Owners absolutely intent on killing their healthy or treatable pets can still attend a willing vet clinic or animal shelter. So, when your pet is suffering irremediably, your veterinarian is very likely to recommend euthanasia.

: the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.

The shot may sting a little bit, and the drug can have side effects. So talk to your vet about whether your pet should get it. If they are very sick and already quiet or have trouble breathing, they may not need it. The euthanasia medication most vets use is pentobarbital, a seizure medication.

He is experiencing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication (your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is in pain). He has frequent vomiting or diarrhea that is causing dehydration and/or significant weight loss. He has stopped eating or will only eat if you force feed him.

Persistent and incurable inability to eat, vomiting, signs of pain, distress or discomfort, or difficulty in breathing are all indications that euthanasia should be considered. You and your family know your cat better than anyone else, so try to make a reasoned judgement on quality of life.

Relief and Healing Even though purring takes energy, many cats purr when they get hurt or are in pain.

Do cats feel love? It’s a question that many cat owners have wondered. And the answer is a resounding yes! Cats often feel love quite strongly for their owners and other companions.

Compared to our devoted dogs, cats seem pretty unconcerned with human affairs. But it looks like our feline companions pay more attention than we give them credit for. They seem to be able to tell when we are happy. New research has found the first strong evidence that cats are sensitive to human emotional gestures.