What is the best way to put a cat to sleep?

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Not usually recommended unless a vet prescribes a very careful usage. It one of those very tricky situations. Enough to treat but not enough to kill. It can be done, but could potentially cause the cat more pain. Dogs can handle aspirin just fine, not so good in cats.

"Q: What about my cat and aspirin?
A: Cats are much more sensitive to aspirin. Cats cannot break down aspirin as quickly as dogs (or humans), and thus, the cat can be easily overdosed with the accumulation of the drug in the body. In contrast to dogs and humans, cats are typically given much smaller doses at intervals of 48-72 hours. This drug, as with all drugs, should be only used under recommendation and monitoring by your veterinarian. There are alternative drugs available - please speak with your veterinarian."

The usual dosage is 1/4 of a baby aspirin every 72 hours. Some of the vets I've worked for will use it, most won't. It's one of those crap shoot judgements.
I just googled to find quick info rather than bug my vet. Here's the source of the above quote. http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/altvetmedgeneral/a/dogcataspirin.htm

Also says acetaminophen and ibuprofen are toxic to cats. I didn't know that!

justbugged, it does seem like west coast living is higher!

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
Since you asked: Know some anatomy, a 22LR between the eyes directly into the brain is like switching off the lights. You need to visualize the path of the shot, a cats brain is lower then you might think and the skull is thick you could end up ricocheting off the skull and not doing the deed. A dog is less likely to be a miss-shot. I had to put down my very old dog and I feel I did it in the most humane way possible. You can reflect on your time with your four legged friend as you take the time to dig the subterranean recycle place.

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

Thanks for all the replys; we put him down minutes after I posted this topic. He went very peacefully, just fell asleep. He was in a lot of pain, and needed to be put down immediately. It's done now, and he is in a better place. I read all the posts on here, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who suggested taking him to an organization to put him down; I completely understand and agree. Unfortunetaly, even though we may have been able to do that, it would not have been the most peaceful ending for him; he was in enough pain that it became a situation in which he needed to be put to sleep as quickly as possible. We love our animals and did not want to see him suffer any longer than was absolutely necessary.
This is a very difficult time for us; thank you again, everyone, for replying.

 

[chicknduck]

Quote:
I agree 110%

Pawn those wedding rings!

mee too.

 

[justbugged]

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

The Chickens' Maid :

Thanks for all the replys; we put him down minutes after I posted this topic. He went very peacefully, just fell asleep. He was in a lot of pain, and needed to be put down immediately. It's done now, and he is in a better place. I read all the posts on here, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who suggested taking him to an organization to put him down; I completely understand and agree. Unfortunetaly, even though we may have been able to do that, it would not have been the most peaceful ending for him; he was in enough pain that it became a situation in which he needed to be put to sleep as quickly as possible. We love our animals and did not want to see him suffer any longer than was absolutely necessary.
This is a very difficult time for us; thank you again, everyone, for replying.

It is good to hear that he went peacefully.​

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

 

[chickerdoodle]

Quote:
Veterinarians don't like to perform euthanasia as they have to struggle with life and death in an instant doing so. They do it because it can be kinder for the suffering pet and the owner. I was a certified technician for many years and still cried with each one. There are however, costs related with doing the procedure. You need a assistant and the doctor. A private place to administer the drug and although the drug itself is not too expensive, it has a cost in addition such as the IV catheter (used regularly now to avoid missing or blowing the vein and botching the procedure) as well as the issue of keeping the drugs logged for the DEA and in a special locked area. I agree it should not be a profitable procedure--especially if you and the pet have a longstanding relationship with the veterinary hospital but it may come to more than $20 and still be a fair price. I just had to say goodbye to our near 16 year old terrier 2 weeks ago today who we had since she was 7 weeks old and loved like a child. We elected to let her go at the Hospital we trusted for many years and stayed with her the entire time. They fee was $95 and she was not heavier than a good sized cat. They did a exceptional job and the vet, knowing us and our sweet Emma cried along with us. They did everything to make it safe and painless for all of us.

To the OP, my heart goes out to you. I hope your memories help you through the grief.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I agree 110%

Pawn those wedding rings!

I agree 1000%. It's part of pet ownership.....

 

[CrazyChickieMama]

We're still grieving over the loss of our Roxie back in Nov....every time I think about it, I tear up...it sucks, but you know you're doing it for their sakes...