How to prepare for your cat’s home euthanasia appointment
Although we don’t want to think about our cat’s death, gentle preparation can make your cat’s in-home euthanasia appointment far more peaceful—free from fear, stress, and unnecessary discomfort.
At Paws at Peace, our goal is always the same:
your cat feels safe, relaxed, and loved in their final moments.
With the steps below, most cats remain so calm that they don’t even notice the first injection.
Understanding the Euthanasia Process
The euthanasia process begins with a small injection using a tiny needle, which delivers medications that relieve pain, anxiety, and fear. These medications allow your cat to slowly fall asleep before the final medication is given.
With proper preparation, this step is typically smooth, gentle, and minimally noticeable to your cat.
1. Use Gabapentin When Recommended (Strongly Encouraged)
If there is any chance your cat may be fearful, reactive, or stressed by handling or needles, we strongly recommend giving gabapentin approximately 2 hours before your appointment.
Gabapentin is an oral medication that helps cats feel:
- Calm
- Relaxed
- Sleepy
- Free from anxiety and pain
It can be prescribed by:
- Your regular veterinarian, or
- A Paws at Peace veterinarian (a brief telemedicine visit is legally required first). If you would like us to do this click the button below to schedule a telemedicine appointment to prescribe gabapentin.
2. Minimize Startling Noises
If your cat is afraid of doorbells, buzzers, or knocks:
- Let us know before your appointment
- We are happy to call or text when we arrive instead
This small change often prevents significant stress.
3. Don’t Go Get Your Cat When We Arrive
When unfamiliar people enter the home, sick cats often hide—because hiding feels safe.
When we arrive:
- We will sit down first
- Have a brief, quiet conversation with you
- Allow your cat time to adjust to our presence and voice
Please do not pull your cat out of hiding unless we decide that is the best course of action.
4. Let Your Cat Enjoy What Brings Them Comfort
Your cat can remain wherever they feel most comfortable during the entire appointment.
Depending on your cat’s preferences:
- Lap cats may stay on your lap the whole time
- Cats who love brushing can be brushed as they relax
- Food-motivated cats may eat favorite treats during the first medication
- Quiet companionship and gentle touch are always welcome
Cats often choose locations where they feel safest. We will calmly approach your cat in that space and give the first injection there.
There is no “right” way—only what feels right for your cat.
5. If Your Cat Is Not a Lap Cat, We Come to Them
If your cat dislikes being picked up or restrained, we usually begin where your cat already is.
Cats often choose locations where they feel safest. We will calmly approach your cat in that space and give the first injection there.
Once the medication starts working and your cat starts to get sleepy, we can move them if you like to a lap or couch.
6. If Your Cat Reacts Briefly to the Injection
With proper preparation (especially gabapentin), most cats do not react at all.
Occasionally, cats can react to the small needle. If this happens, and if your cat starts to walk or move away:
- Please resist the urge to chase them
- Give the medications 30 seconds to take effect
Within moments, your cat will feel relaxed, pain-free, and calm—and you can then gently approach them.
7. How We Handle Restraint (When Rarely Needed)
Occasionally, gentle restraint is needed—most commonly for:
- Fearful cats
- Feral or semi-feral cats
- Cats who are younger or more active
When this is necessary:
- A soft towel or blanket is placed over the front half of the body
- The injection is given quickly and calmly
- Medications typically start to take effect within 30 seconds
This scenario is rare, especially when gabapentin is used, which is why we recommend it so strongly.
Comfort Tip
- Have a favorite blanket or towel nearby—familiar smells help
-
If your cat prefers solitude, that’s okay too
We always follow your cat’s lead 🤍
All About Gabapentin for Cats
Gabapentin is a commonly used medication that:
- Reduces anxiety
- Provides pain relief
- Promotes relaxation and sleepiness
It is generally very safe for cats. They can sometimes get pretty sleepy from gabapentin, but I’d always rather them be sleepy than scared.
How Gabapentin Is Given
- Oral liquid
- Tablet
- Capsule (can sometimes be mixed with food but many cats will not eat it mixed with food due to it’s bitter taste.
- Transdermal: If giving oral medication is not possible, a transdermal (ear-applied) version may be prescribed. We don’t recommend this unless absolutely necessary since absorption is difficult to predict and it may not be as effective.
We can discuss the best option for your cat at a teleconsult if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear information for confident choices
Which cats benefit most from gabapentin?
Almost all cats benefit, especially:
- Cats fearful of needles or handling
- Cats who hide when strangers enter
- High-energy or easily overstimulated cats
-
Cats who dislike restraint or being held
In reality, this applies to most cats.
What if my cat hides in a hard-to-reach space?
Please don’t pull them out. We will gently coax them and, if needed, use a towel or carrier for calm, minimal-stress containment.
Can I stay with my cat?
Yes. Most guardians choose to be present. If you prefer not to be, we completely respect that and will guide you either way.
Can I feed my cat the day of the appointment?
Yes. You may feed your cat normally and offer favorite treats. Please do not force food if they aren’t interested.
Should I give regular medications that day?
Yes—continue your cat’s normal medications unless you’ve been told otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Preparing ahead allows your cat’s final moments to be gentle, quiet, and filled with comfort—at home, with you, and without fear.
At Paws at Peace, it is our honor to help you care for your cat with compassion until the very end.