Cat Euthanasia
Has the time come to say goodbye to your beloved pet? At Local Vets, we understand that cat euthanasia can be a very stressful and distressing time for you and your family. If your cat is in pain, has a declining health condition, or has been suffering for a long time, cat euthanasia may be the right course of action. As an experienced veterinary clinic, Local Vets can provide you with guidance and advice. To find out more about your options, speak to a member of our veterinary team today.
What Is Cat Euthanasia?
It’s a difficult decision that no pet owner wants to make. However, there are situations when cat euthanasia is the only way to alleviate our feline friend’s pain and suffering. Allowing them to leave softly and peacefully can be a thoughtful gesture towards a beloved pet.
Cat euthanasia, also sometimes referred to as ‘putting to sleep’ or ‘putting down’, is often the only option when a pet is in pain and suffering. The medical procedure is intended to end an animal's life when it has little to no chance of recovering from an illness or injury. Cat euthanasia is usually carried out by injecting an overdose of anesthetic into a vein. Your pet will fall into unconsciousness in a matter of seconds and won’t feel any pain or suffering. Within the next few minutes, your animal's breathing will slow down and finally completely stop. Cardiac arrest follows shortly after. Within 30 seconds of the anesthesia being administered, a peaceful death usually occurs.
What To Expect On The Day
At Local Vets, we understand that cat euthanasia is a heart-wrenching decision to have to make. We make sure the process is carried out with the utmost care and professionalism by our compassionate team, ensuring that your cat experiences minimal distress.
When looking into cat euthanasia, it’s important to completely understand what the body does when death occurs. It’s not easy to see or hear, but we want you as the owner to be fully prepared to witness the passing of your pet without any unpleasant surprises. In the minutes that follow your cat’s passing away, it is normal to hear gasps of air and see the body twitching. These types of refluxes naturally occur when a cat dies. After your cat passes away, their eyes might stay open and sometimes their bladder or bowels may empty.
At Local Vets, we have a dedicated room for you to spend those final few moments together and say farewell to your cat. We also recognise that some cat owners might find it too distressing to be present during the procedure. If you do wish not to be present, our caring and compassionate vets and nurses will do everything they can to comfort your cat during their final moments.
When Will I Know The Time Is Right?
Any cat owner will find making the decision to put their cat to sleep is a heartbreaking choice to make. It’s crucial to approach the decision with care and consideration for your cat’s welfare at the front of your mind. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about cat euthanasia:
Quality of Life: Examining your cat’s quality of life is a good starting point. Search for any indications of pain or discomfort. If your cat seems to be in constant pain, it could be a clue that their quality of life has declined. Are they having trouble breathing? Are they unable to eat or drink? Have they become disinterested in activities they used to enjoy? Ask yourself these questions when considering the decision of cat euthanasia.
Prognosis & Unmanageable Symptoms: If your cat’s symptoms are overwhelming, causing server distress, and no longer respond to treatment, this may be a sign that the time is approaching. If your pet’s condition is terminal and treatment can’t significantly prolong their life, euthanasia should be considered.
Emotional Well-being: The decision to go forward with cat euthanasia should be based on the best interest of your pet. Most cats are playful animals and enjoy socialising with people and playing with toys. You may notice your cat becoming withdrawn, avoiding human interaction or potentially avoiding going outside as much. These could be signs the time is getting near.
Mobility and basic functions: Evaluate our cat’s ability to perform basic functions like eating, drinking, and going to the toilet. You might also notice your pet struggling to get comfortable or looking awkward when lying or sitting down. If they are struggling with these daily functions without difficulty or discomfort, it may be time to begin considering cat euthanasia.
Why Choose Local Vets For Cat Euthanasia?
When it comes to cat euthanasia, it’s vital you choose a veterinary clinic that can provide compassionate support and expert guidance at such a heartbreaking time. Our team of dedicated vets, nurses, and support staff is highly experienced in end-of-life care. We’ve helped countless pet owners navigate the cat euthanasia journey and understand how difficult it can be.
During the process, we believe that open communication is crucial to helping you as the owner make informed decisions. We take the time to discuss your options and address your concerns and questions with patience and empathy. We also pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and peaceful setting for your cat's last moments; aiming to make the experience as peaceful and stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
Get In Touch Today
If you are thinking about booking an appointment for cat euthanasia or would like to discuss treatment options for your pet with a member of our expert team, get in touch with Local Vets today. We also provide emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should your pet need it. Call us today.
