When your cat is dying, it can be difficult to deal with the thought that you will lose him. However, you can make the most of your time with your cat by making it as comfortable as possible. Instead of grieving knowing death is inevitable, take this time to strengthen your bond with your cat and remember how special she is to you.
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Part 1 of 4: Creating a Comfortable Environment for Cats
Step 1. Minimize noise and activity around your cat
As a cat nears the end of its life, it is very important for her to feel comfortable in her own place. He will need a quiet and quiet environment without any noisy activity and chaos. For example, if you have other pets, you should forbid them from seeing your cat.
- Consider moving your cat's resting area to another room that is less crowded or noisy.
- If moving your cat's resting area to another room is too much for him, you should adjust the habits of you and your family to reduce the amount of activity and noise around the cat.
- Let the cat choose the bed. He may immediately choose an area that can provide the calm and peace he wants.
- Set your cat to soft, low-volume music to make him feel more comfortable. Examples of soothing music are birds singing and the sound of running water.
- The noise of everyday life may be too much for the cat in the last remaining days of its day, and you could worsen the disease or its general health.
Step 2. Provide extra bedding for the cat
When a cat is dying, it will be difficult for him to rest as comfortably as he used to. Blankets and extra pads can make the base softer so he can lie down comfortably. Additional pads can also avoid aches that can arise from lying too long in one position.
- Cats can soil their bedding because they can't control their bowels or are physically unable to walk to the litter box. Choose extra bedding that is easy to clean, such as blankets and towels.
- Although comfortable, foam pads are very difficult to clean.
- Check the base regularly for dirt (it feels damp or has feces on it) and clean it frequently if needed.
- Extra bedding can also keep the cat warm. A dying old cat can have a hard time keeping his body temperature down and will get cold easily.
Step 3. Adjust the lighting where your cat is
Changing the light for the cat can make the environment feel more comfortable. During the day, open the curtains to let natural light in. As the sun goes down, set a soft light for your cat.
- Set the dim light when it's time to sleep at night. He will feel more comfortable with dim lights than complete darkness.
- Visit a home furnishing store for dim lighting options for cats.
Step 4. Place the cat's necessities nearby
As a cat nears the end of its life, it may find it difficult to get up and walk. The distance he used to travel to get to his litter box, food bowl, and water was probably too far now. To reduce discomfort when eating, drinking, and using the litter box, place the food and water bowl and litter box in a place that is close and easily accessible to the cat.
- Even if the distance is close, the cat will still have a hard time getting up on its own. You can make a support from a towel or blanket or buy one to help your cat stand up.
- Place the cat's favorite toy nearby.
Part 2 of 4: Feeding Cats
Step 1. Provide good food
Early in your cat's life, you may have to limit tasty treats to your cat so she can maintain her health. Now that he's nearing the end of his life, why not give him more treats? Treat your cat to tuna fish, such as shredded tuna or tuna juice on top of their food.
- Meat-based baby food, like turkey, is another great type of food to feed your dying cat. Since onions are toxic to cats, make sure the baby food does not contain onion powder.
- Gourmet cat food is another delicious food option for your cat.
- Whatever delicious food you give, make sure it has a strong and tempting smell. Cats may not have a big appetite for the rest of their lives, but providing them with very fragrant food can encourage them to eat a little.
Step 2. Make the food easy to eat
Not only will a cat lose its appetite when it is dying, it will also be unable to chew food properly. Therefore, you have to make the food easier to eat, you can soften it by soaking it in water or mashing it.
- In addition to mashing dry food, you can soften it using a blender.
- If you feed your cat baby food, you can mix it with water to make it softer.
- Warming cat food can make it easier and more attractive to eat.
- Talk to your vet if you're not sure what kind of food your cat can eat and what she wants to eat at the end of her life.
Step 3. Give the cat fresh water
At the end of his life, the cat may not drink as much as usual. In addition, his body's thirst signals don't work properly so he doesn't realize he has to drink. Keeping your dying cat hydrated is key to keeping him comfortable.
- Water for cats should be lukewarm rather than really cold.
- If your cat is too weak or in too much pain to drink from her water bowl, you should help her by holding her head up straight.
- He may not want to open his mouth on his own to drink so you'll need to give it a dropper. While supporting his head, position the dropper next to the back teeth inside his cheek. When his mouth is open, drip water directly down his throat.
Part 3 of 4: Managing Cat Health Problems
Step 1. Identify the cat's overall health problem
Cats may be at the end of their life, but that doesn't mean their health problems can be ignored. In fact, trivializing health problems can make it even more uncomfortable and hasten death. Make an appointment with your vet to discuss various cat health problems and what can be done to manage them.
If your cat has a serious illness, such as cancer or chronic kidney problems, make an appointment with the vet to manage and reduce the cat's discomfort
Step 2. Reduce the cat's pain
Depending on the cat's health condition, it may be in pain. When it's dying, you have to do everything you can to reduce it. Your vet can recommend what type of pain medication your cat needs to relieve the pain.
