Euthanasia of Cats by Australian Veterinarians: A Survey of Current Practices

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Veterinarians are frequently called upon to euthanise cats. As the way in which euthanasia is performed can impact the welfare of cats, we sought to describe the contemporary feline euthanasia practices of Australian veterinarians. We also sought to determine factors associated with the administration of premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia. In an online survey of Australian veterinarians, 95.1% had euthanised at least one cat in the previous 12 months, of which 79.0% had performed euthanasia of a cat in the context of an emergency. Nearly all veterinarians euthanised cats using a barbiturate (99.8%). Premedication or sedation was administered in 71.0% and 52.4% of non-emergency euthanasia and emergency euthanasia, respectively. The most common agent used for premedication or sedation in non-emergency euthanasia was tiletamine-zolazepam, while the most common agents used in emergency euthanasia were opioids. Female veterinarians, those working in ‘other’ workplaces, and those in metropolitan locations were more likely to administer premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia. This study identified scope for refining euthanasia techniques to maximise the welfare of cats, their owners or guardians, and the veterinary team members caring for them. ABSTRACT: We sought to document the contemporary feline euthanasia practices among Australian veterinarians and determine the factors associated with the administration of a premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia. Australian veterinarians who had euthanised at least one cat during the previous 12 months were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. From 615 valid responses, 585 respondents (95.1%) had euthanised at least one cat in the last 12 months, of which 462 respondents (75.1%) had performed an emergency euthanasia. Intravenous (IV) injection (n = 536, 91.6%) of pentobarbitone sodium (n = 584, 99.8%) was the predominant primary method. Premedication or sedation was administered to cats by 415/585 (71.0%) and 242/462 (52.4%) of respondents in non-emergency and emergency euthanasia, respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, for non-emergency euthanasia, being female and working in a metropolitan area were significant predictors for administering a premedication or sedation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively). For emergency euthanasia, working in an ‘other’ type of practice was a significant predictor for administering a premedication or sedation (p < 0.001). Australian veterinarians vary in their approach to feline euthanasia. There is scope for refinement of euthanasia techniques to maximise the welfare of cats, their owners or guardians, and veterinary team members.