
It involves a vet giving your cat a large overdose of an anaesthetic agent that will simply cause the cat to lose consciousness and pass away very rapidly. The process of putting a cat to sleep is straightforward. Has my cat stopped interacting with me normally and showing signs of contentment?.Has my cat stopped following a reasonably normal pattern of behaviour?.Is my cat obviously showing signs of continual or recurring pain?.If the answer to one or more of these questions is 'yes', then you should be discussing the possibility of euthanasia with your vet and with other members of your family who have an involvement. Questions to ask before you have your cat put to sleep: Putting off a decision is understandable but is often not in the best interests of the cat and can result in feelings of regret and guilt. Many owners hope that their pet will peacefully slip away in their sleep, so that the fateful decision is taken out of their hands. Sometimes, it is so obvious that the cat is in intolerable discomfort that euthanasia is the only kind option, but more often the deterioration is gradual, and a line has to be drawn. Usually it is a matter of deciding when a cat is no longer getting enjoyment from his life, and this is a very subjective judgement. The primary consideration is almost always the welfare of any animal - although owner considerations may also play a role. When is the right time to have my cat put to sleep?įrom a vet's point of view, giving advice depends upon a delicate balance of clinical judgement and counselling skills, because the decision is usually not cut and dried.

When there is no reasonable alternative, to enable a cat to die in peace and dignity can be a tremendous relief. Taking the decision to have your cat put to sleep is one that shouldn't be taken lightly, and the advice of your vet will be invaluable in making the right choice. However, when your cat is suffering from extreme pain which is difficult to control, your vet may suggest that euthanasia is the kindest option. Similarly, there is no need to put a cat to sleep simply because a terminal condition such as cancer has been diagnosed - the cat may well be able to live several more happy months. There is obviously no necessity to put down cats because they are old - cats will age at different rates. Most vets would agree that it is not the length of a cat's life that is of prime concern but the quality of his life. Getting another cat after the death of a catĮuthanasia, or having a cat put to sleep, is a difficult issue that is never easy to deal with and is always emotive.What happens after your cat is put to sleep.Can you have your cat put to sleep at home?.Can you stay when your cat is being put to sleep?.What happens when a cat is put to sleep?.Questions to ask before you put your cat to sleep.When is the right time to put your cat to sleep?.
