How to Euthanize a Cat With Over-the-Counter Drugs: 2 Easy Ways

It’s a tough decision, but sometimes euthanizing your cat is the kindest thing you can do. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Today, you’ll learn how to euthanize a cat with over-the-counter drugs to humanely kill your cat.

When cats live as part of your family for years, it’s not uncommon for them to develop cat diseases as they age. If your cat is in pain and has a poor quality of life, you may decide that the kindest thing to do is to have her euthanized.

Euthanasia is also known as good death and it ensures that your cat leaves this world peacefully, without any pain or suffering.

However, before proceeding to read how to euthanize your cat at home, ask yourself the following crucial questions:

• Is my cat suffering from a terminal illness with no hope of recovery?
• Does my cat have a poor quality of life, despite treatment?
• Have I tried different medications and treatments to restore the health of my cat?

If your answer to these questions is a resounding yes, then you may want to proceed with at home cat euthanasia.

It’s worth noting that getting cat euthanasia right is not easy. It takes practice and attention to detail. Remember, your goal is to ensure that your family member (cat) gets a “beautiful death.”

Why You Shouldn’t Euthanize Your Cat With Over-the-Counter Drugs

You might have researched how to euthanize a cat at home with Tylenol pm or other over-the-counter drugs.

While overdosing your cat with over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, aspirin, and Benadryl might be effective at ending your feline friend’s life, they don’t guarantee a safe ending.

Consequently, it’s not recommended to euthanize your cat at home with over-the-counter drugs for the following reasons:

• It may lead to unethical practices: Pet euthanasia must only be handled by experienced personnel like veterinarians to prevent unethical behaviors. The wrong dosage can cause seizures, unnecessary pain, and vomiting.
• It might be illegal: Euthanizing a pet at home without a vet’s guidance isn’t allowed in most states. Therefore, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law if you attempt it.
• Your welfare is at risk: Administering an over-the-counter drug exposes you to the risk of your dog biting you.

From the above discussion, it’s essential to consult a vet for cat euthanasia; it’s safer to have them handle the process.

That said, we understand that the cost of euthanizing a cat might be a challenge to you. Since the cost of euthanizing a cat in a veterinary hospital ranges between $100 and $300, you might want to save some bucks by going the DIY route. If that’s the case, here’s a detailed guide on how to euthanize a cat with over-the-counter drugs.

A Procedure on How to Euthanize a Cat with Over-the-Counter Drugs

Before we proceed with the cat euthanasia procedure, it’s necessary to know the basic cat statistics in the United States of America. The table below presents these statistics:

There are two main ways to euthanize a cat using over-the-counter drugs:

• With a veterinarian in their office
• At home with or without a vet

How to Euthanize a Cat with Over-the-Counter Drugs at a Veterinarian’s Office

If you elect to have a veterinarian euthanize your cat, you’ll have to take the cat to the vet’s office.

Veterinarians use a combination of over-the-counter drugs to put down a cat. In most cases, they use the following procedure:

Profound Sedation Injection

To begin the euthanization of your cat, the vet will anaesthetize the cat with an injection of a sedative. This will help to calm and relax the cat. They use the following drugs for sedation:

• Telazol: This is a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam. It’s a powerful injectable anesthetic used for both cats and dogs. When administered as an overdose during euthanasia, it causes complete anesthesia. Such a dose ensures that the cat will not wake up and as a result, will have a painless death.
• Ketamine: This is a dissociative anesthetic that’s used in human and veterinary medicine. It’s often used in combination with other drugs such as xylazine to produce anesthesia. When given in large doses, it can be used to euthanize animals.
• Propofol: This is a short-acting sedative/anesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine. It’s often used to euthanize animals because it works quickly and causes minimal pain.
• Xylazine: It’s often used in combination with other drugs, such as ketamine, to produce anesthesia.

Euthanasia Solution Injection

The vet will then give your cat an injection of a euthanasia solution. This solution is a lethal dose of drugs that will stop the heart and breathing. The most common euthanasia solution is pentobarbital.

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate that’s used as a sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant. It’s also used for lethal injections. When given in large doses, it will quickly stop the heart and breathing. It impacts the cat by inducing rapid onset of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

The euthanasia solution is injected into the cat’s vein, which is usually located in the leg. The cat will then quickly become unconscious and die within minutes. As the pet owner, you won’t be able to notice as your beloved pet slips away. The process happens quickly.

How to Euthanize a Cat with Over-the-Counter Drugs at Home

The burning question for many pet owners is, “Can I put my cat to sleep at home?’ The answer is a resounding yes.

You may elect to put down your cat at home using over-the-counter drugs. This option is often less expensive and more convenient than going to the vet.

If you decided to euthanize your cat at home, you’ll have to get the sleeping pills and cat euthanasia drugs from a licensed veterinarian or animal control facilities. It’s important to note that you’ll need knowledge of the quantity and the injection location for this. It’s therefore recommended to invite a vet to euthanize your cat at home.

The veterinarian will assess your cat and discuss the available options and drugs with you. They will also show you how to properly administer the drugs.

Once you have the drugs, you can proceed with the following steps:

Sedation Injection

The first step is to anesthetize the cat through an intravenous sedation injection. This will help to calm and relax the cat. The most common drugs used for sedation are Benadryl, xylazine, ketamine, Xanax, and other sleeping pills.

Euthanasia Injection

After the cat is sedated, you’ll then give them an injection of a euthanasia solution. This solution is a lethal dose of drugs that will stop the heart and breathing. The most common euthanasia solution is pentobarbital.

When given in large doses, it will quickly stop the heart and breathing.

The euthanasia solution is injected into the cat’s vein, which is usually located in the leg. The cat will then quickly become unconscious and die within minutes.

