Learn how to properly euthanize cats to ensure that it is painless for the animal. euthanize a pet at home
Indications for euthanasia of a cat
Euthanasia is the intentional infliction of death on a seriously ill, suffering animal or person. Translated from Greek, the term means “good death” and quite accurately describes this painless way of dying. Typically, euthanasia of cats is carried out in the presence of an incurable disease, when there is no way to alleviate the suffering of the pet.
Sometimes euthanasia is resorted to without medical indications (bad character, aggressiveness). In our country there are no documents regulating this procedure, and the fate of the pet depends entirely on the will of its owner. It is impossible to prohibit the owner from euthanizing for reasons unrelated to the health of the animal, although from a moral point of view it raises questions.
In veterinary practice, there is only one disease in the presence of which a cat must be euthanized - rabies. It is contagious, transmitted from animals to humans, cannot be treated and leads to the rapid death of the sick person. Characteristic symptoms of the disease are lack of appetite, aggression or apathy, excessive drooling, fear of water, increased sensitivity to light, convulsions.
Euthanasia of a cat for medical reasons is carried out in the following cases:
- terminal stage cancer;
- severe injuries incompatible with life (fall from height, collision with a car);
- serious congenital pathologies in kittens;
- significant deterioration in quality of life due to old age;
- staying in a long coma;
- decompensated chronic diseases of the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys.
In what case do you need to get tested for a gastropanel?
- If you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency
- If you have relatives suffering from gastrointestinal cancer
- If you have a difficult to diagnose gastrointestinal disease
- If FGDS (endoscopic diagnostics) is contraindicated for you
- If you have loss of appetite, stomach discomfort or pain, heaviness or bloating
A gastroenterologist should prescribe the test for you. You should not prescribe tests for yourself. This is not always necessary.
Types of sleeping pills for cats and their effects
According to the form of release, sleeping pills for cats can be divided into two main types: homeopathic and medical.
Homeopathic sleeping pills are various types of herbal infusions, as well as some tablets. Preparations of this type of sleeping pills do not differ in terms of duration and strength of action. This group of sleeping pills is the main and only one.
Medical pills include both tablets and drugs that were developed in medical laboratories. In addition, this group of drugs can be divided into three subgroups.
Medicines are:
- Short term. They are used during various short transportations of the animal, in situations of increased excitability of cats, as well as for sleep disorders.
- Long-term medications are prescribed only by a veterinarian because they treat more serious symptoms. In addition, this group of sleeping pills is often used to prepare an animal for anesthesia. Long-term sleeping pills are used for a short period of time, as they can cause addiction in the animal.
- Sleeping pills of a special group are used only under the supervision of a veterinarian; this group of medications is classified as potent. It is used in animals as a powerful sleeping pill, anesthesia, and also a strong pain reliever.
How to decide on euthanasia?
Deciding to euthanasia is always difficult, because with his decision the owner ends the life of a pet, and not everyone is capable of taking on such responsibility. You need to make sure that the diagnosis is correct. If there is even the slightest doubt, it is advisable to contact several specialists - the possibility of a medical error always exists. Another veterinarian may be able to suggest a treatment option that offers a chance of recovery or at least improvement.
If experts are unanimous, the pet can no longer be helped and is experiencing terrible suffering, euthanasia is a humane way to alleviate its fate. If a veterinarian advises euthanizing a cat, it means that its death is inevitable, and therefore helping it pass away easily and painlessly is the right decision.
How to euthanize a cat
Pets cannot live longer than their owners, no matter how sad it may sound. Sometimes situations even arise in which it is necessary to euthanize a cat much earlier than its old age. Owners should always monitor their pets and monitor their health. If necessary, the pet owner must ensure that his cat passes into another world absolutely painlessly, without torment and incredible suffering. Sometimes euthanasia becomes a necessity, so this procedure should be trusted only to a real specialist.
