Unfortunately, saying goodbye to their beloved cat can be a difficult decision for pet owners. But in many cases, it’s necessary if the cat is suffering from an illness or age-related problems. Euthanasia is a humane and compassionate way to end an animal’s suffering and can be an important part of the end-of-life process for cats.
Understanding cat euthanasia is essential for pet owners, so that you can make the right decision for their pet. In this post, we’ll provide all the information needed to understand cat euthanasia, including what it is, why it’s done, how much it is, the signs that a cat should be euthanized, and how to cope with the loss. With the right knowledge and support, cat owners can make sure their beloved pet has a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience. In general, cat euthanasia cat cost between $60-$300 depending on where you’re located.
The Importance of Cat Euthanization
Euthanizing cats is an important and often necessary decision that pet owners and animal shelters must make to ensure the wellbeing of cats, and well, and the greater community – meaning fewer homeless cats. Euthanizing cats can be the most humane option when cats are suffering from a severe and incurable illness or injury, or when they pose a danger to humans or other animals.
In the case of a severely ill or injured cat, euthanasia can end the cat’s suffering and can be a more humane option than leaving the cat to suffer in pain. It can also be the kindest option when the cat’s prognosis is not good and there is no hope that the cat will recover. In cases where the cat poses a danger to humans, euthanasia can prevent the cat from inflicting possible harm on people or other animals.
For animal shelters, euthanizing cats can be a necessary step in controlling the animal population, particularly when the shelters are over capacity. This can help ensure that cats are not living in overcrowded shelters, and it can also help prevent the spread of disease among the cats. It can also be a cost-effective way of controlling the animal population, as it can be more economical than caring for large numbers of cats in shelters.
Euthanizing cats can be a difficult decision to make, but the fact of the matter is that it’s often the best option in certain circumstances.
Image Credit: Maria Sbytova, Shutterestock
How Much Does Cat Euthanization Cost?
It can cost anywhere between $60 to $300 to have a cat euthanized in the US. The actual cost to euthanize your cat will depend on your location, the type of drugs administered, and any aftercare services that you request, such as cremation. There are also mobile services that can come to you and euthanize your cat at your home (sort of like a mobile vet). For this service, you’ll likely need to pay an additional travel fee.
Here’s a comparison chart of how much it costs to euthanize a cat in several cities across the United States.
City
Low End Average
High-End Averages
Manhattan, New York
$100
$200
Washington, D.C.
$115
$175
Dallas, Texas
$75
$250
Toledo, Kansas
$60
$185
Chicago, Illinois
$75
$190
Miami, Florida
$60
$195
Los Angeles, California
$125
$295
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Additional costs for a cat euthanasia may include any travel fees, medications, additional anesthesia, memorial products, or other services that you want performed such as burial or cremation offerings. The cost of these services can vary based on the provider, and things such as memorial products for your pet are optional. So, you may wish to ask for a full estimate before having the procedure so that you have an idea of what to expect financially.
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What’s the Process for Cat Euthanasia?
Before a cat is euthanized, the veterinarian will conduct a physical examination and discuss the cat’s medical history and symptoms. The vet will also discuss the euthanasia process and answer any questions the pet owner may have.
The actual process of cat euthanasia begins with the pet being placed on a table, and in some cases, the vet may ask the owner to pet or hold the cat to help it relax. Then the vet will generally administer a sedative to the cat in order to make it more relaxed and to reduce any anxiety or distress. After the cat is sedated, the vet will administer the euthanasia drug, usually via an injection into the bloodstream. The cat will then pass peacefully as the drug starts to take effect.
During the process, the cat is monitored, and the vet may stroke the cat and talk to it in a comforting, reassuring way. After the cat has passed away, the vet will check for a heartbeat and confirm that the cat has died. The owner can then decide if they would like to be present for the final moments, or if they would prefer to say their goodbyes earlier. The vet will provide the pet owner with a certificate of euthanasia, which is a legal document verifying the cat’s death.
