Euthanasia of cats is a difficult procedure from a psychological point of view, which some owners of furry pets have to resort to.
Not everyone can decide on it. But in a situation where the animal is forced to spend its days in constant torment, unfortunately, this procedure may be the only correct solution. Euthanasia is permissible only when the animal’s pain reaches such a degree that it becomes incompatible with life. In other situations, it is considered a crime. But since in our country there are no specific laws regulating this process, it remains on the conscience of the owner.
What is euthanasia, its pros and cons
Euthanasia is a medical method of artificial killing. Despite the not very encouraging definition, this procedure is absolutely humane and is used for only one purpose - to alleviate the suffering of a sick animal.
The problem is that in veterinary medicine, the final decision is made by the owner. Because of this, the procedure causes a lot of controversy, but it still has quite a lot of positive aspects:
- ridding the animal of the physical torment it experiences;
- absence of pain;
- speed of the procedure;
- free access at both stages of euthanasia with the opportunity to say goodbye;
- variety of venues, including calling a veterinarian directly to your home.
Among the negative aspects, only two can be identified: the relatively high cost and the difficulty of making the final decision.
If it is necessary to euthanize an animal for the purpose of medical intervention
... sedatives will not be enough; The veterinarian will put the cat under anesthesia using drugs that are not commercially available; they are available only to veterinary clinics with a special license.
The second, more common meaning of the expression “putting a cat to sleep” implies the euthanasia procedure. It is the intentional, deliberate taking of life to end suffering, carried out in a humane, painless manner.
Important! Only a qualified veterinarian can carry out such a procedure!
When should you decide to euthanize your pet?
Euthanasia of a cat is resorted to only in exceptional situations, when its life becomes unbearable from pain or poses a serious threat to others. Main indications include:
- injuries incompatible with life;
- infectious diseases that pose a danger to humans (rabies in the absence of vaccination);
- incurable non-communicable diseases (cancer with metastases, kidney failure);
- congenital fatal pathologies that disrupt the functioning of internal organs;
- poisoning with poisons that have no antidote.
A separate group includes mental disorders accompanied by unmotivated aggression, and old age, which requires expensive or labor-intensive care conditions - which will not be justified in any case.
IMPORTANT!
The presence of indications is confirmed after a comprehensive examination of the animal and confirmation of the high probability of death.
Why is it necessary to euthanize your pet at home yourself?
Sometimes owners decide not to contact a veterinarian, but to kill the animal with their own hands at home. Typically, this decision is explained by living in places remote from populated areas and the high cost of the procedure. Putting a pet to sleep at home, much less with your own hands, is not the best option for impressionable owners. This is morally difficult, and besides, the place where the cat passes away will remain a reminder of the loss for a long time, evoking difficult feelings and memories.
If visits to the clinic were regular and the cat treats them calmly, it is better to euthanize it in a hospital.
If an animal experiences extremely painful situations when it has to leave its home, it is better to let it die in a familiar environment, without subjecting it to additional stress from a trip to the clinic.
Choosing a location: at home or in a clinic
Cats are euthanized either at home or at a veterinary clinic. In both cases, the presence of a veterinarian is required, since without the proper knowledge and skills it is impossible to select the correct dosage of the drug. Because of this mistake, the animal can die a very painful death.
When choosing between home and a veterinary clinic, consider your own feelings and the convenience of transporting your pet. If you feel more comfortable being in your own home and you are very worried that traveling by car will cause your cat even more suffering, sign up for a service with a doctor visiting your home.
“ If it is impossible to carry out the procedure at the veterinary clinic on the same day, reschedule it for later. Otherwise, being away from home overnight will add stress to both you and your pet.
Psychological moment
Voluntarily agreeing to the death of your best friend, essentially your own being, is very difficult, but in some cases it is really necessary. You can avoid or at least reduce remorse about the decision made after a thorough examination of the animal, when a doctor, or better yet, a council of veterinary specialists confirms the futility of further treatment. The opinion of professionals will help overcome mental pain and decide on a lethal injection, thereby freeing your pet from unbearable physical suffering.
How does the procedure work?
The average duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes. It is carried out in 2 stages.
Preparation and selection of the drug
At the initial stage, the animal is given a strong sleeping pill, which puts it into deep anesthesia and turns off pain receptors. After this, an injection of a high dose of magnesium sulfate or muscle relaxants is given. They depress respiratory function and heartbeat, causing artificial death from respiratory or cardiac arrest.
If you are offered euthanasia without the use of anesthesia, do not agree. Muscle relaxants also lead to unconsciousness, but retain all feelings. In this case, the animal will not be able to move, but will feel suffocated.