When to euthanize a cat
Euthanasia of cats is not a crime under the law, which is why even pets can die easily and calmly. Currently, many of their owners decide to do this, because this procedure is the most humane of all other methods. Even if the owner himself dreamed that his pet would live as long as possible, sometimes euthanasia has to be done.
Naturally, at the whim of the owner, euthanasia is not carried out. If an animal has lost hearing or vision, goes to the toilet in the wrong place, or the owner is simply tired of it, no one will perform euthanasia. To euthanize a pet, there must be quite significant indicators. If, after all, the owner intends to carry out this procedure, then he must approach this decision with all responsibility.
You should definitely go to a good clinic and find a real specialist there. It is veterinarians who carry out all the necessary diagnostics and examination of the animal, and then decide on the need for euthanasia. Only if the clinic is equipped with all the equipment and devices will a specialist be able to correctly diagnose and make the right decision.
For what diseases should a cat be euthanized at home?
Pets are often euthanized if they are sick with diseases that are terrible and incurable. If a veterinarian discovers the following diseases in a cat, then euthanasia becomes a mandatory procedure.
Anthropozoonoses are diseases that can affect both people and animals. The body is affected by various infectious microorganisms. There are quite a large number of them, not all of them are curable and require mandatory euthanasia of the cat.
Of course, if a pet is diagnosed with rabies, then it is necessary to urgently euthanize the animal and report quarantine to the state health service.
Leptospirosis also poses a great danger, because at the very beginning of the disease, humans and animals do not have any symptoms. However, later death may even occur.
In some cases, beloved animals suffer from the disease for a long time and experience unspeakable suffering as a result. Sometimes no medications help, and it is difficult to reduce the pain of a pet. This could be cancer in the last stage, because metastases rapidly affect vital organs and do not allow the cat to live normally. It can also be kidney failure, which causes swelling of the brain and death.
If the veterinarian informed the owner about the cat’s incurable disease, and the owner does not notice the animal’s suffering, then you should not think that everything is in order. Usually cats do not show that something is wrong with them; they simply hide in secluded places and experience pain all alone.
Abnormalities at birth and trauma may also be reasons why a cat should be euthanized at home. If an animal falls from a great height, injuries can affect organs important to the pet’s life, so the body stops functioning as it should.
It should be realized that euthanasia can only be carried out in cases where the injuries really cannot be cured, due to which the cat is in great pain and suffering. If the injury can be cured even through surgical or expensive intervention, then no doctor will undertake to euthanize a cat at home. Even if the animal becomes disabled, it will still be able to exist normally and continue to love its owner.
If the veterinarian makes a disappointing diagnosis and recommends euthanizing the cat, then it is better to go to several more specialists who can confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes you come across unprofessional doctors who simply do not know how the animal can be cured, and therefore recommend euthanizing the cat at home. Many simply do not have the necessary qualifications in this matter; they can take the life of a practically healthy pet.
If the owner turned to a general veterinarian, this does not mean that he knows perfectly well about all diseases and methods of treating them. If the doctor diagnoses cancer, it is recommended to contact a professional oncologist so that he can confirm the previously made diagnosis. Well, only a neurologist can reliably determine spinal injuries. It is also often recommended to euthanize a cat at home by specialists who initially began to treat the pet incorrectly and now cannot stop the development of the disease.
Euthanasia of a cat at home is now a very common procedure, because it is absolutely painless and can save the unfortunate pet from suffering. Euthanasia involves two stages. First, the cat is given general anesthesia so that it can no longer understand or feel anything. Well, after this, specialized drugs are introduced into the blood, which allow the animal to end its life. You should never agree to a euthanasia procedure without using anesthesia, because in this case the cat will understand what is happening to it, suffer and believe that its beloved owner turned out to be a traitor.
