He was 15 1/2 yrs. Give Her Your Attention, Make Her Look Clean & Beautiful, 6. Days or weeks, I will be there for her. She might be sick, in pain, or sadly, dying. 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. If your family’s beloved pet dies suddenly at home, would you know what to do? She has had a good cat life, and is well loved. Cats are playful, energetic, and full of cuteness. If you usually give her dry food, try canned wet food, or even treats. Save her energy as much as you can. When you notice a significant drop in her body temperature that even her paws feel cold to touch, it is a warning that your kitty needs to see a vet. References Consider using a pill popper to administer the pain medication if your cat cannot open her mouth on her own. Gourmet cat food is another tasty food option for your cat. If your cat is dying, it will display particular behaviors. This article received 23 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Focusing on the positive can help you provide the comfort your cat needs and desires. It is a usual behavior in cats that are nearing death. When It's All Over . https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care, http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-ways-to-comfort-a-dying-cat.html, http://www.cat-world.com.au/General-Cat-Articles/dying-cat-signs-and-care.html, http://consciouscat.net/2010/07/19/hospice-care-for-cats/, http://www.allfelinehospital.com/pilling-your-cat.pml, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If moving your cat’s rest area to a different room would be too much of a change for her, then you should adjust your habits, as well as those of your family, to decrease the amount of activity and noise around your cat. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. And I would do it again with another animal. Come up with a plan for when it is "the right time". ", "I learned a lot about life. Weight loss, an unpleasant odor, and other symptoms of aging can indicate your cat may be approaching the end stage of its life, but the severity of the symptoms can help you determine how much time is left.. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Here you will learn 8 things you’ll need to do, in order to properly handle the situation. Your cat's lungs are controlled by muscles and nerves, and these are not immune to breakdown as your cat ages. If you are thinking what to do for a sick cat, you should take her immediately to a good veterinarian. You can also call your veterinarian. If it sinks back slowly, the cat is dehydrated. For example, if you have other pets, you may need to restrict their access to her. Your cat may soil her bedding due to bladder control issues or physical inability to walk to her litterbox. It may take hours or days, followed by irregular breathing, seizures, and anxiety. Your veterinarian can help you to come up with a. Your cat probably won’t have a big appetite in her final days. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The average temperature of a healthy feline is 101°F-102.5°F (38.3°C-39.2°C), and one of the vital signs of ‘there’s-something-wrong-with-my-pet’ cat is lower body temperature. The puss cat that once used to rub her soft fur with your legs, expressing her love and affection for you, is usually seen sleeping and hiding in the corners. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Loss of a companion or pet is something nobody should ever experience, and every pet-owner noticing the physical and behavioral changes in their sick pets would agree with us on this. Get support now. But do be aware that swings like this can be one of the signs your cat is dying or sick. "I don't feel so alone. Have the contact information for your veterinarian and an emergency veterinary hospital close by in case your cat’s condition suddenly makes a turn for the worst. Whichever tasty food you give her, make sure that it has a strong and appealing smell. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. An elderly cat dying goes through this old cat dying process. ", sad how you realize  just how much they mean to you when it's the end of their life. Try to put yourself in your cat's "paws". Pro-Tip: Her fur might develop bald spots, clumps, or shed vigorously, and you may have to clean her up in nearing death days, so it is advisable to use a portable pet hair vacuum to groom her fur. The vet says it will be time when she has more bad days than good, but she has no good days, only some not so bad as others. Also, watch your cat's breathing and … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 300,650 times. "I got the confirmation that my approach was the right one. Your email address will not be published. will support you as a close friend to accompany you on the journey of pet loss grief with unconditional love. The best is to take her to a vet and let her be checked thoroughly. Her Temperature & Will to Live Has Dropped, 6. She may even stop breathing for short periods of time and then start back up again. A dying cat becomes lazy, dull, and more sleepy. To know if your cat is dying, try feeling its heartbeat and counting the beats per minute. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Her Appearance Has Changed & So Is Her Love for You, 7 Ways to Make Her Feel Comfortable & Loved in Her Last Days, 1. Otherwise, place your hand in the cat’s paws. It is only better you talk to her vet for medical solutions. 