When is the right time to consider euthanasia for your cat?

Your cat is not going to live as long as you. What this inevitably means is that the tough decision will come where you may be looking at saying goodbye to your little four-legged family member and having them euthanized. Euthanasia is a gentle and easy death for animals, but it is tough on you, their owner. How do you know it is the right time and that the health issues your pet faces cannot be fixed? The best bet is to find yourself a vet you trust in and get their professional opinion. Individuals looking for a team they can trust in the Riverview, Florida, area go to see Dr. Keshava Eega and the skilled team at Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital & Grooming. 

Deciding if Your Cat Needs to Be Euthanized

If you fear that your cat has reached a point where life is no longer enjoyable or sustainable, there are some questions you can ask yourself. If the answer to the following questions is yes, then your cat is probably going to be okay. Some questions to ask yourself include:

• Does your cat still eat and drink without issue? 
• Does your cat move around comfortably and sleep without issue?
• Does your cat respond to your presence and greet you?
• Are they interested in eating?

If your cat shows an inability or disinterest in eating, vomits on a regular basis, displays visible signs of distress or discomfort, or seems to have difficulty breathing, then it is time to talk to your vet about the possibility of euthanasia. You know your pet better than anybody else, so try to make an unbiased judgment on their current condition of life. Your vet should be available to you to help you reach any conclusions. If you are holding out hope for an improvement in your cat’s health, it may be sensible to set a time limit. It is sad that so few cats die peacefully in their sleep while at home and instead achieve a quality of life that is poor and, because of this, need to be euthanized. 

If you find yourself having to make the tough decision of euthanizing your cat (or other pet), reach out to Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital & Grooming in Riverview, Florida. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keshava Eega, call (813) 670-8881 today.

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