Have you ever had a pet put to sleep?

Question

Did you go in the room when the procedure was done? I'm afraid it my be too traumatizing, my parents don't want me to go in the room with my cat when we put her to sleep next week. What should I do? :(

my cat is dying of cancer.

Answer 1

I had to get my 4 yr. old cat put to sleep about 5 moths ago.She had diabetes and the vet said it would probably be the best thing so she wouldn't be in pain.It is the hardest thing ever and I still miss her.I wasn't their when my cat was put to sleep because I didn't know she had to be.My mom took her to the vet because she wouldn't eat and then when she got home she told me they put my cat to sleep.It was really tough.I think you should go in, because I wish I could have so I could've say good-bye.If you don't go in, you'll probably regret it.

Answer 2

My daughter's cat - well really still a kitten - had to be put down at 1 year old. He had a lymphoma growing between his lungs which was slowly suffocating him. He was diagnosed at 6 months and the vet expected this appointment to be a lot earlier. But his sister and I nursed him. When it was time, my daughter (18) and I went to the vet. We were both there the entire time for the procedure. We both cried and kept little snips of his fur for remembrance. The staff was very compassionate. We were left in the room with him until WE were ready to leave. It was the only time I didn't have to pay before leaving - they sent me a bill instead of having me stop on the way out.

There are 2 factors I would consider. Your age - from your writing style I'm guessing you are a teen. That's plenty old enough. Especially if you feel strongly about being there. The other factor is it is YOUR cat. You have the strongest emotional attachment to her. She has been sharing your life 100% and your parents lives peripherally.

Present your arguments logically and passionately but no temper tantrums. It might help to write things down and present it to your parents. That way you won't forget a point you want to make or revert to a shouting match. It's a very emotional issue for you. It will be difficult to keep your cool.

Answer 3

I tend to be a forever home for my pets so yes I have had to have some of my animals euthanized when they become terminally ill. I usually do this once they lack a good quality of life. We owe it to our animals to keep them happy and comfortable. It breaks my heart to have to see an animal I love die. I must admit that I used to be so unable to deal with this that I used to just take them to the vet and request that it be done after I left. Then I decided that I owed my most devoted and loving friends the knowledge that I never left them and they needed to go to sleep knowing I was still caring for them the best I could. The dog I had to have euthanized at the age of 18 last year had a sedative administered while I sat beside him on the floor of the vet's office with his head in my lap. They then gave him the injection that ended his life through the IV tube. I was the last person he saw as he dozed off. It still makes me cry but it was the right thing to do for him. The only regret I have is that I could not be brave enough myself to do that for the others that went before him over the years. I did not go out and get another dog or pet right away. I don't think that anyone or anything should be placed in the position of being a consolation prize. I don't believe that it is stupid to grieve the loss of a dear friend and companion even if it was 'just' a dog. Having said that, I am not against getting another dog I just haven't found my dog yet.

Answer 4

Hi
I have both owned pets and rescued animals that have needed to be put to sleep. In all cases I have stayed with the animals when this was done. In most cases it wasn't too traumatic it really is just like them going to sleep. By the time the vet had finished talking me through the injection, the dog or Cat was gone.
To be honest it is a personal choice and one I think you will only really be able to make at the time. But you should consider that anyone replying to this mail is a stranger and doesn't really know you, your parents do so their advice is worth thinking about.
Either way I would advise spending time with your cat between now and then, say your goodbyes before you go to the vets that way if you are too upset to go in you won't feel that you are letting yourself or the cat down.
Bottom line for whatever reason you are putting your cat to sleep, the fact that your parents think you will be upset means that you truly loved your cat and believe me he/she knows that you loved them, and if they know they were loved then it means they had a happy life. When it comes to our pets us humans are selfish, there will never be a time when we will feel ready to let them go, but you've got to think of what is best for them
I'm sorry you have to lose your pet, but I am sure you are doing the right thing by them in letting them go

