The question posed is challenging. It may seem that such a query could only arise from a lack of concern, but that assumption may not hold true. Consider a hypothetical situation where your middle-aged, uninsured cat is struck by a vehicle. Although the cat survives, it sustains severe injuries, including multiple fractures, lacerations, and internal damage. The veterinarian estimates the treatment costs at £20,000 but also presents an alternative: euthanasia, despite the injuries not being fatal.
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Faced with such a daunting dilemma, your decision may hinge on your financial resources and the value you place on your cat. While some cat owners might choose to pay the demanded amount, as evidenced by stories I’ve read, the majority, albeit reluctantly, would consider euthanasia, deeming their cat’s life not worth £20,000.
They might be able to raise the money in getting a loan or a second mortgage but they probably would not. There is value to each cat in each home in various parts of the world.
The attitude of the cat owner also depends on the general attitude of the country where they live in relation to domestic cats. In some countries cats are deemed pests if they are semi-domesticated. In countries where cats are eaten domestic and community cats are almost valueless.
Societal attitudes play an important role in a cat owner’s decision on the value of the life of their cat.
Perhaps like you, I have read of cat owners asking their veterinarian to euthanise their perfectly healthy cat which must have less than a zero value to them. At the other end of the spectrum a rich owner of a valuable F1 Savannah cat worth £30,000 would probably fork out £20,000 to treat their cat.
In summary what are some of the factors influencing a cat caregiver’s decision on the value of their cat’s life? These are my thoughts:
- Whether the cat is a costly purebred or a moggie adopted from a rescue center or from the street.
- The wealth of the cat owner.
- The closeness of the bond between cat caregiver and cat. The closer and more meaningful the relationship the more likely it is that the owner will pay a large veterinary bill.
- Societal attitudes and pressures about domestic cat value which vary widely across the globe.
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Johanna Noble
A Sunday Times journalist, Johanna Noble, provided us with her thoughts which got me thinking; hence this article.
Joanna, the money editor at The Sunday Times, raises a valid point regarding pet insurance. She notes that the emotional attachment owners have to their cats can lead to them being pressured into paying substantial sums for veterinary treatments.
She questions the appropriateness of “doing everything possible to keep our furry friends alive.”
She also ponders whether our actions are for us or for our pets, a point that merits consideration. I have previously mentioned that cat owners who keep their pets indoors often do so more for their own peace of mind than for the safety of the cats. While both objectives are achieved, the primary concern for the caregiver is often their own anxiety about their cat’s safety.
Her mother criticized her for doubting whether she would do everything to save her cat in an emergency. However, Joanna believes in being pragmatic, a sentiment she is not alone in holding.
Cat owners are generally expected to do everything within their means and with the welfare of the cat in mind to keep their pet alive. The key questions are: What is the prognosis? Is the cat happy and content? Does it suffer from a chronic illness that will only worsen? With the cat’s welfare as the focus and guided by sound advice from a reputable veterinarian, an appropriate decision can be reached.
The growing acceptance of assisted dying, or euthanasia, for humans in the UK and the broader world may inform this issue. Applying similar protective rules to our pets as we would to humans can help ensure we are making the right choices.
Many individuals opt for assisted dying, traveling to clinics in mainland Europe for euthanasia. They seek a dignified and painless end. If domestic cats could communicate their desires, they might wish for the same.
