FAQ:

Euthanasia is a medical way of helping your cat pass peacefully. As cat owners, sometimes we have to make this choice to end their life to relieve our beloved cat who may be suffering from serious injury, pain, terminal condition, or age.

Euthanasia should only be performed by a professionally trained veterinarian to provide the most comfortable experience possible for your pet. A veterinarian may, upon seeing the cat's condition, use a cocktail of medications tailored to the needs of your cat.

Ultimately this decision comes down to your cat's quality of life. Unfortunately, they are unable to tell us how they are feeling and that it is time to consider euthanasia. Here are some signs you can look out for.

• Is your cat terminally ill or injured?

• Is your cat appearing to experience more pain than pleasure?

• Is your cat no longer eating even their favorite treats?

• Does your cat no longer enjoy the things they used to love?

• Has there been a change in how your cat has responds or interacts with you?

• Does your cat show signs of anxiety or stress? Examples include pacing, continuous whimpering, abnormal meows, or drooling?

• Is your cat no longer able to walk, eat, drink, or use the bathroom without assistance?

• Has your cat experienced more bad days than good in the past couple of weeks?

Before having your cat euthanized, you should have a plan in place for your cat's aftercare. While it may be difficult, thinking about this beforehand may reduce your stress when the time comes to make this difficult decision. Here are some questions that you should ask.

• How do you want to handle your cat's remains? Specifically, do you want to bury your beloved cat, or would you prefer to have them cremated?

• If you chose to cremate them, do you want to find a special urn to honor them? Often times, cremation services will include a handful of urn options to choose from if you don't have a particular preference.

• Do you have a preferred cremation service provider or would you like for your veterinarian to handle the arrangements?

Of course, these questions should be discussed with those who have helped care for your cat throughout their life.

Cat euthanasia is typically a two-step procedure that is fairly quick. Typically the procedure is completed in about 15 minutes.

Before your veterinarian performs euthanasia, they will first administer a sedative. This is typically delivered intravenously but can be delivered orally depending on your cat's condition. The purpose of this is to help your cat relax. Following the sedative administration, the veterinarian will give the sedative a few minutes for it to take effect.

When your cat is full sedated, the veterinarian will then inject them with the euthanasia solution. This solution is often (but not always) a large dose of anesthesia which slows the heartbeat to a stop. During this step, your cat will not be conscious, feel stress, discomfort, or pain.

Following the administration of the euthanasia solution, the veterinarian will monitor the cat's heartbeat and let you know when they have made it to the meadow before the Rainbow Bridge.

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage this. By being there for your cat, you are comforting and supporting them when they need you the most.

Some pets may have a more active passing than others as each body reacts a little differently to the sedative and medication. Please know that, while it may be a little upsetting to see, your pet is in no pain. Being with them and helping them through this transition is the most selfless and compassionate act we can give our beloved pets.

During and immediately following the procedure, several things may occur. Everything listed below is a natural occurrence as your cat's body shuts down. It is worth reiterating that your cat is not conscious while these reactions take place, nor are they attempting to resist the procedure.

• Your cat may twitch or have involuntary muscle movements as if they were sleeping. This is similar to how many humans twitch as they fall asleep each night.

• Your cat's eyes may remain open as a result of their muscles relaxing.

• After passing, your cat's muscles will continue to relax. This includes their bowels and bladder. In anticipation of this, they are placed on a towel during the procedure to collect any bodily fluids or fecal matter released.

• Your cat may appear to inhale or exhale as their body shuts down and the air is released from their body. This is not a conscious reaction and is a normal part of the passing process.