5 Tips to Comfort Yourself from The Loss of a Dying Pet: cat that might be waiting for your love and affection, Can Pitbull Puppies (The Misunderstood Breed) Be Your Next Best Pet? If you are feeding your cat baby food, you can mix it with some water to make it even softer. Some cats become more territorial with age. "All the information here is definitely correct. I love my Spikey very much and it's, "The article was very helpful. She feels weak, less energetic, and distant. When you notice that she’s having more bad days than good days, it’s probably time to start thinking about euthanasia. If your cat is truly suffering, despite your best efforts to make her comfortable, then it may be time to have her euthanized. Remember that euthanasia IS an option.While it may be hard to let your cat go, if (s)he is in great pain that you cannot relieve and is barely alive, it may be kinder to euthanize her/him. Think about all the good moments you shared together, and her adorable personality. Is your cat has started to hide in corners? % of people told us that this article helped them. Cats give us comfort. Keep information about after-hours veterinarians handy in case you need to rush to one. You may even notice her not moving at all. Thanks for all of this, from my heart. – taking care of your cat’s body It might not be something you like to think about, but understanding the options available to you after your cat has died may be helpful when making decisions about what to do with their body. You should not let her spend energy on regular bathing as she is already weak. Whether or not you decide to euthanize your cat is always a personal decision. I had to put my cat down today and it was very hard, but I also saw how labored her, "I came across the article, and it really did help me. And, if you closely observe your feline, you will figure them out. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. ", comfort my sweet kitty that is 21 years old and in her final stage. It can hurt at times but I know I should seek it, regardless of the outcome. My cat is dying during a holiday and the vet is not open, what should I do? ", you, Mikeyboy. Make her sleep softly while she’s with you. Thanks for your comment Ossie. She shouldn't go without eating for more than a day. As said, “It’s not always the decline that’s alarming. If you do this, you can then keep the ashes or, if you wish, scatter them in a place that is special to you … When she opens her mouth, push on the pill popper to dispense the pill down her throat. For tips on helping your cat drink water or use the litter box, read on! Provide Her with a Warm, Cozy, and Comfy Sleeping Place to Rest, 2. Salud! If they are older cats, behavior can change as they age as well. Now I am adopting a 14-year-old male (rescue) who had major dental issues, was weak/frail from not eating. Keep her litter box closer to her or bring her yourself to help her poop and urinate. Check your cat regularly for evidence of soiling or wetness. You can either fashion a sling out of a towel or blanket, or purchase a sling, to help her to her feet. Rather than being sad about what you know is inevitable, take advantage of this time to bond with your cat and remember just how special she is to you. With pet hospice, you see your cat’s death as a natural part of her life and want her death to be dignified. So very hard. There’s no easy way one can deal with a dying cat, but what you can do is to make the rest of the days comforting, relaxing, and full of your love and affection. Her water should be lukewarm instead of cold. Some won't turn this sort of thing away. If your cat’s health is on an irrevocable downward spiral, it may prefer to die with dignity. Blood in the urine of your cat indicates a urinary tract infection. How would you comfort the poor kitty and console yourself or make up your mind to bear such loss? By using our site, you agree to our. Decisions are difficult and you always second guess everything you do. Reminders of landmark signs is helpful so, "Very well put together, and not overwhelming information as it is already a difficult situation when your family, "It helped me realize he definitely is dying. Last Updated: December 30, 2020 When your cat is nearing the end of her life, it is extremely important for her to be comfortable in her own space. Position the pill popper as you would the medicine dropper. Thank you. It is hard to say without knowing your cats personally but they may be sensing things are wrong with your stepdad. I shall see her again in Heaven.". What’s next? Your feline might be in pain but can’t express it. Signs Your Cat Is Dying Loss of your loving pet is shocking. You may feel sad and terrible even thinking about this, but when her pain and suffering become unbearable and extreme. Is it time? Although, cats usually love to clean or groom themselves as they like to look beautiful but all of these normal things can become difficult to do for a dying cat. years, Ms Florida, out of this life in my little studio, laid out on my "royal" bath towels surrounded by my very precious blue glass, kaleidoscopes and energy stones. It's not the norm, but some vets will work with you. If you wish, you can also choose to bury their body in a place that you prefer, however, this property must be private and laws regarding burials must be complied with. Check out for these signs your Cat is nearing end of life…. It was very, "I like the rawness of truth. But it still makes me extremely sad and guilty that maybe I could have done more. As your feline baby grows old with you or perhaps gets sick, it’s best to watch out for signs your cat is dying. Pro-tip: Giver her food in a right-angled bowl to prevent vomiting and stomach aches. If you haven't already done so, take your cat to the vet/animal hospital right away to see if anything can be done for her. Leave a low light on for your cat when it is time to say good night. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. There’s no easy way one can deal with a dying cat, but what you can do is to make the rest of the days comforting, relaxing, and full of your love and affection. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. When a cat is living her last days, she will start to sleep and rest more. If not, you’re not alone. Could it be diarrhea? As much as we wish they could, cats do not live forever. People ask “what to do” on a regular basis. “If I could have saved you, you would have lived forever.” – a quote from a dying cat owner. 8 Things To Know, Long Haired Chihuahua – A Guide From Real Chihuahua Owners You Won’t Find Online, Everything About Blue Bay Shepherd the Trending Breed – Temperament, Cost, Physique & Sale, Agouti Husky – The Wolf-Like Dog for Adoption, 13 Black Cat Breeds That Are Just Too Adorable and A Must-See for Every Cat Lover, Accept the reality or unfortunate departure of your poor kitty. Why? Required fields are marked *. ", "This is going to help me so much, thank you.". Go to source How to tell if your Cat Is dying. Get her a soft and comfy faux fur bed to let her snuggle as much as she wants. ", "It was a very helpful article at a very sad time. This article has been viewed 300,650 times. