Saying Goodbye: A Cat's Final Days And Hours

when a cat is dying

Watching a beloved pet's health deteriorate is never easy, and cats, in particular, can be extremely difficult to read as they are good at hiding their pain. However, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for that can help you recognise when your cat needs extra care and comfort and could help to identify an issue early enough to extend their quality of life.

Characteristics Values
Behavioural changes Reclusiveness or hiding, increased vocalisation, increased affection, changes in sleeping patterns
Physical symptoms Lower body temperature, weight loss, loss of appetite, lower energy levels, poor response to treatments, poor temperature regulation, lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, odour, breathing difficulties, loss of mobility, confusion, disorientation

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Loss of appetite

Causes of Loss of Appetite in Cats

There are several potential issues that can cause a cat to lose its appetite, usually grouped into two categories: psychological and medical.

Psychological causes

  • Moving to a new home
  • A new pet or baby joining the family
  • Travel to an unfamiliar location
  • Stress (e.g. bullied by another pet, hospitalization)

Medical causes

  • Vaccination side effect
  • Dental issue (e.g. toothache)
  • Digestive system disease (e.g. stomach, oesophagus, liver)
  • Kidney infection or chronic kidney disease
  • Bacterial infections
  • Viruses
  • Inflammation disorders
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Upper respiratory problems
  • Problems with the lungs or heart

How You Can Help

If your cat is still eating but experiencing weight loss, talk to your vet about the possibility of increasing their calories or putting them on a special diet.

If your cat has lost their appetite, switching to canned food, warming up their food, offering smaller meals more frequently, or adding unsalted broth to their food might help stimulate their appetite. Your vet might also suggest:

  • Feeding techniques at home, such as giving food directly from your hand or through a syringe and adding favoured foods
  • Appetite-stimulating drugs that also handle other symptoms, such as nausea
  • Intravenous or subcutaneous injections of fluids to ensure your cat remains hydrated
  • A feeding tube to send liquefied or softened food directly into your cat's digestive system

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

  • If your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours
  • If your cat is showing signs of pain or symptoms of illness like vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, difficulty breathing, or problems urinating
  • If your cat is behaving unusually, e.g. hiding away, altered drinking habits, or urinating more or less than usual
  • If your overweight cat suddenly stops eating, as this can lead to hepatic lipidosis or 'fatty liver', a serious and often fatal disease

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Lack of energy

A cat with a lowered energy level is a classic sign of a cat nearing the end of its life. Cats are known to be independent and energetic, so when they start to lose interest in their favourite activities, it can be a cause for concern.

A cat that is usually energetic and playful may become lethargic and sedentary, refusing to move or play. They may no longer show interest in chasing their favourite toys or even follow you into the kitchen when food is on offer. This can be a sign of joint pain or muscle weakness, making it difficult for them to navigate their surroundings. You may notice them struggling with climbing stairs, jumping onto furniture, or getting into their litter box.

As cats approach the end of their lives, they may also sleep more and more, sometimes due to weakness or depression. They may be too weak to stay awake and may sleep for long periods of time. Senior cats, in particular, may experience decreased mobility due to muscle loss and arthritis.

Additionally, cats nearing the end may have lower energy levels due to a lack of appetite and dehydration. They may lose interest in eating and drinking, which can leave them feeling weak and tired. Their bodies know that it takes work to process food and drinks, so they may conserve their energy.

If you notice your cat becoming less active and more lethargic, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can help determine if your cat is nearing the end of its life or if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

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Changes in behaviour

As cats approach the end of their lives, they may exhibit certain behaviours that indicate their health is deteriorating. Recognising these signs can help you provide your cat with the care and comfort it needs during this difficult time. Here are some changes in behaviour to look out for:

Reclusiveness and Hiding

Cats may become more reclusive and seek out solitude during their final days. They may hide in new places, such as behind furniture or outside, and may not want to come out even for meals or treats. This behaviour could be due to their natural instinct to protect themselves from predators when they are ill or vulnerable.

