Quality of Life Assessment

End-of-Life Care & Saying Goodbye

A Peaceful Goodbye, Surrounded by Compassion

Making the decision to say goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the most difficult decisions a family will ever make. Please know that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

At Cat Hospital of Austin, we understand that every family, every cat, and every goodbye is unique. Our team is here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and support you with compassion, empathy, and respect every step of the way.

Our goal is to make your cat’s final moments as peaceful, gentle, and comfortable as possible while giving your family the time and privacy you deserve.

When Is It Time?

One of the hardest questions we hear is:

“How do I know when it’s time?”

Unfortunately, there isn’t one perfect answer.

Sometimes there are additional treatments that can improve quality of life, while other times the kindest gift we can give is a peaceful passing free from pain and suffering.

If you’re struggling with this decision, our doctors are here to help. We can discuss your cat’s medical condition, treatment options, and overall quality of life to help you make the decision that feels right for both you and your beloved companion.

We also provide a Quality of Life Assessment that can help families objectively evaluate their pet’s comfort, happiness, mobility, appetite, pain, and overall well-being. Many families find it helpful to track both good days and bad days while making this decision.

If you’d like additional guidance, we’re happy to provide this assessment before your appointment and review it together with you.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your appointment will be scheduled just like any other visit, allowing us to reserve dedicated time for your family.

If you choose to be present during your cat’s euthanasia, we’ll bring you directly into a quiet comfort room upon arrival.

You’ll find:

• Soft blankets for your cat
• Fresh water
• Cat treats and snacks
• Tissues
• Calming music
• A peaceful, private environment where you won’t feel rushed

One of our compassionate Client Service Representatives will meet with you and review our Fond Memories memorial options, including:

• Private cremation with return of your pet’s ashes
• Communal cremation
• Beautiful urns and memorial keepsakes
• Paw prints
• Nose prints
• Memorial jewelry
• Personalized remembrance items

If you’d prefer, these options can also be discussed before your appointment so you can focus entirely on your time with your cat that day.

Once you’ve made your selections, our team will complete any necessary paperwork and checkout privately, allowing you uninterrupted time with your companion afterward.

Saying Goodbye

There is no time limit.

Spend as much time with your cat as you need.

When you’re ready, you’ll simply press the call button in your room, and one of our technicians will quietly come to assist you.

Your cat will be gently taken to our treatment area where a small intravenous catheter is placed. This allows the euthanasia medication to be administered smoothly and comfortably before your cat is returned to you.

Once everyone is ready, your veterinarian will administer Euthasol®, a medication that allows your cat to peacefully fall asleep before their heart gently stops beating. The process is painless, calm, and incredibly peaceful.

Your veterinarian will listen carefully with a stethoscope to confirm that your beloved companion has passed before quietly stepping out of the room.

You are welcome to stay with your cat for as long as you need afterward. When you’re ready to leave, simply let one of our team members know.

There is never any pressure to leave before you’re ready.

Honoring Your Companion

We are honored to partner with Fond Memories Pet Cemetery & Crematory, a trusted local provider dedicated to treating every pet with dignity and respect.

Fond Memories offers a wide variety of memorial options, including beautiful urns, handcrafted keepsakes, memorial jewelry, paw prints, nose prints, personalized memorials, and other meaningful ways to celebrate your pet’s life.

Because every family’s wishes are different, we encourage you to browse the available options before your appointment if you’d like additional time to consider your choices.

If you choose private cremation with the return of your pet’s ashes, they are typically returned to our hospital within 7–10 days, and we’ll contact you as soon as they’re ready to come home.

We’re Here for You

Grief doesn’t end when you leave our hospital.

Losing a beloved companion is a deeply personal experience, and everyone grieves differently.

If you need additional support, we’re happy to provide pet loss resources, grief support information, and recommendations to help you navigate the days and weeks ahead.

Please know that our team considers it a privilege to care for your family during this difficult time.

Thank you for trusting us with one of life’s most meaningful goodbyes.