When Is It Time to Say Goodbye?

December 25, 2019 12:02 am Published by

We all hope that our cats will live to an old age in relative health and comfort, but for a lot of cats, this is not the case. Many cats become seriously ill or injured, sometimes due to old age, and sometimes due to other complications. When this happens, your cat may be unduly suffering, and it’s time for you to make a very hard decision: whether or not to euthanize your cat.

Is it time to say goodbye?

It’s important that you remember that you are making this decision in the best interest of your cat—not yourself. But how do you know cat euthanization in Alexandria, VA is the right choice? Here are some things to watch for:

  • Attitude: You know your cat better than anyone. If your cat has lost interest in his favorite activities, this is something that should be taken into consideration.
  • Pain: It’s important that you discuss pain management with your cat’s vet. If your cat’s pain cannot be alleviated with medication, euthanizing may be an act of kindness.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea: Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration and/or significant weight loss for your cat, causing additional damage to internal organs and increased suffering.
  • Breathing: If your cat is coughing, wheezing and continually has trouble breathing, this is another sign that your cat’s body is no longer functioning the way it needs to for a quality life.
  • Walking: If your cat can no longer stand or walk on his own, this is often due to severe pain or discomfort and should be discussed with your vet.

Who makes the decision?

You should not have to make the decision of euthanizing your cat alone, but the final call is yours. Your vet should take a comprehensive, holistic view of your cat’s case and give you a recommendation if euthanasia is the best choice. You should feel confident that you are making the best and kindest choice for your cat—not feel like you’re being pressured or pushed.

How to say goodbye?

Saying goodbye is never easy. No matter how much you prepare yourself, your family and your cat for this moment, it’s still going to be hard on everyone. However, there are things you can do to make saying goodbye a little easier. Have a discussion with your family, letting them know what decision has been made and why. You should also give each family member time for a private goodbye. Some families have found that having a farewell party with their cat to celebrate their life has been a positive experience for both the family and the cat.

While making the decision to euthanize your cat is not an easy one, keeping these suggestions in mind can help you along the way. It’s also important to have a vet that you and your cat can trust by your side through this process. At Kingstowne Cat Clinic, we understand that euthanization for cats in Alexandria, VA is ultimately an act of love, and we are here to support you at every step of the way. To learn more, see our services here or contact us today.

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