A cat that is nearing the end of its life will display certain behaviors that will let you know that the time is near. Cats will refuse to eat and drink, appear weak, and lose weight. Many cats instinctively seek solitude during their final days. Recognizing the signs that your cat is dying will help you provide final care for your beloved pet.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Looking for Signs
Step 1. Feel the cat's heartbeat
A slower heart rate is a sign that the cat is getting weaker and nearer to death. A healthy cat's heart rate is between 140 and 220 seconds per minute. The heart rate of a cat who is seriously ill or weak will drop drastically from the normal heart rate, indicating that death is imminent. Here's how to measure your cat's heart rate:
- Place your hand on the left side of the cat's body, just behind its front paw.
- Use your stopwatch or smartphone to count the number of heartbeats you feel in 15 seconds.
- Multiply by 4 to get the heart rate per minute. Assess whether the measure is healthy or below normal.
- A very weak cat's blood pressure will also drop, but blood pressure cannot be measured without special equipment.
Step 2. Check the cat's breathing
A healthy cat will breathe at a rate of 20-30 breaths every minute. As the cat's heart weakens, the lungs function less effectively and less oxygen is pumped into the bloodstream. This causes rapid breathing as the cat struggles to get oxygen, followed by slow, forced breathing as the lungs begin to fill with fluid and breathing becomes more difficult. Monitor your cat's breathing in the following ways:
- Sit near the cat and listen quietly to the cat's breathing. Watch his belly rise and fall as he breathes.
- Use a stopwatch or smartphone to count how many breaths the cat takes in 60 seconds.
- If his breathing is getting faster and heavier, or if the cat seems to be taking only a few breaths, he may be nearing death.
Step 3. Take the cat's temperature
A healthy cat's temperature is between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. A cat near death will have a lower body temperature. As the heart weakens, body temperature will drop below 38 degrees Celsius. You can check your cat's temperature in the following ways:
- Use a thermometer. If you have a veterinary thermometer, take your cat's temperature in his ear. Otherwise, you can use a digital rectal thermometer to take your pet's temperature. Adjust the thermometer, insert the thermometer slightly into the cat's rectum, and wait for it to beep to see the temperature.
- If you don't have a thermometer, feel the sole of the foot. If it feels cold, this can be a sign that his heart is getting weaker.
Step 4. Pay attention to your cat's appetite and drinking
It is very common for cats to stop eating and drinking towards the end of their lives. Pay attention to whether the place to eat and drink looks always full. Cats will also show signs of anorexia, such as looking limp due to weight loss, skin that isn't tight and eyes that look withered.
- Check for cat litter. A cat that does not eat and drink will not urinate much and will have dark urine.
- Since your cat is weak, he may not be able to control his exhaust system so you may see your cat littering around the house.
Step 5. Notice if the cat smells
When a cat's internal organs start to malfunction, toxins will build up in the body, causing a foul odor. If the cat is near death, the cat's breath and body will smell bad and will rot more and more over time because it can't get rid of the poison.
Step 6. See if the cat wants to be alone
In the wild, a dying cat understands that it is so vulnerable to predators that it will look for a place to die in peace. A dying cat will instinctively hide in a secluded room, under furniture, or somewhere outside the house.
Step 7. Take the cat to the vet
If you see any signs that your cat is sick, take her to the vet immediately. Many of the omens foreshadowing imminent death also portend a serious illness that can be cured with proper care. Don't assume that because a cat has these signs, it is certain to die; there is still hope to save him.
- For example, chronic kidney disease is common in older cats. The symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of a dying cat. With proper care, cats with this disease can live for several years.
- Cancer, urinary tract disease and tapeworm are examples of curable diseases with the same symptoms as a dying cat.
Part 2 of 3: Making Cats Feel Good
Step 1. Consult a veterinarian about care when dying
Once it's determined that medical treatment won't significantly extend the cat's life, it's a good idea to ask your vet about ways to make your cat as comfortable as possible at the end of his life. Depending on your cat's symptoms, your vet may prescribe painkillers, utensils to help him eat and drink, or plasters and ointments to treat wounds.
- Many cat owners are now choosing to do home care to make their pet's dying situation easier. Owners provide round-the-clock care to keep their pets healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.
- If you're not sure whether to apply a particular treatment, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet to provide your cat with the care she needs.
Step 2. Provide a soft and warm bed
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your dying cat is to provide a warm, comfortable place to rest. At this time, the cat may not be moving around very much, so he may spend most of his time in bed. You can make her favorite place to sleep more comfortable by providing some soft blankets.
- Make sure the cat's bedding is clean. Wash blankets every few days in hot water. Do not use detergents with strong fragrances as this can irritate your cat.
- If your cat wets the bed, cover the bed with a towel that you can easily change every time your cat pees.
Step 3. Help the cat to urinate comfortably
Sometimes, cats have difficulty walking to the litter box and urinating normally. If your cat is too weak to stand, you should take him to the litter box every few hours. Talk to your vet about putting your cat on a leash or sling to make it more comfortable to urinate.
Step 4. Monitor the cat's level of pain
Your cat may be in a lot of pain even if it doesn't meow loudly or flinch when you touch it. Cats show pain more calmly. However, with close observation you can tell when the cat is in pain. Observe the signs of suffering below:
- Cats are more introverted than usual.
- The cat is panting or having trouble breathing.
- The cat won't move.
- Cats do not eat and drink as voraciously as they normally would.
Step 5. Determine if euthanasia is necessary
The decision to euthanize a cat is not an easy one. Many cat owners prefer to let their cat die naturally at home. However, if your cat's suffering is getting worse, you should consider euthanasia as an act of affection. Call your vet to help determine if the time is right.
- Take note of the cat's level of suffering and pain. When the “bad days” outnumber the “good days”-the days when your cat can stand up and move or breathe easily-it may be time to talk to your vet about ending your cat's suffering.
- If you opt for euthanasia, your vet will give you a sedative followed by medication that will allow the cat to die peacefully. This process is painless and only takes about 10 to 20 seconds. You can choose to stay indoors with your cat or wait outside.
Part 3 of 3: Dealing with Cat Death
Step 1. Handle the cat carcass
If your cat dies indoors, it is very important to store the carcass in a cool place before continuing with the cremation or burial. This is done to ensure that the cat's body will not decompose so that it can endanger the health of your family. Wrap the cat carefully in plastic (such as a plastic bag) and store the cat's body in a cool place, such as a refrigerator or on a cold hard floor. If the cat dies by euthanasia, the vet will properly store the cat's body for you.
Step 2. Decide whether to cremate or bury him
If you prefer to have cremation, talk to your veterinarian about cremation in your area. If you choose to bury your cat, find out if there are pet graves nearby so you can bury them there.
- In some US states, burying pets in the yard is legal, while in others it is illegal. Before deciding on a cat's burial place, find out about the laws in your area.
- You may not bury cats in public parks or other public areas.
Step 3. Consider bereavement counseling after your pet is gone
The death of a pet can be difficult. Feeling deep sadness when a pet dies is normal. Make an appointment with a bereavement counselor who specializes in helping people who have recently lost their pets. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a qualified counselor to you.
