While no cat parent wants to think about their beloved cat dying, it’s an unfortunate reality that we will all likely outlive most of the special cats we share our lives with. In some cases, your cat may pass naturally or due to an accident. In other cases, you may make the choice to stop the progression of a painful disease. When that time comes, you want to make the process as peaceful and fear free as you can for your cat. If possible, I encourage you to give your cat one final gift and go with in home euthanasia.
Before we go any further, I am not a veterinarian so I am not going to dive into the details of the medical side of the process. Instead, my focus is on not only your cat’s well being, but your own. If you are looking for information on what to expect when a veterinarian arrives for in home euthanasia, I encourage you to read more from one of the many compassionate veterinarians who performs this valuable service.
Avoid A Final Visit To A Clinic
If you are one of the many cat parents whose cats disappear as soon as their cat carrier comes out, it comes as no surprise that a trip to the veterinarian can be stressful for many cats. Even if your cat generally does well at the vet, most cats prefer sticking to their home territory that is safe, familiar, and predictable.
Not only is the trip to the vet likely going to be stressful for them, but their final moments will be in a place that they find scary. There may be dogs or other cats there and it will be filled with noises that might increase your cat’s stress.
But Go To The Clinic If Needed
If your cat is really sick and needs medical attention, I am by no means saying don’t bring them into the clinic. In some cases, they may be able to be stabilized enough to get some more quality time with you or not bringing them in may cause more suffering. Veterinary clinics may have special rooms that are peaceful and calm for you to say good bye in. However, if you are able to plan ahead and don’t need to make your cat go in, in home euthanasia for cats is going to be less stressful for your cat.
Say Goodbye In A Favorite Spot
Your cat probably has a few places they like to lounge. For my cat Zoloft, it was the left couch cushion, a teal office chair he stole from me (called “The Chair”), or my lap. For Poutine, his favorite spot is the couch or the top of one of my cat towers. Prozac’s favorite places are the top of a cat perch or his window condo.
Wherever it is for your cat, chances are these are spots that are comfortable and where your cat feels very safe. Doesn’t that sound like a nice place for a cat to spend their final moments?
By going with in home euthanasia for your cat, they get the gift of more time in that favorite place and can enjoy their last moments with their favorite person in the favorite spot. You can get them a favorite snack and they can fantasize about hunting the same birds they do every day.
The environment is extremely important to cats’ sense of security which is why moving with cats can cause them so much stress. Cats prefer a predictable environment. If they spend their last few minutes and hours at home, you can make as much of their final day as normal as possible.
Reduce The Stress Of The Veterinarian Showing Up
If a cat is really sick, even an outgoing, friendly cat may become anxious or even aggressive toward unfamiliar humans. In their own home and in a favorite resting spot, they may be less likely to to become stressed and anxious because they won’t run into something called trigger stacking. This can help keep all involved, including the veterinarian, safe. It also lessens the risk that your final memories of your cat will be ones that unpleasant or stressful. You want your cat to be remembered for their being themselves, not acting differently due to fear.
In Home Euthanasia For Cats Benefits You
While it may be the end of your cat’s life and ultimately, they are who benefits the most from in home euthanasia, it does benefit you as well. After you cat has passed, you may want to spend some time saying goodbye to them privately. You can do so in your home without anyone else being there and arrange for pick up of your cat or take them to wherever you decide for aftercare. There will be plenty of time for you to spend with them and you won’t be rushed out.
Seeing a beloved pet pass can be distressing for many people and it’s understandable that some may not want to watch it happen. While I would encourage you to consider how comforting your presence may be to your cat at the end (even if you have your eyes closed and are sitting next to them if you don’t feel you can watch or hold them), you’re not a bad person if that isn’t something you feel up to doing.
Taking Care Of Yourself And Your Cat
You can still take comfort in knowing you made your cat’s final moments as peaceful as possible by allowing them to remain at home. Being at home allows you to be there until your cat is sedated and then step into a place that is comforting to you while the veterinarian administers the medication that helps your cat peacefully pass on.
They’l be aware that you’re there, enjoying the love you two share, until they’re no longer conscious. You are giving your cat the kindness of being someplace comforting for such a terrible event so if you need to step out, you’re still there for most of it. You deserve to give yourself the same kindness. After they are done, you can return and say goodbye to your cat.
In some situations, you won’t have the option of doing in home euthanasia. I had hoped that I would be able to say goodbye to my beloved Zoloft at home, but unfortunately he ended up passing on his own while in the ICU. In an emergency, you may not have a choice, but if given the opportunity, I hope you’ll consider letting your cat stay where they feel the most safe, calm, and stress free right up until their final moments lighting up this world with their presence.
