Losing a beloved cat is an incredibly painful experience, even when it’s anticipated. Our feline companions are family members, and navigating the grief that comes with their final days is never easy. Being prepared is the most compassionate approach for both ourselves and our cherished pets.
As a cat approaches the end of life, they may exhibit a range of behavioral and physical changes. Understanding these signs is crucial for knowing when to seek veterinary guidance to ensure your cat’s final moments are as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
Behavioral Signs a Cat Is Dying
The progression of a cat’s final days is unique to each individual, influenced by their health history and overall constitution, as Dr. Michael Kearley, DVM, points out. Recognizing when a cat is dying often relies on keen observation of their routines and personality.
Cats nearing the end of their lives may display physical symptoms linked to underlying illnesses or the natural processes of aging. These physical changes frequently manifest as alterations in their behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn, less active, or, in some cases, seeking more affection.
Changes in behavior are often the earliest indicators noticed by cat parents. It’s vital to consult your veterinarian if your cat suddenly starts acting uncharacteristically.
Symptoms of dying in cats, whether age-related or due to end-stage diseases, often include behavioral shifts triggered by these physical changes.
“A significant part of the dying process involves the body gradually shutting down, which affects mental functions,” explains Dr. Kearley. “Consequently, many cats nearing death become less reactive and responsive to their surroundings.”
Behaviors that can signal a cat is dying include:
- Reclusiveness or hiding: Seeking isolation is a common response when cats feel unwell or vulnerable.
- Reduced alertness: A dying cat may seem less aware of their surroundings and less responsive to stimuli.
- Decline in activity: Lethargy and a noticeable decrease in energy levels are often observed.
- Changes in sleeping patterns: They may sleep more than usual or in unusual places.
- Increased vocalization: Some cats may become more vocal, meowing, or crying out more frequently, potentially due to pain or disorientation.
- Abnormal aggression: Irritability or unexpected aggression can occur if they are in pain or feeling unwell.
- Poor grooming: A lack of self-grooming can indicate they are feeling too weak or unwell to maintain their hygiene.
- Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat or a significant decrease in appetite is a serious sign.
- Clumsiness: Weakness and disorientation can lead to stumbling or a lack of coordination.
The signs a cat is approaching death also encompass physical symptoms. It’s crucial to contact your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation if you observe any of the following:
Physical Symptoms a Cat Is Dying
In addition to behavioral changes, several physical symptoms can indicate that a cat is nearing the end of its life. These signs are often more pronounced and require immediate veterinary attention. These symptoms include:
- Weight loss: Noticeable and unexplained weight loss, often accompanied by muscle wasting.
- Lethargy and weakness: Extreme fatigue and a lack of energy, making it difficult for them to move around.
- Vomiting: Persistent vomiting, especially if it’s not related to a known dietary change or minor illness.
- Diarrhea: Uncontrolled or persistent diarrhea.
- Pale gums: Gums that are pale white or bluish instead of healthy pink, indicating poor circulation or anemia.
- Changes in breathing: Labored breathing, rapid breathing, or shallow breaths.
- Seizures or tremors: Involuntary muscle contractions or shaking.
- Drooling: Excessive salivation, which can be a sign of nausea or other underlying issues.
- Decreased body temperature: Feeling cold to the touch, especially in their paws and ears.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Accidents happening outside the litter box, even if they were previously well-litter trained.
- Wounds that won’t heal: If your cat has any injuries, you might notice they are not healing properly.
- Tumors or growths: New lumps or existing ones that are growing rapidly.
- Bad odor: An unusual or foul odor that is not related to hygiene.
It is essential to understand that these physical symptoms are serious and warrant immediate veterinary consultation. They can be indicative of a serious underlying condition or the body shutting down in the final stages of life.
What To Do if You Think Your Cat Is Dying
If you find yourself wondering, “Is my cat dying?” it’s imperative to “call your family veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian immediately,” advises Dr. Heather Loenser, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer of Suveto Veterinary Health.
