Why was my cat's heart racing while sedated before euthanasia?

I'm so sorry to hear that you and your cat went through such a difficult time. It's understandable to be concerned about your cat's rapid heart rate while under sedation. There are a few reasons why this might happen.



Cats can experience stress and anxiety in unfamiliar situations, and vet procedures can understandably make them nervous, leading to an elevated heart rate. Additionally, different medications can have varied effects; some sedatives may cause an increase in heart rate as a side effect.



It's also possible that your cat's underlying health condition contributed to this reaction. If your cat was dealing with an illness that affected heart function, this might have played a role, too.



At this point, while there's no at-home care needed since you've had to make such a hard decision, it's important to know what to watch for if you ever notice this in another pet. A racing heart can indicate stress, pain, or a more serious condition like heart disease.



If you're seeking more clarity about what happened, or if you have concerns about any other pets, it could be beneficial to talk things through with a professional. I’d recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet – we’re here to help.