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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

My cat is being put down this afternoon.

26 replies

BessSedgwick · 05/11/2021 14:29

Can anyone advise what I should expect?

He was found in the street unable to move this morning; it turns out he has feline aortic thromboembolism which, in short, is a serious manifestation of heart disease with a very poor prognosis. To avoid painful, scary treatment and a likely recurrence, we've decided to have him put down, but we've not done this before and I want to be prepared. The vet says I can be with him in the room; will they let me give him some dreamies and a cuddle? Will he be scared?

Any advice welcomed.

OP posts:
JanetWeb2812 · 05/11/2021 14:40

It will be very peaceful, provided you are there to provide love and reassurance.

Nothing annoys me more than owners who abdicate their responsibility by absenting themselves from the final few minutes of their pet's life.

Owlink · 05/11/2021 14:46

He won't be too scared if you're with him & being as calm as you can manage. I'm so sad for you. It's a very sad & draining experience for you but you're absolutely doing the right thing by being with him at the end Flowers

Owlink · 05/11/2021 14:47

And yes, the vet will let you stroke & cuddle your cat before & after the injection.

Roselilly36 · 05/11/2021 14:47

I stayed with my cat and it was peaceful he slipped away very quickly. But this isn’t always the case. People need to do what’s right for them, if they are really distressed, that won’t help keep their pet calm. So sorry you are losing your pet, it’s really sad I know Flowers

REP22 · 05/11/2021 14:51

I'm sure the vet will take your wishes into account. They should also give the time you need to say goodbye.

You may well be allowed to hold him or keep your hands on him while the injection is given.

They may give him a 'pre-med' injection to soothe him (this is not always needed) and then the final injection. All being well, he should peacefully go to sleep. The vet will then listen to his heart with a stethoscope and let you know when he has passed away. You can stay with him afterwards for a bit if you want.

You can ask for some clippings from his fur and, if they or you have an ink-pad, a paw print.

You can choose whether you would like an individual cremation with a return of his ashes (there will be a charge for this service), or a communal cremation.

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that it is an act of love to do this for your cat. It's merciful and kind. He trusts you to do the right thing for him and, as awful as it is, you are not letting him down.

Every good wish to you. xxx

Newwifeatnumber10 · 05/11/2021 14:54

I am so sorry to hear this. You’re doing what is best for your cat. The vet will make sure there is no pain.

SecretWitch · 05/11/2021 14:59

Oh I’m so sorry. You are giving your sweet cat such a gift by being with him in his final moments. Sending love to you today💐

Original poster
BessSedgwick · 05/11/2021 15:12

Thank you all. I do know it's the right thing, but feel really heartbroken. He's the best cat.

I think he'll be OK as long as I'm with him, so I'm relieved that you say I'll be allowed to stay with him.

OP posts:
Beamur · 05/11/2021 15:16

It's really nice that you can stay with him. It does make it less scary for the cat to have their familiar people with them. Unfortunately I have had to do this too and it was a calm and peaceful experience. My cat was given a sedative and then the injection and it was just like falling into a deep sleep. So sorry for your loss Flowers

Toddlerteaplease · 05/11/2021 15:17

My cat was PTS in my arms. It was very peaceful and dignified. I also took her sister with her and she comforted her. It also helped her know that she was gone. Have a think about what you want to do with him afterwards. Are you going to take him home or have him cremated. The worst but for me was collecting the ashes. I surprised my self by crying my eyes out.

Toddlerteaplease · 05/11/2021 15:20

The vets really were lovely. They put us in a room as soon as we arrived. I take great comfort in how 'nice' it was for her.

Original poster
BessSedgwick · 05/11/2021 15:21

I think I'd like to take his ashes home and scatter them in the garden. Is that stupid? I know that once he's gone, he's gone, but I think I'd like what's left of him home with us.

OP posts:
Original poster
BessSedgwick · 05/11/2021 15:21

He wouldn't like his sister to be there - they hate each other!

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KristinAmandaThomas · 05/11/2021 15:23

So much sympathy OP, pets are family members and it’s so hard to say goodbye 💕

User310 · 05/11/2021 16:03

sending lots of love. I absolutely hated doing this but as others have said, was very peaceful. Good luck.

OnlyYellowRoses · 05/11/2021 16:09

As far as I'm aware it's done very quickly. I couldn't be with my girl whilst it was done as it was directly in the middle of the first lockdown and the vets wouldn't allow me in the room with her 😞 but by the time I'd got back into my car in the car park, they phoned to say it was done. So very quick and painless

Original poster
BessSedgwick · 05/11/2021 17:17

Thank you everyone. It was indeed very quick and, I assume, painless.

I'm really sorry to others who have lost beloved pets - @OnlyYellowRoses, I'm sorry you weren't allowed with her. The vet was very kind and I was allowed to sit with him before and after.

Give all your cats a hug for me tonight.

OP posts:
REP22 · 05/11/2021 17:34

@BessSedgwick

I think I'd like to take his ashes home and scatter them in the garden. Is that stupid? I know that once he's gone, he's gone, but I think I'd like what's left of him home with us.
I don't think that's stupid at all; it's lovely. Lots of people do that - I certainly had my dogs's ashes returned to me.

How about buying a packet of Forget-Me-Not seeds and sowing/scattering them with or in memory of him?

Bless you. It's a very sad and wretched time, but you did right by him. x

REP22 · 05/11/2021 17:35

*dogs', not dogs's...

SpeckyWithTheGoodHair · 05/11/2021 18:04

I held my cats paw, stroked him and told him we loved him very much.

It was quick and peaceful, but still so incredibly hard. Four years on I still miss him so much.

Sunshineandrainbow · 05/11/2021 18:07

So sorry for your loss op. When I see threads like this it takes me right back to when we had to do it 5 years ago. It was peaceful and the right thing but I miss my 21 year old grey girl so much.

Flowersintheattic2021 · 05/11/2021 20:12

Awww you poor thing hope your OK. How old was he x

Pumpkinsonparade · 05/11/2021 20:50

Sorry for your loss op. We got a planter and put the box of ashes at the bottom then a nice shrub on top..
Our dcat is on the decking in his fav spot!

My cat is being put down this afternoon.
Toddlerteaplease · 05/11/2021 20:56

My girl is still in her box in a cupboard under the TV. I was going to have her scattered in my friends beautiful garden. But he was having it re landscaped at the time. And my garden is all gravel. And I like having her there.

Original poster
BessSedgwick · 05/11/2021 21:13

He wasn't old, only 14. But the internet says that this is most likely to strike between 8 and 12 years, so I suppose he didn't do too badly.

When I told him I had asked for the ashes, DH said 'we can scatter him on his favourite place: the sofa!'

I think he was joking ...!

His sister is very distressed by the fireworks tonight. I think she knows he isn't coming back.

Thank you all for your kindness x

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