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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

If you’ve ever had your cat put to sleep please can you help me?

47 replies

Comff · 21/05/2024 12:24

I’m saying goodbye to my cat today and I’m worrying I’ve made the wrong decision about where it happens.

I was given the choice of the vet coming to our home or me taking my cat to the vet. I chose the latter. Is that the right choice?

• If the vet comes here she might get spooked by the process at home and try to hide. And then the whole thing would turn into her feeling stressed and trying to run away. She does occasionally get spooked by visitors, although she’s so dopey from so many painkillers she might not today.

• Whereas every visit she’s had at the vets she’s been very calm and even eats treats and purrs when they stroke her. If she’s ever been scared there (ie having a painful procedure) she’s come to me and buries her head under my jumper instead of running away.

I’m so upset at the fact I’m going to lose her and can’t stop crying. I want this part to be ok for her, for her to be with me and not be scared. Have I done the right thing saying I’ll bring her in rather than a vet comes out to us?

OP posts:
GerbilsForever24 · 21/05/2024 12:26

Based on what you have said, you have made the right choice for her. It sounds like she does not find the vet a stressful place, and you have experience of her getting stressed when strangers come into your home.

I am very sorry for your loss. Saying good bye to a loved pet is absolutely brutal.

Pettyman · 21/05/2024 12:32

Aah bless you. Such a rotten time. ❤️🐈‍⬛

ttacticall · 21/05/2024 12:34

You have absolutely done the right thing.
I'm so sorry about your cat.

Houseplanter · 21/05/2024 12:36

OP I've fairly recently had to do this.. the procedure was SO less stressful for my cat and me because of the way they did it. If you want me to describe what they did I'm happy to..

Original poster
Comff · 21/05/2024 12:40

All she’s wanted to do today is sleep on my lap. And she’s so dopey from painkillers that I guess I’m thinking what if she stays on my lap the whole time, that’s a nicer way to go. But I can’t guarantee she’ll do that.

Thank you it’s helpful to hear I’m doing the right thing.

Maybe I can ask at the vet if we can all sit on the floor there so she can be in my lap if she wants. Should I take her a blanket?

I know it’s time but I don’t want to do this at all. 😣

OP posts:
Original poster
Comff · 21/05/2024 12:41

Houseplanter · 21/05/2024 12:36

OP I've fairly recently had to do this.. the procedure was SO less stressful for my cat and me because of the way they did it. If you want me to describe what they did I'm happy to..

Yes please

OP posts:
porridgecake · 21/05/2024 12:45

I am sorry about your poor cat. When I took my old cat to the vet, she was very poorly, I just held her in my arms and it was very calm and swift. The vet was kind and gentle. All over in a few minutes.

RufustheFactualReindeer · 21/05/2024 12:47

Maybe I can ask at the vet if we can all sit on the floor there so she can be in my lap if she wants. Should I take her a blanket?

yes i would do this, I am sure the vet would be open to it

💐

JazzTheDog · 21/05/2024 12:48

I've had a few cats/dogs PTS over the years at the vet, every time I've held them in my arms for the duration and it's been peaceful and calm and the vets have given us as long as we want to cuddle them. You've made the right decision, I hope your cat passes peacefully

SallyWD · 21/05/2024 12:50

I'm so sorry to hear this. You know what's best for your cat. My cats have always been absolutely terrified at the vets so I'd prefer to do it at home but each cat is different.
Be there with her. It will be eo peaceful. Sending lots of love.

BigPussyEnergy · 21/05/2024 12:51

I’m in the same position today, sending hugs to you and your fluffy friend. 😢. It’s never easy but you know you’re doing the right thing for her wherever it happens. You’ve thought it through and made a decision based on good reasons so don’t second guess yourself.

It will also be you left with the memories so having this done at the vets will likely be less stressful for you than imagining it every time you sit in that spot on the sofa. Be kind to yourself. Pet ownership is such a privilege but also heartbreaking isn’t it.

buffyslayer · 21/05/2024 12:57

I went to the vet, they took him away to shave his leg and pop the tube thing in
When she came back, they put him on my lap on a blanket and she crouched on the floor, asked if I was ready and gave him the drug
He fell asleep in my arms cuddled into me in seconds

After that I stayed with him for a little bit before she took him, and they did paw prints for me as well

MrsWobble3 · 21/05/2024 12:58

I’ve done this twice. Both times at the vets. We took our cat in and handed the basket to the vet, they took them away and prepared them, set up a line etc and then called us in to say the final goodbyes. Then, when we said we were ready they administered the drugs and our cat slipped away peacefully with us holding a paw and stroking them and telling them how much we loved them. We took them in with their favourite blanket and they were lying on that at the end. Both our cats were very close to death at the time so not moving. The vets were very kind and understanding - it’s one of the most upsetting things I’ve had to do and they made it as easy as possible. I’m so sorry you are in this situation but it’s the last act of kindness you can show your cat - she will know you love her. Be kind to yourself as well. Just typing this is making me cry and it was 5 years ago.

