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How To Euthanize Your Cat

Submitted by Michael Adams on February 25, 2010

Euthanasia may be opted for when a pet is suffering from a chronic illness that can’t be cured. It is a way to put an end to the suffering and discomfort that the pet may be experiencing due to the illness. This is always a very difficult decision for any pet owner.

Euthanasia can only be performed by a practicing veterinarian with a license as the solution needs to be executed in a controlled manner. There are different methods available and you can discuss them with your veterinarian when deciding how to euthanize your cat.

Firstly, you need to determine if at all you should euthanize your cat.

Examine the health of the cat. If certain conditions have been detected that require medical intervention, examine the effects of that intervention on your cat’s health. If the cat is too weak or old the intervention may not allow her the kind of life she is used to. See if you are able to provide your cat the supervision that is required for her condition. If your cat is beginning to deteriorate in condition and further complications are arising out of it, it is a sure sign that she is suffering. Seek advice from your vet whether euthanizing your cat is the best option. Ensure that the condition your cat is suffering from indeed cannot be cured. If there are possibilities of an improvement, it is advisable to take that chance and give your cat a chance to get better. However if the disease is incurable and one that will worsen over time, euthanasia will ensure that your cat does not suffer any more that she already has.

One way in which pets are euthanized is intravenously. This is done at the veterinary clinic where a high amount of barbiturate is administered to the cat. This is considered to be the most peaceful way by which you can euthanize your cat. Another method, mostly used for smaller animals is introducing an intense gas in a chamber. In some cases, an intracardiac injection may need to be administered. This involves introducing the euthanasia drug directly into the heart of the animal. This is still a controversial method as it can take up to fifteen minutes to take effect. In case euthanasia is not an option for you and you are unable to care for her yourself, you can place your cat in a no-kill shelter, run by animal welfare organizations that will adopt and care for your ailing pet.

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Cat Diseases