Top 9 Signs That Euthanizing a Cat May Be the Best Option
It’s not easy to decide to euthanize your cat, and it can be difficult to spot a problem if you’re not around your cat 24/7. But in most cases, you’ll likely notice signs that your cat is approaching the end of its lifespan. So, keep an eye on these signs to help you identify any issues early to 1) spot any potential health issues then your cat may have, and 2) to help determine if euthanization may be the best option.
1. It Has Extreme Weight Loss
Senior cats are very susceptible to weight loss, especially if they are sick. This is partly due to normal muscle loss. As your cat gets older, its body’s ability to digest and build protein becomes less efficient, leading to weight loss. And even though your cat may be eating well, he or she may still be losing weight.
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2. There’s a Lack of Appetite
Your cat may be unable to eat if she is feeling sick. It may also be less interested in eating if they’re taking certain medications. Your vet may also recommend anti-nausea medications or appetite stimulants to encourage your cat’s appetite.
3. It No Longer Wants Water
Sometimes, sick cats won’t drink as much water as they used to. This can lead to rapid dehydration. You can give your cat canned wet food or add a bit of water to her food if it’s still eating. You may be able to give your cat water using an oral syringe, or a squirt container.
4. General Daily Lethargy
And in many cases with older or sick kids, the cat will become motivated as it nears the end of its life. You may even notice that your cat is now sleeping more often and is generally less energized when it’s actually awake – overall the cat may appear listless and even depressed.
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5. Its Mobility Has Decreased
Senior cats are more likely to have reduced mobility because of muscle loss, pain from arthritis, or other health issues. Sometimes, weakness is progressive. It may start with a cat not being able to climb up onto the couch or counter. However, it can progress to difficulty climbing stairs or even being unable to access a tall litter box. To help, you can provide ramps and stepping stones to allow your cat to reach its favorite places or perches.
6. There Are Significant Behavioral Changes
You may notice your cat disappearing for long periods of time, skipping meals, or having new (or strange) sleeping patterns. Some cats become more isolated and cranky, possibly due to cognitive dysfunction or pain. You may even notice that your cat will also become more affectionate and clingier and want to be near you all the time.
And believe it or not, cats may experience cognitive dysfunction similar to dementia in humans. These cats can wander around the house at night, and may be louder than usual, or seem confused or lost in familiar surroundings.
7. It’s Having Frequent Seizures
Seizures may be caused by many things including metabolic issues caused by disease and problems with the brain. Your vet will be able to stabilize your cat or prevent seizures by administering medication depending on the cause. But frequent and long seizures, especially in older cats may be a sign that it’s nearing its life.
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8. It Can’t Regulate Its Temperature
A cat that is suffering from grave health conditions may experience problems with its body temperature regulation and may be more vulnerable to heat and cold than normal adult cats. Cats near death will often experience a low body temperature, even if they are provided with warm bedding and a comfortable environment. It may even feel cold to the touch.
9. It’s Developed a Strange Odor
Your cat may experience an unusual body odor as she nears the end. The body’s breakdown of tissues and accumulation of toxins can cause this abnormal smell. The cause of the smell may vary with each illness. For example, cats with diabetes can experience a sweet, sickly-smelling breath, while those with kidney disease may smell like ammonia.
What Happens After a Cat Euthanization?
After a cat is euthanized, pet owners must decide whether to bury or cremate their cat. Burial is usually the more affordable option; you should also check local regulations and make sure the burial site is appropriate. Cremation is more expensive, but it provides pet owners with the option to keep their cat’s ashes or scatter them in a special place. Many vet offices that provide these services will often wrap the cat in a blanket or place it in a pet casket. For cremation, the vet will usually provide an urn or container for the cat’s ashes.
Image Credit; Igor Sokolov (breeze), Shutterstock
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Euthanization?
It depends on the policy, the provider, and the circumstances. While some insurance policies may cover the cost of euthanasia, it’s not a universal thing. Some policies may provide coverage only for certain types of euthanasia, such as those that are medically necessary. Others may not cover euthanasia at all. Also, typically a pet insurance policy will not cover cremation or burial services, and you’ll usually have to cover these costs yourself.
So, you’ll need to carefully review the policy details of any pet insurance you are considering. This will allow you to better understand the coverage that is provided, as well as what is excluded.
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
