Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a sleeping cat and a dead cat. Instead of looking like they were sleeping curled up or lying down, the cat may have just died without the owner knowing. How to identify it? There are various signs that can help you determine the cat's condition, such as checking for breath, pulse, and eyes. Although difficult, checking the cat's condition can help you determine whether the cat is dead, and to begin preparing for the cat's funeral or cremation.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking for Signs of Life
Step 1. Call the cat
Say the cat's name as you would call it to eat. A sleeping cat will usually wake up when it hears your call. After all, what kind of cat wants to miss his meal? If the cat is dead or sick, it may not respond.
This method is not suitable for deaf or deaf cats. Instead, hold the food to his nose so that he can smell it. You can also use the usual method of getting your cat to eat
Step 2. Check the cat's breath
Does the cat's chest rise and fall? Is his stomach moving? Hold the mirror to the cat's nose. If the mirror becomes dewy, the cat is still breathing. If there is no dew on the mirror, the cat may not be breathing.
Step 3. Examine the cat's eyes
The cat's eyes will open when the cat is dead. To close, the cat's eyes require the work of the eyelid muscles. The cat's pupils will also look wider when it's dead.
- Gently touch the cat's eyeball. Before doing this test, don't forget to wear disposable gloves. If it's still alive, the cat will wink. However, if it is dead, the cat's eyes will feel soft and not hard.
- Check that the cat's pupils are dilated and immobile. If it's dead, the cat's pupils will dilate and don't respond to light. One way to test a cat's brain reaction is to briefly shine a flashlight in the cat's eyes. If the pupil reacts then the cat is unconscious and not dead.
Step 4. Examine the cat's femoral artery
You can check your cat's pulse by placing both fingers over the femoral artery. The femoral artery is located on the inside of the thigh and close to the cat's groin. Press the area gently for 15 seconds. If the cat is still alive, its pulse will be felt..
- You can calculate your cat's pulse per minute (BPM) using your watch. Count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4. The result is the number of beats per minute (BPM).
- A healthy and normal cat's heart rate is 140-200 beats per minute.
- Check the cat's pulse repeatedly while moving your fingers to different areas around the cat's inner thigh. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find and feel the cat's pulse.
Step 5. Feel the cadavers in the cat
Stiffness of the body, or rigidity of the body after death, will occur 3 hours after death. Wearing gloves, lift the cat and feel its body. If the body feels very stiff, chances are the cat is dead.
Step 6. Examine the cat's mouth
When the cat's heart is no longer beating, the cat's tongue and gums will look pale and no longer pink. When the cat's gums are gently pressed, capillary refill will not occur. This usually indicates that the cat is dead or dying.
Method 2 of 3: Dealing with Dead Cats
Step 1. Call the vet
Take the cat to the vet after you have confirmed that it is dead. The vet can calm you down a bit by confirming the cat's death. The vet can also tell the cause of the cat's death. If you have more than one cat, knowing the cause of the cat's death can help prevent your other cats from contracting the same disease.
Step 2. Bury the cat
Once you're sure the cat is dead, you can bury it. Think of a suitable location to bury your cat. Do you want to bury it in your yard? Or in a beautiful place that you like? Once you've determined a suitable location, bring along gloves, a shovel, and a box for your cat. Honor your beloved cat by holding a simple funeral ceremony.
Bring some stones or a tombstone to mark your cat's grave
Step 3. Cremation of your cat
Burying a cat may not be a method that works for everyone. Then, you can ask the vet to cremate the cat. You can store the cat's ashes in a pot, or spread it around the yard.
Step 4. Allow yourself to grieve
Coping with the death of a pet cat can be very painful. Remember that grieving is normal and healthy, and everyone has their own way of grieving. When you're grieving, don't blame yourself for your cat's death. Always remind yourself that your cat feels loved and that his life is happy. If necessary, enlist the help of a close friend or relative to encourage you. Don't forget to watch for signs of depression.
Method 3 of 3: Helping Sick or Dying Cats
Step 1. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the cat
If the cat stops breathing and/or the heart stops beating, perform CPR on your cat. CPR is done by giving rescue breaths, pressing the chest, and opening the airway.
- After successful CPR and the cat is breathing again, you should still take him to the vet as soon as possible. Otherwise, the cat's breathing may stop again. In addition, CPR can also cause injury.
- While you're performing CPR, it's a good idea to have someone else call your vet for advice or to let them know you're on your way.
- Do not press on the cat's chest if the pulse is still felt.
Step 2. Take the sick cat to the vet
If possible, take a sick or dying cat to the vet as soon as possible. This is so that you don't have to perform CPR on the cat, and to ensure that the cat gets the best possible help.
Step 3. Keep the cat warm
Warm your sick cat or kitten with a blanket, T-shirt, or towel. It would be even better if these warm objects are placed in a box or container where the cat sleeps. This will make the cat feel warm. For kittens, it is very important to regulate their body temperature to stay alive.
