I need some advice on cat euthanasia?

Question

My 16 year old cat has cancer, and I have to euthanise him very soon. I'm trying to figure out how to handle this with regards to my other cat, who is 7. For instance, should I take the older cat to the vet in the carrier and then bring home the empty carrier and let him see that it's empty? Any and all advice will be much appreciated!!! Thanks.

Answer 1

I am so so sorry for your upcoming loss. Our dog died on Thurs.(9/20), so I really really do feel your pain.
We had our elder cat euthanized last March 06. She was very sick. She stopped eating & drinking. She could barely walk & she cried all the time.
Her sister cat(Tiger) knew she (Blackie) was sick. We didn't take Tiger cat with us to the vet.
We came back without the Blackie & it was like Tiger knew her sissy was gone & not coming back.
Tiger did walk around for a few days, looking for Blackie, but then she was ok.
Actually, it was almost as if she was more relaxed & peaceful.
We all relaxed after Blackie's passing. She was in so much pain & suffering that it really had an impact on the household.
If your 16 yr. old is sick with cancer, his sibling knows.
This may sound gross, but they can smell the sickness. Animal's sense of smell is so much more heightened than human smell. When my grandma had cancer, I could smell it. So, I think your cat knows his brother is sick.
If your older cat is suffering, it may actually bring peace to euthanize him.
I do wish you the best with your decision. I know from just loosing a pet 2 days ago & loosing one 17 mo. ago, it is very very emotionally draining.
No guilt for you dear!!! You are doing what you feel is best for your animal.
Your cat has had a long & loving life. You can not let guilt riddle through you. You greive for the loss of your loved one, then no guilt. Ok?
As for getting another pet, we are looking to get another dog for my son.
Getting another pet is NOT replacing the one that was just lost, but for some reason, it does help the grieving process. We are going to Animal Control. We like the idea of rescuing an animal that may otherwise be put down because no one wanted them.
Be at peace dear. My thoughts & prayers are with you. :)

Answer 2

I am very sorry for your cat. I had to euthanize my cat a few weeks ago because he had leukemia. He was only one and a half years old. I have three other cats. I didn't show them that I was taking him away, but they were watching me get him. They tried to play with him during the process. I think I may have let them see that the carrier was empty when I returned. I just set it where they can see it and let them examine it. I tried to act normal, though, and not be all upset. They seemed to be fine. The cat that was the closest with the sick one seemed a little depressed afterward, but not confused and I don't think he searched for him. They are all litter-mates and had already had some of their other litter-mates go missing or in an accident, so that might have something to do with how they took it. My grandparent's had two cats that were litter-mates also. One of the cats died from internal bleeding. The cat that was left moped around for a few weeks and kept calling for her brother. She's fine now, though. So I don't really know what would be best. I just thought I'd share some of my experiences with you and let you draw your own conclusions about it. I hope this will be of some help and comfort to you.

Answer 3

My three year old cat dropped dead unexpectedly on my bed. I placed his little body out by my older cat so she could see him and know he was gone. She still hunted for him a bit, but was quite appalled when I came home with a new kitten a few weeks later and seemed to move on at this point. I would suggest giving your older cat a blanket to lay on for his last days. Your other cat will not likely get the empty carrier idea, but will know his buddy left in the car and you came home smelling like the vet's office, so he will be aware something's up. If he starts hunting, offer the blanket for him in a spot he is used to seeing his bud. This may help him, it will certainly help you have a way to deal with your loss. If you want to get a replacement kitty, I'd suggest getting one now. The older cat isn't going to care much and it may deflect the remaining cat from pining at the loss of his friend a bit.

Answer 4

I think that the empty cat carrier being brought home is the best thing. The other cat will smell it and realize somethings up. I would be aware that the younger cat may act up for awhile or be clingy. That's really sad what you are going through. I can't imagine life without my cat but have in the past had to put other cats down as they got hurt and I didn't have 2 grand to fix them.

Answer 5

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. It's always hard to say goodbye to a loved one, even when we know it's the kindest thing to do.

It is impossible to say exactly what emotions cats feel, but when a close companion goes missing they are certainly aware of the absence. How your younger cat handles the absence of your older cat will depend upon how sociable they are with each other. He may spend time searching for his missing companion. Some owners have found that showing the body of the deceased cat to their other cat, has helped them understand that the cat will not be returning. This is a personal choice as you know your cats better than anyone, but perhaps the vet may have some advice on this matter.

The web article "When Cats Grieve" may help you decide what to do for the best. It also offers very good advice on how to help your younger cat cope with the loss of his friend.

http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm

I hope you have good friends to talk to and a shoulder to cry on when you need it.

Answer 6

Has your cat seen a vet? Has the vet given any advice or mediation? If you haven't been to a vet, you need to take her now and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan (your vet will be able to advise whether euthanasia is the best thing for her). If she's under the treatment of a vet, I'd take her back due to her symptoms as she's obviously not responding to treatment and it sounds as though she is suffering. The decision to pts needs to be based on her quality of life, and before you can make that decision your cat needs to see a vet.

Answer 7

Will the 16 y/o be ok being carried in a towel/blanket that has your scent? If so then do that as you can leave it behind. I went to the vet and made the arrangements as I knew I could not make the trip myself. My neighbor drove my ex with her wrapped in a towel from home to the vet, when it was over they brought her back in the towel and buried her under a tree at the edge of the lake. I no longer live there but everytime I think of her I know she is watching the sun rise. I am so sorry for your upcoming loss but be sure to remember the great times and joy you two had together.

Answer 8

i had to do this as well. both of my cats were 17 and i had to put one down. i just carried my buddy to the vet because i thought it would be too depressing to bring out an empty carrier. my other cat knew something was going on even before we left. we just gave him lots of tlc and then after a couple months got him a new companion, actually two.

Answer 9

That's really sad. My cat just died a week ago. I was really sad and so was my cat. They were best friends. Only time will tell. Maybe a stuffed toy or a new friend would help.

If you decide to get a new cat make sure you study on which breed and that certain cat's allergies and special needs.
Good Luck!

Answer 10

Different cats react different, bringing home the empty carrier might help, but in effect the other cat will go through his/her daily routine expecting the other cat to be in his place, and he may meow for a while waiting for him to answer as he will be looking for him, it's an adjustment for them as it is for us, he'll figure it out in time.