- Remember that in this phase, painkillers are used to make him feel more comfortable, not to treat the physical ailment.
- Consider using a pill popper so you can give the medicine to your cat if she can't open her mouth on her own. Position the pill popper as you would the dropper. When his mouth is open, press the pill popper to put the medicine down his throat. To stimulate the swallowing process, give a few drops of water using a pipette.
Step 3. Manage the cat's urination problem
Pain, illness, or weakness can make it difficult for your cat to use the litter box in a timely manner. If your cat has trouble controlling her urge to urinate, her vet may prescribe medication to regulate her bedwetting habits.
- Cats may have trouble controlling the urge to defecate.
- Examine the cat for dirt or wet spots. Clean the genitals and anus gently to prevent irritation caused by bowel problems. Clean with a soft cloth and warm water.
- Disposable cat diapers are also available in the market. If your pet store doesn't have one, you can look online or ask your vet for a recommendation for cat diapers.
- Diapering your cat can be a little awkward and difficult at first, so it's best to ask your vet for the easiest way to do this.
Part 4 of 4: Preparing for Cat Death
Step 1. Discuss with your veterinarian about euthanasia
While making the most of the time you have left with your cat, you should also be prepared to face the reality of his death. It's not meant to take this problem lightly, but it's something you should do. Discussing it with your vet will help you manage and manage this difficult preparation.
- Euthanasia is a painless and most humane way to end your cat's life. To perform euthanasia, the veterinarian will give you a higher dose of anesthetic. After a few seconds, the cat will be peacefully unconscious and over time it will stop breathing.
- Don't feel ashamed or guilty about considering or discussing methods of euthanasia. Many pet owners are uncomfortable with the idea of "sleeping" their pets.
- Your vet can help regulate your feelings and answer your questions about euthanasia.
Step 2. Determine when the time is right for euthanasia
After discussing with your veterinarian, you are free to determine when is the right time to put your cat to sleep. Instead, look for clinical symptoms that are clearly suffered by cats, such as hiding, sleeping more, defecating, and staying away from humans or always wanting to be accompanied by someone.
- Ask yourself: “Am I keeping my cat alive for me or my cat's?” How you answer that question will help you determine when is the right time to apply euthanasia.
- If your cat is really suffering, despite your best efforts to comfort him, you may want to use the euthanasia method.
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Make a plan to determine when the "right time" is. Your veterinarian can help you come up with a "written" plan to help you determine the best time to euthanize. The following may be of use to you:
- This plan uses your veterinarian's knowledge of your pet's disease progression (if any) to keep you alert for symptoms that may indicate pain or suffering.
- This plan helps eliminate arguments between family members, roommates, or other owners of the cat.
- It's hard to make big decisions with big emotions, too, and planning at a more neutral time can help get rid of the emotions.
- Plans also help research or record your cat's daily activities. When you realize he has more bad days than good days, it may be time to think about euthanasia.
- Once you've made the difficult decision to euthanize your cat, call your vet as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Delaying this process will only make it more difficult for you and will increase your cat's discomfort.
- Some vets will offer to perform euthanasia at the owner's home. Ask your vet if they offer this service. If not, schedule the euthanasia at a time when the vet clinic is quiet--usually in the morning or in the evening.
Step 3. Make a plan to know what you are going to do with the cat carcass
While deciding to euthanize is hard enough, you should also think about what you're going to do with your cat's carcass. You have the choice to bury it or cremate it. Don't feel pressured to choose one of the options above. Determine what makes you most comfortable.
Your veterinarian can provide you with information about cremation and pet burial services
Tips
- Even though it can be hard to think about your cat dying, focus on opportunities to make your cat as happy and comfortable as possible. Focusing on the positive can help you provide the comfort your cat needs and wants.
- Keeping cats as comfortable as possible during their final days is known as a pet hospice. With a pet hospice, you will consider your cat's death a natural part of its life and you want it to be dignified.
- Your dying cat will appreciate the convenience of human interaction. Continue to spend quality time with your cat, even if he can't play like he used to. Hug him gently to reduce the pain and discomfort he feels.
- Since a dying cat doesn't treat itself well, you can help by cleaning the area around the eyes, ears, mouth, genitals, and anus. Wet a soft cloth with warm water to clean it. You can also gently comb the cat's fur with a soft-toothed comb.
- After the cat is gone, allow yourself to grieve. Also, don't hesitate to ask family or friends for help when you're grieving your cat's death.
- Your veterinarian can recommend death counseling services and a pet death hotline that can help ease your grief.
Warning
- Cats can be very good at hiding pain. A dying cat will do its best to cover up the fact that it is in pain.
- Depending on how sick he is, your cat may stop eating and drinking, no matter how hard you try to feed him and drink. Be aware that the smell of food will make him nauseous.
- Your cat's condition may worsen faster than you think. Make contact with the nearest vet and emergency veterinary hospital in case the cat's condition suddenly worsens.
