When Is It Time?
This is such an important question, but one that really can’t be answered. The answer is different for every person and with every cat. What we can tell you is that there is no “right” time. There is either too early or too late. If we euthanize before your cat is truly suffering, you will wonder if you made the decision too soon. If we euthanize after your cat is suffering, we have waited too long.
Using the Quality of Life Scale can help you through the process (we can print out a copy, or you can find it on our website at http://www.allcatshospital.com/userfiles/2487/pdf/Quality_of_Life_Scale_to_PDF.pdf). Discuss your concerns and questions with anyone here at All Cats Hospital. We have all had to make this decision for our own fur babies and know just how hard it is.
Can I Be There?
Of course you can be there, but don’t feel you have to. If you don’t feel you can be with your cat, we will stay with them during the process so they will not be alone.
What Happens?
Every veterinarian has a slightly different procedure. Our procedure is as follows:
1. We have you sign a consent form
2. We will verbally walk you through the process to make sure you are as prepared as possible
3. We administer an injection of a sedative called Telazol. This injection just goes under the skin. Some cats find it mildly uncomfortable, but most don’t pay any attention. Over the following 5 minutes (length of time varies between cats), your cat will gradually relax in your arms, and slip into a surgical plane of anesthesia (we could do surgery at this point and they wouldn’t feel a thing).
4. When your cat is completely anesthetized, the doctor will administer an overdose of a drug called pentobarbital. The pentobarbital doesn’t hurt, but it needs to be given intravenously. The sedation ensures that we don’t need to restrain your cat, nor do we need to worry about causing discomfort if we have any trouble finding the vein. We usually do not place an IV catheter.
5. Even after a cat passes away, their eyes will remain open. The muscles that hold their eyes open are stronger than those that close them.
What Should I Do With My Cat’s Remains?
1. Cremation: If you decide on cremation, you will need to decide if you want <animal>’s ashes returned to you. Pet Angels is a wonderful organization that provides this service in a caring and ethical way. You can learn more about them at http://www.petangelmemorialcenter.com/index.php?ignore_mobile=1 If you feel comfortable with Pet Angels, we can organize everything for you and let you know when then the ashes are returned to us. There are other services in the area, if you prefer.
2. Burial at home. Many people who own their homes chose to bury their pets in their yards. Great care must be given to bury them deep enough (at least three feet) and to wrap them in plastic, to deter predators. Many cities in Pinellas County have ordinances against home burial so check with your local officials before laying your cat to rest.
3. Cemeteries. Similar to human burial, a casket and headstone are selected. Services are available with or without viewing of the remains. Several of our clients have been very happy with Curlew Hills Memory Gardens Pet Cemetary. They are located at 1750 Curlew Rd. (between Belcher & CR 1),, Palm Harbor, FL. (727) 789-2000. . www.curlewhillspetcemetery.com
Can Euthanasia Be Performed In My Home?
Depending on her schedule as well as the location of your home, Dr. Edwards does perform euthanasia at home for long-time patients. If she is unavailable, we recommend Dr. Buisson at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia. Dr. Buisson worked at All Cats Hospital for 5 years, and is available in Pinellas County. http://www.lapoflove.com/Cherie-Buisson-Bio.html
It is important to remember that the decision to euthanize a terminally ill patient is not a failure. It is a humane and loving treatment option; one that will prevent needless suffering.
