What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia is a term derived from Greek words meaning 'good sleep'. We provide this service as a compassionate end to suffering, akin to a good sleep.
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
How does euthanasia impact the well-being of my cat?
Your cat has trusted you for most of its life, and that trust plays a significant role in this process. If you believe your cat is suffering, it's time to consider euthanasia, administered by a professional veterinarian.
How soon should I bring my cat to see a veterinarian if I need to have it euthanized?
As soon as you recognize the need, you should contact the office to schedule an appointment. Veterinarians are well-versed with this procedure.
What are the euthanasia options for my cat?
Euthanasia is a standard procedure offered by almost every veterinary hospital in America. Those of us with mobile services often provide this service within the comfort of your home.
How should I bring up the topic of euthanasia with my veterinarian?
It's perfectly fine. Veterinarians are trained in this procedure and are familiar with the standard guidelines for euthanasia in America, as written by the American Veterinary Medical Association. They will be more than willing to discuss this topic with you.
What are some possible health conditions where euthanasia would be the best option for my cat?
Changes in your cat's behavior, such as inability to jump, climb stairs, use the litter box, reach its food bowl, or if your cat has stopped eating, are usually signs to consider euthanasia.
Will any veterinarian put my cat to sleep?
Almost every veterinarian offers this service. Although there might be a few who refuse, there are usually others in the facility who will provide the service.
Are there other options besides euthanasia for my cat?
Yes, you can allow your pet to die a natural death at home. However, this process can be long and painful, and many people find it distressing. Some pets do die naturally at home and simply don't wake up the next morning.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Euthanasia - FAQs
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
Are there different options for euthanizing my cat?
Where can I take my cat if it needs to be euthanized?
Is it better to have my cat euthanized at home?
Does a mobile veterinarian need to examine my cat before euthanasia?
Will euthanasia put my cat to sleep instantly?
Can I let my cat die naturally at home?
Is there a cat euthanasia home kit?
What are the risks of putting my cat down myself?
Will a veterinarian refuse to euthanize my cat?
Are there same-day euthanasia services?
Yes. In our practice, in-home euthanasia is frequently done on the same day it is requested.
How do I find a mobile veterinarian that will put my cat to sleep?
Just do a Google search for a mobile veterinarian and you'll find one.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Euthanasia - FAQs 2
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
How can one determine the right time to euthanize their cat?
The decision is a deeply personal one. However, some indicators such as the cat becoming immobile, refusing to eat, or obviously suffering can suggest the right time. Your cat trusts you, and you'll know when it's more unhappy than happy.
Are there any guides or quizzes available that can help with this decision?
While such resources exist on the internet, I don't personally use them. I prefer directly discussing with the clients to understand the situation better.
What signs should we look out for that suggest my cat should be euthanized?
Immobile behavior, trouble using or finding the litter box, and loss of appetite can be potential signs. If your cat seems discontent in your environment, this could be an indication.
Should one consider euthanasia after diagnosing a terminal health condition in their cat?
Yes, a terminal condition implies that death is inevitable. It's important to discuss with your family and decide what's best for your beloved pet.
If a cat is diagnosed with FIV, when should it be put down?
Cats with the FIV virus can live a long life. They should avoid contact with other cats, but while they're eating, active, and happy, there's no need to consider euthanasia.
Should a cat with feline leukemia be euthanized?
This depends on various factors, and you should consult your veterinarian. In multi-cat households, the virus can spread from one cat to another.
Should a cat with urine blockage be euthanized?
Urinary tract blockage, which usually affects male cats, is an emergency. If not treated within 24 hours, death is inevitable. It depends on the duration of the blockage and the cat's condition at the time of veterinary consultation.
When should a cat with cancer be put to sleep?
This also depends on the type of cancer and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Is there a certain age when we should start preparing for euthanasia?
There's no specific age. However, once a cat becomes geriatric, which in our practice is around eight years old, it's time to start discussing senior care.
Can behavioral changes like incontinence, lack of grooming, hiding, or aggression be a reason for euthanasia?
These issues can often be resolved with behavior modification techniques or medication. They should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Are there alternatives to euthanasia?
Once a cat starts suffering due to old age or a certain condition, euthanasia is generally the best option.
Is there a preferred time of day for euthanizing a cat?
No, it depends on your, your family's, and your veterinarian's schedule.
Will a veterinarian tell me when I should euthanize my cat?
Veterinarians usually wait for the client to make that decision. They are, however, the best source of information to guide you in your decision-making.
What happens if I choose not to euthanize my cat?
Death is inevitable. Some clients opt for a natural death at home, which can be difficult but is an option.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Euthanasia - FAQs 3
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
What happens after my cat is euthanized?
Once the cat is euthanized, the body has to be taken care of. Most veterinarians provide some kind of mortuary service that does cremations, but if you want to take it home to bury, that's also an option. It just depends on where you live.
Will I regret putting my cat to sleep?
