Off The Record
9 Heartbreaking Signs Your Cat May Be Near The End—And How To Help
The loss of a cherished pet is always heartbreaking, even when it is anticipated. The loss that comes with a pet’s last days cannot be easily processed because they are a member of our family. Being ready is the best thing pet owners can do for their animals and themselves.
A cat may exhibit specific habits and physical signs as their life draws to a close. You may make your cat’s death as painless and comfortable as possible by being aware of the warning signs that indicate your cat is dying and knowing when to seek veterinarian assistance.
What Are the Signs a Cat Is Dying?
According to Michael Kearley, DVM, a cat’s last days will differ depending on their health history. Therefore, studying your cat and noting changes in routine and personality is frequently the key to figuring out whether your cat is dying.
Physical signs of old age or underlying ailments may be present in cats who are nearing the end of their lives. Additionally, they will exhibit behavioral changes, frequently becoming more affectionate, less active, or more withdrawn.
If your pet is suddenly acting like a completely different cat, make sure to call your veterinarian because only pet parents will notice behavioral changes.
Behaviors resulting from bodily changes are part of the symptoms of end-stage diseases and age-related death.
“I think part of that dying process is when the body starts to shut down, those mental faculties go away,” Dr. Kearley says. “So many of these dying cats are less reactive and responsive.”
The following behaviors could be signs of a dying cat:
- Hiding or being withdrawn
- Diminished attentiveness
- Activity decline
- Modifications to sleeping habits
- An increase in vocalization
- Unusual hostility
- Untidy appearance
- Appetite loss
- Clumsiness
Physical symptoms are other indicators that a cat is near death. If you observe any of the following, get in touch with your veterinarian for an assessment:
- Loss of weight
- Laziness
- Eyes that are sunken
- Problems with the respiratory system
- Throwing up
- Having diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low body temperature
What To Do if You Think Your Cat Is Dying
Anyone who’s asking themselves “Is my cat dying?” should immediately “call their family or emergency veterinarian,” says Heather Loenser, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer of Suveto Veterinary Health.
Your cat requires a professional evaluation because the physical signs listed above are a blatant indication that something is amiss. Your veterinarian will discuss the following steps with you and assist you in creating an end-of-life plan for your pet if they find a terminal illness. This could involve palliative care, hospice, treatment, or compassionate euthanasia.
“There’s a lot that pet parents and veterinarians together, in partnership, can have [prepared] ahead of time to make this transition as peaceful as possible,” Dr. Kearley says.
Although it is your veterinarian’s responsibility to inform you of your options, you are ultimately in charge of determining what actions to take and when. When you ask a serious question like, “How do I know if my cat is dying?” a veterinarian can help by talking about your pet’s symptoms and habits to determine whether they are in pain.
Behavior changes are frequently a sign that a cat is experiencing bodily signs of pain and discomfort. Your veterinarian might recommend humane euthanasia or hospice care if your cat’s quality of life has declined.
“We want a cat to have as peaceful of a passing as possible, and a good death,” Dr. Kearley says. “That’s what euthanasia is.”
Cat Dying Stages
As cat owners, we all want our felines to pass away quietly and painlessly, preferably from natural causes. However, euthanasia usually results in the most tranquil death for cats.
When the moment comes, it’s hard to envision deciding to say goodbye. However, pet owners can find solace in the knowledge that euthanasia is a rapid and painless method of ending a cat’s suffering near the end of their life.
“Cats should not have to pass through stages of death without veterinary care,” Dr. Loenser says. “Hospice and palliative care veterinary teams can help explain the stages of death for your particular cat.”
Before giving your cat the shot that will terminate their life, your veterinarian will give them medication to help them calm during euthanasia. The body may twitch or release pee or feces when it rests. Before dying, your cat might take a few deep, last breaths. After it’s finished, your veterinarian will check for a heartbeat to make sure your cat has passed.
The death of a cat without euthanasia could cause more trauma. Low body temperature, difficulty moving, and laborious breathing are common symptoms of unmedicated death. Both the cat and the pet parent may experience a great deal of stress during this lengthy process.
As soon as you see the first indications that your cat might be dying, it’s critical to consult your veterinarian. With veterinarian hospice support, a cat’s final moments are more rapid and comfortable.
FAQs on Cat Death
How do I know if my cat is dying?
A cat nearing the end of its life may exhibit behavioral changes in addition to physical signs. Weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, appetite loss, hiding or withdrawing, and a decrease in attentiveness are all typical indicators that a cat is dying.
Please reach out to your veterinarian promptly if you notice any physical symptoms or a significant change in behavior.
What happens right before a cat dies?
The final moments of a cat’s life are usually quite tranquil when they are put to sleep. As their body relaxes, they can twitch, release a deep breath, or lose control over their bladder and bowel.
Do cats know when they are dying?
A cat “sees only what’s in front of them,” according to Dr. Kearley, whereas humans are able to comprehend the prognosis of an illness or condition. For instance, they are aware of their discomfort or their desire to avoid food. Although cats appear to sense death in both people and other animals, it is impossible to determine whether they are aware of their mortality.
How can I help my cat pass away peacefully?
Palliative care can help pet parents make their cat’s last days comfortable if they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This could entail making cozy, warm bedding, managing pain, moving the litter box to make it easier to reach, and encouraging thirst and hunger.
“Seek veterinary care early so that your vet can counsel you on the hospice, palliative care, or euthanasia options,” Dr. Loenser says. “Simply ‘letting nature take its course’ often means that a cat is suffering needlessly.”
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