1 of 5

No

Write now Article Tools

When our animals are in pain and it seems as though there is no hope for them and we are told by the vet that they are going to die anyway, so why prolong their life? We are sometimes caught up in the moment and may agree to something that we should never do.

I feel that it may seem to be the most compassionate option to have our old or sick pet put to sleep to alleviate pain or suffering but then who asked us? Did our pet?

Animals have a habit of giving up their life when it is time for them to die anyway. Cats in particular may go to a quiet or warm spot when they feel their time is near and quietly give up their spirit.

Whatever it is or whoever it is that gave us life on this Earth, whether you believe in God or a higher being, there is one thing for sure that we should remember. Who gave us the right to decide when a life should be over?

Look at your pet. He may be suffering. He may be hurting. He may be in a lot of pain and moving slowly and may well look like he hasn't got long anyway, but I will tell you what he is doing... he is fighting for his life. He is fighting to stay on this planet one day longer. He is fighting to stay by your side for as long as he can.

Your voice gives him comfort. Your lap makes him feel safe. How can you take him and kill him?
My children brought a kitty back to our house. It had been abandoned by its owner because its mother had died and she didn't know what to do with her. She was very weak and had the inside of her anus hanging out of her body because the woman had put her on adult cat food at 3 weeks old.

She was in pain and was clearly suffering. The vet advised me to have her put down because it was the kindest thing to do.

"Kind? Who to? "I said "The kitty?"

Well I tell you. That cat was a survivor. I and my daughter took it in turns to look after her. We sat up all night and never left her side. This cat is fighting for her life I told my daughter. If we sleep. She dies. Simple as that.

The vet told us she was brain damaged and would be better off dead. "Does the cat know she is brain damaged ?" I asked.

Eventually the kitty pulled through. She suffered a terrible abscess to her tail that nearly killed her and she had to have an operation on a broken hip, my vet bills were sky high. But she survived.

She rewarded us with the most extraordinary love. Brain damaged she was. Stupid she wasn't. We were told that she wouldn't live very long because of the hardships that she has suffered in her life and the fact that she couldn't stand up straight. What rubbish.

She had 3 years of life on this Earth in the end. She was beautiful and kind and loving. She was the best cat that I ever had and I still miss her every day. When the time came for her to die, she went off on her own somewhere and departed. On her own terms and in peace and comfort knowing that she had a family that loved her.

Unless you know for certain that your pet is in the most unbelievable pain and nothing can be done to alleviate this most worst of suffering, then let your pet die in their own time and at their own pace. They might still have a lot to say to you yet... wait a while... you may be glad you did.

Learn more about this author, Jane Allyson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is euthanasia of cats and dogs sometimes the most compassionate option??
We want to hear your view. Write now!