It's not easy to put your cat to sleep.Untreatable or painful medical conditions, sudden severe injuries, or old age infirmities will cause owners to put down their cat.If you need to put your cat to sleep, the veterinary profession is well equipped to help you make the right decision.
Step 1: Should your cat be put to sleep?
There is a quality of life that needs to be taken into account when choosing a home for a cat.If you have concerns about your pet's quality of life, talk to your vet.There are some factors that can include a complete loss of appetite or inability to eat.When trying to walk or stand.Chronic pain or inability to get comfortable is a sign of a more serious problem.
Step 2: Prepare to say goodbye.
Prepare yourself and your family for life without your cat before you make the appointment.Make sure you have photos of your cat, spend some time with it, and give it a treat or food.If you cared for or loved the cat, please join this process.Do not tell them that the cat is moving or that it ran away.Explain the decision making process to kill the cat to them in an age appropriate manner.Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood fame wrote an excellent book for kids.
Step 3: How you want your cat's end of life to happen is up to you.
Should you be with your cat to the end of its life?You have to decide if you want to present.Some people want to be and some don't.It's up to you and your cat.If you are present, most veterinarians and their staff will explain the process to you.They will understand the decision if you can't be there.You can ask if your cat will be euthanized at home when you call for the appointment.This may be the final thing you can do for your cat, as many cats get stressed out with car rides or being at the vet's office.If you want to avoid unpleasant memories at home, you can have it done at the vet's office.The procedure is the same either way.
Step 4: Decide what to do with your cat's body.
You will have to decide if you want the cat's body cremated or not.You will have to decide if you want to take its ashes or body home with you for burial.Do you have a box or blanket to wrap the body in?If you decide to have the veterinarians office arrange for cremation, it will add more money to the final bill.Are you able to bury the body in your yard?Can you dig in the winter?Is there a safe place to dig?You might have to check with your local utilities to make sure you don't damage the buried lines.
Step 5: If your cat is dying at home, you should bring it to the veterinary office.
You don't want to have to deal with this after your cat dies, so pay any fees upfront.For the sake of the cat, try to stay calm.It will be scared at the end of its life because it will not know what is going on.
Step 6: Understand how your cat will be euthanized.
The sedative will be given to your cat in one of its muscles.This will help it relax as the solution needs to be given in the vein.The solution is given slowly after access to the vein.This usually happens very quickly.Many veterinarians will place a small catheter into the vein, while others will use a plain needle to inject the solution.If you want to, you should be able to stroke and speak to your pet while the assistant is holding it.Sometimes a cat with heart or circulation troubles will take a bit more time for the solution to work.The cat can give a sigh or deep breaths.Before pronouncing your cat dead, the vet will check with his or her stethoscope to make sure the cat's heart is not beating too fast.They will help you prepare your cat's body for proper disposition.
Step 7: Grieving for your pet.
It is normal to grieve at the loss of a companion.Your cat gave you a lot of love.Everyone grieves differently.You can create a memorial to cope with your loss.This could be a spot on a shelf with your cat's framed photo, a special photo album with photos or you could plant a tree or bush in his memory.You can write your feelings in a journal.There are pet loss support groups in the area.Remember the good times with your cat and call a pet loss hotline to speak with a counselor.