Humane home euthanization of cat with leukemia? Alternatives?

Question

I have a 9 year old female cat that is positive for feline leukemia. In the last year+ she has had immune problems with display of hair loss, sores and bloating. Incontinence has become an issue and you can tell she is constantly miserable now.

I am trying to come to terms with euthanizing her. The cost here is prohibitive... $45 office visit + shot + disposal... and I have a problem with the trauma of not only transporting, but the whole cold, clinical approach.

Is there anything I can use at home that is humane? I would prefer to provide a quiet and loving atmosphere in which to end her suffering... Something effective, but painless and quick.

Any alternative to this approach is also appreciated. I have very little that I am able to spend, but if someone has had luck with changes in diet, antibiotics or other treatment, I am open to trying any suggestion over euthanization!

One note to msnite1969... Not all animals would have love or care but for those who can ill afford to take them in, but do anyway. All 7 of my animals were abandoned by others with far greater financial means, but no heart or sense of responsibility to do the right thing. You should also be aware that life is very different in places other than where you must live... Here, in a rural area, many if not most view a cat as "pest control" and there is no soft music or nice little family room at our vets, nor house calls for less than a herd of cattle or horses.
It certainly isn't illegal (here) to put a sick animal out of its misery either... So please, think before you criticise another for trying to find an effective, painless, and of necessity, inexpensive answer to a heartwrenching problem.
I have had the company of this lovely creature for 8 years and have spent more on her care than my own at times... I certainly won't treat her poorly now, even though I don't have the needed funds.

I was thinking in terms of a painkiller or other medicine commonly used to tranquilize that would be effective with a cat. Drugs don't react the same with them as larger animals. I do have experience with doctoring all sorts of ranch animals and am able to give injections, though oral was my first thought. I simply don't know what to give her that might be reasonably available through a ranch supply.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Some of you realize how traumatic this is and offered much needed comfort. It is appreciated.

Answer 1

I'm sure there are ways to do at home euthanization, but personally I would be afraid I would do more harm in not doing it right, than good in having it done correctly. That's just me though.

Would your vet be willing to come to the house to euthanize? Is there a mobile veterinary service that might be able to do it at your home? When I was contemplating the same problem as you, I got the name of Vet on Wheels (I got the card from my vet's office). When I called the doctor, she was so nice and comforting and assured me that when she would be needed, she would come to the house. I didn't care about the charge which I knew was going to be expensive, just the fact that although I wasn't her client, she was compassionate enough to offer to do what needed to be done at home for me. But my cat passed before needing her services.

This is the hardest decision....I understand where you're coming from. I often wished that my beloved pets would just go to sleep in their favorite spot and not wake up so that I wouldn't have to make this decision. But it never seems to work out that way, does it?

I know having this done in your vets office seems cold and clinical to us. But a good vet will allow you to be with your pet, will make you both as comfortable as possible and will do this quickly, yet with compassion. It takes a matter of moments from beginning to end, although for us it will seem like a lifetime. Their way is effective, painless and quick. A compassionate doctor will also allow you to take your animal home for a personal burial or cremation if possible.

The wellbeing of your pet is first and foremost in your heart, I can tell. If she's suffering and becoming incontinent, that's very stressful for her as cats are basically clean animals. And I'm sure she knows she's doing something that she shouldn't be doing (going outside her litter box). It might be getting close to the time for her to leave you to go where there's no more pain.

Check around and see if you can't find a mobile veterinary service that would be willing to come to you, or perhaps speak with your vet and see if he/she would be able to do this favor for you. I have a close relationship with my vet (who is also my employer), as I've been taking my animals to him for over 30 years, so I don't feel bad asking for a favor now and then.

Prayers go out to you both.........

Answer 2

I don't like the fact that the RSPCA in victoria australia only has a 36 day limit to adopt the animals, if there not gone by the end of the 36day period they are put to sleep, but the reason they are put to sleep is because there are not enough homes and also so they can make room for another shelter animal and give it a chance of a home, i just wish there was another way of doing it so these beautiful cats could have a loving home. I cannot believe a beautiful 4yr old grey & white longhaired stray that was so beautiful and purry never found that loving home. you picked him up, he purred so loud. I love to be able to give animals like these a chance of a FOREVER HOME, something like an animal sanctuary for domestic pets. Some animals need to be put to sleep due to health problems such as cancer- i don't feel its right to prolong their lives for our enjoyment.I think in this case even though it hard it is best to end their suffering.

Answer 3

I took my cat in to be put down 2 yrs ago (cancer). The vet came in the room and gave her a shot (painkiller) and left the room to give it time to take effect. My cat started purring and looked content, almost like she was happy.. This made me feel better, because I had not heard her purr for sometime. When the doctor came back (10 min later) he gave her another shot (euthanizing) and she went to sleep so to speak. He constantly checked her vitals and when he was sure it had taken effect I was offered the choice of their disposal or me taking her. I didn't want her to be thrown away or given to some biology class so I took her home and buried her. I did all of this alone and it was very painful. the vet didn't charge me at all. Later they sent a sympathy card entitled 'Rainbow Bridge'. If you ever get this card do not read it until a least a week later. Its heart wrenching. I still do not own a pet because I don't want to go through this again.

Answer 4

I know how hard it is to have a very loved cat euthanized. Its very sad but since your cat is in misery you should do the right thing and euthanize her. Try to put your feelings aside and think of your cats best interest. Quality of life is more important than quantity of life. If your pet is not happy and in pain the kind thing to do is put her to sleep. The only alternative to putting her to sleep ina clinic is to have the vet come to your home and euthanize her there, this costs extra. Do no attempt to do anything your self, let the vet do it

Answer 5

a cat can live w/ leukemia for years b/f finally passing. the best thing to do is keep the cat in great condition. flea drops, worm regular, shots, and good cat food! if you do this, it will help her do well. i have seen this illness, and i know how you feel! it's hard to watch a cat passing, b/c the end can be very pain full. if the cat is doing Farlay well, I'd wait for now. when she gets real bad, then take her & put her down. hold her when they do it, so see rembers love in the end. it's hard on us to do this, but i feel it's better on the animal. sorry to hear of all this. :(

Answer 6

This cat has given you her love and attention for 9 years. Felv is a terminal illness and she is now suffering. Your responsibility as a cat owner is to have her suffering ended in the most humane way possible, and that is to take her to the Vet and have an EXPERT do the euthanasia. Explain your financial needs and they will let you make payments. No reputable Vet will let an animal suffer because of financial constraints.
Do the right thing by your friend of 9 years.
She's earned it.

Answer 7

Ask your Vet for a tranquilizer. You can administer this at home that way the cat won't be aware of the car ride or stresses of the clinic. Then the Vet can do the euthanization properly without any pain or trauma.

Answer 8

In some cases, you can request for a veterinarian to make a house-call. They will come with the proper equipment to humanely euthanize your cat, in the comforts of your own home.

Answer 9

Please have a professional do it. We just had to have one of our cats euthanized. The vet came to the house and gave her the injection while she was in my lap. She was comfortable to the end and it was like she just fell asleep in a place she loved the most.

I have not heard of alternatives for feline leukemia. If she is miserable, she should not have to suffer any longer.

Answer 10

I'm not sure about this; but you "should" have a vet do it. I appreciate your position and the heart-ache you'll feel. My Stimpy is pushing 14 but she's healthy as a two year old. Our vet has been preparing me for this eventuality including burial site. At least ask if your vet can come to your home to do it. God bless..... hope this helps.