Euthanizing a cat is not an easy task. Regardless of your reasons for euthanizing your feline friend, it is important to keep in mind that you still have to do it properly. Euthanasia by injection is the easiest way to put your pet at peace quickly and painlessly.
A few months ago, a fellow veterinarian contacted me about a blog that she saw on Petbloggish.com about how to euthanize a dog at home with Tylenol (which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen – which is more commonly called paracetamol in other countries). How to kill your own pet at home. For real. (Thankfully, they have since removed this blog!)
When in doubt, please contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice, and talk to your veterinarian. If you have financial limitations, a veterinarian will work with you when it comes to humane euthanasia. Or the local animal shelter. But can you euthanize your pet at home? No, please do not try to euthanize your dog or cat at home. They are our four-legged family members, and don’t deserve an ending like this.
As a veterinarian, I never thought I’d be writing on a blog on how to euthanize a dog or cat with Tylenol at home…
That said, you should never use any medication at home – Tylenol is used in veterinary medicine in DOGS only – never cats. It’s sometimes used in small doses with codeine for pain support in hospice patients (not routinely, though). That’s because it can cause dry eye at even therapeutic doses in dogs. You can see the published data on that HERE. As for higher doses in dogs? It causes toxicity to the liver within 2 days including signs of:
As a veterinarian, animal lover, and toxicologist, let me tell you that this post had me livid. First, the decision to euthanize a pet is so hard… and you don’t want it to fall you on, right? When in doubt, please talk to your veterinarian about this decision. I’ll say that it was even a hard decision for me – a veterinarian of over 20 years – with my OWN DOG. (You can read about my decision here).
How To Euthanize A Cat With Over The Counter Drugs?
There are several ways to put down your cat at home, to free it from the painful, uninteresting life it is living. Not everyone can afford to take the cat to the clinic one last time. They may have spent enough on treatments. The entire process of euthanasia in the clinic can cost a lot more than just giving them a high dose of over-the-counter drugs.
Most people believe that using drugs at home to euthanize the cat is more convenient. Euthanizing your pet at home makes it more comfortable for you and your pet. Sleeping pills are one of the best drugs you can use to give your feline a peaceful death. A commonly used drug is Pentobarbital Sodium, a powerful anesthetic medicine approved by the government and the agencies for euthanasia.
This medicine can either be given orally or through an injection. Euthanizing the cat with sleeping pills is more effective if used with sedatives. Sedatives help the pet relax and stay free of pain these sleeping pills can cause. However, it is advisable that you consult a vet for a suggestion on the best dose and product to be as harmless as possible.
At Home or Vet’s- The Important Decision One Must Plan
Perhaps in the home, the process of euthanasia can be more comfortable as you do not have to carry them to a vet’s office. It’s also useful in case you have some other pets in your house as they can support your cat too. On the other hand, if you have younger children who have developed an emotional attachment with the cat, prefer such euthanasia at the vet, as you do not want them to witness such a process and feel depressed.
In case you have decided to euthanize your pet at home, make sure it is that legal in your state. You may also have to visit a pet cemetery for further process. Still have doubts regarding how to euthanize a cat at home follow this step by step process. Make sure that you are deciding your cat to bury in your house garden or a cemetery.
Remember, many of the cemeteries also offer the ashes of your cat in case you want to keep them as a memorial. Even they know that it’s your best friend, and there are plenty of feelings attached.
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FAQ
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