How to Know When to Put Your Cat Down
Our beloved feline friends share our hearts and our homes, and become precious companions who are part of our families. When it is time to say goodbye to them, it can be extremely heartrending and unfortunately, nothing can prepare us for their departure.
As our cats age, their health can begin to degrade, and it can be tremendously emotionally challenging to watch them suffer or be in pain. Though it is never an easy decision, most cat owners agree that pet euthanasia can be a necessary means to end the suffering of a cat who is ill or frail from old age. Pet euthanasia, can be a final act of compassion to release our cats from their suffering in a hume and compassionate way.
When can you know it may be time to put your cat down? How can you know your pet’s quality of life has significantly declined to the point where it may be best to make this decision?
Unfortunately, there is no magic test that can provide you with a solid yes or no when it comes to your pet’s time to go. Ultimately, changes in your pet’s behavior, as well as your intuition that comes from the unbreakable bond you both have created, will serve as the best points of reference when it comes to a decision just like this.
We understand how extremely emotionally difficult it can be to see your beloved pet suffer or be in pain. At a time such as this, we may feel a form of mental cloudiness or confusion, or sometimes find ourselves in a state of denial, unable to accept our pet’s painful situation. We know that making the choice to put down your cat is undeniably a sad and challenging decision, but remember it is important to do what is best for your suffering pet.
It can be difficult to know if the time has come, especially when the signs are not as clear as we thought they’d be. We hope this below guide offers a sense of comfort to empower you during this time and help you more easily navigate this process. Just remember that you know your cat better than anyone else, and you have the final word. We encourage you to use this guide to help you make the best decision for you and your pet, with the help of an experienced vet.
Common Signs That Your Cat’s Health Is in Decline
Usually, when a cat’s health is beginning to decline, it will begin to present with certain signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms are typically the same amongst most cats. When a cat’s quality of life has degraded, they are very likely to slow down and sleep more than usual and will usually exhibit other changes in behaviors that point to a downgrade in their well-being.
Of course, every pet is different and you should always consult with your vet for their professional medical opinion in regards to your pet’s health, and these signs and symptoms of their potential decline. It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms as an indicator it is time for your cat to go.
Here are some of the most common signs to look out for that may be an indicator it is time to put your cat down:
- Loss of interest in daily activities, people, other animals, toys, etc.
- Unusual sleeping patterns and lack of movement.
- Changes in body temperature and sometimes, body odor.
- Lack of grooming, or sometimes over-grooming to the point of causing baldness in one spot.
- Loss of interest in their food, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Frequent hiding or seeking to be away from others.
- Intense mewing or purring. These are usually huge red flags that your pet is in pain.
When is Euthanasia Necessary?
If you notice your pet’s quality of life has significantly declined, and your vet has determined that nothing can be done treatment-wise, or if there is a reatment available, but it might just cause further pain to your beloved pet, then euthanasia might be the best decisions. Though this is not an easy decision, when the cons outweigh the pros, putting an end to your cat’s pain may become a reasonable solution as well as the most humane and compassionate option
Euthanasia should always be done by a trained and experienced veterinarian. If you think you’d like to avoid taking your pet to the vet in hopes to avoid further stress, and you pet will be ore comfortable in thhe familiar environment of your home, you may be able to ask your vet to perform at-home euthanasia. This option is becoming more common as more and more pet owners ask for this kind of accommodation. Home euthanasia should always be conducted by a trained professional.
Is Euthanasia Painful?
When done by an experienced professional, the procedure should not cause any pain to your cat. The injection results in the loss of consciousness of your pet, leading to their pain-free and peaceful departure.
Should You Be Present During the Euthanasia Procedude for Your Cat?
There is no perfect answer as only you can choose what’s best for you and your pet. You can always opt to be present during the procedure to help provide some comfort and support for your beloved pet. If you choose to be in the room when the euthasia procedure is performed. You will also be able to share in their last precious moments and say your goodbyes
Choosing at-home euthanasia may be a preferable option as it allows you to be present duing the procedure in the comfort of your own home. It may provide comfort for both you and your beloved pet as you will be able to say your final goodbyes in the familiar environment of your home.
Ultimately, making the choice to euthanize your cat is an extremely painful decision to make, and you need to do what is best for you and your pet. Choosing to euthanize a beloved pet is never easy, but no matter how you choose to cope with the process, always remember your pet will be grateful that you chose to put an end to their pain and suffering to offer them a compassionate and peaceful goodbye.