If the owner of the animal clearly understands that euthanasia is necessary, then it is better to do everything possible to ensure that the pet feels comfortable in the last minutes of its life. Therefore, it is worth contacting specialists and ordering a cat euthanization service at home. A specialist will come to the owner at any time convenient for him and carry out all the necessary manipulations. Under no circumstances should you carry out this procedure yourself. You cannot find medications for euthanizing a cat in any pharmacy, because each of them requires a veterinarian’s prescription. And even if the medicines are already on hand, then without special qualifications it will be impossible to carry out euthanasia in a humane manner. The cat will certainly suffer from the inexperience of its owner, and the owner will never be able to forgive himself for what he has done.
It is necessary to euthanize a cat at home so that the animal can see its familiar surroundings in the last minutes of its life, so that it does not think about anything bad. Also, do not forget that after death, something will need to be done with the pet’s body. At the clinic, you can immediately order the removal of the body and its cremation, and then even take the urn with the ashes of your beloved cat to your home.
How is euthanasia carried out?
It is possible to euthanize a cat in two stages. First, the pet is immersed in a deep narcotic unconsciousness. The veterinarian administers a drug that takes effect within one minute. After this, the doctor must check how deeply the animal has gone into anesthesia and checks for the presence of basic reflexes. Only in their absence can the doctor proceed to continue the procedure. Another drug is injected into the body, which stops the cat's breathing and brain function. Then the doctor is again obliged to check all reflexes and determine the time of death. The specialist cannot leave the animal until he is absolutely sure that it has really passed away.
After a death has been recorded, the owner must choose what to do with the body:
- bury the cat in a specialized cemetery for pets;
- bury in your own plot;
- order an animal cremation procedure;
- send the body to a specialized facility for disposal.
You should carefully monitor the cat’s lifestyle and its state of health, because only with good care of your pet will you be able to enjoy life with it for many years and not even think about the euthanasia procedure. But if this does happen, then you shouldn’t be too upset, because the specialists will do everything in the best possible way, and the owner will not feel pangs of conscience in front of his pet.
It's hard to be a god
Euthanasia or “happy death” (from the Greek eữ - good and thanatos - death) is the termination of life in order to get rid of pain and suffering. We all want to give our cat every chance at life, but at the same time we don't want her to suffer. But how can you understand whether your pet has really reached his last hour or whether he still has the opportunity to move away from the “abyss”?
~ unfavorable prognosis (incurable disease with deterioration of condition, which is accompanied by physical suffering), based on the opinion of qualified doctors (!);
~ quality of life As long as the animal does not refuse food, communicates with its owners, and shows at least some interest in what is happening around it, it must live. But if life no longer brings him anything but torment, is it worth prolonging such an existence?
This is your animal, no one knows it better than you, and it is you who bears the responsibility of choosing between its life and death. It's up to you and only you to decide.
What is the procedure like at a veterinary clinic?
Euthanasia of a cat in a veterinary clinic is carried out in several stages:
- Signing by the owner of a consent to euthanize his pet, indicating the reason.
- Introducing the patient into anesthesia. After the sedative is administered, the animal falls into deep sleep. It continues to breathe, its heart beats, but the nervous system is switched off, it does not feel pain and does not react to external stimuli. At this stage, you usually say goodbye to your pet.
- Administration of drugs leading to blocking of the respiratory center and cardiac arrest. For humanitarian reasons, the owner is taken out of the office.
Some veterinary clinics administer a lethal injection without putting the animal into a narcotic sleep. This method is not the most humane, since the cat is conscious and experiencing suffering (feels pain, suffocation, panic). Before carrying out the procedure, you need to clarify how it is carried out in a particular clinic, and if necessary, insist on a preliminary introduction to anesthesia.
Euthanasia procedure: technical and ethical aspects
Some pet owners prefer not to euthanize their cats, but to let them die on their own. Yes, psychologically such a death is easier to bear (it gives the impression of being natural), but such a decision almost inevitably dooms the animal to prolonged suffering.
When carrying out euthanasia, a drug for anesthesia is injected into the cat's body - but in a dose significantly higher than the recommended one. As a result, the cat simply falls asleep, after which brain death occurs due to lack of oxygen. For some time, cardiac activity still persists - but it either fades out on its own, or after brain death is determined, it is stopped by injection of a special drug.
