When is it time to Say
Good-bye?
People
have mixed feelings about euthanasia. Some cat owners say euthanasia isn't
"nature's way," or others say euthanasia is for "selfish" reasons. Many tell
themselves, "I should have tried harder," or "I should have been willing to do
more, spend more, get a second opinion, stay up all night to take care of her."
Yet the person who worries most about not having "done enough" is often a person
who has already gone to superhuman efforts to care for that cat. Making
the decision to euthanize a beloved cat is sometimes the most loving, humane
choice. An unintended form of selfishness can often be inhumane - prolonging a
cat's suffering simply to postpone one's own grief.
How will I know when it is time to
consider euthanasia?
There are 10 Questions To
Ask When Considering Euthanasia
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1. Does my cat eat? Dramatic change in appetite
or drinking may indicate irreparable decline.
2. Is my cat in pain?
3. Does the pain go away with pain
medication?
4. Can my cat walk? Can my cat support his/her
own weight?
5. Is my cat capable of relieving him/herself on
his/her own?
6. Am I finding my cat in unusual places, or
shivering?
7. Has my cat been diagnosed with a terminal
condition?
8. Does my veterinarian think my cat has a
reasonable chance for recovery?
9. What is my veterinarian's opinion on my cat's
quality of life?
10. Can I provide/afford the necessary level of
care? |
Do I need proof of
sickness, or my veterinarian's permission to make a euthanasia
appointment?
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No, those are not necessary. Dr.
Rowell has learned over time that the best person to know when it's time to
consider euthanasia is the person who loves the cat and knows more about the cat
than anyone else. As a professional veterinarian, Dr. Rowell can help you
understand your cat's medical condition. The euthanasia decision can involve
other factors, however, including your cat's quality of life, required nursing
care and even finances. It is always your decision and Dr. Rowell will support
you when you arrive at this painful and difficult
decision. |
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