# Vet reluctant to euthanize my cat **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 29, 2015, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905 "2015-11-29T03:33:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/21 "2015-11-30T01:34:13Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > Do not post it here - the Powers That Be here are quite strict about bring outside problems here. Bwa? What are you talking about? We have an entire forum reserved for talking about ouside problems. ---
**Author:** ![bubba001](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@bubba001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubba001)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/22 "2015-11-30T01:41:59Z")
My experience is that some vets will milk you for every dollar they can. We had a dog that had cancer, he was old, and the cancer advanced. We spent $6K in a few weeks, and had almost zero results. As long as we were willing to spend the money, the vets would keep stringing us along. It ended when I saw my 85 lb boxer boy lay crying on the floor after a radiation treatment. I’d never seen him show pain. I decided that we were keeping this going for us, not him. We kept him on pain killers as long as we could. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, taking him into the vets, knowing he wasn’t walking out. He limped in, no leash needed. Trusting me. I don’t trust vets anymore. They are in a business to treat animals for profit. Not for what is in the animals best interest. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/23 "2015-11-30T02:11:24Z")
> [@bubba001](#): > > My experience is that some vets will milk you for every dollar they can. … > I don’t trust vets anymore. They are in a business to treat animals for profit. Not for what is in the animals best interest. Well, don’t condemn them for making a living, but profit and the animal’s best interest need not be in conflict. I had a similar problem, though less extreme; a vet “strongly encouraged” I get my pet’s shots up to date when the pet was showing obvious\* symptoms of a terminal illness. Twice. The second time was not pretty. - To the vet though not to me; I found out later the first time. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/24 "2015-11-30T02:39:17Z")
I’m joining the choir telling you to find a new vet. Some years ago I had a dog suffering from kidney failure. She gradually lost her appetite and eventually refused to eat. After she didn’t eat for three days, I decided to take her in to the vet to be put to sleep. The vet didn’t try to talk me into an expensive medical treatment. She reassured me the dog was suffering and any treatment would only make her feel better for a few days. She was 100% on board with putting the dog out of her misery and didn’t think I was being premature at all. Afterwards, I was allowed to spend as much time with the dog as I wanted. The vet couldn’t have been more understanding and sympathetic to both my dog and me. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/25 "2015-11-30T05:35:16Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Bwa? What are you talking about? We have an entire forum reserved for talking about ouside problems. This group is litigation adverse. Naming names could expose the Chicago Reader to litigation at Libel from the vet. Rant all you want; don’t name names or provide enough info that a 3rd party could determine the identity of the person. “I’m not telling you names, just that this is the (only) Vet at 3219 Main St, Podunk, Some State”. Would be frowned upon. With reason. ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/26 "2015-11-30T09:16:44Z")
Euthanize your vet and find another one. Perfectly healthy cats are euthanized my the multitudes for no good reason other than population control. Yours has had a longer than usual lifespan and has critical health issues and doesn’t sound like its future is going to be a very comfortable one. Let me know if you have any questions about euthanizing a cat if never done before. Its very hard, Id be happy to offer some advice. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/27 "2015-11-30T12:32:02Z")
This thread makes me so appreciative of my vets - all of them at the practice have been unfailingly kind, compassionate, and understanding. In fact, the first time we had to make the hard decision about our cat, he told us flat out that we could take her to a specialty vet in the next county but it would mostly likely be a waste of money. No sugar-coating, no false hope, just the facts, gently but honestly. Exactly what you want from a vet, as far as I’m concerned. ---
**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:** [November 30, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/28 "2015-11-30T12:55:24Z")
I have had terrible experiences with vets, and wonderful ones; like doctors. I agree that the bedside manner is most important with vets and my current ones are wonderful. And when you run into one that’s not wonderful, it’s time to run for a new one. ---
