Do I bring my 2 year old with me when I put my cat to sleep?

Question

I am putting my cat to sleep today do I bring my 2 year old with me so she can say good bye.

My cat is at the vets office hooked up to an IV I would have to bring her with me for her to say good bye

Answer 1

No. I think it is more appropriate for the 2 years old to say good bye through burial process. The reality will hit by then.

You don't know if the 2 years old will have emotional scar through watching the process of putting your cat to sleep. The best person that can answer that question is your vet because your vet has experience with different people of different ages.

Answer 2

It's an opportunity to introduce death to a child. It'll be much harder if I family member were to pass away and to have to explain t then. Granted, she might not understand fully what is going on but that just make it a little easier. Let her know that kitty was old/sick and that she'll be happier now. You can explain it as best you see fit and according to how well she responds. It's okay if she gets upset. It's a learning experience and make sure you comfort her and let her know it's okay to feel this way. Let her say good bye at home though... no need for her to actually watch the process or be present for the cat crying.

Answer 3

that's a tough one but i suggest NOT. I've had to put two of my cats to sleep and one as recently as a couple of months ago and both times i thought i would go into the next room when they asked if i wanted to be there BUT at the last minute decided not to, i got very emotional and started crying (and im a man) and just wanted to pay the dough and get out ASAP from the vets office. i just couldn't do it. i do have a few regrets 'bout it, like i SHOULD have been there for the cats last breathe holding him but i don't think a two year old will feel that. in fact i don't think I'd even take him along in the car to the office.
whatever ya decide, good luck. years and years from now you will prolly find out if you made the right decision. and I'm sorry for your pending loss.

pEaCe wILL

Answer 4

Mainly through circumstance, my children have been present when a pet was put to sleep on two occasions.
In both cases they were 2 or under and I don't believe they even remember it.
If your 2 year old is capable of understanding then you need to explain that kitty just can't get better anymore or whatever you feel is appropriate for your child, and take her along.
Like I said though, my kids don't seem to remember those events and it's far more important for you to get to say your goodbyes. I believe having the owner there with the pet can only provide the pet with a sense of comfort and relief.... I just didn't like the idea of a stranger being the last person to say goodbye... the last person with my pet.... I wanted to be there to "hold their hand" so to speak and if you feel that strongly, then you have to go. Don't have regrets.

Answer 5

I'm 38 years old, when I put my most beloved cat to sleep I was right there (actually holding him while they injected him), he made the most pitiful cry as the drugs made it into his system. That was nearly ten years ago, and even now my eyes are welling up, not so much because he is gone, but because I hear the echo of his last painful yelp. I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy let alone my child.

Answer 6

You should not let a 2 year old watch the cat being euthanized. She could become traumatized by medical procedures. Tell her the kitty went to live at the Rainbow Bridge.

Answer 7

I have had to put a cat of mine to sleep it is very hard for us adults normally I would say no but adults as well as children need some type of closure if your 2 year old wants to I would say its ok im sorry you have to go through this

Answer 8

no i think 2 is a bit young, let her say goodbye say the cat is going to the vets, come back and tell her the cat as gone to heaven, but dont let her witness the cat dying

Answer 9

not unless she has to, have her say goodbye before you leave. dont let her watch it only because she can feel something might be wrong even if shes not talking sentences yet. if the mood is morbid she will feel sadness. if she has to go with you make it a nice good bye and dont let her watch. i never thought it would make a difference either but my son watches Disneys and even with the sounds off he gets nervous when one of the characters dies or gets sick...its really weird! good luck but dont let her remember the cat dea let he remember the cat alive

Answer 10

You can bring her but try to make it fast so that she cant but 2 and 2 together unless you already told her what is going to happen then let her say her goodbyeis as long as she wants.