In home pet euthanasia. There comes a day when every pet parent has to come to terms with their pet’s passing. This unfortunately means making the difficult decision between a “natural death” or humane euthanasia. I imagine just about everyone would like their pet to comfortably crawl into their bed one night, drift off to sleep, and pass away peacefully while sleeping. While many people think this defines a “natural death,” that isn’t necessarily the case—and a natural death does not always guarantee a peaceful death. In Home Pet Euthanasia.

In-Home cat euthanasia. As a professional pet sitter and long-time pet parent, I am often asked by clients when is the “best” time to say goodbye to a sick cat. The answer is not simple. During this end-of-life phase, pet parents must rely on their knowledge of their pet, the advice of their vet, and recommendations of the pet sitter. And even with input, we will struggle to know when it is “time.” As I write this article today, I am facing the immense decision to say goodbye to my 18-year-old beloved fur baby cat, Eowyn.

What are the signs to look for in sick cats? A cat exhibits behaviors that will let you know that the time is near; this is how they communicate with you. Some of the signs include:

1. Lack in interest of eating and drinking.

It is common when a cat is nearing the end of their lives to lose their
appetites.

2. Extreme Weakness.

You may notice your cat is more lethargic and sedentary, weakness in their hind legs, and sleeping more than usual.

3. Lower Body Temperature.

A healthy cat’s temperature is between 37-38 degrees Celsius. As the heart weakens, other body organs start to shut down, and the body temperature drops below 37. Use an ear or a digital rectal thermometer to check their temperature. You can also feel their paws, and if they’re cool to the touch, it could be a sign of their heart slowing down.

4. Changes in Appearance and Smell.

Since cats are meticulous groomers, a lack of energy leaves a messy and
greasy appearance. Cats may also develop a detectable unpleasant odor due to toxins building up as their organs stop properly working.

5. Seeking Solitude.

Cats will withdraw and prefer solitude when they are gravely ill. In the wild, a dying cat instinctively understands that they are more vulnerable to predators and will hide to protect themselves. Domestic cats will greet you less, want to be touched less often, and will sleep in areas that are often away from their families.

In-Home Cat Euthanasia

What to do when you see these signs? As pet parents, we want to ensure our cat is as comfortable as possible at the end of their life. Some tips include:

● Providing them with a soft, warm, cozy bed.

● Keeping their bedding clean, especially since they may experience incontinence.

● Carrying them to the litter box if they are too weak to get up.

● Give them special food and treats they have always loved.

● Consulting your vet for proper end-of-life care. Consider hiring an in home cat euthanasia service.

● Giving them additional love and affection to show that you are with them until you finally say goodbye.

● Be present at the end of life. A cat will know you are with them and will love you for it.

In-Home Cat Euthanasia

“Euthanasia” is a Greek term meaning “good death.” As a pet parent, facing the decision to say goodbye to my Eowyn is gut-wrenching. But I know she will be with me always, and it is my responsibility to give her the care and love until her very last breath.

About the Author

Michelle Quinn-Davidson, MPA, CDT, CPPS,  has resided in Brookline, MA for more than 20 years. She is a Certified Dog Trainer with Pet CPR First Aid training from the Animal Behavior College and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International. She has a certificate in COVID-19 safety protocols from Pet Sitters International and is currently working on a Fear-Free Pet Sitter certificate.​ She established JOBE in 2014 in memory of her beloved, rescued, blind Newfoundland / Labrador mix ​Jobe. Prior to starting her business, she spent more than 20 years managing various youth development nonprofit organizations. She received her master of public administration in management from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner ​​Graduate School of Public Service and ​her bachelor’s in speech from Emerson College.

About Petworks

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.

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Dear Kev,

“One of my cats is 16 now. Her name is Emily and she is part Siamese. She has to live outside because she never learned how to use a box and she won’t go in her house when it rains. I call her a special kitty. She doesn’t get around very good. Her back legs don’t have very much strength and her fur is mating.  When is the right time to put them down? I love her, but I feel sorry for her.” – Dana in Brownfield, Texas.

Dana,

First…thank you for loving Emily for 16 whole years strong. That’s no small thing. She sounds like one of those fiercely independent souls who insists on doing life her own way, even if it means sunbathing in the rain and giving the litter box the cold shoulder.

That said, it’s clear you’re facing one of the hardest decisions any pet parent ever has to make. When is it time? There’s no exact formula. But there are signs. If Emily seems like she’s in pain, struggles to eat, drink, or move without distress, or if her quality of life has shrunk down to just getting through the day, that’s when it might be kinder to help her pass with peace and dignity.

You might also consider reaching out to a mobile vet who can come to your home (or yard, in Emily’s case). They can gently assess her and help you decide. Some also offer peaceful, at-home euthanasia, which can be a less stressful way to say goodbye.

And please don’t feel guilty. Feeling sorry for her doesn’t mean you’ve failed her. Quite the opposite. It means you see her, you care deeply, and you’re trying to do what’s best. Not what’s easy.

If Emily could talk (and being part Siamese, she’s probably come close), I bet she’d say, “Thanks for putting up with my quirks, the rain, the fur, and all. I’ve had a good life, and I love you.”

Sending a virtual hug from me to you and Emily in Brownfield.

Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.