We had to put our 8 year old cat down today because her uterus was so large and it was pushing all her organs. And while in the vets office, she had a seizure.. the vet said if we would have put her through an operation, she would have died on the table. She was weak, and her veins kept collapsing. My question is, does anyone know if it is painful to be euthanized? I wasnt there, I couldnt go.. it was too sad..and I was a wreck. I always thought they get tired, close their eyes and go to sleep. But my husband said she took a deep breath and that was it. Her eyes were still open and everything. I just hope her final moments were peaceful.
2006-11-03 14:59:03 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Thats really terrible having your cat die, but euthanization does really just put them to sleep as far as all living people know, but i guess you'd kind of have to have been euthanized yourself to know what it's truly like
2006-11-03 15:02:48 · answer #1 · answered by good advice 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Every time (thankfully very few) I have had to have a pet euthanized I stayed with them the whole time. The vet gives them a shot, so they may feel a little prick, but other than that there is no pain. They just go to sleep, then they stop breathing, then the heart stops.
It is very peaceful and the best gift you can give an animal that is suffering and has no hope for a cure.
2006-11-03 23:15:44 · answer #2 · answered by Shalvia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had to put my cat to sleep awhile back. It was the worst experience in the world. But, I think it was painless for her.
When I insisted on being with her when they put her down, the vet warned me that sometimes animals do react with many deep breaths before they actually die.
My Mia had been in pain though. When they put the needle in her, she laid very still and never moved again. The vet listened to her heart to make sure that she was dead. She went so peacefully. I couldn't help but crying, but I knew she was in no more pain.
I don't ever want to have to do that again, but I will if I have to. I want my animals to know that they are loved and not dying by themselves. I truly believe they feel no pain when they are put to sleep. Only the pain of the needle going in, but it's nothing compared to the pain that some of them are already in.
I'm sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is and believe me, it never gets easier losing an animal that means so much to you. As hard as it was, you did do the right thing. I'm sure her final moments were peaceful.
2006-11-04 00:01:31 · answer #3 · answered by Karen H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh, Sweetie ... I am so sorry for your loss.
Please, please believe me when I say that she did NOT suffer in any way. So far in my lifetime, I've had to have 5 cats and 2 dogs put to sleep. In each case, I was with them ... and I can assure you, they felt absolutely no pain ... none whatsoever. They just went to sleep peacefully.
You and your hubby did the hardest - but the kindest - thing you could possibly do ... you let your little baby, your best friend, out of her misery. You had a very difficult decision to make and you made the right - and unselfish - one. You lived up to your jobs as responsible and loving pet parents. You did right by her.
I know how long this night will be for you, and I know that really nothing will make you feel a whole lot better just now and maybe not even for a few days yet. Please be sure to allow yourself the grieving process ... it's such an important part of the healing process.
When you feel up to it, perhaps you'll find some small comfort in the following poem:
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and in my prayers.
2006-11-03 23:27:37 · answer #4 · answered by mutt_buffer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a vet tech, I unfortunately have seen quite a few animals euthanized. I have also seen some die on their own.
Trust me--I would choose the euthanasia any time.
Euthanasia means 'good death'. The goal of euthanasia is zero suffering--no pain at all. Any pain would not be a good death, of course.
The animal simply loses consciousness--just like falling asleep. It is a release from the pain and anxiety of its illness. The animal's heart stops beating and it stops breathing. It is unaware of all of this.
I am so sorry for your loss. Don't be afraid to grieve. Many people do not understand what it is like to lose what they may think of as 'just an animal'. Your cat was your friend and companion. I cried just a week ago over the sudden death of one of our patients, a Great Dane named Crusoe. He was a sweet, wonderful dog, and even though I had only known him for a few days his loss was still hard. I still miss my kitty who I lost this past April. It is never easy, and you will always miss them, but time will take away that sharp pain. Just remember the fun memories that you have.
2006-11-04 00:40:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry for your loss. And no, I'm pretty sure it's not painful. I have had to have animals of my own euthanised, and I've euthanised animals myself.
Quite often the vet will give a sedative first, which would just make her feel happy and relaxed. The euthanasia drug is closely related to anaesthetic drugs, so I would guess that it is like going off to sleep very quickly (as the above poster said, if you've ever had an anaesthetic yourself you'll probably have a bit of an idea). It's quick and pain free, and I'm sure that if she was aware of anything at all, it was that she wasn't feeling sick and sore any longer.
Again, I'm so sorry. This probably doesn't make you feel any better right now, but just remember that while it's a horrible decision to have to make, you've done the right thing by her. If it helps, try to think of it as a final goodbye gift to her...if she had a way to thank you for it, she would.
'Rainbow Bridge' - Anon
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
2006-11-03 23:26:03 · answer #6 · answered by Loz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry for your loss, but the right thing was done in letting her go like that and not making her suffer.
My Vet said that the drug used to euthanize animals works like an overdose of sleeping pills. The animal goes to sleep and the high dose of the drug supresses the heart and lung funcitons. They are asleep before this happens.
Animals eyes usually do have their eyes open when they pass on like this, they open when they are gone.
She passed on with someone who loved her and whom she loved, safe and secure and protected.
2006-11-03 23:40:13 · answer #7 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat , Let me tell you that it didn't hurt her , all it did was put her to sleep , she felt no pain of that . I know how you feel , when I had to put my cat to sleep , cause she was very ill and the docter said that they could do nothing for her, it broke my heart and I couldn't go ethier , so your not alone , but remember all the good times you had with her. She lived a good life and she was peaceful.
2006-11-04 01:48:06 · answer #8 · answered by kitty 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I know how pained your heart is right now. About the euthenasia...have you ever had surgery yourself? Do you remember being put under anesthesia? It's alot like that. You really dont know whats going on, nor do you care...all you know is your sleepy...you fall asleep and thats it. It is very fast and very painless. I promise. It is the best way to go. Bless you for doing the right thing.
2006-11-03 23:08:50 · answer #9 · answered by s w 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
im so sorry for the loss of your kitty :( I dont believe that it hurts to be euthanized espcially if she was already in so much pain. Try not to dwell on the procedure because that can make you sad in itslef, just try and think that she is at peace now and that she had a good life.
2006-11-03 23:04:28 · answer #10 · answered by estkijedsco 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't hurt. It might sting a little from the needle but that's better than feeling the pain she must have been going through.
I stayed with my dog when we put him down and he just fell asleep. It was really peaceful yet horrible at the same time. I felt such grief but relieved as well. Their organs just shut down slowly and they pass away.
You did the right thing. I'm sorry for your loss.
2006-11-03 23:07:35 · answer #11 · answered by Melissa D 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