I’m heartbroken and need some advice or support from anyone who’s been through something similar. Our beloved kitty, Whiskers, who's been part of our family for over 15 years, has been struggling lately. He’s in so much pain, and after consulting with our vet, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to have him put to sleep. The problem is, we’ve been told that because of COVID restrictions, we can’t be in the room with him during the procedure, and I'm just devastated. I feel like we’re abandoning him when he needs us the most. I understand the protocols but I just can’t imagine not being there to comfort him during his last moments. Has anyone else faced this? How did you cope with not being there, and is there any way around these rules? I just want to do right by my little guy. Any advice or comforting words would mean a lot right now.
Hello, I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time with your cat. Having to say goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest parts of being a pet parent. Different veterinary practices have different policies around euthanasia, and it often varies for several reasons.
Some clinics might restrict in-room euthanasia attendance due to space limitations, safety protocols, or efforts to reduce stress for both pets and staff. During the procedure, the atmosphere should be calm, and some cats may react differently when their owners are present. Vets will always aim to keep the process as peaceful as possible for your cat, and sometimes this means limiting the number of people present.
If you're facing this situation, I recommend having an open discussion with your vet. Ask about their policy and express your wishes. Sometimes there might be alternatives or arrangements that can be made, such as being with your cat afterwards if being in the room during the procedure isn’t possible.
For immediate support and to explore what might be possible, I encourage you to book a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. We’re here to help and support you in making this process as gentle as possible for both you and your cherished cat.
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