Euthanasia of Your Cat– Navigating The Hardest Decision You’ll Ever Make

Introduction

Euthanasia literally means good death, or the hastening of a death to prevent further suffering. Sad but grateful cat parents have often said we are fortunate in veterinary medicine that when the time comes, we can euthanize our beloved pets to prevent their suffering. This is in contrast to human medicine, where we don’t have that option in most cases.

It is a sober honor to assist in the passing of a beloved pet. Helping cat owners make the decision to euthanize their companion is important, difficult, and emotional for everyone involved, yet it is a privilege to share that time and those decisions together.

It is important to follow the recommendations of your veterinary team. Blood work, radiographs, ultrasound, and other tests are crucial to obtain diagnostic information which will help determine your cat’s condition. But keep in mind that you know your cat better than anyone. If you say they are not feeling well, you know it’s true, even if they don’t show it at the veterinary hospital.

If your cat still has some energy and you’re not quite sure it’s time yet, consider veterinary hospice care for their remaining time. With the support of a veterinarian, hospice veterinary nurses (Licensed Veterinary Technicians) can come to your home and provide:

• Comfort care.
• Subcutaneous fluids.
• Pain management.
• Management of a feeding tube if appropriate for your cat’s condition.
• Other appropriate comfort measures or medical issues such as wound care.

Before it is time for your pet to be euthanized, take some time to consider your options. Most veterinarians provide euthanasia for their patients at their veterinary hospitals. However, a house call can be a very peaceful option to the busyness and noise of a clinic.

Your cat can stay snuggled in their bed, and doesn’t have to get bundled into the car or carrier. This is especially great for cats with mobility issues, or those who get very nervous at the veterinary clinic. Some options to consider include:

• Your regular veterinarian may occasionally do house calls for their patients, so it is worth asking if they will provide this service.
• A house call veterinary practice. However, if you are not a patient of record they may not accept you for a euthanasia call. It might be worth becoming established as a client for this reason alone.
• Euthanasia veterinary practice. Specifically tailored for house call pet euthanasia services.
• Consider having a back-up plan. In bad weather or if mobile services fail for some reason, you might be able to contact your regular veterinarian and bring your cat to the clinic as a back-up plan to a house call.

On your cat’s last day, let them do and have whatever they want. Keeping a calm and mellow environment is important. If they want chicken, bring it on! Let them lick your ice cream cone. (With discretion–of course you don’t want to bring on a stomach-ache). Now’s the time to celebrate your kitty’s life!

Here are some helpful products that your cat might enjoy.

For a calm environment, here are some things that are helpful:

• Music Cats Love CD by Bradley Joseph
• FELIWAY Optimum Cat, Enhanced Calming Pheromone Diffuser, 30 Day Starter Kit (48 mL)

A special treat is also a good idea such as:

• Bonito fish flakes

• Benny Bullies (freeze-dried beef liver treats)

Cuddling your cat in a warm blanket or sling by your side is another way to provide great comfort. These are great devices that provide security and comfort for your kitty:

• Cat Sling Carrier

• Calm and Cozy Cat Wrap

People often ask if they can be present when their cat is euthanized. Most clinics will allow you to be present and you are welcome to ask. If your veterinarian doesn’t want you present during the euthanasia, there may be clinic policies or personal reasons for it. You can ask for another veterinarian, possibly at the same clinic, who may allow you to be present. (This is an important reason to plan ahead, to avoid last-minute surprises.)

The process of euthanasia itself is usually in two steps for cats. First, a sedative injection is given, which may include some pain control. This can be either subcutaneous or intramuscular, and may sting a little, but often is not noticed by the pet. After 5-10 minutes, a second injection is given, which stops brain activity and thereby stops the body’s organ function, causing euthanasia.

The second injection is typically given intravenously, usually in the leg. When the euthanasia drugs are given in the leg vein the pet will pass away very quickly. Usually by the time it takes the veterinarian to listen for the heartbeat, the heart has stopped. If the cat has fragile veins, the veterinarian can utilize different approaches as needed. In this case, since it will take a variable time for the drug to reach the cat’s brain, it can take a longer time for the brain activity to shut down and thus for the organs to stop, roughly 5-45 minutes, depending on the route of drug administration.

