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When you decide to have your cat euthanased I feel it is very important to understand the process involved, so that you know what to expect. Some people are too upset at the time to discuss it so don’t be afraid to ask before you decide, or afterwards, if you have any questions. I have been through this process many times with my own animals so completely understand how difficult and sad the decision to say goodbye can be.
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It is best to arrange the appointment at a time when the house is quiet.
In my experience, keeping your cat relaxed during the procedure is my top priority. This helps to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. For this reason, I recommend a maximum of two family members in the room during the procedure and that children under the age of 12 are not present during the actual injection as some find it distressing.
Signing a consent form
To be sure that there is no confusion about the procedure you will be asked to sign a consent form giving me permission to carry out euthanasia. This is a formality that all vets have to fulfill to protect animals from inappropriate euthanasia.
You may be asked if you want to stay with your cat.
There are no hard and fast rules about whether it is better to stay with your cat while it has the injection. Some people find it comforting and others find it distressing, which can then be very upsetting for the cat. You have to decide what you and your cat are most comfortable with.
In my experience, keeping your cat relaxed during the procedure is my top priority. This helps to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. For this reason, I recommend a maximum of two family members in the room during the procedure and that children under the age of 12 are not present during the actual injection as some find it distressing.
Signing a consent form
To be sure that there is no confusion about the procedure you will be asked to sign a consent form giving me permission to carry out euthanasia. This is a formality that all vets have to fulfill to protect animals from inappropriate euthanasia.
You may be asked if you want to stay with your cat.
There are no hard and fast rules about whether it is better to stay with your cat while it has the injection. Some people find it comforting and others find it distressing, which can then be very upsetting for the cat. You have to decide what you and your cat are most comfortable with.
A gentle mixture of sedation and an anaesthetic overdose helps your cat drift into a peaceful and final sleep
In most cases your cat will benefit from having a sedative about 10-25 minutes prior to the final injection with a very concentrated anaesthetic drug.
The effect of the final injection is similar to an anaesthetic overdose and the animal will generally fall asleep within seconds. Once your cat loses consciousness, it will then stop breathing and the heart will stop; this usually takes about a minute, but can take longer, especially in patients with poor circulation. There may be a few muscle tremors or deep shallow breaths - this is normal but can be alarming if you have not been made aware of this in advance.
Some people need some time with their cat after this and others prefer me to quietly leave. Please be assured I will be patient and understanding of the fact that everybody has different needs at this sad time.
In most cases your cat will benefit from having a sedative about 10-25 minutes prior to the final injection with a very concentrated anaesthetic drug.
The effect of the final injection is similar to an anaesthetic overdose and the animal will generally fall asleep within seconds. Once your cat loses consciousness, it will then stop breathing and the heart will stop; this usually takes about a minute, but can take longer, especially in patients with poor circulation. There may be a few muscle tremors or deep shallow breaths - this is normal but can be alarming if you have not been made aware of this in advance.
Some people need some time with their cat after this and others prefer me to quietly leave. Please be assured I will be patient and understanding of the fact that everybody has different needs at this sad time.
