The life expectancy of a pet cat is generally much longer than that of a cat living in the wild. On average a pet cat may live for about 15 years and some survive well into their 20s. But at some stage it may become obvious that your cat’s life is drawing to a close. It is then that you will face a painful and difficult decision on whether your pet should be taken to your vet and put gently and painlessly to sleep. Please Contact Us if you have any more information regarding euthanasia.
When is euthanasia necessary?
Euthanasia (often called ‘putting to sleep’) is the term used by vets for the process of preventing the suffering of an animal which is too old or sick to have a happy and fulfilling life. It is never an easy decision and many owners understandably delay making it for as long as possible. Pain is not the only form of suffering, quality of life is important too and there are a number of situations in which euthanasia is the kindest thing to do for your cat. Consider euthanasia if your cat is suffering from:
- untreatable pain from a large tumour.
- is no longer able to eat or drink normally.
- has such severe heart and lungs disease that it is unable to breathe properly.
- can no longer empty its bowels of bladder without pain or is incontinent.
- is unable to stand or move normally.
- has become so blind or deaf that it cannot cope with everyday living.
What will happen?
Your vet may shave the fur from a patch of skin on one of your cat’s front legs and insert a needle into a vein. Your vet will administer an overdose of a drug which makes your cat loose consciousness (and ability to feel pain or fear). It will be asleep in a very short time (usually a matter of seconds). Breathing and heart beat will stop a few seconds later. If your cat is fearful or aggressive it will often be given a sedative before the injection is given.
Will my cat suffer?
The process is completely painless. In its last moments your cat may give a gasp. Your cat is asleep and the sound is caused by a muscular spasm which is perfectly normal. Other muscles in your cat’s body may also twitch and, as its body relaxes, its bowels or bladder may empty.
Should I be there at the end?
Discuss in advance with your vet whether you wish to be with your pet when it is put to sleep. It may be less stressful for your cat to be held in your arms and to be able to hear a familiar voice. You may be comforted by knowing that your old friend suffered no pain and met a peaceful end. However, if you are frightened or anxious your cat may sense this and may also become upset.
Should it be done at the vet’s surgery?
Vets usually prefer to see their patients in their own clinic where all the equipment and trained staff they need is close at hand.
Who decides that the time is right for euthanasia?
It is you who must decide whether or when euthanasia is the right thing for your cat. Your vet will be able to advise you on what the options are and make a sensible recommendation but he/she will not make the decision for you. It is rare that a decision has to be made on the spur of the moment, so it is much better to make your choice after talking it over with your vet and with other members of your family.
It is important that all members of the family are involved in the decision making process and that they are all in agreement. Do not exclude children from this – talking with them before the decision has been made may help them to come to terms with it.
How will I feel?
It is perfectly natural to feel grief after losing a pet and there is no shame in feeling strong emotions. Sometimes the first response after a pet’s death is anger or guilt, and that more could not be dome to save them. However, people experience grief in different ways and there are no hard and fast rules about what you will feel. It may help to have someone to take you home after your cat has been put to sleep so that you do not have to return to an empty house. Talking to friends and family is important.
How will my children cope?
Losing a pet is often the first time that a child becomes aware of death. It is usually best to be honest with a child and explain the truth as clearly as you can. Children may want time to say goodbye to their pet and seeing the dead body may help them understand what has happened.
Marking the occasion with some kind of memorial such as a burial can be very therapeutic. Talking about the happy times you shared will often help them and you to come to terms with the change in your lives. Children frequently get over the loss of a pet much more quickly than adults.
What happens to the body?
Your vet will explain what can be done with the body of your cat. They can arrange for your cat to be cremated, or you may choose to bury the body yourself. If your cat is cremated it is usually possible for your vet to arrange for you to have its ashes returned, but you must inform them of your wishes at the time of euthanasia.
Should I get another pet?
After the experience of losing a cat some people say they never want to own another pet. However, many others find that getting another cat helps them deal with their grief. The relationship you build with another pet will never be the same as the one you had, but it can be equally rewarding.