**Author:** ![FrillyNettles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7ea924/32.png) [@FrillyNettles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrillyNettles)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/29 "2015-11-30T13:50:46Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > This seriously pisses me off! By rights, you shouldn’t need any reason whatsoever to ask to have your pet put down, > > ☹ This is directed at the poster quoted above: Excuse me. I am a veterinarian, and I have EVERY right to refuse to perform euthanasia. You DO need a “reason” to ask for this to be performed. It’s ME on the other end of the needle, and taking a life is not easy. So don’t every presume that you can demand a veterinarian end your pet’s life. I personally, will not perform convenience euthanasia. That’s a line I am allowed to draw to keep myself emotionally healthy. That said, the OP’s cat has severe dental pain, and if that is not going to be resolved (and I wouldn’t perform an advanced dental on my own 18-year-old cat), then yes, euthanasia is warranted. The OP may need to find another vet. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/30 "2015-11-30T23:06:50Z")
Note to all: If you need to have a pet put down, take it to the shelter. AIUI, it will have roughly 72 hours to get adopted. Unless it is young, friendly even in the worst conditions, and just plain lucky, it will be dead. ---
**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:** [November 30, 2015, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/31 "2015-11-30T23:09:47Z")
Dear **usedtobe** , I’m not sure why you keep posting cruel things in this thread but I wish you weren’t so bitter. I’m sorry if you had bad experiences with vets or pets. But this thread is about a specific person with a specific pet, who had a specific bad experience with a vet but who apparently overcame the problem. Maybe you could think about the OP for a minute and then offer her some sympathy? ---
**Author:** ![Wallet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Wallet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallet)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/32 "2015-11-30T23:41:13Z")
Fiveyearlurker, I am so sorry for your loss. You did everything possible for your little one, and made a courageous decision to let her go gently into that good night. {{{hugs}}} ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/33 "2015-12-01T00:13:39Z")
I’m sorry for your loss. You did everything right. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/34 "2015-12-01T00:24:58Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > Note to all: > > If you need to have a pet put down, take it to the shelter. > AIUI, it will have roughly 72 hours to get adopted. > > Unless it is young, friendly even in the worst conditions, and just plain lucky, it will be dead. An elderly cat at a kill shelter won’t likely even get 72 hours, they’ll euthanize it when it arrives. But it won’t be the touchy feely experience of a good compassionate vet. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/35 "2015-12-01T03:37:28Z")
I was being nice. That post was in response to the vet saying he/she has a right to refuse euthanasia - if the only vet around will not perform what is an act of compassion, at least there is an option. Not a pleasant one, but an option. And it beats the DIY alternative. Note: Yes, I know _you_ can come up with ways to gently put down your pet. Not everyone can, and the ‘hook it up to the car’s exhaust’ is a very, very obscene ‘solution’. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/36 "2015-12-01T03:43:59Z")
I had a kitten I got at a mobile Adoption event. She did not like my leaving her to go to work. She was litter trained, and was perfect on the weekends. But I came home every day to a new pile on the carpet. After 3 months, I surrendered her. At the shelter, we went through a checklist. When we got to ‘Housebroken’, I said “now we get to reason for surrender”. The expression on the worker’s face changed from ‘Hopeful’ to ‘Resigned’ instantly. I suspect little Jessie was dead before I got to my car. Sometimes, life just sucks. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/37 "2015-12-01T03:46:06Z")
**usedtobe,** _Just. Stop._ You’re not helping. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/38 "2015-12-01T05:05:22Z")
> [@Helena330](#): > > **usedtobe,** _Just. Stop._ You’re not helping. You’re making a large assumption here; that there is any _intention_ to help. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2015, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905/39 "2015-12-01T13:32:51Z")
**usebtobe** , I am sorry for whatever unhappy experiences you’ve had with your pets in the past, and I suspect I’m not alone in that. However, your posts in this thread have increasingly gone further off the rails with relation to the OP here. If you want to discuss your experiences further, please start a new thread. But at this point, I need you to leave the current thread behind. Thanks. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vet-reluctant-to-euthanize-my-cat/738905.md?page=1)