Cat put to sleep

[SpikeyBush]

I can't sleep, hence my posting at this hour. My elderly cat that I have had since a kitten is very frail, unstable, weak, incontinent and no longer 'with it'. This deterioration has escalated significantly in the last few weeks, so I am starting to realise that the hardest thing may be the best. What is in the lethal injection, how does it work and what will my beloved black tom feel?

[wolf63]

Your cat will feel nothing - it is an overdose of a drug that will basically put him to sleep. It is very peaceful.

I have had three of my 'babies' put to sleep and I was there for two of them - the vets were very nice, it must be upsetting for them too.

You know that it is the kindest thing that you can do - but it is so hard to make the final decision. You will feel a sense of relief afterwards - you will know that he is no longer in pain.

Best wishes to you and your furry friend.

[Buenchico]

Please see here:
http://www.purina.co....Your+Cat+To+Sleep.htm

[SkellieMonster]

This has got to be one of the hardest decisions any one will ever make.

My heart goes out to you at this time. I know how hard it is to lose a companion, as we had to have our own cat, Star put to rest a little while ago.

The injection itself will probably sting a bit, but after that he won't feel anything and should just close his eyes and fall asleep.

I wish you strength in the days to come.

[Sir Alec]

I recently had to have my dog put down. He was very ill and in pain at the end, so it was the kindest thing to do. It was all over very quickly and I stroked him as he went, to let him know that I was there. He looked very peaceful and just as if he was asleep. It's a wrench, I can't lie and I still miss him terribly, but it would have been selfish of me to let him continue the way he was.

[SpikeyBush]

Thanks Buenchico. The article makes a lot of sense. Doesn't make the drive to the vet in the morning any easier though. I love this ball of fluff and he loves me. We emigrated together and started a new life here years ago. That will be a link to the old country gone, as well as a faithful friend.

[seekeerz]

sorry to read your post, spikey, this is a very hard decision to make but out of the love you feel for your pet, one you, and those of us who take these furry critters into our lives, are faced with frequently.

It never gets any easier to make but today we can give them that peaceful passing we wish for ourselves - can you have a friend standing by for the return journey home, this is one of the times you might really need one

will be thinking of you over the coming days skz

[carmalee]

I know it won't make it any easier for you SB but we've all been there and really do know how you feel. It's the last decent thing you can do for your pet so do it with a glad heart knowing his last moments were as comfortable as possible. It would be awful if you just left him to struggle on and he became frightened or in pain. You are doing him a great favour. xC

[pastafreak]

I agree with all of the above,Spikey. It's never an easy decision,but it will be the best you can ever do for your faithful old friend.The vets sometimes give two injections-one a tranquilliser,the second dose to put them to sleep. It will be like losing a close relative,so do let yourself mourn.....it's the most natural response. Take care...and remember there are always people on here to listen.

[Sqad]

<<<<very frail, unstable, weak, incontinent and no longer 'with it'. >>>

That says it all and and at least you owe him a dignified end to the dignified and loving life that you have given him.

No....it's not easy.

[TheTruthHere]

As the person in the first post says he will feel nothing.If you can get a friend to take your cat it would be best.

[pastafreak]

No-if you are able,I think it is best to go yourself. I'd have hated it if I'd not been with my animals when they died.
Take a friend for support though.

[paddywak]

When I lost my first GSD, he was 15 I had the vet come to the house as he hated the vets and I didn't what that to be the last thing I did with him. I stroked his head and he just put his head down and went to sleep. I didn't want to do it but I knew it was for the best, I still miss him even though I've got another GSD

[GillyGee]

Please do this for you cat he will thank you for it. He will feel nothing and although you will be very sad. You may find the vet will allow you to hold your cat when the injection is administered, it really is the kindest thing you can do for him. Good luck and thinking of you

[emmie]

im glad i never had to make that decision, though i was heartbroken when my cat died, but he went peacefully, curled up and just went to sleep. I still feel sad over it though..

[bensmum]

Like most here I've had to have much loved pets put to sleep and it's a decision I hated having to take but was ultimately the only one in order to relieve them of pain. It happens very quickly and you can be with him as he goes. I agree with pasta - I think you may regret it if you don't stay with him yourself. It's very difficult but vets are used to seeing people in these circumstances and are very understanding. Thinking of you and your old friend xxx

[pussnboots]

Both my cats had to be put to sleep, one this year and the other 2 years ago. I still miss them terribly. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

[wendilla]

Everyone has said what I would say . I had my faithful lab put to sleep 18 months ago. You never forget so this may help.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…"

[JustJenni]

Can you vet not make house calls for this sort of thing? the one we use does it and they are always lovely about it.
I work above a vets as a volunteer for a local animal rescue and i recently helped one of the vets when she had to put an elderly dog to sleep. its very peaceful and there so calm when it happens, almost like they know its for the best. Its a really hard choice to make and we've all had to go through it so we know how you feel.
I hope it all goes ok and all the best for you

[carolegif]

Most vets ask you to take the cat in outside the normal hours. I had to have a cat put down some years ago. I stayed with her throughout it all as she would have been frightened if I had left her. She just went to sleep. I lost another cat last week who died of natural causes, so I know how you feel.