Answer 5

I have put two animals to sleep. One was traumatic, the other i was left with an odd since of peace.
The first was not planned. My dog crashed the night before, and he couldn't move without seizures. We took him to the vet the next morning (my 18th birthday) and he was already on his way out. he was convulsing horribly, and the vet just helped him along.
The second was a cat, that i had scheduled. the vet gave him a shot to make him go to sleep. and then he gave him the overdose. it was quiet, peaceful, and i was sure he felt nothing.
It is your very deep personal decision. i would not have been able to live with myself if i had not been there for them. They deserve that.
If you wish to be in the room, tell your parents your reasons. they should respect your decision. However, if you don't, you are not a bad person, and your cat would understand.

Answer 6

We had a giant dog when I was younger. He injured both hind legs when he was older, and he was too large and heavy for us to be able to get him into a car without injuring him further. We had to call a mobile vet, who said there was nothing really to do about it (I don't remember why) and so we had to put George down. It was one of the saddest things I've ever had to do, but I'm glad I was with him. It wasn't traumatic, really, it was just awful. However, I would rather be there with him until the end instead of having him lie there with just a stranger. If you think you can stand it, I would be there. You'll feel better about yourself, I think, in the end. And also, when they say there is no pain, they mean it. George just went to sleep and then stopped breathing. You an also reassure yourself of that if you're there.

Answer 7

Yes - I have had many animals put to sleep. As a youngster my parents took them to the vets and they were just put to sleep by the vet staff. Since being about 40 (I'm now over 50) I have always gone in with my animals, and stayed with them. That is only a kindness to the animal if you are sure that you will stay in control of yourself and help make it a pleasant transition for the animal. If you will cry or freak out do not put that additional stress into the animals last minutes. Staying with them is a very hard thing to do that I couldn't have done when I was a teen or younger adult. It requires a deep sense of calm in the absolute knowledge that what is being done is the best gift for that animal.

Answer 8

i'm so sorry about your cat. i completely understand your parents point of view. i could have went in when my childhood dog was put down. however, i was a complete mess just thinking about it. i would probably have gone off the deep end if i had been there. with that said, i was already close to the deep end, could not breath, felt like my heart was broken, and deeply depressed. i'm still very sad about it. she was 13. had a good life. but, somehow i feel completely robbed.

so, here's what i have to say. how old are you? if you are young, i think it would be better to stay home. either way, you will be heartbroken. i recommend that you spend some time before she leaves. say your goodbyes. if your parents are going to be with her, then your cat will be in good hands.

lastly, this is your decision. trust your heart.

Answer 9

This is a very difficult and personal decision. It all depends on how old and mature you are. It can be a peaceful process and not terribly scary. If you feel your cat would be comforted knowing that somebody who loved them was there then you should do it. It isn't a violent procedure. They'll give your cat something to relax them and something to "put them to sleep" They may jerk a bit, but nothing terrible. It is sad no matter what. I would have your mom, dad or a friend there with you. It is afterwards that is hardest.
Take care

Answer 10

Depending on your age it may be very traumatic for you. But for the pet, it may be best, sense they will feel more comfortable with you being around.

I have had a few pets put to sleep in the past. They weren't mine, totally, but I've had a hand in taking care of them, and they have been around me for the most part. We had a Heinz 57 dog that had to be euthanized due to old age. We were all outside with the dog when the vet administered the shot. The dog stayed indoors mostly, but we figured he'd like to be outdoors when it's done. He seemed to have known it was time to go. He went pacing around the house the night before, stepping into my bedroom and my parents' bedroom, as if saying goodbye.

Answer 11

When I was 11 we had to put our English Setter down that I had grown up with (my mom got him the November before I was born as a puppy). My mom was beside herself, but he had horrible cancer and we didn't want to put him through the torture of surgery due to his age just because we wanted him a little longer. I was in the room with him when he was put down. It was sad and horrible, but in no way traumatizing. You just have to remember you're doing the best you know by not making him suffer and all of the good memories. I think you should go in when your cat is put down . It's important to understand life and death. If you're under 8, then no, but over 8 then yes.