What do they inject into cats for euthanasia? - briefly
For euthanasia in cats, veterinarians typically inject a concentrated overdose of a barbiturate, such as pentobarbital, which induces rapid and painless unconsciousness followed by cardiac arrest.
What do they inject into cats for euthanasia? - in detail
Euthanasia in cats is typically performed using a combination of drugs designed to ensure a painless and peaceful passing. The most common substance used is pentobarbital, a barbiturate that acts as a central nervous system depressant. When administered intravenously in a high dose, pentobarbital rapidly induces unconsciousness, followed by the cessation of brain activity and cardiac arrest. This process is quick and minimizes distress to the animal. In some cases, a sedative or anesthetic, such as propofol or ketamine, may be administered beforehand to calm the cat and ensure it is fully relaxed. The procedure is carried out by a licensed veterinarian to ensure it is performed humanely and correctly. The use of pentobarbital is widely accepted in veterinary medicine due to its effectiveness and reliability in providing a painless end-of-life experience. Proper dosing and administration are critical to avoid complications and ensure the process is as gentle as possible for the cat.