Euthanasia

In some circumstances your vet may suggest that you should consider having your cat "put to sleep" (euthanased) such as if your cat has a terminal illness or if they have intractable pain.  Euthanasia allows 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 vet, with the assistance of a veterinary nurse, gives the cat an intravenous injection of a lethal dose of barbiturates (a strong anaesthetic) usually into a front leg.  Sometimes the injection is given into a kidney.  The cat loses consciousness within a few seconds as occurs with normal anaesthesia and dies peacefully shortly after.  Your cat may give a last gasp after it has passed away but it is unaware of this.  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 vets 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 vet and nurse.  If the owners wish, they can see their cat’s body 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 may cat to the surgery?

If your vet offers home visits then they may be willing to put your cat to sleep at home. This usually costs more than going to the clinic because you have to pay for the vet and his nurse time for the period they are away from the surgery.  It is not always practical for both the vet and nurse to come and some vets no longer offer home visits except in cases of emergency. At the surgery skilled assistance and equipment is readily available and can sometimes make the process less stressful than a home visit. It is usually possible to arrange an appointment at the surgery for a time best suited to you and your vet so they can spend time with you to explain the process and help you through part of this upsetting time.

"At the surgery skilled assistance and equipment is readily available and can sometimes make the process less stressful than a home visit."

What can I do with my pet's body?

There are four possible choices:-

• Home burial – strictly speaking, this is regulated by local councils, when faced with burial, some people find the process quite distressing so if possible, it is best to prepare the practical side of things prior to bringing your cat home.
• Cremation without return of ashes – if you would like your cat cremated but do not want to have its ashes returned to you, many veterinary practices in Australia have an arrangement with their local pet crematorium to cremate pets. A fee usually applies for this service.
• Individual cremation with return of the pet's ashes - your vet can usually arrange this and advise you of the cost.
• Burial in a pet cemetery - your vet can suggest who to contact to arrange this and costs involved.

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 vet, they 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 vet for your cat's death. Remember that you cared for your cat and did all you could when it was ill. Vets cannot always save a cat's life. Treasure your memories. Remember the good times and what you loved most about your cat.

If you feel you have no-one to talk to about your loss you can contact your local doctor for advice, a grief counselor or ask your veterinarian who may be able to direct you to some more specific. There is a wealth of information on the internet offering advice on making the decision to euthanase your cat to helping you cope with the loss of your pet.

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. The decision of whether to get another pet and the timing of this is highly individual. Sometimes it is important to have a period of grieving before introducing a new pet whilst other times a new pet brings a new positive focus to the home environment.