Expert Tip: This guide on how to euthanize a cat with over-the-counter drugs does not recommend pet owners to administer the sedation injection on their own. This is because it’s difficult to find a vein and properly administer the injection. It’s best to have a professional do this because cats are also extremely sensitive and it might be challenging for you. Furthermore, Benadryl and other sleeping pills used during sedation have serious effects if not properly dosed.

When Should I Euthanize a Cat?

There are many factors to consider before putting down your pet cat. In most cases, these are unavoidable circumstances whereby the only option is to euthanize the cat. The main reasons to consider euthanizing your cat include:

Deteriorating Health Condition

If your cat is suffering from a terminal illness or has a poor quality of life, it may be time to let them go. It’s not worth it to prolong their suffering.

If you notice that your cat’s health is getting worse by day, make the bold move and consult your vet. They will help you to make the best decision for your cat. A vet will diagnose the cat and inform you whether there’s hope for it to survive. If not, they will help you to put the cat down.

Uncontrollable Behavior

If your cat is exhibiting uncontrollable behavior, such as aggression, it may be time to euthanize them. In some cases, cats can become a danger to themselves and others when they display such behaviours. Euthanasizin your cat at home may be the best solution to protect everyone.

Uncontrolled behaviors that may prompt you to euthanize your cat include:

• Litter box issues
• Excessive vocalization
• Hiding all the time
• Attacking people or other animals

It’s always advisable to try and change your cat’s behavior before putting them down. You can do this by seeking professional help from a vet or animal behaviorist. If the problem persists, then you may have to euthanize your cat.

Financial Reasons

Veterinary bills can be expensive, especially if your cat is suffering from a chronic illness. If you’re struggling to pay the vet bills, you may have to make the tough decision to put your cat down.

It’s important to note that there are other options available, such as pet insurance and GoFundMe campaigns. You should exhaust all options before putting your cat down for financial reasons.

Cognitive Dysfunction

As cats age, they may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This results in a decline in cognitive function and may cause them to be confused and disoriented. Euthanasia may be the best option to prevent further suffering.

Cognitive dysfunction in cats leads to issues like:

• Loss of appetite due to loss of smell
• Inability to use the litter box
• Excessive vocalization
• Wandering aimlessly
• Aggression
• Weight loss because the cat does not eat

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s important to consult a vet. They will help you to make the best decision for your cat.

What is the Cost to Euthanize a Cat?

The cost of euthanizing a cat does not vary greatly like that for dogs. This is because most cats don’t weigh more than 25 pounds.

You should expect to pay up to $150 to euthanize your cat. The cost covers sedation and euthanasia injections, and a visit by the veterinarian. However, it does not cover any cremation fee or aftercare.

It’s important to note that the cost of euthanasia may be cheaper if you do it at home. This is because you won’t have to pay for transportation or aftercare costs.

Low-Cost Euthanasia for Cats

What will you do if you can’t afford the ideal cat euthanasia cost? The solution is simple, look for low-cost euthanasia options for your cat.

There are many ways to get low-cost euthanasia services for your cat. The most common way is to search online or ask around for recommendations.

Another option is to check with your local Humane Society or SPCA. They may offer discounts or have a list of resources where you can get low-cost euthanasia services. The Humane Society of West Michigan is a good example that offers low-cost cat euthanasia.

A Word From Farewell Pet Care

As a cat owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your cat lives a happy and healthy life. However, there may come a time when you have to euthanize them.

As has been detailed in this guide on how to euthanize a cat with over-the-counter drugs, you now know what it takes for a successful procedure.

Euthanasia is a difficult decision to make for many cat owners. However, it’s important to remember that it’s an act of mercy. It’s a way to prevent your cat from suffering any further. There’s no need to leave your cat suffering when you know that there’s no alternative solution.

If you’re considering euthanasia for your cat, consult with your veterinarian first. They will help you to make the best decision for your cat. Finally, don’t forget to consider all of your options, including low-cost euthanasia services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to put a cat to sleep?

Yes. You can put your cat to sleep at home with the help of a veterinarian. This is a good option that will save you the cost of having to transport your cat to the vet.

How can I euthanize my cat without a vet?

If you decide to euthanize your cat at home, you’ll have to get sleeping pills and cat euthanasia drugs from a licensed veterinarian or animal control facility. It’s important to note that you’ll need knowledge of the quantity and the injection location for this. It’s therefore recommended to invite a vet to euthanize your cat at home.

What is the most humane way to euthanize a cat?

There are many ways to euthanize a cat. The most humane way to euthanize a cat is by using a lethal injection of barbiturates. This will cause the cat to fall asleep and die without any pain or suffering.

How can I help my cat pass away?

You can help your cat to pass away by:

• Making sure they are comfortable and have access to cat food and water
• Talking to them in a soft voice
• Stroking their fur
• Giving them treats
• Playing with them
• Allowing them to spend time with their favorite toys or people. These final moments are important for both you and your cat. Try to make them as calm and peaceful as possible.

What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide?

Euthanasia is when a veterinarian administers a lethal injection to a cat. Assisted suicide is when the owner of the cat administers the lethal injection themselves. Both methods will result in the death of the cat. However, euthanasia is the more humane option as it’s less stressful for the cat.

How much does it cost to euthanize a cat?

the cost of euthanizing a cat in a veterinary hospital ranges between $100 and $300. If this seems out of budget you can opt for at-home cat euthanasia. 

How to humanely kill a cat?

You should only consider humanly killing a cat if that’s the last option.

The most humane way to euthanize a cat is by using a lethal injection of barbiturates. This will cause the cat to fall asleep and die without any pain or suffering.