Image Credit : Steve Johnstone

There are several choices available and you can frequently get support from nearby vets and welfare organizations if your cat needs to be put down but you are unable to pay for euthanasia. 

We recognize that this is a very trying moment, and that you want to do what’s best for your pet. 

The solutions listed below can help your cat without putting you in debt. 

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Image Credit : Felicia Ruiz

Contents 

How Much Will It Cost To Put A Cat To Sleep? 

In the US and the UK, euthanizing a cat can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. Sometimes there are additional costs associated with euthanasia, such as when the vet does a physical examination before making the choice or when other medical supplies are required. 

If your cat consumed garlic, they will require medical attention. 

Additionally, the veterinary facility will provide you with options for your cat’s post-euthanasia disposition (cremation or burial). 

Communal cat cremations cost about $150 (£115), whereas private cremations cost about $250 (£190). 

The price of burial will depend on the circumstances; a home burial may be an option, but there are restrictions to take into account.

The average price to bury a cat in a pet cemetery is about $800/£600. 

If you choose, 

If you want to have your cat’s euthanasia done at home, the operation can cost extra. Setting up a lovely kitty memorial in the garden is just one of many inexpensive ideas to make a home burial feel more poignant. 

What Should You Do If You Don’t Have the Money to Put Your Cat to Death? 1. Speak with the nearby vets 

Calling the vet should be your first move if your cat is sick or close to passing away.

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Image Credit : Finn Frode

They can offer you advice on what to do after hearing about the condition of your cat. 

Many veterinarians are ready to accept small payments or will work with you to come up with a payment plan that will work for your situation, despite the fact that you may feel the doctor is out of your price range. 

Even if you lack the funds to do so, some veterinarians may be ready to assist with euthanasia. 

Veterinarians will work with you to find answers since they do not want your cat to suffer. 

Since many veterinarian practices would have encountered this circumstance in the past, they may have a system for doing so as well as potential payment choices, etc. 

The veterinarian might be able to give you an excellent contact for a nearby shelter or low-cost clinic that helps in these circumstances if they are unable to do the surgery at a cost you can afford. 

Don’t discount this because you are worried about the cost; a quick call to the veterinary clinic could be able to help.

2. Speak to the neighbourhood animal shelter 

Attempt calling the neighbourhood animal shelters and asking for assistance if you are unable to take your cat to the veterinarian. 

Euthanizing cats may be prevented by a cat rescue shelter. 

The majority of animal shelters and rescue groups want to do what is best for the animals, thus they are frequently able to assist in some way. 

You might be asked to bring your cat in, or they might be able to arrange to have it picked up and brought to the shelter. 

In this case, you might have to sign your cat over to the shelter, but they can make sure it is put to sleep in a humane way. 

3. Request financial support from your family and friends. 

Asking for help from friends and family will often result in them being glad to provide so. It’s usually preferable to chat with your friends and family before approaching complete strangers for assistance. Call your loved ones and explain the problem. Friends and family members may contribute funds to help put cats to sleep. You could start an internet fundraising campaign, but given the urgency of the situation and the severity of the problem, it is preferable to speak with your loved ones immediately so you can collect the cash you need right now. 

Online fundraisers need a lot of promotion in order to be seen and for their fundraising targets to be met. 

You could sell some of your possessions to raise the money if you choose to address the matter on your own without seeking assistance. 

4. Speak to an SPCA or other welfare organization 

Some welfare groups and charities assist financially strapped pet owners in paying for their animals’ medical treatment.

As a result of their limited resources, these groups can’t assist everyone, but it’s still worthwhile to get in touch with them and ask if they can. 

They might be able to contribute financially, but there are frequently requirements for who the group can assist and in what ways. 

If the group is unable to assist financially, they might be able to connect you to low-cost clinics. 

If the group is unable to assist financially, they might be able to connect you to low-cost clinics. 

5. Verify Your Animal Insurance 

If your cat is insured, the cost of the surgery can be covered. 

cat insurance eusoh 

Although insurance does have a small monthly premium, it can assist you in paying for your cat’s medical expenses over its lifetime. 

Check your insurance to discover what services are covered and how much coverage you have. 

6. Allow your cat to die naturally. 

In some cases, it’s preferable to allow your cat to die naturally in its own home. 

Always discuss the problem with your veterinarian to ensure that you are acting in your cat’s best interest. 

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It is crucial to ensure that your cat is not in pain or suffering. 

Don’t go this path because you can’t afford the operation; instead, always consult a veterinarian. 

As was already indicated, there are several free options available for you to assist your cat end its life in a humane way. 

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Near Death 

1. A weak heartbeat 

Your cat’s heart rate will start to feel slow and feeble if they are on the verge of passing away. 

By touching your cat’s heart with your palm and counting the beats for 15 seconds, you can check your cat’s heartbeat. 

To determine your cat’s heartbeats per minute, multiply the number by 4. 

This should be between 140 and 220 in a healthy cat. 

Your cat is on the verge of passing away if its heartbeat is lower than this and the beats feel feeble. 

2. Faint Breathing While a healthy cat breathes 20 to 30 times per minute, a cat on the verge of passing away frequently breathes quickly at first, followed by laboured breaths as they struggle to take in enough oxygen. 

Why do cats huff? 

By counting the number of breaths your cat takes every 15 seconds and multiplying that figure by four, you may determine how many breaths they take each minute. 

Your cat may be nearing the end if it is breathing quickly, heavily, fighting to take breaths, or taking very few breaths.

3. Cold Climate 

When your cat is in danger of passing away, they may find it difficult to maintain their body temperature, which causes it to fall below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The ideal temperature range for cats is between 100 and 102.5 degrees F. To check your cat’s temperature, use a thermometer. 

using an oral thermometer, testing the temperature of cats 

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check your cat’s temperature by feeling their paws. Their body temperature is likely low if their paws are chilled. 

Insatiable 4. 

Cats frequently lose their appetite when they are ill or on the verge of passing away. 

If your cat stops eating their regular meals or does not eat at all, this is a typical sign that they are about to 

During their later phases, your cat can also lose a significant amount of weight. 

5. Disgusting Odour 

Finally, your cat can start to smell unpleasant. 

Your cat’s breath will first be the main source of this offensive smell. 

Over time, the stench will worsen and your cat’s body will start to smell bad as well. The shut-down of your cat’s organs is what’s causing this odour.