Cats do not live as long as humans. Thinking about euthanasia – literally, a “gentle and easy death” – is something that no cat owner likes to dwell on but sadly it is a decision that many cat owners eventually have to face. If you are considering euthanasia of a healthy cat then do not forget that rehoming may be a better option. Ask your vet’s advice – many can help with solving behavioural problems and they have information on rehoming. Is it pain or old age? Always discuss this with your vet. Do not be afraid to visit the vet sooner rather than later. Many of the signs of “old age”, such as arthritis, can be relieved. Your cat’s problems may be treatable and early treatment reduces suffering. Cats do not necessarily show pain by crying or yowling. Assessment of long-term pain can be difficult even for vets, as animals (and people) tend to adapt their behaviour to cope. Sometimes the only way is to try using painkillers (only use those prescribed by a vet) to see if your cat brightens up. Your cat could be in pain if there has been a change in behaviour, a loss of appetite and a reluctance to play or move around, or if your cat is not washing or grooming. It may also be a sign of pain if your cat is restless and cannot seem to get comfortable, is sitting or lying in an abnormal position, seems tense or withdrawn, or has just lost enthusiasm for life. Purring is not a sign of comfort – even cats in extremes of pain will still purr. Always discuss your cat’s symptoms with your vet, as all of these signs can also be caused by problems other than pain. Arriving at the decision to euthanase your cat Talk it over with your vet and your family and friends. Questions to think about include: Can your cat still eat, drink, sleep and move around reasonably comfortably? Does he or she respond to your presence and greet you? Does feeding time attract interest? Persistent and incurable inability to eat, vomiting, signs of pain, distress or discomfort, or difficulty in breathing are all indications that euthanasia should be considered. You and your family know your cat better than anyone else, so try to make a reasoned judgement on quality of life. Your vet will help you with this, and will often make a recommendation. If you are hoping for an improvement in your cat’s condition, setting a time limit may be a sensible option. Sadly, few cats die peacefully in their sleep at home. Most reach a point when their quality of life is unsatisfactory and a decision for euthanasia has to be made. Living with a chronically ill cat can be emotionally (and financially) draining. Often there is a substantial time commitment involved in care. Not every owner is able to cope and, if there is no chance of a recovery and you are unable to give your cat the degree of care needed for a comfortable life, it may be better to opt for euthanasia. With some invalid cats there is the possibility of a sudden and unpredictable deterioration. If you are unable to make arrangements for your cat to receive emergency care (all vets in the UK have to make provision for this) euthanasia may be a better option. What actually happens during euthanasia? Consider taking some time off work to get over the event. Explain the situation to the receptionist when you make the appointment as you can often choose a quiet time for your visit to the surgery. It may be a good idea for a friend or family member to come with you for support. Some vets will agree to make house visits if you prefer. If your cat is already hospitalised, then you can ask to visit and say goodbye if you wish. However, if your cat is under an anaesthetic, it may be kinder to agree to euthanasia without waking him, and perhaps to see him afterwards. The following is a detailed description of the process. Some of the events described may be distressing, but remember that your cat rapidly loses consciousness and cannot feel pain from that point onwards. You will normally need to sign a consent form. Euthanasia is usually carried out by injecting an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein of the front leg, although the injection can be given to other areas of the body as well. Your cat is held by a nurse and a small patch of fur is shaved off. All your cat feels is a tiny prick of the needle – then the injection is painless. Occasionally, a cat may give a small cry as the injection is given – as with all anaesthetics, there is a brief feeling of dizziness as the drug takes effect. Unconsciousness follows within seconds, often before the injection is finished. Death occurs within a couple of minutes when the heart stops beating. It may take a little longer if the animal is very ill or has poor circulation. In these cases, it can sometimes be difficult for the vet to find a vein. If a cat is agitated or restless, then the vet may give a sedative first, but finding a vein can then be more difficult and the injection may work more slowly. In the few […]
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