For a cat, home means familiarity, safety, and comfort. In a word: sanctuary. When it comes to the end of a beloved cat’s life, there’s no better place for goodbye than in the comfort of their own home. Here are 7 reasons why home is the perfect place for a peaceful passing.
1. Familiarity: One of the main reasons why your home is the perfect place for a peaceful passing for your cat is familiarity. Your cat has likely spent most of their life in your home, and they are familiar with the surroundings, smells, and sounds. Being in a familiar environment can help reduce anxiety and stress; making your cat more relaxed and comfortable as they conclude their journey.
2. Reduced stress: Reduced stress is another reason why your home is the perfect place for a peaceful passing for your suffering cat. When cats are stressed, they may require higher doses of medication to bring them into a calm state of mind and body prior to the euthanasia. Therefore, keeping them from reaching high levels of anxiety can make their passing more peaceful.
3. Personalized Care: When euthanasia is performed in the home, your cat can receive one-on-one attention from you and from the veterinarian, who will not have other patients waiting for them in the next room as they might have in a clinic setting. Additionally, you can personalize the process to honor your cat’s specific needs and preferences; whether through ambiance, rituals or special treats.
4. Comfortable Surroundings: As mentioned above, familiarity is a large piece of comfort for cats; in addition to the comfort afforded by a familiar setting you can provide your cat with a physically comfortable place. Soft bedding, blankets warmed in the clothes dryer, or a seat in a favorite sunny window are all great ways to provide a cozy experience for your cat.
5. No Travel Required: Traveling to a veterinary clinic or hospital can be stressful and uncomfortable for cats, especially those who are already in pain or discomfort. By allowing your cat to remain in the familiar surroundings of their own home, they can feel more relaxed and at ease during their final moments, and you can avoid what may turn into a game of hide and seek when you bring out the kitty carrier.
6. Privacy: Cats don’t have the same concept of ‘privacy’ as we do, but we know their instinct is to hide when scared, sick, or injured. Having the euthanasia procedure carried out at home allows your cat to avoid the sight and smell of animals who are strangers to them. In-home euthanasia also provides a sense of privacy for your family as you are grieving. Being at home allows you to spend quality time with your cat during their final moments, providing comfort and support as they pass away peacefully.
7. Family Support: When you’re at home you can invite whomever you’d like to be present for the process. In this way you can lean on the support of your family members, whether human or other pets.They can provide emotional support for you as well as gaining their own closure during this difficult time. And for the passing pet, being surrounded by all their loved ones can help ease anxiety and provide comfort.
Euthanasia can provide dignity: Whether performed at home or in a clinic to euthanize an animal that is suffering can afford them dignity. In nature, when an animal becomes sick or injured their end is usually either slow and protracted due to starvation or quick and violent due to predation. In veterinary medicine we have the unique ability to end the dying process through the gift of euthanasia.
Your home is the perfect place for a peaceful passing. if your beloved cat is at that point in their journey. It provides a dignified end to suffering surrounded by familiarity, reduced stress, personalized care, comfortable surroundings, and privacy, with no-travel required. If you’re facing end-of-life care for your cat, consider the benefits of keeping them at home for your final moments together.
