EUTHANASIA
In some circumstances your veterinarian may suggest that you should consider
having your cat "put to sleep" (euthanased) such as if your cat has a terminal
illness from which he cannot recover or if he has intractable pain. This will
enable your cat to die in peace with dignity and without further suffering.
It can be a very hard decision to make but it is one of the kindest things that
an owner can do for a suffering cat.
What happens when a cat is "put to sleep"?
The veterinarian, with the assistance of a veterinary nurse, gives the cat
an intravenous injection of a lethal dose of barbiturates (a strong anesthetic)
usually into a front leg. Sometimes the injection is made into a kidney. The
cat loses consciousness within a few seconds and often gives a last gasp just
before it dies. This is a very controlled and painless method of euthanasia.
For very nervous cats it is sometimes necessary to give a sedative to calm them
prior to euthanasia.
Is it usual for the owner to stay with their cat when it is "put to sleep"?
Most veterinarian are quite happy for owners to remain with their cat. Sometimes
owners get very distressed and this is communicated to the cat and in this instance
it may be preferable for the cat to be left with the veterinarian and his nurse.
If the owners wish, they can see the remains after the injection has been given
but many people prefer their last memory to be of their cat alive.
The decision whether or not to stay with the cat is a very personal decision
which should preferably be made in advance to avoid further distress.
Can I have my cat put to sleep at home or is it better to take him to the
surgery?
If your veterinarian offers home visits then he may be willing to put your
cat to sleep at home. This can be expensive because you have to pay for the
veterinarian's and his nurse's time for the period they are away from the surgery.
It is not always practical for both the veterinarian and his nurse to come and
some veterinarians no longer offer home visits except in cases of emergency.
At the surgery skilled assistance and equipment is readily available. It is
usually possible to arrange an appointment at the surgery at a quiet time to
avoid undue distress to both cat and owner.
What can I do with my pet's remains?
There are four possible choices:-
- home burial
- incineration - this is the most common means of disposal through a veterinary
practice
- individual cremation with return of the pet's ashes - your veterinarian
can usually arrange this and advise about the likely cost.
- burial in a pet cemetery - your veterinarian can suggest who to contact
to arrange this. It can be quite expensive.
Grieving for your cat
It is very natural to feel upset and emotional when your pet dies. Don't be
afraid to show your feelings in front of the veterinarian. He will understand.
It will take time to get over your loss. It often helps to talk about your cat's
death. It is quite normal to feel angry, this is part of the process of coming
to terms with your loss. Try not to feel guilty or blame yourself or your veterinarian
for your cat's death. Remember that you cared for your cat and did all you could
when it was ill. Veterinarian's cannot always save a cat's life. Treasure your
memories. Remember the good times and what you loved most about your cat.
Helping children to cope
The death of a pet is often a child's first experience of death. Tell them
the truth. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and tell them how you
feel. Help them to understand that they are not to blame. Talk to them about
your cat and concentrate on the good times. Don't get a new pet too soon. Your
child will need time to get over the death of the old pet.
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