When adopting a new kitten, you’re not thinking about euthanizing a cat. Instead, you think of all the good times you’ll have with your new kitty. However, responsible pet owners must be prepared for all possibilities in the future, including veterinary trips, scratches on your furniture, accidents on the carpet, and eventually, the death of your pet. These are all part of adopting a cat. Educating yourself about euthanasia and your options can help guide you if illness or injury makes it necessary to provide a peaceful, painless end for your cat.
Understanding Euthanasia
The simple definition of euthanasia is a gentle death. Euthanizing a pet means having your veterinarian put it to sleep. The process is painless, and the cat’s suffering is quickly ended. An injection is administered that relaxes the heart and lungs, eventually stopping them. The cat falls asleep, similar to how they would during surgery, and then their vital organs gradually cease functioning.
Knowing your options in case of an emergency is crucial for your pet’s health. Being prepared with information allows you to make better decisions about what’s best for your cat. Euthanasia is not a decision to take lightly. It’s a permanent choice, only considered in emergency situations when it’s the most humane option available.
At some point, as a cat owner, you may need to consider euthanasia. If your cat is in pain or suffering from a condition that reduces their quality of life and shows no signs of improvement, deciding when to end the suffering is a difficult but highly personal decision. Older cats can develop age-related illnesses, and any cat can suffer from injuries caused by accidents, such as being hit by a car or having a door slammed on them. If your cat is undergoing multiple rounds of cancer treatment with little chance of regaining a decent quality of life, or if they’re losing bodily functions like sight or hearing, you’ll have to weigh the situation and decide what’s best.
Some pets also have severe behavioral issues that may make euthanasia seem like the only option. Here are some key questions to consider when making this difficult decision.
Questions to Ask When Deciding on Euthanasia:
- Is your cat suffering?
- What is the likelihood of recovery?
- If this is a behavioral issue, have you tried behavior therapy?
- If it’s a behavioral issue, have you considered re-homing your cat?
- Is your cat in pain?
- Has your cat’s quality of life diminished?
- If you were the cat, would you want to continue living this way?
There are several factors that influence the decision to euthanize a cat. Once you’ve determined that euthanasia is the most humane choice, there are still some additional decisions to make.
My Place or Yours?
Some people prefer to allow their cat a special day before they are put down, especially if their cat has spent time without the luxuries they once enjoyed. Whether your cat spends its last day having a celebration with loved ones or resting in an animal hospital, you’ll need to decide how to approach the final goodbyes.
Some veterinarians will come to your home to euthanize your pet in a familiar and comfortable environment, while others require the procedure to take place at their office. Deciding where and when to put your cat to sleep is an important step once you’ve made the decision.
Should I Stay?
Some pet owners choose to stay with their cat during euthanasia, while others prefer to say their goodbyes beforehand and allow the veterinarian and staff to handle the procedure. Neither choice is wrong. If you choose to stay with your cat, it’s important to understand how your cat may react to the injection to avoid any surprises.
How Does It End?
When a cat is euthanized, death occurs almost immediately. They feel no pain, but the body may react in unexpected ways for those who aren’t prepared. For example, just as chickens may flap their wings after decapitation, a euthanized cat may experience involuntary muscle spasms after death. This doesn’t mean the procedure didn’t work properly, and it’s not a sign that your cat is still suffering. The last breath may also produce unexpected sounds, which can be disturbing to those unprepared for them.
It’s essential to discuss the procedure with your veterinarian if you plan to stay with your cat during euthanasia. Seeing the process can be traumatic, and if you anticipate an emotional reaction, it may be better to say your final goodbyes and let the veterinarian and staff handle the procedure. The last thing you want is for your final memory of your beloved pet to be of their last breaths or muscle spasms.
In the end, the decision to euthanize your cat is deeply personal. There’s no definitive “right” or “wrong” decision, as each situation is unique. Educating yourself about your cat’s condition and the available options, and making an informed decision out of love and compassion, is the best thing you can do for your feline family member.
