Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
KNOWING WHEN TO LET GO
Each owner will have different feelings about how far they are willing
to go financially and emotionally with the treatment of their cat.There
is no right or wrong when it comes to treating a geriatric cat with a
life-threatening illness. For some owners, a year or two more of life is
worth it; others are ready to say goodbye when the news is bad.
I always tell owners that there is never a “perfect” time to make a
decision about a cat's life. It is uncommon for a cat to die comfortably
and quietly in her sleep, and in most situations, an owner is faced with
a decision about euthanasia.
The phrase “quality of life” is used a lot, but people don't always know
what it means. My interpretation is that if an animal is able to eat, drink,
eliminate and get around reasonably well and does not seem to be in con-
stant pain, then her quality of life is probably pretty good. When these
basic functions cannot be performed, then quality of life is in question.
Unfortunately, in many older cats, one part of their body is not work-
ing at all, but otherwise they're in good health. Under these circumstances,
making a decision is difficult. We cannot truly assess how much pain an
animal is in with most diseases, so we use their clinical signs as a guide.
Euthanasia
When an animal is “put to sleep,” she is given an overdose of an
injectable barbiturate anesthetic. If the injection is given intravenously,
the animal dies within 20 seconds. Everything in the cat's body slows
to a stop, including the heart, so the process is painless.
Cats do not close their eyes when they die. After death some cats
empty their bladders or have muscle twitches.This is all normal.
Each of us has different feelings about death and what it means. A
few things to consider about euthanasia:
•
Do you want to be present when your cat is given the injection?
•
Do you want any special arrangements made for the body?
•
If there are young children in the family, how will you explain
it to them?
•
Will you need help coping with the loss of your pet?
As much as you do not want to have to plan for your cat's death, it
is often hard to think clearly when the time comes. It is best to be pre-
pared so that you do not have to make hasty decisions later.
