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A cat nearing the end of his or her life may exhibit certain behaviors that will let you know it's almost time. The cat may refuse to eat or drink, have a lower energy level and experience weight loss. Many cats instinctively seek out solitude during their final days. Recognizing the signs that your cat is dying will help you provide the best possible end-of-life care for your pet.
Steps
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Feel the cat's heartbeat. A lowered heart rate is a sign that the cat may be getting weaker and nearing death. A healthy cat's heart rate is between 140 and 220 beats per minute (bpm). A very sick or weak cat's heart rate may drop to a fraction of the normal rate, indicating death could be near. [1] X Research source Here is how to measure your cat's heart rate:
- Place your hand over your cat's left side, right behind his/her front leg.
- Use a stopwatch or your smartphone to count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds.
- Multiply the number by four to get the heart rate beats per minute. Assess whether the bpm is at a healthy or below-normal level.
- A very weak cat's blood pressure will drop as well, but this can't be measured without special equipment.
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Check the cat's breathing. A healthy cat takes between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. If a cat's heart has become weak, the lungs operate less effectively and less oxygen is pumped into the bloodstream. This causes rapid breathing as the cat struggles for oxygen, followed by slow, labored breathing as the lungs fill with fluid and breathing becomes very difficult. [2] X Research source Monitor your cat's breathing in the following way:
- Sit near your cat and quietly listen to his/her breathing. Watch his/her abdomen rise and fall with each breath.
- Use a stopwatch or your smartphone to count how many breaths she takes in 60 seconds. [3] X Research source
- If she is breathing quite rapidly and heavily, or if she seems to be taking very few breaths, she may be close to the end.
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Take the cat's temperature. A healthy cat's temperature is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. [4] X Research source A cat nearing death will have a lower body temperature. As the heart weakens, the body temperature begins to drop below 100. You can check your cat's temperature in the following ways:
- Use a thermometer. If you have an ear thermometer, take your cat's temperature in his ear. If not, you can use a digital rectal thermometer to take the temperature of pets. Set the thermometer, insert it about 1 inch into the cat's rectum, and wait for it to beep to learn the temperature.
- If you don't have a thermometer, feel his paws. If they're cool to the touch, this could be a sign that his heart is slowing down.
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Monitor the cat's eating and drinking. It is very common for cats to stop eating and drinking toward the end of their lives. Notice whether your cat's food and water dish seem to always be full. Your cat may also exhibit physical signs of anorexia, such as a wasted look from losing weight, loose skin and sunken eyes. [5] X Research source
- Check the cat's waste as well. A cat who is no longer eating or drinking will have lower output and darker urine.
- As the cat weakens, he may have low or no control over his urinary tract and bowels, so you may notice accidents around the house.
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See if the cat has an odor. When a cat's organs begin to shut down, toxins build up in the body and cause a bad smell. If your cat is near death her breath and body may have a foul odor that gets worse and worse over time, since she has no way of eliminating toxins.
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See if the cat seeks solitude. In the wild, a dying cat understands that it is more vulnerable to predators, so it seeks out a place where it can pass away in peace. A cat who is dying may instinctively hide in an out-of-the-way room, under furniture or somewhere outside. A dying cat may also be clingier to fellow cats or you.
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Take your cat to the vet. If you notice any signs that your cat is ill, take him to the vet right away. Many of the signs of imminent death are also signs of severe illness that could be cured with proper treatment. Don't assume that because your cat exhibits these signs, he is definitely about to die; there could still be hope. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
- For example, chronic kidney disease is common among older cats. The symptoms of the disease are very similar to end-of-life symptoms. With proper intervention, however, a cat with chronic kidney disease could live for many years.
- Cancer, lower urinary tract disease, and diabetes are also examples of potentially curable problems with symptoms similar to those of a cat who is dying. [7] X Research source
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Consult with your vet about end-of-life care. Once it has been determined that medical intervention will not significantly prolong your cat's life, you'll want to talk with your vet about how to make your cat as comfortable as possible in her final days. Depending on your cat's symptoms, the vet may provide a prescription for pain medication, equipment to help her eat and drink, or bandages and salve to dress a wound. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
- Many owners are now turning to "home hospice care" to ease their pets' passing. The owners provide round-the-clock care to keep their pets healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.
- If you don't feel comfortable administering a certain form of treatment, you might be able to set up frequent appointments with your vet to get your cat the care she needs.
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Provide a soft, warm bed. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a cat who is nearing the end of his life is provide warm, cozy place to rest. At this point your cat probably isn't moving around very much, so he's probably spending most of his time in his bed. You can make his favorite place to sleep more comfortable by providing extra soft blankets.
- Make sure your cat's bedding is kept clean. Wash the blankets every couple of days in hot water. Don't use a highly perfumed detergent, since this could be irritating to your cat.
- If your cat is experiencing incontinence, line the bed with towels that you can easily change out each time your cat urinates.
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Help your cat eliminate comfortably. Sometimes cats have trouble making it to the litter box to relieve themselves normally. If your cat is too weak to get up, you may have to carry her to the litter box every few hours. Talk with your vet about getting a sling for your cat to help her eliminate more comfortably.