Increased Affection or Irritability

Some cats may exhibit a dramatic change in behaviour and become more affectionate and clingy, constantly following you around and seeking attention and cuddles. On the other hand, some cats may become irritated or lash out when you try to pet or comfort them. These behavioural swings can be an indication that your cat is unwell or nearing the end of its life.

Loss of Interest in Food and Water

Lack of appetite and decreased water intake are common signs that a cat is dying. They may refuse to eat or drink, losing interest in meals and treats. This could be due to swallowing becoming painful, nausea, or a decreased sense of taste and smell. As a result, they may become dehydrated and lose weight.

Changes in Grooming Habits

Cats are usually meticulous groomers, but when they are approaching the end of their lives, they may lose the energy to groom themselves, resulting in a messy and unkempt appearance. Their fur may become oily, matted, or thinner due to weight loss.

Altered Sleeping Patterns

Cats may experience changes in their sleeping patterns, sleeping more than usual or becoming restless and wandering the house at night. They may also appear depressed, listless, or confused, getting lost in familiar environments.

Increased Vocalisation

Some cats may become more vocal as they approach the end of their lives. They may meow more frequently or loudly, or their meows may sound different, indicating discomfort or pain.

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Poor hygiene

As cats approach the end of their lives, they may stop grooming themselves, leading to a decline in their hygiene. This can manifest as a greasy, scruffy-looking coat, and long-haired cats may develop mats, particularly on their hind end, underbelly, and behind the ears. Cats may also have excessive dandruff and flaky skin.

If your cat will tolerate it, gentle grooming with a soft brush can help them feel better. You can also gently wipe your cat clean with pet cleaning wipes.

Cats with poor hygiene may also develop an abnormal body odour. This is due to the breakdown of tissues and buildup of toxins in the body. Cats with diabetes may have a sickly sweet smell, and cats with kidney failure may have breath that smells like ammonia.

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Breathing difficulties

A cat's breathing can be a key indicator of their health, and monitoring their respiratory rate is a good way to check for signs of deterioration. A healthy cat takes between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. If a cat is struggling to breathe, it may be a sign that their heart has become weak, causing the lungs to operate less effectively and less oxygen to be pumped into the bloodstream.

If a cat is nearing the end of its life, you may notice a change in their breathing pattern. Their respiratory rate may speed up and slow down at random, and they may even stop breathing for short periods before starting again. This is an emergency situation and you should seek veterinary help immediately.

Other signs of breathing difficulties include open-mouth breathing, stretching their head and neck out straight from their body, and strong abdominal movements as they breathe. These signs indicate that your cat is struggling to get oxygen into their body.

As a cat's health deteriorates, their lungs may fill with fluid, causing slow, laboured breathing. This can be distressing to witness, and it is important to remember that a cat's breathing may become very difficult in their final moments, even if they are euthanised.

If you notice any of the above signs, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may be able to provide medication to help alleviate your cat's symptoms and make them more comfortable.

Additionally, you can help your cat by providing a warm and comfortable environment, with easy access to food, water, and a litter box. It is also important to keep their bedding clean, as they may experience incontinence.

Remember, the end-of-life experience varies for each cat, and some cats may exhibit different or additional symptoms. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's health.

Frequently asked questions

Cats exhibit certain behaviours that indicate they are nearing the end of their life. These include a lack of interest in food and water, lower energy levels, weight loss, and seeking solitude.

Cats can be quiet about showing pain, but careful observation will help you identify if your cat is suffering. Signs include acting more reclusive, panting or struggling for breath, reluctance to move, and a decreased appetite.

You can provide a soft, warm bed with extra blankets, and ensure their bedding is kept clean. You may also need to help your cat eliminate by carrying them to the litter box if they are too weak to get up. Consult your vet about end-of-life care options, such as pain medication or equipment to help with eating and drinking.

Euthanasia can be a difficult decision, but it may be the most humane choice if your cat is in extreme pain or discomfort. Consult your vet, who can advise on the best course of action.

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