When you are present with your cat at their euthanasia appointment, your only role is to be there with your cat and provide them comfort. Your job is to love your cat the whole time, making room for the veterinary team to do their job as needed. They may need to borrow your pet for a few minutes to put in an intravenous catheter, but as soon as they are back, you get to love your cat some more.

The veterinarian will usually inform you when they give the injections so that you are prepared. Your pet will typically fall asleep after the first injection, or be resting deeply sedated, relaxed and comfortable. This is often a great relief if your cat has been very uncomfortable with their illness.

After 5-10 minutes, or when the veterinarian feels your cat is ready, they will choose the best route to administer the second injection, which stops the brain activity, causing organ function to stop, and causing euthanasia. Your role is to love your cat and hold their paw the whole time if you wish.

If you prefer to stand nearby or leave the room, that’s OK. If you prefer to go home, that’s fine too. Whatever you need to do for your cat, their memory, yourself, or your family, do that.

Once a cat has had the second injection, they almost always slip peacefully away, as their brain shuts down, their heart stops beating and they quietly stop breathing. Sometimes their body will make a few loud breaths or move a little, which is normal. 

Your veterinarian will confirm that your pet has passed by checking for a heartbeat with a stethoscope. They should allow you to spend time in the room with your cat after they have passed, if you wish. 

You have options for your cat’s remains including:

• Home burial–you will need to check with local laws and ordinances
• Burial in a pet cemetery
• Cremation 
• Aquamation (water cremation)
• Private cremations–usually you will get your cats’ ashes back
• Non-private cremations–usually you do not receive any ashes

If you wish to briefly take your deceased cat home so that your other pets can acknowledge their passing, please do so. This is an excellent way to help the other pets understand that your cat has passed. This helps them move on, and helps prevent their searching for their friend. Your veterinary team can help you with blanketing and carrying your deceased cat in a dignified way for the trip home, and arrange for a time to return your cat back to the clinic. (You may want to arrange ahead of time for a friend to help you.)

As you approach this difficult decision of euthanasia, please take time to consider your options. 

• Do you want hospice care for your cat as they approach the end of their life?
• Where do you want the euthanasia to be, and who do you want to provide the service?
• What kind of option do you want for your cats’ remains?

Also, another thing to consider is the possibility of a memorial for you to remember your cat by. There are so many options available. Some can be provided by your veterinarian, and some by a crematory service. The following are just a few options:

• Nose prints
• Paw prints
• Fur clipping
• Urns–wood, aluminum, ceramic, or eco-friendly
• Cremation jewelry–pendants, lockets, beads

Purchasing your urn online may be less expensive than purchasing through your crematorium, and you may find it less stressful to buy it in advance. However, you may want to contact the crematorium ahead of time to get their recommendation.

This kit allows you to make and display your own paw print. It’s pretty easy if your cat is not too sensitive about having their feet handled. It can be fun, especially with kids. This frame is a nice way to display the pawprint along with a photo of your cat.

You can make your own cat’s nose print and have fun in the process. Be sure to give lots of treats and wear black clothes because it might get a little messy!

This sweet gift can be personalized and is a lovely way to display your beloved cat’s collar.

Although it can be overwhelming, just like for people, it helps to think about these things beforehand. The more you can address questions like “Do I want a home euthanasia?”, the more prepared and hopefully calmer you will be. Consider what you would like for your cat’s remains. Would you like ashes back or not? Are memorials important to you? If you think you might like a nose print for a memorial, be sure and tell your veterinarian, or the crematorium.

Those memorials are precious and the opportunities are fleeting. It’s hard to make decisions when you’re under stress or emotions are running high. Try not to wait until the last minute, when chances are you might forget something important, and possibly have regrets.

Most importantly, know that your cat knows you love them. Just being there for them, loving them, and even if you aren’t able to stay in the room with them, sending them loving thoughts, are what they need. You’ll do the right thing when it’s time. You’ll make the tough decision, the right one for you and your pet.

Please see our other PetHealthHarbour.com articles on Is My Senior Cat in Pain, and Pet Hospice.