This technique eliminates any painful sensations, therefore euthanasia of a cat should be considered as an act of humanity and the last service of the owner to the pet, which for many years has delighted people with its presence.
Cost of veterinary euthanasia
Now you have learned how cats are euthanized. If you decide to resort to it, think about where it is better to do it: in a veterinary clinic or at home. The advantages of the home option are obvious: there is no need to add a tedious move to the series of sufferings. In your own walls you can say goodbye to your cat, pet her for the last time and imprint her in your memory.
In Moscow, the price of euthanizing cats in different clinics ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 rubles. The VetCom veterinary service offers more comfortable euthanasia at home. Cost of service: 2500 rub. Please note that the following are paid separately:
- calling a doctor;
- drug anesthesia;
- delivery of the body for cremation.
Animals that live with us side by side for many years remain in our hearts forever. Having done everything possible for them and coming to terms with what happened, we will remember them alive and happy...
Euthanasia procedure
And again from the same order: “Euthanasia of cats is an action that, by its nature or the intention of the performer, entails the killing of animals by humane methods, does not cause them a feeling of anxiety or fear and excludes their dying suffering.”
Humane is the key word.
Modern methods of euthanasia:
- administering a lethal dose of an anesthetic
Veterinarians today use barbiturates or narcotic anesthetics for these purposes: phenobarbital, sodium triopental, hexenal, pentobarbitol. A dose three times higher than the operating dose is taken. Immediately after the injection, the cat falls asleep and during sleep the heart and breathing stop.
- With anesthesia and injection of a killing agent
After the administration of a sleeping pill, when the animal’s consciousness is turned off, an injection is given of lidocaine, dithiline, magnesium sulfate - quick-killing substances. Without first turning off consciousness, the effects of these drugs are too painful.
The first two methods are painless for the animal.
- euthanasia with carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide
Used in some US states to kill stray animals.
- electric current, cervical dislocation, air embolism
It is practically not used for the euthanasia of domestic cats and kittens.
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.
Euthanasia at home
We described above how cats are euthanized in the clinic, but what to do if it is not possible to transport the animal to a medical facility?
Euthanasia of cats at home is also done, but not on our own. At home, you, not a specialist, are not able to determine the line beyond which only euthanasia is possible.
This is the first. And secondly, the owners do not have the knowledge and drugs with which the euthanasia of cats will be painless .
Therefore, even at home, the pet should be euthanized by a veterinarian, who can be called by phone. After reviewing the medical history of the cat, the specialist will painlessly carry out the entire procedure, during which you also have the right to be present or not (we will tell you more about this below).
We can talk for a long time about the pros and cons of euthanasia at home. Still, it is more correct to do this in a clinic, at least because most clinics provide such a service as animal cremation (individual or general). At home, you will have to puzzle over what to do with your pet’s body. So check with the visiting specialist whether he also provides such a service as cremation.
Reasons for euthanizing a dog
There are reasons why owners decide to euthanize a pet, despite moral principles.
What can serve as a basis for administering a lethal injection:
- The dog becomes very old or is in great distress due to an incurable illness or severe injury.
- Uncontrolled aggressiveness , posing a danger to others.
- Inability to keep an animal.
- Allergy.
- Animal bites.
- Rabies or plague.
Euthanasia may be necessary if infected with rabies.
What is included in the gastropanel
This analysis includes several indicators:
- Antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori. Normal < 30 units. A very important indicator that can tell you a lot about the condition of your stomach mucosa. The HP bacterium provokes the development of chronic gastritis, ulcers and stomach cancer. It damages the mucous membrane, making it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin B12, which plays an important role for the proper functioning of the nervous system and hematopoiesis.
- Pepsinogens I and II (PGI and PGII). Normal PGI = 20–130 mg/l. These are hormones synthesized by the glands of the stomach and duodenum. These indicators in the gastropanel help determine the condition of the gastric mucosa. Depending on the type of disease, these indicators will change, and a competent doctor will be able to decipher them and draw conclusions.
