The decision to undertake euthanasia is often very hard, but the advice of your vet will be invaluable in making difficult choices. When there is no reasonable alternative, to enable a cat to die in peace and dignity can be a tremendous relief. Euthanasia can be one of the kindest things a caring owner can do for a suffering cat.

What happens when a cat is 'put to sleep'?
The actual procedure of having a cat 'put to sleep', or euthanased, is usually very simple and painless. It involves giving a large overdose of an anaesthetic agent that will simply cause the cat to lose consciousness and then die very rapidly. Most commonly, this is given by intravenous injection using a vein in the front leg. Unconsciousness and death usually occur within seconds of the injection being administered. Sometimes as the cat loses consciousness it will take a deep breath, or gasp, and occasionally there may be some involuntary twitching or spasm of muscles for a few moments after death has occurred. Urination and defecation often also occur soon after the cat has passed away. All these signs are quite normal, and should not be mistaken for 'signs of life'. Euthanasia carried out in this way is usually quick, controlled, stress-free and painless. However, if a cat is very nervous, sometimes a vet may administer a sedative to calm it down prior to euthanasia to ensure that its final moments are completely free of distress and discomfort. Sometimes the sedatives can cause nausea and vomiting before the sedative action takes effect.

Sometimes for various reasons it may not be possible for your vet to administer the injection into the vein. In these cases, sometimes the injection is given into the abdomen, or other organs such as directly into the liver or kidneys. In this situation the process should still be peaceful, however it will take longer for unconsciousness to occur.

Often old and sick cats will have very fragile veins, and in some cases the vet will attempt an injection into the vein but it may not be possible. Sometimes this can cause mild stinging and the cat can react to this. Occasionally several attempts may be required, or your vet may resort to using another route of injection as described above. The important thing to remember if you are with your cat throughout this period, is for you to stay as calm and quiet as possible in order to comfort your cat through this difficult process. Any panic or upset that they pick up from you is likely to cause more distress than the injection itself.

Planning for euthanasia
A good veterinary practice will go to great lengths to make sure that the whole process of euthanasia is as gentle and compassionate as possible for pet and owner alike. You should not feel afraid to ask questions about the process in order to help you with planning and coming to terms with what will happen yourself. This is a very important time for you and your pet. Most of the time a vet or vet nurse will talk through the process first, but if you have any questions, do ask. If anything is not clear as to where the injection will be given, whether the cat will be sedated first, etc, then it is much better that you ask these questions beforehand, rather than be upset afterwards if everything didn’t go as you had imagined it to. You can choose how much you wish to be involved with the process, and whether or not you wish to take the body home. If the cause of the cat’s illness is unclear the vet may also ask whether you would like a post mortem examination to be undertaken. This process helps vets gather valuable information that will benefit other cats in the future.

Can I have my cat put to sleep at home?
Some vets do not make house calls (other than for emergencies), but this is not because they are being difficult – cats can react much differently in their home environment, and without the facilities within the veterinary practice, sometimes the process can be more difficult, and risk more complications such as being unable to give the injection directly into the vein. Most vets however are willing to perform euthanasia in the cat's home - you will have to talk to your own vet about the possibilities. Where a home visit is not possible, the vet can arrange an appointment at the surgery at a quiet time when there are no other people around to avoid undue stress to both you and the cat. You can also request a quiet moment or two with the cat’s body afterwards.

Can I be there?
You can chose to be present when euthanasia is performed, or to leave the cat with the vet. It is entirely your choice. Many choose to be with their cats at this time, but you should not feel guilty if you find this too hard or distressing. If you stay, it is helpful to your cat to try not to get too upset initially, as this can be communicated to the cat and cause some distress.

What will happen to my cat after it is 'put to sleep'?
After euthanasia has been performed you will be able to choose what you would like to happen to the body of your cat. There are four options that your vet will be able to arrange depending on your preference:

Grieving for your cat
It is entirely natural to feel upset and emotional when your pet dies. Don't be afraid to show your feelings in front of the vet - he or she will understand. It also takes time to get over your loss and you may go through a mixture of emotions - sadness, loneliness and even anger. This is all quite normal and part of the process of coming to terms with your loss. You should not feel guilty or blame yourself for your cat's death - the decision for euthanasia is usually reached only as a last resort and as an act of kindness to avoid suffering. Treasure your memories; remember the good times and what you loved most about your cat. It can help to talk to someone about your feelings, and if you need to be put in touch with someone who understands it may help to contact the Pet Bereavement Support Service co-run by the Blue Cross and the Society for Companion Animal Studies on 0800 0966606.

Helping children to cope
Children may also have difficulty coming to terms with euthanasia. This may be a child's first experience of death and it is important to be honest with them. Tell them the truth and encourage them to talk about their feelings and share your feelings with them. Talk openly about your cat and try to concentrate on the good times. If you have the cat's body it can be helpful to go through the ritual of burial with the children and let them be involved in marking the grave or writing a message to the cat to be kept in a scrapbook with pictures of it. A new pet may help, but it is often better not to get another cat too soon as you and your child will need time to get over the death of the old pet.

Euthanasia of healthy cats
Sometimes owners consider euthanasia of their cat if, for example, they are moving abroad and can not take their cat with them or if they have behavioural problems such as house soiling, or a family member is allergic to the cat. Obviously this is a difficult decision, and many owners can’t see another option in these circumstances. Some vets are not ethically comfortable with the concept of euthanasing a healthy cat, but they may be able to suggest alternatives. If euthanasia is the final decision they may be able to direct you to another vet within the practice who would be willing to perform the procedure.

Updated November 2008