buffyslayer · 21/05/2024 12:58

Also for anyone that is reading this and has their children at the vet, please please don't let them scream/play loudly in the waiting room, I was really distressed by it
My vet has a candle lit and there's a huge sign asking people to be quiet if it is lit as someone is saying goodbye but they didn't listen

The vet was very kind and it didn't feel rushed at all

Toddlerteaplease · 21/05/2024 12:59

All of mine were done e at the vets. I wouldn't want it done at home. But they were all ok with going. I took my remaining cat with them, and they comforted each other. And didn't grieve either. Didn't do it with my last one as it was very sudden and other cat hates travelling.

shellyleppard · 21/05/2024 13:03

Op I'm sorry you are going through this. If it helps the vet will work with you to keep your pet calm. Last time I went they provided a blanket for my cat. The whole procedure was very calm and the vet was lovely. Sending hugs and prrps from us all x

FloofyBear · 21/05/2024 13:05

You've done the right thing. Huge hugs, I can hardly cope with the pain of it, been there a few times, but your little cat will feel safe with you and then will feel peace and no more pain. Hugs virtual hugs from a fellow cat lover

aodirjjd · 21/05/2024 13:06

Hi op. I was quite surprised when I took my cat for it to be done. From what I’d read before I presumed she would fall asleep slowly and then die being cuddled but basically she stopped breathing before the needle was fully depressed (so within seconds) and died with her eyes open. Maybe it’s slower for other animals but I don’t think she had even time to register anything was happening before she was dead. we were stroking her but we couldn’t hold her as the needle went into her leg so she needed it to be outstretched.

Personally I would take the cat to vet. It would be awful if you have to spend her last fifteen minutes pulling her out from behind a table and trying to hold her still whilst she struggles.

Original poster
Comff · 21/05/2024 13:11

Thank you, all your messages have really helped.

I wish I could stop crying.

OP posts:
buffyslayer · 21/05/2024 13:12

Comff · 21/05/2024 13:11

Thank you, all your messages have really helped.

I wish I could stop crying.

It gets easier, I promise
I cried and cried, and yesterday was a year since I lost my boy. He sent me another rescue cat who has some of the exact same quirks and makes me laugh every day

Original poster
Comff · 21/05/2024 13:12

BigPussyEnergy · 21/05/2024 12:51

I’m in the same position today, sending hugs to you and your fluffy friend. 😢. It’s never easy but you know you’re doing the right thing for her wherever it happens. You’ve thought it through and made a decision based on good reasons so don’t second guess yourself.

It will also be you left with the memories so having this done at the vets will likely be less stressful for you than imagining it every time you sit in that spot on the sofa. Be kind to yourself. Pet ownership is such a privilege but also heartbreaking isn’t it.

Sorry you’re going through the same thing. It is a privilege really, you’re absolutely right.

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 21/05/2024 13:15

Its such a hard thing to do, but I have found the actual process at the vets so calm and peaceful. I wrap the cat in a blanket/ towel, then usually the vet takes them to shave a leg and pop the cannula in, then they bring them back and you hold them and they do the injection. Its pretty much instant then. Our vets you just then leave and they send you the bill later

Yiayoula · 21/05/2024 13:18

Nothing to add , Comff , just to say am thinking of you both and hope all goes as gently as it can . 💐
Also to you , BigPussyEnergy. 💐

OnNaturesCourse · 21/05/2024 13:23

I had my best pal of a cat PTS at the vet.

I didn't have a choice. Cat was so ill and had been taken in the day before to try and find out what was wrong. They found massive tumors everywhere. I went in and cat was so happy to see me. Most energy they'd had in weeks. The vet allowed us to play and cuddle until cat got tired (which at 17 years old was pretty quick) and I then wrapped the blanket around cat, put their catnip cuddly toy at their chest and cuddled them right in. Cat was not on my knee as vet needed access to leg and cat was/had been on a I drip but I was bent right over and cat was very much snuggled in.

Vet hadn't even depressed the syring half way before cat was gone, just looked asleep as luckily eyes were shut. I have them plenty head kisses and wrapped them in their blanket and tucked their teddy in. Sounds pathetic but cat was a baby to me and treated like this nightly at home.

Vet assured me cat would go to crem as they were, so wrapped up with their teddy. Their ashes would be them, blanket and teddy which I was happy with.

Broke my heart more than I expected and I howled in tears when I left (was showed a side door so didn't need to walk through reception)

StarDolphins · 21/05/2024 13:32

Oh op, I’m crying for you☹️ it’s the most horrible horrible time. I think you’re doing the right thing & THE most important thing is that you are with her at the end reassuring her.

I have an old cat & dog & I have a lot of heartbreak coming. I wil also have to deal with my DD’s (8) heartbreak, she’s grown up with them from being born🥲

I’m so sorry for you.