- Gastrin-17 (G17) level. Normal G17 = 6–45 pmol/l. Gastrin is a hormone that affects the secretion of hydrochloric acid. If, after donating blood, the level of gastrin-17 is higher or lower than normal, then this indicates atrophic gastritis or gastritis with high acidity.
Despite the apparent simplicity of the test, it can say a lot about the state of your stomach. Based on the tests performed, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment and help you cope with the disease.
Pros and cons of euthanizing an animal without the help of a veterinarian
Euthanasing an animal at home without the help of a specialist is associated with a number of difficulties. There is no magic pill that allows you to euthanize an animal easily and painlessly. It is difficult to obtain medications for euthanasia, and even more difficult to calculate the dosage. Most drugs are administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Trying to cope with this task without experience means causing unnecessary suffering to the poor animal.
If you still managed to find a drug that stops the heart, it is unlikely that you will be able to purchase the narcotic drug that turns off consciousness necessary for an easy death. Without it, your pet will die a long and painful death.
Euthanasia of an animal on your own is complicated by the psychological aspect. Giving a cat a lethal injection is morally difficult; in the future, the owner runs the risk of experiencing remorse from the fact that he personally killed the pet, and suffering from difficult memories. The only advantage of self-euthanasia is that it saves money, but you will still have to pay for the removal and cremation of the body.
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Types of tranquilizers and their effects
In the previous section, we already said that sleeping pills are divided into three groups based on the duration of their effect. Let us describe these groups in more detail.
Short term
After taking them, the cat will sleep for 2-3 hours, most often used for transportation, with increased excitability, stress or sleep disorders.
The most effective drugs in this group:
- Xylanite . Available in the form of a solution for injection. Externally it appears as a colorless or light yellow liquid. Has a calming effect on small pets for 1.5 – 2 hours. It also acts as a pain reliever - in this case it acts for 15-30 minutes. The effect occurs on average after half an hour. Xlanit is administered intramuscularly to cats. The dosage is calculated at 0.15 ml per kg of animal weight.
- Intraval . Puts the cat to sleep for no longer than a quarter of an hour. In case of sleep disturbances, it increases its duration. Also used for convulsive seizures. It is introduced into the body intravenously.
- Barbamil . The drug is indicated for surgical interventions or severe stress. It is given to the cat orally. It is advisable to mix the medicine with a treat for the animal. Before use, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary, since the medicine has a number of contraindications.
Medium term
The animal goes to sleep for 4-5 hours. Prescribed for the treatment of serious mental disorders, severe seizures, and also for preparing a cat for sleep.
- Etaminal sodium . The drug is considered harmless to cats, non-toxic. Copes with nervous excitement and stress. The product is addictive, so it should be used with caution.
- Barbital sodium . The animal falls asleep 1.5 hours after administration. The drug is completely eliminated from the body after 10 hours.
- Chloral hydrate . The drug should not be taken by pregnant or lactating cats, as well as pets under six months of age. The drug has an even larger list of contraindications, so its use should begin after consultation with a veterinarian and under his constant supervision.
Long-term
The drugs induce the cat to sleep for 10 hours and are used only during surgical interventions. The drugs are available only by prescription and are used under the supervision of a veterinarian. When using, the dosage must be strictly observed, otherwise the animal may not wake up after sleeping pills.
- Ketamine . In addition to the main effect - a sleeping pill - the drug has an effect on the cardiovascular system: it stimulates the heart, increasing the heart rate and increasing blood pressure. It is administered intramuscularly and intravenously. The medicine should not be used for animals prone to seizures, as well as for procedures that can provoke seizures.
- Ftorotan . It is introduced into the animal's body by inhalation. It must be used with extreme caution, since the wrong dosage can lead to complete cardiac arrest. Anesthesia occurs quickly, without a phase of motor excitation. At the same time, the animal recovers from anesthesia just as quickly.
