It's a heart-breaking thought that no pet owner wants to consider, but putting a cat to sleep (euthanasia) is something we will likely have to consider when faced with our cat’s ill health or reduced quality of life.

The decision to put a cat to sleep is always difficult and intensely personal. Unless there is a serious urgency such as an untreatable injury or illness, you will probably have time to examine your options and talk to family and friends. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but base your decision on what's right for your pet's comfort and your vet’s advice. Sometimes it is very hard to make such a decision when you are upset, but your vet will have a lot of experience in this area and will hopefully advise you in a sensitive and kind way. We are fortunate as pet owners that we have the option of ending our pet’s pain or suffering in a painless and dignified way. Remember that it is quality of life that is important for our pets, not necessarily quantity if that life is uncomfortable or involves a lot of medical intervention, for example. Having your cat put to sleep because they are unwell is a kind and unselfish decision.

The procedure is quick and, more importantly, absolutely painless. Your vet will administer a measured overdose of anaesthetic, and your cat will quickly slip into a deep and permanent sleep with no discomfort or distress. The drug is usually given through a vein in the front leg, and your vet may put a ‘line’ or catheter into the vein first. You will usually be able to stay with your cat if you want to, unless there is a reason that this is not the best thing for your cat (e.g. they are very unwell and the procedure needs to be performed before you can get there). Depending on your veterinary practice they may be able to come to your house to put your cat to sleep. Usually a veterinary nurse will also be present to hold your cat and help the vet administer the drug but often you can cuddle your cat or have them on your knee. Occasionally, if your cat gets upset or stressed, a sedative will be given first to relax them.

You will be given the option of burying your cat in your garden yourself, or you can have the vet take your cat away and ask for the ashes to be returned. Some people like to then scatter the ashes in a favourite place, or keep them in a special container. Tell your vet what you would prefer.

Don't feel foolish grieving. Unfortunately, people without pets may not understand why you are so upset or that, to you, your cat was a member of the family. You may need to take a few days off work. Grieving is a normal, healthy reaction to the loss of a family member - which our cats really are. Don’t forget that putting your cat to sleep is the final kindness you can offer as a loving pet owner, however upsetting it is for us. It allows your pet to pass away gently and with dignity.

Time, of course, is the great healer. Creating a memorial can help, like holding a small remembrance service in your garden or planting a tree or plant, either where your cat is buried, or in a favourite spot. This can also help children cope with the loss of a pet as they watch the tree grow and blossom and become a living memorial. Talking to someone who has been through a similar experience is also a great comfort, which is one of the reasons why The Society of Companion Animal Studies has teamed up with the Blue Cross to create a 'Befriender Service'.

Telephone Befrienders are there to counsel and listen to pet owners who have been bereaved. Befrienders are volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, have completed a six-month training programme, and receive calls in their own home. They offer a 'listening ear' to help pet owners work through their loss.

You can contact their helpline on freephone 0800 096 6606 every day between 8.30 and 5.00pm. A co-ordinator will provide you with the contact details of the nearest available Befriender. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.scas.org.uk. The site also offers a range of articles to give you all the support you need at this difficult time.

Remember that it is not silly to feel very upset, even devastated, by the loss of your cat. If you feel very depressed please contact your GP or Samaritans to discuss how you feel. www.samaritans.org, 08457 90 90 90.