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Monitor your cat's pain level. Your cat may be in severe pain even if she doesn't cry or flinch when you touch her. Cats exhibit pain more quietly, but with careful observation you should be able to tell when she is having a hard time. Look for the following signs of suffering: [9] X Research source
- The cat is acting more reclusive than usual
- The cat is panting or struggling for breath
- The cat shows reluctance to move
- The cat is eating or drinking even less than usual
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Decide whether euthanasia is appropriate. The decision to euthanize a cat is never an easy one. Many cat owners would prefer to allow their pets to die naturally at home instead. However, if your cat's suffering becomes extreme, you may decide that euthanizing him is the more humane choice. Call your vet to help you decide when the time has come.
- Keep a diary of your cat's level of suffering and pain. When the "bad days" outnumber the "good days" — days when your cat can get up and move around or breathe easily — it might be a good time to talk with your vet about ending your pet's suffering.
- If you choose euthanasia, the vet will administer a sedative followed by a medication that causes him or her to pass away peacefully. The process is painless and takes between 10 and 20 seconds. [10] X Research source You may choose to stay in the room with your pet or wait outside. [11] X Research source
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Take care of your cat's remains. If your cat dies at home, it's important to store the body in a cool place until you're able to proceed with cremation or burial plans. This ensures that the body won't deteriorate or become a hazard to your family's health. Wrap the cat carefully in plastic (such as a plastic bag) and store the body in a cool place, such as a freezer or on a cold concrete floor. If your cat is euthanized, the vet will properly store the body for you. [12] X Research source
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Decide between cremation and burial. If you would like to have your cat cremated, talk with your vet about options in your area. If you would prefer to bury your cat , research local pet cemeteries where you can have your cat interred.
- In some states it is legal to bury your pet on your property, while in other places it is not legal. Before deciding where to bury your pet, research your local laws. [13] X Research source
- It is illegal to bury your cat in a public park or other public land.
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Consider grief counseling after the death of your pet. The death of a pet can be extremely difficult. It's normal to feel deep sadness once your pet has passed away. Make an appointment with a grief counselor who specializes in helping people who have lost pets. Your veterinarian may be able to refer you to a qualified counselor.
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Tips
- If your cat tries to pee and can't, take them straight to a vet, because this can be very dangerous for any cat, whether they have cancer or not.Thanks
- Abdominal cancer is an unhappily common thing in older cats. Keep an eye on any sudden changes in weight, especially if the cat has been eating less but still has a swollen, firm belly. Tumours can also sometimes press on nerves or the spine and affect a cat's ability to manage their hind legs, tail, and toileting.Thanks
- Be sure to consult with your vet at the first sign of illness in your cat. It is possible that medical intervention could significantly extend your cat's life.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://icatcare.org/advice/cardiomyopathy-heart-disease-in-cats/
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/breathing-problems-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/breathing-problems-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/cat-dog-first-aid
- ↑ https://icatcare.org/advice/how-to-encourage-your-cat-to-eat/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/end-life-care-faq
- ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/end-life-care-faq
- ↑ https://icatcare.org/advice/chronic-kidney-disease/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To know if your cat is dying, try feeling its heartbeat and counting the beats per minute. If your cat's heartbeat is significantly less than the healthy range of 140-220 beats per minute, it could be a sign that it's dying. Also, watch your cat's breathing and try to count how many breaths it takes per minute. A healthy cat will take 20-30 breaths per minute, so if your cat is breathing a lot less than that, it could be a sign that something is wrong. You should also watch your cat's eating and drinking habits since dying cats tend to stop eating and drinking in their final days. To learn how to care for a dying cat, scroll down!
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- "My 20 year old cat started seizing, and that has been treated with moderate success. I appreciated your practical and thoughtful article, because it gave clear descriptions, good and thoughtful advice, and reaffirmed a calm and compassionate approach to what is a very sad parting of ways with my animal companion of 2 decades. Thank you for a kind and no-nonsense article, and especially for touching upon matters before and after the pet's impending death. JML, MD" ..." more
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"My 20 year old cat started seizing, and that has been treated with moderate success. I appreciated your practical and thoughtful article, because it gave clear descriptions, good and thoughtful advice, and reaffirmed a calm and compassionate approach to what is a very sad parting of ways with my animal companion of 2 decades. Thank you for a kind and no-nonsense article, and especially for touching upon matters before and after the pet's impending death. JML, MD"
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"My cat just died 3 days ago. I am heartbroken. I feel guilty for not taking him to the vet after the first day of him not eating. He was almost 14 years old and his health was declining and I thought it was just old age. I have 2 other cats that are younger and I am going to make sure this doesn't happen to them. I only wished I had read this article earlier."
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"I notice a lot of the things you have on here. I couldn't figure out why she picked a place that had papers on it and other things and each day they fall off but she keeps going there to sleep instead of the comfy bed. She is 18 years old and I was told she has a tumor in her tummy and ear. I already know I will miss her! She is still drinking water but can't seem to find her appetite for food. I have gotten all her favorites and she still sniffs and walks away. Thank you!"
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"I think it's important that people who love their animals read updated information on what and how-to's of info on the correct way of taking care of them, and not doing things like what they have seen some people do. May you have many years of love and devotion from your "Babies". And please always take the time to read and learn more about the once wild animals who now share our hearts and homes."
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"My cat is dying from stage 4 cancer. This happened so quick, just by a simple visit for a ear cleaning to the vet. After so many diagnostics and thousands of dollars, I was told the horrible news of my best friend. I have him with me, he is almost going to heaven, it's extremely hard to watch. I am trying my best to make him comfortable. This article is very precise, thanks."
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