cannot take it, you will most certainly regret this decision. I will always hold their hand while they go.
Sedation:
The vet will place an IV catheter. Request for a sedative to be given to your cat to help them relax and ensure they are calm and comfortable, and feel no pain or panic, as some do have a reaction to the drug. Even if the cat is very low, I still always request for it to be prior.
The Injection:
The vet will administer the euthanasia solution through the IV. Your cat will quickly lose consciousness and pass away peacefully within a few minutes. The vet will then check the pulse and breathing, and there should be none.
His Remains:
After euthanasia, you can decide how you would like to handle your cat’s remains. Having a funeral or memorial will help you to honour the pet's life. Most owners opt for cremation. Refer to my previous article here.
Coping with Grief
The loss of a cat is a profound experience and it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from sadness and guilt, to relief that your cat is no longer suffering. Give yourself time to grieve, and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends or people who have had a similar experience.
Caregiving itself is tough.
Remember, the decision to euthanize is an act of compassion. It is a final gift you give your cat to spare them from further pain and suffering.
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