Is it ethical to ask for my cat to be euthanized in my suicide note?

[OrganicCow]

I'm planning on CTB soon and have figured out how to best support my mom while she figures out something long term.

In my note I am leaving a handwritten signed and dated note going over who can have my money and property so that it can hopefully be used as a "holograph will".

Now the part where I'm torn. When I am gone should I request that my 18y/o cat be euthanized upon my death? I know it sounds sick but she is 18 and has dementia HCM and CKD. She has been my cat since I was 3 years old and has come with me when I moved out of my abusive step mothers house and lived with me while I rented a room in someones house.

Now we live in a new city in an apartment with my mom. She is extremely attatched to me and I worry that she will struggle greatly upon my death. I don't want this innocent baby to struggle without me and I want to prevent her suffering.

Should I request that my cat be put down in my final letter?

 

[bl33ding_heart]

Since your cat is so old and already struggling from health complications I don't think it's necessarily that bad. Losing you would likely make your cat suffer even more. I knew someone that wanted to buy a gun to shoot their cat and then themselves, and their cat wasn't old or suffering. I get that it wasn't out of malice but it did make me side eye them a little.

 

[mutsu]

I agree with bl33ding_heart, I think considering that the cat is already old and suffering from those conditions, I would agree that asking for euthanasia would probably be okay.

Especially since its in your suicide note, the cat won't be in danger in the event that SI kicks in or the attempt fails, as long as you dont euthanize the cat prior to you passing (unless of course it needs it) then I don't see an issue

 

[fadedghost]

Like it will sort of be trivial for her in comparison. Like it will be earth shatteringly devestating and life destroying if you ctb. That's just how it is. The cat, dead or alive, mentioned in a note or not, will be trivial.

 

[dust-in-the-wind]

Honestly, if you are really going to ctb then you should euthanize your cat before you do so. That would be the right thing to do if she is so attached to you and think she will suffer in your absence.

 

[ThisUnrest]

Im sorry that you and your dear friend are in this situation. Knowing she has medical struggles already, you could evaluate her quality of life (using a list online), and if appropriate, ask the vet to help her on her way, if she's not feeling well.
Just keep in mind it's very likely that you won't be able to go forward with your own plans, so you may feel incredibly lonely and guilty afterwards, if you are still left behind without her. Making plans to leave is often much easier said than done. None of this is easy. It's all very complicated and heartbreaking. I feel for you and wish you comfort.

 

[Bishop]

Honestly, if you are really going to ctb then you should euthanize your cat before you do so. That would be the right thing to do if she is so attached to you and think she will suffer in your absence.

Agree

 

[Zaphkiel]

Honestly, if you are really going to ctb then you should euthanize your cat before you do so. That would be the right thing to do if she is so attached to you and think she will suffer in your absence.

Was about to say this, you're kinda relegating the issue there, and your cat will need you in her final moment

 

[DeathSweetDeath]

I think it's possible that your mother might find your cat to be a great comfort after you CTB. Maybe they would enjoy each other's company for a few more years despite your cat's health issues. Maybe not. Either way, after you CTB, it may not be easy for your mother to have it euthanized.