Do I WANT to be there? Having to put cat to sleep

[UberMama]

Our cat who is old, has MANY health issues and she's just seems down and out over the past couple of months.. we've decided to have her put sleep.

Originally Jett was my parents cat that they got when I was a teen, then DH and I took her in two years ago when my Dad married my Step-Mom because they couldn't bring Jett to their new house.

So, she's my baby in a sense. We need to have her put down this week as she's that bad off. I've never taken a pet in to be put to sleep. I don't want to ask my DH or Dad to do it, as they are both more sensitive than I am, so I don't want to have them shoulder this. It's either me or no one else. And then a friend told me months ago about putting her dog down and how he had this bad reaction and began vomiting blood while dying.. and I am scared that will happen to Jett. So, then I thought maybe I'd just hand her off to be put down in another room but I'd feel guilty leaving her alone in her final moments.

UGH. Do they really just get a shot and seemingly go to sleep peacefully USUALLY? I just could not stomach seeing her go through a traumatic reaction in her final moments. I'd call the vet but I'm mustering up the strength to just call and make the appointment.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I just had my 16yo cat Stimpy to sleep last friday and 2 other cats previously.

What they do here is give the cat a shot of anesthetic just as if they where going to do surgery. The cat is 100% asleep and that is the last they know. Then they take the cat and give it the med to stop the heart.

I have always chosen to hold my cats while the first shot is given then they take them to another room to do the final shot. I have to be there because I want me to be the last thing they see before it is over. I felt like I owe them that much.

Each time it has been very peaceful and the cats have felt nothing and having me there kept them calm. You should call the vet and see how they do things.

[rhiOrion]

they'll sedate her first.

you could spend a few moments with her and then leave the room while they do the sedation. then have them call you in for the end. that way you'll know she passed on with family by her side, but you won't have to see the part that actually tends to be most difficult.

my mom didn't stick around when my childhood cat was put to sleep, and she regrets it to this day.

i'm very sorry you have to go through this.

eta: the pp has a good point about the last thing she sees being you, though

[UberMama]

Okay, I didn't know about the sedation. That is a relief to know. I think I may do that then - stay in there for the sedation and then leave when they put her to sleep for good. I think I could handle that.

Thank you!!!

[ElliesMomma]

of course you should be there! i've been there for my pets. it's sad to see them go but the practicality of euthanaesia (sp) isn't so bad. it's pretty straightforward really.

[lovebug]

i would want to be there. i am so sorry you are going through this!!! i just had to put my dog down April 30 of this year. it was the hardest choice, but it was the right choice and i knew he wanted me there. there was something in side of me that told me i NEEDED to be there for him. i did a lot of talking to him and letting him know i supported his choice of needing to pass. i asked for signs and boy did he give them to me!

s to you

PS i had the vet come to my house, for many reason, but mostly because i knew it would make him the most comffy...

[UberMama]

Originally Posted by ElliesMomma

of course you should be there!

Sorry. I know it sounds incredibly selfish on my part, but I wanted to make sure I understood the process (and clearly I didn't) as I was unsure if I could handle it. I know that sounds terrible of me.

I'm sitting beside her tonight and feel immense guilt. I've never had to do something like this before. Any pets I've had (we've had a LOT) have died due to a sudden issue like a heart issue or natural causes. So, I'm trying my best, on top of pregnancy hormones, to deal with this. :/

[*Jade*]

It doesn't sound terribly selfish. I can't imagine how hard it is to make this decision, but I wish you strength for when the time comes.

[Breathless Wonder]

Please be forewarned that if your cat is a "fighter" they may resist a bit with the first shot- particularly if they don't like vet care in general. I just want you to be prepared. My DH has sat with our animals (and other people's) if they've needed to be put to sleep. He said that our neighbor's cat, that he sat with, and our cat that had cancer, did not want to be held while the first shot was administered. They both resisted, but once the sedation started to kick in, they were peaceful. He held them both until they finally fell asleep. Neither of us can imagine an animal passing without a loved one present, and both of us have sat with animals (I usually end up with the ones dying naturally at home, which can be very difficult to watch).

I'm so sorry about your cat.

[Lit Chick]

I've only had to put one cat down so far, and I was there. I was 18 or 19, just home from college on a break. Here's what happened - they took him into the back, shaved a leg and prepped it for the IV, then brought him back to us. I held him while they gave him an injection, and he was gone before they even finished. It was very peaceful. The only shock was when I put him down - there was still air in his lungs and when I moved him he made a croak, and scared us all.

I think his death was peaceful because he was ready for it, and even though I was not really prepared (he his his pain until I was back home so no one knew he was sick again) I knew he needed to go. There was no struggle. Also, cats are very sensitive to anesthesia, which might make their passing easier than dogs... I've never had a dog though.

I never regretted being there for my cat. It was a comfort to both of us. When they took him to prep, he was screaming and hissing and being an angry anti-vet cat per usual, but when he was with me he was my sweet boy. I'm glad for those moments.

[Pariah]

I had to have a beloved cat put to sleep two years ago, and I was there and held him the whole time. The vet gave us a few minutes alone to say our goodbyes, then gave him the sedation shot, then the next. He passed peacefully and we laid him wrapped up in a blanket on the table. He was cremated, and I have his ashes on a shelf at home. I was very attached to him, especially because of how he cuddled with me while I was in labor with my son and how he was just the perfect pet with him. He let my son push him around the house in his little cart, carry him around, hug him, etc and never once scratched or nipped at my son no matter what.

I stayed with him because he had been with me through thick and thin, so I felt like it was only right to do the same for him. It was extremely difficult, but I am very glad I was there. I feel like I would really regret it if I hadn't been.

[lonegirl]

I will give you the behind the scenes at our hospital. Euthanasia is very quick. Most of our clients choose to be with their pets in the final moments. Here is what we do if owner chooses to be there: Pet is brought to the back where we (specifically me) place an iv catheter. I wrap the leg with vet wrap and put a little cutout heart piece above the injection port. If the veterinarian chooses then a light sedative is given at that point to take the edge off. I then return the pet to the owner in the room (a blanket is already waiting on the table). The owner is then given time to "say goodbye". When ready the vet then enters the room. The injection is given into the iv port. For cats especially they are usually gone before the total volume is injected. It is fast and peaceful. They do not close their eyes. The veterinarian then confirms death by listening for heart sounds. The owner can then sit with the pet if wanted (most choose to leave).

If an owner decides not to stay: An iv is placed. When giving the euthanyl I talk soothingly to the pet and an assistant holds and pets them. They are not alone then either.

[Alyantavid]

I'm sorry. I can't imagine not being there though.

When we put our dog down, she really did just go to sleep. It was peaceful, but I couldn't have not gone.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

One thing I like about the sedation before hand is that all my cats have closed their eyes and look to be asleep thought the vet had warned me they dont close their eyes every one has with the sedation I dont know about after the final shot since they brought them all back to me wrapped up to take home and bury.