Understanding the Euthanasia Process: Did My Cat Experience Pain?

Did My Cat Suffer During Euthanasia?

“My 6-year-old Persian cat fought lung cancer for 5 months before his oncologist told me it was time to put him to rest.

I don’t understand why he was given three injections to euthanize him. He was given propofol and euthasol, at least that’s what the final invoice said. He was given 1 shot which I was told was to sedate him and the second shot was to put him to sleep. After the second shot, the doctor listened for a heartbeat and said he was gone. He then gave him a third shot.

What was the third shot for? I’m concerned that my baby might have suffered. Please let me know what happened. Thank you.” —Catherine

Propofol and Euthasol for Felines

Your cat did not suffer. The first injection, propofol, is a potent injectible anesthetic used in surgery, and pets given this medication go to sleep and do not feel any pain at all.

The second injection was the euthanasia solution. Euthasol is made with a barbiturate and a medication that will prevent seizures; when given in overdose, they help the cat go into a deeper sleep and then cause a painless death.

Potassium Chloride

The third injection may have been potassium chloride. I am not positive since a third medication was not listed on your invoice, but the veterinarian may have heard a faint heartbeat or felt some movement in the heart muscle. The AVMA requires that a pet have no signs of life, so if the heart is still moving at all, more medication may be needed.

Although potassium chloride is not used alone without general anesthesia, if the cat is already sleeping, it is not painful at all. It is toxic to heart cells and will quickly stop the heart from beating.

Euthanasia Is Painless

It sounds like the veterinarian wanted to end your cat’s suffering as quickly as possible. I am sorry to hear that your cat was not able to beat the cancer, but you can be sure that his final moments were painless.

This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2023 Mark dos Anjos, DVM