*sigh* Putting a cat down...

[starrzone]

My SO inherited Sheeba , a ~10 year old cat, from his grandmother when she became unable to take care of her. Poor Sheeba had a rough beginning; Grandma was outside one day when she saw 2 cats tossed from a moving vehicle. One died, but miraculously Sheeba survived. She lived as a wild cat for a bit, and then eventually moved indoors. According to family members, she used to be very wary of strangers, but she's become quite friendly since I've been around her.

Unfortunately, due to some health issues, SO has pretty well decided to have her put down and asked me if I could take her to the vet; he didn't think he could do it. Of course I said yes, but I'm wondering how I'll handle it. I'm a very emotional person, and it was easy for me to say yes right away; I have never had a cat or dog as a pet, and have never been around one for an extended period. To be honest, I'm not fond of cats, but this one has sort of grown on me. She definitely has an "attitude" and will let you know when she wants or doesn't like something...she's a lot like me . I'm an emotional person and I'm afraid that I'll break down...there's no question I won't go in with her because I don't want her to be alone...but I think I'm going to cry...thanks so much for listening .

 

[Cruisin]

 

[Pomlover2586]

I have yet to put an animal to sleep where I did not cry- either my own animals or animals that needed to be PTS when I worked at an animal hospital/shelter.

Bottom line: IT'S OK TO CRY. I'd be surprised at someone who didn't. It's hard losing an animal- no matter if they are yours or just a stray found on the street.

Just hold her and tell her how much you love her and what a good kitty she is- thats all she'll need to make her feel safe and loved in her final moments.

 

[DMRick]

Aww..I'm sorry. When working for vets, I talked with people before they went in with their animals, told them what to expect, told them they were doing the right thing for their beloved pet. Everyone was always sad, but they were doing the right thing, so it was easy for me to tell them that. Fast forward to when it was my pet. Much much harder than I thought it was. Sure, we know in our brains that the vet does a good job, and your pet just goes first into a natural sleep. But man, when it's our pet, all bets are off. It just plain hurts.
You are doing the right thing and by being there, you give your pet such comfort. It's hard, but I think it's a great honor to your pet, to have you there to comfort it as it steps into the next world. I'm sorry this needs to be done.

 

[tasha99]

I'm so sorry! I suggest having a friend drive. I had to have a cat put to sleep many years ago, and I was very glad not to have to drive home. It was very emotional, and I was in no state to be safe on the roads afterward.

 

[Jockaroo]

I am so sorry. I've been in this position with two beloved dogs. It is OK to cry. Your vet will probably do a two injection process. The first shot is a sedative that lets the cat peacefully go to sleep in your arms. The second shot stops the heart. You can step out before the final shot if you wish. It is very sad, but know that you and your SO are giving the kitty a final gift by granting a peaceful passing.

You may wish to discuss with your SO how you wish to handle her remains. The vet can do this, but you have the option of a private cremation with the remains returned, or, depending on where you live, you can opt for a home burial. If you choose to do this, you may wish to take an appropriate casket and blanket/towel with you. We used an oak kitchen cabinet for each of our dogs.

Even though he can't go with you, know your SO will grieve. If you can, try to find some way to memorialize Sheeba. It helped me to write a letter to each of my dogs before they passed. Also, please consider visiting the petloss.com community. It is a good place for mourning pet owners.

As hard as it is, you will find inner strength to make it through. Godspeed sweet Sheeba.

 

[perdidobay]

I'm so sorry. 5 months ago I was in your shoes. Please do cry, it is good for you to do so, and the vet understands.

 

[mamamary]

When we put our lab down a few years ago it was literally the worst day of my life. I'm sorry that you have to go thru this.

 

[Jennasis]

Hugs to you. If you can find someone to go with you, please do. the drive home might be a little rough.

 

[ginna74]

am so very sorry you have to do this...

 

[PatsMom]

If the cat does not like to be put in a carrier and taken to the vet, you can see if your vet will make a house call. I was able to do this for one of my cats - she was so sick and in pain. I had taken her home from her last trip to the vets where I was told there was nothing more to be done and just didn't have the heart to bring her back. The only time she left the house was to go to the vet so it was traumatic for her.

The vet came, gave her the first shot while I held her. She peacefully went to sleep and he put her in the carrier and took her with him. I picked up the remains a few days later at his office.

It is a very difficult thing to do and if you can get a friend to go with you it might help make it a bit easier.

 

[Disney Doll]

Of course you'll cry. there's nothing wrong with crying....

The day we put Ted down (the worst day of my life, bar none) I cried like a baby. I actually scared the vet I think, becaue when I "came up for air" just DH & I were in the room with my puppy.

So terribly sad and hard and bad......

 

[starrzone]

Thanks to all the wonderful Disers who have offered comfort and advice. Not knowing how the procedure is going to go is really frightening for me; I've never been in the room when anything or anyone has died, so this is totally new to me.

I do have a question; when the vet gives her the first needle to go to sleep, will she cry or jump or screech? I can see me taking that really hard...

 

[MerMom60_94]

Starrzone, it's natural to want to cry and it's ok to do so. Putting an animal down is such a heart wrenching decision even when you know the animal is sick. My heart goes out to you. Think of the good life you gave to her in the years you had her with you.

 

[PatsMom]

Thanks to all the wonderful Disers who have offered comfort and advice. Not knowing how the procedure is going to go is really frightening for me; I've never been in the room when anything or anyone has died, so this is totally new to me.

I do have a question; when the vet gives her the first needle to go to sleep, will she cry or jump or screech? I can see me taking that really hard...

The first shot didn't seem to bother her at all. I was holding her and she was purring and happy. And then her eyes closed and it was just like when she would fall asleep on my lap in the evening watching TV. Then the vet just took her away.

Got ahead and cry - I am crying just sitting here thinking about Nickie and she was put down over 7 years ago!

 

[taximomfor4]

awww, I am so sorry for you. Go ahead and cry -- I will soon, when we take our 11 yr old cat in. Over the past week, she has developed a hard lump on the back of her skull. Scary, and I am sure it won't be good news. So far, she is acting perfectly fine but we are worried. REALLY worried.

 

[KirstenB]

Thanks to all the wonderful Disers who have offered comfort and advice. Not knowing how the procedure is going to go is really frightening for me; I've never been in the room when anything or anyone has died, so this is totally new to me.

I do have a question; when the vet gives her the first needle to go to sleep, will she cry or jump or screech? I can see me taking that really hard...

I think the shot will be fine. We had to give our diabetic cat insulin shots, and I was terrified I'd be hurting her. The vet explained that pets skin and fur is so much tougher--they're used to running through brambles, etc when they go outside.

 

[jlmarr]

The first shot didn't seem to bother her at all. I was holding her and she was purring and happy. And then her eyes closed and it was just like when she would fall asleep on my lap in the evening watching TV. Then the vet just took her away.

Yep, same here when we had our 18-year-old cat put down earlier this year. I kept my hand on him all the way - it was easy and painless for him. Not so much for me, but the guy has been with us for a long time. DW knew she couldn't be there, but I brought him home to bury him in the back yard and she said her goodbyes then. Had to be done.