What to Expect when Euthanizing Your
Cat 
- The time needed to allow the procedure to proceed with dignity and
peace
- The ability to ask any questions you
may still have about the procedure
- A pain-free and
anxiety-free experience for your Cats
- The compassionate
treatment of your cat at all times
- Skilled and experienced
veterinary care
In addition to a pain-free procedure, the goal
is also to eliminate any fear or discomfort your dog or cat may be feeling. Our
companion animals live in the present moment. If they feel the loving presence
of their family and have no anxiety about anyone new in the home, they will feel
secure and cared for. Dr. Rowell will take whatever time is necessary with your
cat to allow him or her to feel comfortable. It is recommended that we utilize
the room or area of your home in which your cat has normally spent most of
his/her time. This is the space your cat has chosen and where he or she will
feel most relaxed. During this getting-acquainted time, you and your family can
ask any questions you may still have about the procedure.
Prior to the
administration of any medication, you will be required to sign a permission form
to proceed with the euthanasia procedure. This is a standard form that is
required by the state. It gives Dr. Rowell permission to proceed and it serves
as verification that your cat has not bitten anyone within the past fifteen
days.
The euthanasia procedure is a sequence of two injections. With your
permission, Dr. Rowell and her assistant will begin by clipping a small amount
of hair from one of your cat's back legs. (With cats, an intramuscular injection
is used at this point.) A combination of a sedative and a short-acting
anesthetic is used and administered intravenously into the back leg. By using
this technique, you and your family members can choose to stay in the front of
your cat where he or she can see you and be comforted by you. The medication
will allow your cat to relax and become sleepy in a short period of
time.
Full relaxation will occur within a few minutes in dogs and within
5 to 10 minutes in cats. When your cat is fully relaxed, the euthanasia drug
will be administered intravenously. Because of the initial sedation, your cat
will not feel this injection at all. This drug has been designed specifically
for this purpose and works in the body quickly by first rendering full
unconsciousness and then stopping the heart. Your cat will not experience
discomfort at any time during the procedure.
Upon arrival at your home,
Dr. Rowell will explain the euthanasia procedure to you and any other family
members who wish to be present. We use the highest quality drugs for our
procedures so your cat will undergo a peaceful passing.
Euthanizing CatEuthanasia
Process
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1. Tranquilizer/pain medication combination will be
given
subcutaneously (under the skin). This combination
generally will take 5-15 minutes to achieve maximum
effect.
2. Clipping of hair on a leg to ensure
visualization of a vein.
3. Injection of euthanasia solution (an anesthestic
cocktail)
in the vein. Once given, your cat will become
unconscious, the eyes will not shut, breathing will stop,
and their heart will stop.
4. For confirmation of death - Dr. Rowell will listen
to your
cat's chest, check pulses and blink
reflexes. |
Euthanizing cat
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