Saying goodbye to a furry guy who has meant so much to us is one of the hardest things we'll ever do in our lives. I speak from experience. Regardless of whether he is an old man or a young kitten, he has a very, very bad time.
Therefore, the euthanasia in cats It is a topic that none of us want to talk about, but we know it is there, and that in fact it is often the only option when the animal is in great pain and the vet cannot do anything else for it. But, What is it and how is it done?
Before making the decision ...
...talk to the vet. This is the first thing you have to do. Ask him if he has really done everything in his power to help your cat. Ask him to solve all the doubts you have about the future of your friend and, also, about euthanasia.
It is also important that you think about the good of your cat. I know you already do, but from my own experience I can tell you that often the ego and the fear of losing it clouds our vision, preventing us from seeing reality. Especially if it is a very young animal, the decision is even more difficult.
When to say goodbye to him?
Well, I'm not a veterinarian, so what I'm going to tell you is going to be based on my experience ... and also, why not say it, principles. I recommend saying goodbye to him when:
- Your veterinarian (or veterinarians, if you have consulted with several) does not give you more options.
- Your dog has lost his appetite and weight, the desire to move on, and / or has an illness or problem that prevents him from leading a good quality of life.
How is euthanasia in cats?
Once the decision is made, what the vet will do is put a sedative. What he will do is put him to sleep so that he does not feel more pain. Later, give you a barbiturate, usually pentobarbital in large doses intravenously that will cause unconsciousness and cardiovascular and respiratory arrest.
After this, the veterinarian will confirm that the heart no longer works either with a stethoscope or through the monitor if the cat is in a hospital or veterinary clinic.
Where is it done?
It is usually done in a veterinary clinic or hospital, but you can also ask the vet to go home so that both the cat and you are something better. Of course, not all of them offer this possibility, but it is interesting to find out.
Much encouragement.