1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

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1300 228 377
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Euthanasia & End of Life Care

Grey tabby cat wearing a blue collar sitting on a windowsill and looking out over a sunlit garden, with memorial text reading, “I have loved you your whole life. I will miss you the rest of mine.”

How do I know when the time is right?

Losing your cat unexpectedly or having to make the decision to euthanase your cat is a terribly difficult time. It is also very hard to know when the time is right, particularly for elderly cats or cats diagnosed with a terminal disease.

The “right time” will be variable for different owners and different cats. Advice from your vet can be helpful, particularly as they can evaluate whether any medical or surgical options may help. We also offer a Quality of Life and Palliative Care Service. When there is no reasonable alternative, making the decision to perform euthanasia can be the kindest option as it allows your cat to die with peace and dignity.

Tabby and white cat sleeping peacefully on a windowsill, curled beside a sunlit window with one paw hanging over the edge.

The decision is never easy, and considering the following may help.

Cats are creatures of habit with favourite foods, sleeping spots and behaviours. If your cat:

  • No longer interacts with you in their normal way
  • Is not eating even their favourite foods
  • Is not resting peacefully
  • Is not grooming
  • Is not toileting normally
  • Is not sleeping in their usual places

Something isn’t right. Speak with us or your regular vet if you are worried.

What happens during euthanasia?

Euthanasia is generally a simple and painless process that involves a large overdose of anaesthetic drugs to cause the heart to slow and then stop.

You may wish to stay for the injection and hold your cat, or not. This will always be a personal choice.

A cat will typically have an intravenous catheter placed into a vein to allow the injection to be given. Once the injection is started, the heart will stop within 30-60 seconds.

Sometimes cats sigh or pass urine or stools afterwards, which is a natural part of the body relaxing. After they have passed, cats do not close their eyes.

Before euthanasia, it is important to think about what you would like to do with your cat’s body afterwards. You may wish to have your cat cremated with a private crematorium company, take their body home for burial, have a communal burial or have a post-mortem examination. Post-mortems can be organised free of charge for the benefit of veterinary students to learn and contribute to information on diseases in the future. If you wish to receive specific information from a post-mortem, this is a paid service from the University.

A vet is gently petting a white cat

Dealing with Grief

The time leading up to and after losing your cat is tough. There is no normal response to grief, and everyone will handle this experience and the decisions differently. It can be overwhelming, and these feelings are all part of the grieving process. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions in front of us. We understand what you are going through and are used to supporting people through this difficult time.

  • Remember it is ok to grieve, you love your cat
  • Share stories with people who understand the bond you had with your cat
  • Look after yourself
  • Speak to people if you think you need more support
Loss of a Cat

Children and the loss of a cat

Helping children deal with the loss of their cat is hard. A wonderful book called The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst celebrates the love that remains after the loss of a pet in a simple way that young children can understand.

The book can be purchased here.

Sharing stories and encouraging open conversations can help children process their feelings and remember their cat fondly.

It may help young children to commemorate their pet. This could take the form of a memorial service with friends and family, making a book with photos or drawings or for older children,

volunteering services or making a donation to rescue groups or shelters. This also improves the quality of life for those animals that need it most.

Counselling services and support are available specifically for people who have lost their pets.

Close-up of a cat’s paw resting gently in a person’s hand, capturing a quiet moment of comfort, companionship, and affection.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

See All Stories

Kitty, a lymphoma survivor

We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass

Poppi finds her feet again

Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected

Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey

Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.

Lando’s long game with cryptococcus

Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.

Popeye coughs up the culprit

Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.

Cat Specialist Services Reviews on

Tanya Bell

6 months ago

We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.

Melinda Cox

A month ago

So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.

Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.

It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.

At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.

We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.

NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.

Lesley Rosekrans

A month ago

Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.

Madison McEwan

A month ago

I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.

Astrid El Gamal

6 months ago

Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.

Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!

Deeba M

3 months ago

Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!

Judith Dionysius

A month ago

My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.

Janelle Wieden

5 months ago

We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services

Georgia Carter

5 months ago

My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.

I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.

Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.

I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.

Lauren Woodward

A year ago

My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377
1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed

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