Talking about this topic isn't easy, but on a blog like this, we have to cover everything related to cats: the good, the curious, but also the bad. Death is the end of life; it will come to us all eventually. Our furry friends live far fewer years than we do, more than enough reason to show them... how much we love you every day and always offer them the best possible quality of life.
As the years go by, we'll see them grow older, lose their enthusiasm for playing, and their routines change. But we must be aware that one day we'll notice signs that, sadly, their end is near. Knowing how to recognize these signs doesn't prevent loss, but it does help us prepare and better support them.avoiding unnecessary suffering.
Discover how to tell if a cat is going to dieWhat physical and behavioral signs usually appear, how to differentiate them from a treatable disease, and how you can help your feline companion in its final moments.
See if he eats and drinks
A healthy cat will eat between 4 to 5 times a day, small portions and will drink sips of water throughout the day. Maintaining an appetite is a sign that the body is still functioning relatively normally. When the body begins to fail, the metabolism slows down and it is very common for lose interest in food and water.
If it is about to die, we will see that the feeder and waterer are always practically full.It may approach, smell the food, and walk away without taking a bite, or accept only one or two bites and leave the rest. In addition to this, noticeable weight lossThe body becomes thinner, the ribs become more prominent, and the musculature atrophies, making it appear more bony and fragile.
As a consequence of loss of appetite, your cat will use its litter box less, and, in addition, it may relieve itself where it shouldn't due to loss of urinary control. In advanced stages, many dying cats show urinary and fecal incontinenceor they don't reach the sandbox in time because they are too weak or disoriented.
It's also possible that your cat will stop grooming itself normally. Daily grooming is one of the most important behaviors for a feline, especially when it's sick or nearing the end of its life. Hygiene is neglectedThe coat appears dull, matted, and unhealthy, and a stronger body odor due to lack of cleaning.
Get close to him and smell him
Bad odor is a sign none of us want to notice in our cats, but it can appear in very advanced stages of illness or when life is drawing to a close. It's proof that the animal has reached the end of its life or is suffering from a very serious condition.
This is because When organs stop functioning, toxins accumulate in the blood and tissues.thus causing the characteristic odor. Breath can also become especially strong, with severe halitosis indicating kidney problems, liver problems, or serious mouth infectionsIn some older cats, bad breath and very inflamed gums can be one of the first signs that something serious is going on.
Although a strong odor is often associated with terminal illnesses, it can also indicate diseases that, if detected early, are treatable. Therefore, It is not advisable to assume that the cat will die from this symptom alone.Always consult with the veterinarian to assess whether there is a treatment or palliative care that will improve their well-being.
Check if he wants to be alone
The dying cat look for solitude to be able to relax. It may hide under furniture or the bed, or somewhere outside if it has access to the street or garden. This behavior has deep roots in its instinct: in nature, a sick or weak cat becomes easy prey, so Hiding is a protective mechanism.
Many caregivers describe how, in their final days, their cat spent more time in secluded, dark, and quiet places, such as closets, behind furniture, or under the bed. Others, however, experience the opposite: some cats, at the end of their lives, They seek contact with their human family more than ever.They are especially affectionate, ask for constant caresses, and want to sleep close to their primary caregivers.
None of these behaviors are better or worse; they simply respond to different ways of managing discomfort and weaknessThe important thing is to respect the animal's preferences: if it hides, it's best to give it space, but make sure it has water, blankets, and easy access to its litter box. If it seeks affection, it's essential to offer it. serene companionship and gentle touchwithout forcing or stressing him.
Another common change is a shift in personality. A previously sociable cat may become irritable or aggressive, or conversely, a reserved feline may become more affectionate. These changes can be due to physical pain, confusion, or extreme fatigue, so a veterinary consultation is always warranted.
Check for trouble breathing
A healthy cat takes between 20 to 30 breaths per minute silently and regularly. When the heart becomes weak, the lungs do not work well and therefore less oxygen is pumped into the bloodstream.This causes the animal to initially have to breathe more frequently, making its breathing rapid and somewhat shallow.
In more advanced stages, breathing can be done irregular breathing, with gasps, long pauses, or open-mouth breathingThen, breathing becomes slower and more labored as the lungs fill with fluid or the heart is no longer able to pump strongly. In some cats, mucous membranes (gums, tongue) may be visible. pale or bruised, a sign that not enough oxygen is reaching the tissues.
In addition to respiratory changes, other vital signs are often altered: the heart rate may slow down or become erratic, and body temperature may drop below the cat's normal range. The ears, paws, and tail feel colder to the touch, indicating illness. significant deterioration of circulation and of the general condition.
It's common for cats to sleep almost all the time at this stage. Although felines are naturally sleepy, they can become more lethargic as death approaches. practically all day in a state of deep lethargyThey may wake up for only a few minutes to change position or drink a little. If tremors, seizures, or signs of intense pain also appear, veterinary attention is urgent.
Other common signs that a cat is going to die
Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, there are other changes that commonly appear in very old cats or those with terminal illnesses:
- Change in facial expressionGlassy, ​​sunken, or dull eyes, squinting eyelids, and tense mustaches may indicate intense pain or discomfort.
- Slow and clumsy movementsHe has trouble getting up, no longer jumps to his favorite places, staggers, or seems disoriented when walking.
- Lumps or masses in the bodyThe appearance of nodules, especially in elderly cats, may be related to tumorous processes that, in some cases, are malignant.
- Changes in the use of the sandboxIn addition to incontinence, some cats stop covering their feces or show blood in their urine or stools.
Cats are also experts at hiding pain. As a descendant of their wild ancestors, your feline will rarely whine or meow in pain; instead, This will manifest itself through rigid postures, apathy, lack of play, and changes in gaze.Calmly observing its ears, eyes, and whiskers can help you assess whether it is suffering.
What to do if you think your cat is dying?
If you have observed any of these symptoms in your cat, or if you suspect that it is sick, do not hesitate: take him to the vet as soon as possible. He is the only professional who can tell you if it is a treatable disease, an advanced but reversible stage, or an irreversible process in which the priority must be given to the palliative care and pain relief.
At home, you can help by offering him a quiet, warm and comfortable placeAccessible without needing to jump. Keep water nearby, the litter box within easy reach, and provide soft blankets for resting. Many cats appreciate dim lighting and minimal noise.
Always respect his rhythm: some days he'll want to be petted, and other days he'll prefer to be alone. Your close presence, a soft voice, and gentle strokes, as long as he accepts them, can be a great comfort. If he shows signs of intense suffering with no possibility of improvement, the veterinarian can advise you on the option of euthanasia. humanitarian euthanasiaeither at the clinic or, if possible, at home, to avoid prolonged pain.
Accompanying a cat in its final days is very difficult, but also a profound act of love. Recognizing the signs that its end is near helps us make informed decisions, reduce its discomfort, and offer it a respectful, calm, and loving farewell, befitting all it has given us throughout its life.