- Methoxyflurane. The drug is also administered by inhalation. The effect of the drug takes quite a long time, since its components are easily dissolved in lipids. It is used most often when not only a hypnotic effect is needed, but also an analgesic effect.
Important! Medium- and long-term groups of drugs can only be used for a short period, as they are highly addictive.
Sleeping pills are available in tablet form, but are extremely rare. Most often, the medicine is produced in the form of drops or liquid for the preparation of a solution for injection.
Attention! Drugs intended for humans are not suitable for animals, since the concentration of active substances in them is increased by 10-15 times.
How to prepare for analysis
Before your appointment, the doctor will definitely give you recommendations on how to prepare for the test, but so that you understand what’s what, we will give preliminary information.
- A week before the test, stop all medications that affect the secretion of gastric juice - for example, omeprazole, lansoprazole, nolpaza.
- The day before the test, stop all drugs that neutralize the secretion of hydrochloric acid, stop drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, and mineral water. Stop smoking.
- The day before the test, avoid heavy physical and emotional stress. Rest and get some sleep.
- 12 hours before the test you should have your last meal - eat light and easily digestible food that will not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- The test must be taken within an hour and a half after waking up.
The procedure itself takes place in the clinic’s laboratory. Venous blood will be taken from you twice: the first time immediately after arrival, the second time 20 minutes after taking a special cocktail.
The result will be ready within 2–5 days from the date of submission. We will definitely notify you when we are ready.
What's next?
After euthanasia, the owner once again has to make a choice:
- keep the body for self-burying
- leaving him at the clinic or veterinarian for cremation and further burial is the most common option
- leave for cremation with return of ashes
Cremation is usually common for many animals, in which case you cannot be sure that the ashes returned to you will be those of your pet.
Currently, organizations have emerged that provide funeral services for pets, including: painless euthanasia of the animal, general and individual cremation in the presence of the owner, video recording, distribution of ashes after individual cremation in a special urn, etc.
Some large cities also have official pet cemeteries. Alas, not in all of them.
In the civilized world, the problem of burial has long been solved. Almost every European city has an animal cemetery. There are about 650 specialized burial sites in the United States. The most expensive one, on which the dogs of Charlie Chaplin, Steven Spielberg and other celebrities rest, is located in Los Angeles.
How cats are euthanized in the clinic
In clinics today, the two-step method of euthanizing a cat is most often used.
First, the doctor puts the animal under deep anesthesia. A quarter of an hour after the injection, when the depth of anesthesia is sufficient, the owners say goodbye to the animal and leave the clinic.
Only after this the specialist makes the final injection and, in the absence of reflexes, breathing and heartbeat, declares the death of the cat.
Your right to stay in the veterinary hospital during the second stage of euthanasia, but psychologically it is very difficult.
IMPORTANT!
If the clinic for some reason cannot perform euthanasia right away, postpones it until tomorrow and offers to leave the cat in the hospital overnight - do not agree. Excess stress will add suffering to both you and your pet.
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.
Let go if you love!
It's hard to decide to take someone's life. And it’s very hard to lose a beloved friend. If everything that can be done has already been done, and the pet has no “taste for life” left, well, perhaps it’s time for a parting gift - to give him the opportunity to fall into a peaceful sleep, leaving pain and suffering behind.
How will I live without him? Of course, pets are a significant part of our lives; a strong emotional connection is established between us, and sometimes it is simply impossible to imagine our existence without them. But this is not a reason to keep your four-legged friend by being selfish. Remember that love is also the ability to let go in time. Let it be a consolation to know that your little friend is no longer suffering.
Temporary euthanization of a pet
This type of euthanasia is used if, for example, hygiene procedures are required. Veterinarians do not recommend using strong anesthetics or barbiturates for this purpose, because this is dangerous. In case of even the smallest overdose, the animal can die. It is better to give preference to sedatives that are available without a prescription. These include Stop-Stress, Cat-Bayun and others. Propofol, Vetranquil and Rothemar are used by veterinarians, but cat owners are better off not touching them so as not to harm the pet.
