Our Euthanasia Policy
Euthanasia is a controversial topic but we acknowledge and appreciate its relevance to supporters of animal welfare charities.
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It is our policy to make decisions based on ‘absolutely justified’ euthanasia
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We believe in euthanasia when quality of life is unlikely to be restored
As a sanctuary, where cats may live out their days, we believe it is our duty to care for the cats in our home as if they were our family.
We take pleasure in giving them their best quality of life, but we do feel it is important to give cats a pain free, calm, and dignified passing. Suffering is not fair on them or those of us who care about them
Euthanasia could be described as being contextually justified when there is at least one better option available but the circumstances are such that it could not be taken, therefore euthanasia is the best available option.
There may be times when a vet could suggest many alternatives to euthanasia that would give the animal a good quality of life. If these were not undertaken the reason for euthanasia could be described as non-justified.
~ BVA Guide to Euthanasia, 2016
For some cats, their condition makes treatment decisions clear. But with long-term illness and gradual decline, the responsibility falls to us to plan ahead and ensure their final moments are as calm and gentle as possible.
Unless the situation dictates otherwise, we always use home euthanasia as we believe cats should be in the place they know, with the sounds, smells and feels of home. Last moments should be as comfortable as we can make them. They deserve that dignity even more so because most of the cats who live out their days here have been grossly let down by humankind in their past.
Whenever possible, if we are able to plan the moment, cats are given a ‘Princess Day’ to ensure their last moments are full of as much happiness as possible. Princess Day is very much planned around the individual. Volunteers and staff may come in specially to spend time with them or they might like to watch wildlife television, they might like to eat special things or just hang out with their cat friends.
None of the cats we take in are put to sleep unless professional medical advice suggests it is in their best interest. We are grateful to be able to see residents live well into old age in the comfort of this safe haven, even when they have extra care needs. If the cat's medical or behaviour needs mean they cannot be re-homed, they are able to live out life as our permanent family.
We are privileged to work with some wonderful vets who support our cats and our team very well at these difficult times.