All pet parents prefer to picture their furry friends in perfect health. Unfortunately, things happen that are out of our control, and a once-healthy kitty may need to be euthanized. Putting a cat to sleep is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
What is euthanasia, how to know when to put a cat down, and how to deal with the grieving process are just some of the things you’re probably wondering if you’re faced with this difficult decision.
What Is Euthanasia – How to Put a Cat to Sleep
Cat euthanasia is defined as the painless ending of a life. The goal of the procedure is to end the life of a feline quickly and painlessly. Most veterinarians will first administer a pre-anesthetic sedative to help relax the kitty. Then, the veterinarian will most likely use an overdose of injectable anesthesia solution in a large vein in one of the front legs. The dose will be large enough to cause the cat to lose consciousness, which will ultimately result in cardiac arrest.
Many pet parents choose to be present during the procedure, although some patience is needed as the cat is prepped by the veterinarian. It also allows for pet parents to say goodbye to their furry friend. Some veterinary clinics may also offer this service in your home, which can make a cat more comfortable in his final moments.
When to Consider Putting a Cat to Sleep
When it comes to putting a cat to sleep, knowing when to euthanize a cat is one of the most difficult decisions your family or a veterinarian can make. A veterinarian will not euthanize a healthy animal or an animal with a curable ailment. Instead, euthanasia is used only when it becomes clear that putting the cat to sleep is a kinder choice than allowing him to continue living with his condition.
Your veterinarian may suggest euthanasia for an elderly cat, especially if he has quite a few medical problems. It’s time to discuss euthanasia with your veterinarian if your cat doesn’t have control over his bowels, if he acts uncomfortable or in pain, or if he demonstrates an inability to stand without your assistance.
What Putting a Cat to Sleep Costs
What’s the cost of putting a cat to sleep? Well, the cost to put cats to sleep depends on the size of the cat and the location of your veterinarian. Larger cats may cost more to put to sleep than smaller cats, and the cost of living in your area will affect the price of euthanasia. In general, the procedure costs somewhere between $45 and $150.
You should also consider the cost of disposing the body when putting a cat to sleep. Your veterinarian will likely discuss your options with you and price each option accordingly. Allowing your veterinary clinic to dispose of the body is often the cheapest option, but they can also cremate your cat.
Just make sure that you are aware of burial laws in your area. Many cities require you to bury your animal in a pet cemetery, which could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. If that’s the case for you, it might be a good idea to consider getting a burial pod for your cat.
The Grieving Process
Going home without your furry friend is often the hardest part of euthanasia for pet parents. However, other animals in your home are likely to grieve as well. If you have another kitty in your home, consider plugging in a cat diffuser. The calming scent will help your cat relax during this difficult time.
In addition, you may also like the idea of getting a memorial plaque for your beloved cat. It’s a great way to keep the memory for years to come.
It’s also a good idea after putting a cat to sleep to not jump into bringing home a new kitty too soon. Every person and pet grieves differently, so make sure every member of your family is ready to move on into a new chapter of life before adopting a new feline.