The physical symptoms mentioned above are clear indicators that something is seriously wrong, and your cat requires a professional diagnosis. If your veterinarian diagnoses a terminal illness, they will discuss the next steps with you and assist in creating an end-of-life plan for your beloved companion. This plan may include ongoing treatment, hospice care, palliative care, or humane euthanasia.
“There are many things that pet parents and veterinarians can do together, in partnership, to prepare in advance and make this transition as peaceful as possible,” Dr. Kearley emphasizes.
Your veterinarian’s role is to inform you about all available options, but ultimately, the decisions about your cat’s care and timeline are yours to make. When facing the difficult question, “How do I know if my cat is dying?” a vet can provide crucial support by assessing your pet’s symptoms and behaviors to determine if they are suffering.
Behavioral changes are often indicators of pain and discomfort resulting from physical symptoms. If your cat’s quality of life has significantly declined, your veterinarian might recommend hospice care or humane euthanasia as compassionate options.
“Our aim is for every cat to have as peaceful a passing as possible, to experience a ‘good death’,” Dr. Kearley states. “This is precisely what euthanasia provides.”
Cat Dying Stages
As devoted pet parents, we all desire a peaceful and pain-free death for our cats, ideally from natural causes. However, in reality, cat death is often most peaceful when it is facilitated by euthanasia.
Choosing to say goodbye when the time comes is an emotionally challenging decision. Yet, pet parents can find solace in knowing that euthanasia offers a swift, pain-free way to alleviate a cat’s suffering in their final moments.
“Cats should not have to endure the stages of death without veterinary care,” Dr. Loenser stresses. “Veterinary hospice and palliative care teams are invaluable in explaining the stages of death specific to your cat’s condition.”
During euthanasia, your veterinarian will administer medication to help your cat relax before giving the injection that will gently end their life. As the body relaxes completely, there might be muscle twitching or involuntary release of feces or urine. Your cat may take a few deep, final breaths before passing. Once complete, your veterinarian will confirm that your cat has passed away by checking for a heartbeat.
Cat death without euthanasia can be a more distressing experience. Unmedicated death is often accompanied by labored breathing, a drop in body temperature, and an inability to move. This process can be very stressful for both the cat and their human companion, and it can unfortunately last for several hours.
Reaching out to your veterinarian as soon as you notice the initial signs that your cat may be dying is crucial. The stages of death in cats are often quicker and significantly more comfortable when you have the support and guidance of veterinary hospice care.
Cat Death FAQs
How do I know if my cat is dying?
A cat nearing the end of life may exhibit both physical symptoms and behavioral changes. Common signs a cat is dying include weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, reclusiveness or hiding, and a decline in alertness.
If you observe physical symptoms or a significant change in behavior, contact your vet immediately for guidance and support.
What happens right before a cat dies?
In the case of euthanasia, a cat’s final moments are typically very peaceful. They may exhale deeply, twitch slightly, or lose control of their bladder and bowels as their body fully relaxes under the influence of the medication.
Do cats know when they are dying?
While humans can comprehend the prognosis of a disease or condition, a cat “sees only what’s in front of them,” explains Dr. Kearley. They experience pain or the discomfort of not wanting to eat, for example. However, whether cats possess an understanding of their own mortality remains unknown, although they do seem to sense death in other animals and humans.
How can I help my cat pass away peacefully?
If your cat has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you can enhance their comfort in their final days through palliative care. This includes creating a comfortable, warm resting space, providing pain management as prescribed by your vet, adapting the litter box for easy access, and ensuring they receive adequate hydration and nutrition.
“Seek veterinary care early on so your veterinarian can advise you on hospice, palliative care, or euthanasia options,” advises Dr. Loenser. “Simply ‘letting nature take its course’ can often mean a cat endures unnecessary suffering.”
