Older Cats And Euthanasia
What is the average lifespan for a cat?
Cats are living much longer than they used to be. In the last several years through all the advances in veterinary medicine, their lifespan has really increased by about 15%-20%. If you have a good cat it never seems to live long enough, and the little stinkers seem to last forever.
What are the most common health problems for cats?
As cats get older they can run into some of the same geriatric health problems that you and I do, but they are very good at hiding their illness -- too well. You may find a cat that has a little bit of arthritis or cat that starts losing some of its eyesight or hearing. Dental disease is very, very common health problem for cats. Dental disease can actually poison the entire body. It's a fantastic idea at least twice a year get your cat in for a health consultation - including periodic bloodwork, if necessary - before it becomes catastrophic. It's easier to treat cats this way, and it usually costs less, too.
How can I keep my cat comfortable when she gets old?
Kitties, when they get older, have their little aches and pains. It seems to be one of the biggest problems. If your cat can no longer bound up on the bed, put a little step stool by the bed or you can purchase a little pet steps so he can get up and down. Make sure that the cat box is easy for her to get into. You may think that the cat is just being bad and having accidents but they may it can't get into the cat box. Take your cat to the vet at least twice a yearly for a good wellness exam. Get some blood work done and make sure things are okay internally. Sometimes something as simple as a heating pad, set on low, wrapped up so there are no hot spots. Put it someplace the cat likes to sleep. It is just great on those old bones.
How do I know when it is best to euthanize or "put down" my cat?
Trying to decide when to put your cat down is one of the hardest decisions. You've had this pet for many years, it's really become your friend, a part of the family. When you can say that the pet is no longer having that quality of life that you want,that's probably the right time. Even if your cat is still purring, the purring may be because, not that I'm feeling good, but it's kind of like the kitty's own way of meditating, trying to take it to a happier spot.
How will my vet put my cat down?
Euthanizing a cat is quick, it's painless, very humane and very dignified. Whether or not you want to be present is totally your decision. Typically a veterinarian (if you want to be present) is going to place an intravenous catheter (a tube) into a leg vein. The injection is a very strong barbiturate. The same kind of medication that can be used to put a person or pet under anesthesia. By the time the injection is done which is literally a matter of moments ,the brain stops functioning first, they feel no pain, the heart's almost simultaneously thereafter. We can only hope that when it's our turn to pass we're surrounded by love and it's this fast.
How can I prepare my kids and myself emotionally before putting our cat down?
Deciding when to put your cat down, getting yourself emotionally ready, can be very difficult. It can be also extremely difficult to have a young child understand this.There are several books that are available that might help your child. Even the movie "The Lion King", talking about the circle of life. Many times that allows them to realize there's an end, but there's also a beginning.
How long should I wait to get a new cat after my cat's death?
There's no special amount of time that you have to wait. You might be ready right after the kitty has passed to go to your local pet store or shelter and get another cat. But you may need some time to grieve and realize this special friend, this special member of the family has passed. When's the right time? It'll be in your heart. You'll know when the right time is.