REFERENCE!
If rabies is present, drugs are administered remotely. In this case, the total waiting time increases to 30-45 minutes.
Sleeping pills are usually not used. They take a long time to be absorbed into the blood and often cause side effects.
How does the animal feel?
While in deep anesthesia, the cat completely loses contact with the outside world. She does not feel pain or fear and passes away from life completely calmly.
NOTE!
Anesthesia allows partial preservation of motor functions. Despite twitching ears or paws, the animal still remains unconscious. All actions are performed reflexively.
If you are bothered by the moral side of the issue, turn to science. Reflection is not typical for animals. Unlike you, they are not able to think about a possible future and build any expectations. There is also no fear of death, since the sick pet mainly focuses only on its pain, waiting for it to stop as soon as possible.
Does the owner need to be present?
The choice is yours. Veterinarians recommend being present only at the initial stage in order to reduce the cat’s excitement at the sight. Not everyone can bear later events, so you shouldn’t test your psyche for strength if your eyes are already full of tears.
Price
The final cost depends on the weight of the animal, the need and time of the doctor’s home visit. On average it is 2 thousand rubles, but for a night call it can be increased to 3-3.5 thousand rubles.
Contraindications and adverse reactions of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills should not be used for cardiac disorders in animals, as well as for diseases of the respiratory tract, liver and kidneys. During lactation this group of drugs is contraindicated. The following symptoms may occur during therapy with sleeping pills:
- weakness;
- hallucinations;
- sleep disorders;
- breathing problems;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- decreased blood pressure;
- nausea and vomiting;
- constipation;
- drowsiness.
Nursing cats should not be given sleeping pills
After using long-acting sleeping pills, it may take more than 24 hours for your pet to regain consciousness. At the same time, the animal eats poorly and moves little.
What to do after euthanizing a cat
After euthanasia, the pet's body must be burned. To do this, you will have to choose between communal or individual cremation. Depending on the conditions, their cost varies from 2.5 to 5 thousand rubles.
IMPORTANT!
If you are worried that someone else's remains will be given to you, order an individual cremation that includes your presence.
Pet burial
Despite the common practice of burying pets in summer cottages and in the forest, such actions are illegal and amount to an administrative offense with a fine of 4-5 thousand rubles. The thing is that after burial, the bacteria and toxins contained in the remains go directly into the ground. When groundwater occurs close to each other, it leads to massive infection of people and other animals.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the following actions are prohibited:
- throwing remains into water bodies;
- burying corpses in the ground;
- disposing of bodies in a trash container or landfill.
Cremation is the only legal method of burial, so do not refuse it if it is part of your end-of-life service. After receiving the urn with ashes, you can:
- place it in your home;
- dispel almost anywhere, except public places;
- bury in your personal area - at home or in a cemetery;
- place it in a rented columbarium cell.
Special attention should be paid to pet cemeteries. Most of them are illegal and created by the owners themselves. Because of this, remains are periodically removed from there for subsequent cremation. If you do not want to accidentally destroy your pet’s grave, then it is better to avoid this burial option. The only exception is official city cemeteries in large cities.
How to cope with the loss of a pet
First, make sure you don't blame yourself. Remember that euthanasia is not killing, but an act of mercy performed to relieve the pain of your dear pet. The veterinarian simply does not have the right to give consent to such a procedure without sufficient grounds, so you did everything right and did not allow your cat to suffer further.
If you were unable to say goodbye properly because of feelings that had surged earlier, arrange a solemn burial. Call the closest people you can rely on. Reminisce with them about funny stories related to your cat and cry heartily, releasing everything that has accumulated inside.
Try to find support among other owners who have lost their pets. Chat with them on forums or social networks. There are even several special sites on the Internet for psychological support for people who have lost their four-legged friends. You can go there - or sign up for a session with a psychologist.
Regardless of the severity of the grief, the most effective solution remains to purchase a new pet at a time that you deem appropriate. If you love cats with all your soul, then communicating with one of them will definitely allow you to regain your peace of mind and joy of life.
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Natural death
Some owners believe that their cat should die without assistance. This may be for religious or moral reasons, when people feel that they do not have the right to choose death for their cat, or simply cannot decide to take such a step.
In this case, you should understand that the death of a pet can be either peaceful and calm, or terrible and repulsive. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say for sure whether everything will happen quickly and painlessly, or whether the process will be lengthy and accompanied by terrible torment. In the latter case, the owner will have to witness the suffering of his friend, memories of which can remain in the memory for a long time, causing a feeling of guilt.
This is your animal, your choice and responsibility is also yours.
