It’s a decision we all dread, but it should be based on quality of life 

One of the hardest things a pet parent has to decide is when to say goodbye to their pet.  It’s one of the most difficult parts of a vet’s job to euthanise a beloved family pet.  But based on the following factors, your vet will help you to make that decision.

  • Quality of life

We all want our cats to live a good life, and unfortunately, some owners keep their pets alive when they have little or no quality of life.  Quality of life in a pet can be defined as eating, drinking, defecating, and urinating normally on a daily basis, while seeking out and enjoying the company of their owners.  If any of these aspects are deficient, then there must be a discussion between vet and owner to seriously consider what the future holds for the cat.

  • Home care

Unlike elderly human patients who can receive round-the-clock hospital care, this is not the case with our pets.  Of course, they can be hospitalised at 24-hour veterinary centres, but what cat truly enjoys a stay at the vet’s?  Although this is a necessity for many patients during diagnosis and treatment for many conditions, it is not a long-term solution.

  • Putting your cat first

Many vet’s have lived through the loss of a beloved feline with many of their owners over their careers, and in each situation, every owner wished they had put their cat first.  Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it is really hard to make the right choice at the right time.  To leave a cat with no chance of improvement while you struggle with the decision to let them go will invariably lead to guilt later.  Try your best to put your grief to one side and make decisions based on the best and right thing for your cat, coming to terms with your loss once your friend is at peace.

 

 

 

A Cats Prayer

Lead me down all the right paths,
Keep me from fleas, bees, and baths.
Let me in should it storm,
Keep me safe, fed, and warm.

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