How long does it take for euthanasia to work? I need to know for tomorrow :'(?

Question

How long does it take for the medicine to go in and start shutting down the animal? It's a small cat, so there's less blood to diffuse into or whatever.

Somebody please tell me, so I know how long I have with my poor kitten :(

And will the vet let me stay up by her head when she goes?

Answer 1

I had to put my beloved 8 year old female cat down just 2 days ago.

Once she received the shot, she was gone before the needle was empty. It was injected just above her right paw.

I am so sorry for the loss of your little kitten.

Answer 2

takes about 15/25 seconds for an amimal that size and ask the vet because they will sometimes let you stay

Answer 3

Vets usually administer a muscle relaxant first (a quick shot). This calms the animal down, gives you some time with your pet (about 15 minutes) and makes it easier for the vet to administer the final drug into the vein, which is a little more difficult. The drug takes effect very fast, maybe 15 seconds. I have been through it many times, but honestly time seems to get distorted under these conditions for me.

Usually, most vets will give you the option of being with your pet. By all means, you should be with your kitty at that final moment. Your cat needs you at that final moment more than ever.

I'm so sorry about the kitty. Gently journey...

Answer 4

It works very quickly and I'm sure the vet will let you stay with her. I'm so sorry this is happening, it must be awful for you.

Answer 5

sorry dont know but you can take em to a vey and they will tell you.

Answer 6

Once the medicine is injected it takes less than a minute. She will have a catheter in her front leg, so you can even hold her in your arms so you can talk to her quietly and let her know how much she is loved.  Afterwards, the vet should leave you alone for a while so you can hold her and grieve in private.

We have all been where you are going.  You have our condolences on losing your little companion.  Sometimes writing a journal helps one through the grieving process.  Share your loss with those who understand what it means to lose a furry friend.  It will help.

Answer 7

It does not take long- If your vet does not alreasy do this ( ask first)- have the vet give the cat a sedative first- this will help the cat to relax and you to- she will not fell  pain and things will go smooth-

I am very sorry that you have to do this- my heart goes out to you !

Yes the vet should let you stay and be with her-as long as you like.

Answer 8

you have to look at it as this is the time you have with the kitten right now and death occurs instantly. otherwise, you might miss your chance to say goodbye.

the kitten will usually fall asleep in seconds, with death following soon after. but death can occur as soon as the medicine is administered.

i would discuss this with the vet before he does it.

i get the impression you think it takes a long time, a slow process.

i am very sorry for your loss.

Answer 9

It is very quick, about a minute or two, it doesnt matter the size of the animal, they adjust the dose given, once they inject the needle your kitten will just close its eyes and appear to be sleeping. We had to put down my dog and the vet let us stay with her until we wanted to go.

Answer 10

It will happen in les than a minute. most wets will let you stay with them throughout if you can handle it.

Answer 11

AZZY.......

MAKE SURE YOU CAN HANDLE THIS. AND YOU ARE SURE THAT YOU WANT TO BE PRESENT.

I CANT AND THERE IS NO SHAME IF YOU CANT.

THINK OF IT.....THAT YOU WERE THERE FOR YOUR CAT FOR ALL OF THOSE YEARS. AND I THINK YOUR CAT AND ANYONE WILL UNDERSTAND IF YOU CANT BE THERE.

TO EACH IS A PERSONAL AND PRIVATE DECISION.

BLESS YOU AND YOUR BABY............

Answer 12

My heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your kitten.

The medicine the vet will use takes only seconds to relax the kitten and begin shutting down the heart.  Within a minute or two, she will be gone and on her way to the Rainbow Bridge.

Yes, they will let you stay with her.  Many vets will put you in a quiet room and allow you as long as you need before they begin the process.  

Tell her how much you love her, what a pleasure she has been to you and the joy she has brought to your life.  Tell her you understand she is ill and you will miss her, but you understand that she needs to leave her ill body behind.  She will understand, trust me.

Reminisce the happy times when she was healthy and let those sweet memories make you smile inspite of the pain in your heart.

I will pray for a peaceful journey home for her and comfort for you.

Purrs to you and kitten.