Maybe. We do everything in our practice to try and make you comfortable with the process and the fact that you're doing the right thing for your pet, but regret is an emotion that some people just can't control.
What options do I have with my cat's body after euthanasia?
The options are to bury your cat at home or use our mortuary service that provides cremations.
When do I pick out the cremation options before euthanizing my pet?
When you schedule the service with us, we offer those options to you at that time.
How do they prepare my cat for the cremation?
Once the cat is euthanized and we take the body, we take it directly to the crematory, where they keep the cat in a cold space until the cremation is done.
What types of urns or boxes are used for cat ashes?
There's a whole host of options. Most people select a wooden urn but it just depends on what you want.
Are there other ways to cremate my cat besides fire?
Yes, I'm familiar with liquid cremation. However, it's not really available here in Kansas City.
How long until I get my cat's ashes after they're cremated?
We tell people seven to ten days. We deliver the ashes to your home, so it just kind of depends. Oftentimes, it's considerably less than that; it just depends on how much demand there is at the mortuary.
Are there pet cemeteries?
Yes, we have a really nice pet mortuary here in Kansas City.
What if I don't want my cat's body or ashes? What happens to them?
At the mortuary that we use, they have a place called an ashuary, which is an age-old method of returning cremains and bones back to the soil.
How can I get jewelry made from my cat's cremation?
That's an option that's available at the mortuary. They put parts of the cremains into a piece of jewelry.
How do I talk to my kids about our cat's death?
My experience is simply telling the truth makes everything easier. We do encourage clients to use a poem called The Rainbow Bridge.
Are there grief support options?
Yes, you can find support options by searching for pet euthanasia grief on the internet.
What do I do with my cat's things after they die?
Some people put them into picture frames or some kind of display, or donate them to local cat rescue services.
Will my other animals know my cat died?
That's hard to say, but my opinion is they know before it happens.
What things can I do to honor my cat's life?
Support groups, rescue groups and people in the pet industry have memorials that you can provide in your pet's name.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Euthanasia - FAQs 4
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
What will happen during a euthanasia appointment in a veterinary hospital?
Your cat will need to be admitted to the hospital, and you'll be put into an examination room. Many veterinarians nowadays have a special room where they perform this procedure to make it more comfortable for the pet and the client. In our practice, we do it in a comfortable spot in your home. At this point, they do have to be taken in.
Will car travel make euthanasia harder for my cat?
It kind of depends on your cat. I personally don't know many cats that enjoy car rides, but it ultimately depends on your individual cat.
What will happen during at-home euthanasia?
When the procedure is done at home, we come into your house, find a comfortable spot for your cat, and complete some paperwork. We then administer an injection in the muscle that causes profound sedation within a few minutes. Once the cat is profoundly sedated, we prepare and administer an intravenous injection which takes a minute or two.
What will happen after my cat is euthanized at home?
We place the cat on a stretcher and transport the body to our van to go to the mortuary. Some clients prefer in-home burial, in which case we leave the pet there with the owners for them to bury at home.
Will my cat know that they're being put to sleep?
Cats are quite perceptive, so they usually understand what's happening. The process for in-home euthanasia is straightforward because we just administer the first injection, similar to a rabies shot, and then the cat becomes profoundly sedate.
Do you recommend I stay with my cat during the euthanasia procedure?
That depends on you. Most people want to be close to their pet when the intravenous injection is administered, but some people prefer to leave. It ultimately depends on your needs and comfort level.
Should my kids or other pets be with our cat during the euthanasia?
It's entirely acceptable if your children and other pets are present. However, you should have a discussion with them prior to us arriving at your home to perform this procedure.
How long will it take to euthanize my cat?
The process usually takes a few minutes. After administering the first injection, it generally takes about five to ten minutes for the cat to become profoundly sedate. The intravenous injection is then given, which only takes a minute.
Will my cat be in pain when it is euthanized?
No. The injection we administer prior to the euthanasia injection induces profound sedation and unconsciousness, eliminating any possibility of pain.
Can I give my cat medication before a euthanasia appointment to make it more comfortable?
Yes, if you have medication that your veterinarian has previously provided, it's fine to administer it.
How quickly will my cat pass away when euthanized?
The process usually takes one to two minutes. The injected solution causes brain death, followed by the cessation of the heart's function.
Why did my cat struggle when it was euthanized?
It's quite rare, but some cats may not like receiving the injection. However, in our experience, this is an infrequent occurrence.
Is there anything I should do before I put my cat to sleep?
It's important to prepare yourself and your family for the process and how it will unfold.
Can my cat have food or water before they are euthanized?
Yes, it's not a problem for your cat to eat or drink before euthanasia.
How emotional will it be when my cat is put to sleep?
The emotional impact varies from person to person. It's not an easy process for anyone and can be quite challenging.
Will I have to walk through the lobby after my cat is euthanized?
In a hospital setting, you might have to. However, many hospitals have a rear exit that you can use, especially if you're going to be taking your pet with you.
If you would like more information, have questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram