# Looking for input on when to euthanize a cat **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 29, 2014, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473 "2014-12-29T20:54:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/21 "2015-02-17T17:06:09Z")
It will be very hard, **Mouse**. Cry all you need to. In the end, you’ll know that your decision was wise and right and loving, and the pain will pass. Thinking of you guys today. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/22 "2015-02-17T17:17:04Z")
My experience is that the steps leading up to it are hard, but once it is done, I felt tremendous relief. Keep posting. Lots of understanding and sympathy here. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/23 "2015-02-17T17:31:53Z")
A few things. The vet will likely give two injections. The first is just a sedative. The second is the one that "puts them to sleep. The first obviously relaxes them and IIUC also reduces pain. At this point the cat may purr feeling better than it has in awhile. You may ask the vet to wait a more than just a moment before the first and second injection. Might as well let the cat enjoy the moment and give a bit more time for the stuff to work. The second shot works almost instantly (seriously, I can’t even see how it can work that fast). Its not a slow “going to sleep”. Its instant pupil dialation, heart and breathing stoppage. Now we know that the brain function will still go on a bit after that, so at that time make sure your cat can see you directly (keeping in mind she won’t be able to move her eyes towards you), hear you, and feel you touching her. Also, the pupil dialation means bright lights are going to be blinding, so make it dark and make sure the cat is not facing any lights, or windows or a brighter part of room. At least that has been my understanding and experiences of how these things go. Ask your vet about this stuff to double check. Sorry to say, but its going to suck. A lot. But if you are the kind of person that gets upset about these kind of things I’d bet money you are NOT doing this too early. I think almost every pet lover errs on the waiting too long than too early. At least until you’ve gone through this a couple of times. My condolences. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Bird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Little\_Bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Bird)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/24 "2015-02-17T17:39:16Z")
It’s the last kindness you can pay to your pet. And it is very much a kindness. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/25 "2015-02-17T17:40:28Z")
Good for you (and your kitty) for not waiting until she was suffering horribly. That is the mistake I made with my first cat who was also put down at the age of 17. But in my case, she should have been put down at 16, before her kidney failure became pure misery for her. I regret so much that I allowed her to suffer for so long–I just couldn’t pull the trigger–will not make that mistake again with another pet. You gave your girl a wonderful long life with a peaceful end. That’s more than any of us can hope for. My condolences to you & if you are missing her, rescue a new kitty in her honor. It’ll be a win/win 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/26 "2015-02-17T17:48:28Z")
Don’t expect that you won’t hurt for a while. Go ahead and feel grief. It’s a tribute to your pet. As is not asking her to suffer any more. My own philosophy is get another cat/dog asap but I know that’s not everyone’s way. Me, I can’t stand being in a house with no fur babies. I did spend some time picking the right pair of kitties this last time but that was because I wanted adult kitties who were littermates and that took a while. But I kept on seeing ghost kitties out of the corner of my eye. Getting a new pet is not “replacing” the one you lost. It’s just a way to keep from being lonely and giving another pet a home; both good things. Thinking of you today. Good luck and know that you did the right thing. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/27 "2015-02-17T17:56:02Z")
Her two brothers are still here. She began showing symptoms a few days ago. I wanted to let a few days pass to make sure I wasn’t euthanizing her just for being under the weather. It became clear this morning. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/28 "2015-02-17T19:23:00Z")
She’s sleeping right now. I don’t know whether to let her sleep or cuddle her. ---
**Author:** ![brachyrhynchos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brachyrhynchos/32/376_2.png) [@brachyrhynchos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brachyrhynchos)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/29 "2015-02-17T19:27:56Z")
She’s a beauty. Good luck. I’m sorry you have to go through this. Maybe place a hand on her gently? ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/30 "2015-02-17T19:59:17Z")
She’s fine with being petted, she purrs when I do. I just wonder if her time would be best spent sleeping. Some more of her: I asked a friend what kind of kitty picture she wanted, she said: “whipped cream with a cherry on top. Of a cat.” So I delivered: [http://imgur.com/ZYl633a](http://imgur.com/ZYl633a) Comfy: [http://imgur.com/ux3XnIR](http://imgur.com/ux3XnIR) [http://imgur.com/3UyRkm5](http://imgur.com/3UyRkm5) ---
**Author:** ![brachyrhynchos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brachyrhynchos/32/376_2.png) [@brachyrhynchos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brachyrhynchos)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/31 "2015-02-17T20:09:51Z")
Adorable! If she’s purring when you pet her, maybe that’s what you should do? Or even just watch her. You are doing the right thing no matter how hard it seems. You two are in my thoughts. ---
**Author:** ![JcWoman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jcwoman/32/2889_2.png) [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/32 "2015-02-17T20:19:51Z")
> [@Little\_Bird](#): > > It’s the last kindness you can pay to your pet. And it is very much a kindness. Agreed. It’s the ultimate responsbility: to deliver them gently into the arms of God. Or Rainbow Bridge, whatever. When we had our 18-year old kitty euthanized after she had a stroke, I was humbled by the enormity. Sure, the vet technically held the needle, but it was our (hubby and me) who held her life in our hands and made the call. It’s not something to take lightly, it’s very important. But it is frightening. Still, we did the right thing for her. Take whatever comfort and mourning you need to, and know that we’re with you in spirit. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/33 "2015-02-17T20:27:05Z")
Our cat was 19 1/2. She actually seemed OK up until about a month before the end (a tumor), though retrospectively there were signs for a few months before that. When he stopped eating and drinking, we knew it was time. I think he did, too. A few days before he wanted to go out (not unusual) and then walked into the road (very unusual – he always avoided it and stayed on our side). I think he was looking for a quiet place away from his territory. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/34 "2015-02-17T21:46:59Z")
We went through this just last week. He was eating and lying on top of us almost until the end. Once he stopped eating our 16 year old (he was his cat, pretty much) said to leave him alone. He died peacefully at home soon after. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/35 "2015-02-17T21:52:35Z")
It was strange seeing go from being Themis to being a corpse, slack meat with fur. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/36 "2015-02-17T22:09:50Z")
That’s the way it has always been for me, with both humans and cats. From alive to nothing in a fraction of a second, from someone I love to a corpse. It’s hard. I find comfort in the gone-ness, once I adapt to the strangeness of it: Gone means no more pain, ever. Bless you for having done the hard thing because you knew it was the right thing. Give your other two an extra kiss or two on that spot between the ears that seems made for kissing. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2015, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/37 "2015-02-18T00:33:29Z")
I remember the first time I was with a pet being euthanized and my thought was that I hope when my time comes I can go that quickly, and being held by someone who loves me. I think sometimes that we are kinder to our pets than to our own species. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2015, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/38 "2015-02-18T01:01:20Z")
Condolences. Been there a few times myself. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2015, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/39 "2015-02-18T23:05:47Z")
Thanks all for the talk. I still get memories of her. Yesterday, I was petting the two boys, heard a noise and looked down to see if it was her. Just now I got some boxes, enough to make three beds and wished one of the beds could have been hers. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2015, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473/40 "2015-02-19T00:27:25Z")
I know those feelings, **MichaelEmouse** , That’s really a good thing. After all what would it say if you didn’t even miss her? Missing her is a tribute to your relationship with her. I still miss my very first cat who came to me when I was five: lost him when I was 10, so that was 58 years ago, and it still hurts, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m glad you have the two boys to keep you company though. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-when-to-euthanize-a-cat/708473.md?page=3)