Humane ways to euthanize at home? When in a limited and precarious situation.

A morbid topic which I don't enjoy, but I would really appreciate some helpful and honest feedback.

Here's the story:

I am currently working in an aid project in Africa. There are no vets, I don't have access to a wealth of drugs. One of the cats that lives in our compound (not particularly friendly) had kittens. The one kitten's rear legs are paralyzed, and the mother cat for the most part ignores it. People here are more than content to just let it be and die on its own. My European sensibilities and sentimentality won't allow me to do that. I have taken the kitten in, and it currently lives in my bathroom. We have bonded, and it is no longer afraid of me. I share my meager meals with it, and we get along well. 

I was hoping there may be a humane way to shuffle the kitten loose its mortal coil. I would just break its neck, which I will do if it comes to it, but I was hoping someone could recommend something better....for me and the kitten. I'm going to cry at its death as it is, I would rather not have to do it with my own two hands. 

I could rig up a carbon monoxide apparatus if I had to. 

I have plenty of paracetamol, though I am not sure how humane this is....

Any suggestions would be kindly appreciated.

Other than the paralyzed legs, does the kitten have any health issues that you feel is lowering its quality of life?  If it is just the paralyzed legs, then I'm sure it doesn't have to be euthanized.  With a lot of help from you it can still lead a good life.  Could you care for it while you're there and take it back with you to Europe to get it treated?

"In some cases, if the paralysis cannot be treated but your cat is otherwise healthy, your cat may be outfitted with a special wheelchair (cart) to help it walk. Most cats with carts adjust well and continue to enjoy their lives. "

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_paralysis?page=2

Well, due to the paralysis he is unable to feed himself. He is also unable to properly clean him self which is leading to his eyes crusting up. Until now I have been feeding him and cleaning his eyes. Unattended he will either die of dehydration, sun stroke, or starvation, which will be beneficial before he has a massive eye infection that leads to a slow painful blindness, or abscess in his skull.

I can care for him here, in the couple months I remain, but no, getting him to Europe would be a mountainous task that I think would inflict more stress on him (i.e. truck to airport, helicopter (which won't allow him on) to main town, plane to neighboring country, require quarantine time, flight to Europe...more quarantine.) All for an absurd amount of money. 

The concept of even attempting to fit a cat with a wheel apparatus out here is amusing at best. Please keep in mind that I am in rural Africa - I'll repeat, rural Africa, there is no one to take care of him but me, he can not be transported out of here. 

I know how hard it must have been for you to even think of your OP, let alone write it. Given the circumstances, are there any doctors connected to the aid project who could help? I'm sure there are human drugs that, if injected, could achieve a dignified euthanasia. I'm so sorry you're in this position.

This is so sad, I'm not sure what you can do. I am so sorry you are in this position, at least for now, you're caring for him and keeping him comfortable. Columbine has a good idea.

There are no doctors sadly, nor access to any drugs that I can think of that would give my little pal a calm end.

I just returned home to feed home dinner. He seems to be having increased difficulty swallowing. He also seems to be trying to hide from me, which I suspect may be his animal instinct to go somewhere to die.

I am not sure what I can do for him one way or another.

This is so sad.  Do you access to firearms of any kind, I can't believe I just said that but this is certainly an extreme situation,  It might be quicker and more humane then breaking it's neck.

Paracetamol or other otc painkiller od is a really bad idea (missed that before). Non opiate painkillers result in a long slow painful death...exactly what you want to avoid.

I really think that a co2 chamber is your most humane option. Have you seen this site? http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/index.php
I'm sorry not to be able to help more.

Yeah, sadly, a carbon monoxide device would likely be best in this case, if you can't get some opiates. If you use car exhaust be sure it's an old car, as newer cars have catalytic convertors that make them not put off as much CO. I can't imagine being in that situation, it stinks .

If he is not suffering too badly, could you possibly let nature take its course, and keep him just a comfy and clean as you can? I don't know what else you can do, I'm not sure if the guilt if you did do this, would be something you could handle, I know, I could not.

nansiludie said:

 
If he is not suffering too badly, could you possibly let nature take its course, and keep him just a comfy and clean as you can? I don't know what else you can do, I'm not sure if the guilt if you did do this, would be something you could handle, I know, I could not.

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From your most recent post I wonder if nansiludie is right here, and perhaps offering what care and comfort you can as nature takes its course may be best for both you and this little cat.   

Any alternative assisting nature which you are not familiar with may not go well and cause even further suffering, and guilt for you.   

What ever happens, thank you for caring about this little cat.

I'd been so busy looking at the kitten's predicament that I'd overlooked the human side of things. I agree with the last two posts...so long as you're able to keep the kitten comfortable, it might be best to leave it to mother nature. It can be hard enough asking a vet to euthanise an animal - don't try it yourself unless you are sure you'll be able to cope with the aftermath. to the both of you. You're doing a wonderful thing for this kitten...don't lose sight of that.

I tend to agree. I think you're doing a wonderful thing and this kitten is so so lucky to have found someone compassionate to allow him to enjoy his short life knowing love and safety. When the time comes, it will happen and hopefully will be a peaceful death. Having you around to comfort him may be all that's needed. 

If you do let nature take its course, then it needs to be treated as a hospice case, same as human hospice - needs comfort measures which involve anxiety meds and pain management. Otherwise the kitten will suffer through to the end.

From reading your post, it sounds though that you will take drastic measures.

A difficult situation to be placed in, but makes me wonder if you came onto the site not for recommendations but to ease your mind regarding how you would provide an ending. I mean no disrespect, I have an eldercare and hospice non profit for cats and other animals and am a pastor and healer.