Our cat is extremely old and is becoming miserable for various reasons. His heath is not going to ever improve – just keep getting worse. Most people would probably take him to the vet to be put down. Our cat HATES getting in the car and hates the veterinarian's office. It's all a traumatic ordeal whenever we take him there. We would hate to see him "go out that way." We would rather have him die peacefully at home, but not go through a long drawn-out process of dying naturally. I'm not interested in mere guess work. I'd like to hear from someone who has actually had experience with this sort of situation and/or enough medical training to say exactly what some good options are. Maybe something we could feed him, or a shot we could give him at home?
2007-05-03 01:14:02 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I know some people will be freaked-out by this question and insist that we take him to the vet to have this done. If you insist on raising this moral question, then my question is: Why is it any more ethical to let the vet kill him than to do it ourselves? We are trying to make this as gentle and humane as possible. Nature will be very cruel to him if we do not euthanize him. If there is a humane, effective home solution, why not use it?
2007-05-03 01:14:32 · update #1
Please do the humane thing and take him to the vet. You could make him worse with home remedies.
In response to your added details...it is more ethical for the vet to put animals down because they are the proffessionals. You have no idea what to do yourself and are asking advice on the internet that is another good reason to take your beloved cat to the vet.
2007-05-03 01:18:10 · answer #1 · answered by holly 7 · 6⤊ 3⤋
It is wonderful that you care how your pet feels. We couldn't bring ourselves to take our cat into the vet and our children found her one morning. We knew it was coming since she stopped eating a few days earlier. We still look at the place we found her and know that's where she died. When it came time to put our dog to sleep we pondered having the vet come to the house. We decided we didn't want to associate a place in our house with the death of another beloved pet. We took her to the vet, she was given a shot to relax then a shot to sleep, then the shot that stopped her breathing and heart. We said goodbye, she was cremated and returned to us, we will plant a tree with her ashes. She was 14. Give yourself time to think it through, It may be worth the price to have you vet give you something to give your cat to relax her for the trip to the vet or call your vet and ask if you can get something that would do it. If you try giving something that isn't sure to work you could end up watching your cat suffer, then you would feel worse than ever. Good Luck.
2007-05-03 01:56:29 · answer #2 · answered by DB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First let me explain my situation: I did have an old cat as well, who had cancer and the vet gave him maybe another 2 months before he became severly sick and death. Well, within 2 weeks he started to throw up quite a bit of blood. Unfortunately, we had to have him put to sleep. I was very sad...and still am to this day, but it was better than seeing him suffer for another month or so.
You have a few options:
1) Take him to the vet and have him outside, calm him down. Pet him, play with him, and then when he is more comfortable take him inside to be euthanized.
2) Call a vet to come to your house. It may cost more, but explain your situation and the fact you are willing to pay for it, and Im sure they can make a house visit.
Either way, I wish you and your cat the best. Dont let your kitty suffer, its a lot more painful to prolong their death, then to humanely end their pain.
2007-05-03 01:55:05 · answer #3 · answered by I Love My Kitties 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are vets that are able to come to the house. I looked into a vet that makes house calls when I was in the position you are.
I totally understand where you are coming from and aren't freaked out by the prospect of being able to end the life of our beloved animals at home, at peace, in a place they are comfortable. Although it would be so much easier (for us) if they just went to sleep in their favorite chair or sunny spot and passed. But it never seems to be that easy.
I think most people feel "comfortable" with the vet taking care of this because a) they know what they are doing and b) there's little chance of something going wrong. I would die if I ended up prolonging or adding to the pain and suffering of my animal, unless I knew 100% that I could do what needed to be done and do it right.
For me, researching vets that come to the house was the way to go. He was at home and it was over in a matter of minutes. He was surrounded by the people and animals that loved him the most and more importantly, I know it was done in the right manner.
Prayers to you....
2007-05-03 02:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh so sad!
I agree with all those that say try and get a vet to come to your house! I think that your idea is great as cats do hate car rides and going to the vet and it seems like a terrible thing to do and stress them out right before you say goodbye!
I have had a cat and a dog put to sleep by taking them to the vet...i wasnt actually there but i think next time i will try and get the vet to come to my house!
I wouldnt like to try something in case it made them in more pain and didnt work!! too much stress for your cat and you to endure!
Good luck!
2007-05-03 01:43:40 · answer #5 · answered by redfroggirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I honestly know of nothing. Most things toxic to cats in the home are neurotoxins which will be a horrible, painful death. But, talk to your vet. Maybe the vet will make a house call. I know there are any vet services these days that will make house calls for rabies and other vaccinations, why not this?
2007-05-03 02:33:03 · answer #6 · answered by catsovermen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a hug for you. i think it is wonderful you are putting your pet first and wanting him to be at home where he feels safe. Kudos to you. BUT please don't try anything yourself. You'll end only end up feeling guilty in the end. There are many vets out there who will make house-calls. It may cost a little more but for the sake of the cat it is worth it. I understand this is you child and you want the best for him. Contact your vet and ask about house-calls. If they wont do it ask for a recommendation. Be at peace with your decision.
2007-05-03 01:29:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
there is no effective home humane solution. you need to call your vet and tell him you want to put your cat to sleep. What the do when they put the cat to sleep is give him a shot so that he slowly falls asleep and doesnt even know whats happening. Maybe call your vet and ask if you can purchase a syringe and do it at home.
2007-05-03 01:21:15 · answer #8 · answered by samantha c 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Get the vet to make a housecall. Who sayd the process of dying is always long and drawn-out?
There's nothing you can feed him that will be humane in ANY way, that's just poisoning him.
2007-05-03 03:38:13 · answer #9 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you want him to go peacefully take him to the vet and have the family and those close to him with him(if they want to be).I think its mean to want to do it at home your self.cause what if you mess up and make the cat worse.if you wont take him to the vet then call a vet and explain to him what is going on and ask if he would make a house call and do it that way.but dont try it your self.cause rember it might haunt you that you are the one that put the cat down.vets are trained for this kind of stuff.may the cat rest in peace.
2007-05-03 01:22:03 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