We have veterinarians in the family, and one of my best friends is one also. I have assisted in procedures many times, and I am familiar with the one that was done. It is very quick, and humane to the animal; they are not traumatized by it, nor do they suffer. Every effort is made to alleviate suffering and not prolong or worsen it.

The veterinarian could not read your mind or I think would have tried to do something differently. They may seem callous or hardened to it because they must do it every day, but let me assure you they are not. The vets I know have to work very hard not to show their emotions. They feel for every creature they have to help this way. They are trained not show emotions in order not to upset the animals or their owners any more than they know they already are.

Please let go of any guilt, and forgive -- yourself and the veterinarian, whose only wish was to help you both through this.

Doc

Thank you for the comforting message. I do know that he loved Minki and I was told before by other people that he loves cats and most people with cats prefer to go to him. I even saw him several times bending down and give her a hug on the table before giving her the usual injection.
Maybe it was unfair of me to tell what I thought but I am hurting so much and my mind is just running with what did happened.
I just wished she could have died during the night because to take a cat to be put down is just terrible. I know I did the right thing as she clearly was in pain and stopped eating. Thanks again to all for the support and advice.

Markus, I hope that someday you will be able to fill the hole in another kitty's heart!

Anyone who owns a pet may one day find themselves in the situation of making a final decision for that pet. It's part of the responsibility of pet ownership, like feeding and medical care, and one that everyone must be aware of and accept before adopting a pet.

When dealing with a pet that is ill and in declining health, I believe the best, easist course of action is to make the decision ahead of time. Establish some criterion, or set of criteria, with the help/guidance of your veterenarian, that will be the indication, or signal, that it is time, and stick to it.

We've had to do this twice now, and will likely have to again. We have no regrets about this way of doing it. The decision is essentially made for us, and there is no last minute aruing with ourselves about trying to prolong the inevitable, or guilt about it being the right thing at the right time.

Every vet I have discussed this method with concurs that it is the best way, as have many pet owners we have known/met. Set your own criteria, but when that event occurs, stick to it regardless of what happens afterward.

Celebrate the love and joy you shared; it is something truly special.

Doc

Hi Sparky, I am already longing to have a cat around so I am quite sure it will eventually happen but for now it is still too soon.
Another friend who lost her dog also told me today that she has a cat now and that compare to what she had while the animal was with her to the sad experience of departing from them, for her it is adding up much more to have a pet. It's got me thinking and if I think of how much me and Minki got out of our relationship with each other, I must have to admit that it is more worth than going without from now on. Just need some time for now.

Markus, there is a cat out there that needs you as much as you need them. And you'll find that cat at the exact right moment. I'm sure of it.

I couldn't stand to be without a cat either. I only lasted 6 months. It did ease the pain getting sammy. I didn't think anything would help, even when I brought him home. It did, and quicker than I thought possible. Give yourself time Markus. Life is lonely without our furry friends. ginnie

When the time comes, Markus, I hope you have all vaccinations available for your new friend that we in the US have!

Hi Sparky, I think we are on par with any first world country with regards to vaccinations for animals. I had Minki at the vet when I got her and she was given all the vaccinations needed. I had a schedule to take her back when it was time for more and the vet send me a reminder at the time.
She had the feline cat aids and what I was told is that there is no cure for this disease (like in humans too). Do you know of anything in your country that can help to prevent or cure this? Just for in case I encounter the condition in another cat. Apparently there are so many female cats in my country that have this condition.