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. To perform euthanasia, your veterinarian would administer an overdose of an anesthetic drug. To stimulate swallowing, give her a few drops of water using your medicine dropper. Your veterinarian can give you information about pet cremation and burial services. The sad thing is dying, and a sick cat shows early symptoms like sleepiness, laziness, loss of appetite, foul odors, and trouble in bathroom chores like stool and urination, but most of us fail to recognize these signs. Thank you. This article has been viewed 300,650 times. However, if your cat has died at home, you can go to the vet or contact an animal funeral home directly, which is generally considered a cheaper option. Remember that, at this stage in your cat’s life, the pain medication is to make her feel more comfortable, not cure her physical ailments. When you have made the difficult decision to euthanize your cat, promptly call your veterinarian to schedule the appointment. Identifying these signs is what we are going to discuss today. Foam bedding, though comfortable, can be difficult to clean. I had her for 13 years. My Henry is 11 years old and dying. If you see a lack of grooming, it can be a sign of skin diseases. Still, they are not immortal, so some warnings should not be ignored. It was well organized, factual and informative. Keeping your cat comfortable during her final days of life is known as pet hospice. She may stop eating or is trying to eat but vomits immediately, which has caused her to lose weight. If your cat’s body temperature drops below 100 degrees, you can be sure that her days are full and numbered. We love our Belle and want her to be comfortable. She is No Longer Excited to Eat or Drink, 2. But, when your kitty is sick, it’s hard to see her doing any activity. ; Unkempt Hair: A healthy cat likes to take care of itself by constant licking and cleaning itself.A dying cat will neither have the energy nor the inclination to do so. And when you have to say goodbye to one, know that you’ve given him the best love he or she could get. You love her dearly, and she doesn't have much longer. This weakness will be most prominent in their hind legs. Recognizing the signs a cat is dying of old age can help you make the best choice for your pet. How can your cat thrive on a nutritionally incomplete diet? Kitty was going home to die. She is only 2 months old. You can treat kidney failure in cats to extend a cat’s life, but, unfortunately, a time will come when you have to let your cat go.. Your dying cat will appreciate the comfort of human interaction. When we make the decision to bring a pet into our home, the majority of us do our homework. You can mix the prescribed medication in her water or food. Minimize noise and activity around your cat. If your cat is too weak or in too much pain to drink out of her water bowl, you will have to help her by gently supporting her head upright. My old girl has terminal cancer. Just don’t rush into the decision. I will see my beloved little Henry in heaven. I am so grateful for you. Regardless of your financial situation, try to come up with a way to make payments. But the reality is she is no more with you. ", "It helps me see what I could do to make my cat comfortable. ", I don't miss anything. Note: Increase appetite may cause her to eat anything and everything in sight, like raw meat, almonds (find if she can eat almonds), onions (leads to anemia in cats) which could further create problems for her health. Yes, cats have feelings too!). Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat’s behavior, Make sure that you contact your veterinarian when necessary and undertake advice steps. Euthanasia is a painless and humane way of ending your cat’s life. Playing soft, low music for your cat could make her feel more comfortable. Sometimes, it is the other way around!”. ", heart is crying, but he's 18 and had a good long life. She is weak, less energetic, and tired. They remind us to be playful and adventurous. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Never ignore any unusual change as it may be among the signs a cat is dying! There are 34 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. These cats depend on us, and you are awesome people for taking care of them! Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age If she is lethargic, sick, weak, and seems to have no more joy, it might be time. 15-18 years. How come whenever I think my cat might suddenly die I start crying? Gone are the days when she used to get excited after seeing you bringing her food and, now, all she does is smell the food and move back depressingly. Sadly, if your lovely feline could not make it through the sickness and you lost her to life. Even cats that constantly fight can grieve the loss of a feuding partner. Your veterinarian can recommend bereavement counseling services and pet loss hotlines that can help you manage your grief. The pain of knowing what I'll have to do is unbearable, but this written piece has offered me some degree of comfort. She may not want to open her mouth willingly to drink the water, so you may have to give her water using a medicine dropper. X And, you think her love and fondness for her favorite human, you, have lessened? Realistically, what are you going to do? Losing a pet can be distressing and thinking … It's not fair, but it happens. When your cat is dying it shows various signs of ageing as it grows old, loss of weight, loss of appetite, refusal to play, eat or drink. And while all of us want to spend as much time as possible with our cats, we will explain why you should consider euthanasia if the cat is suffering and in pain. is 16-40 breaths a minute), and lethargy are other signs of heart problems in cats. Check the bedding regularly for evidence of soiling (dampness, fecal material) and clean it as often as is necessary. A healthy cat not only has an ailment free life (or almost), but the end comes quickly and easily. If you can't get him to a vet, just spend your last moments with him and try to comfort him. If you see the signs of an emergency, do not delay. Making big decisions with big emotions is hard, and having a plan done at a more neutral time can help take the emotions out of the equation. The extra bedding can also serve to keep your cat warm. Change in Grooming Habits; You can tell that your cat is sick if you notice a striking change in grooming habits. Stomach infection? Since your dying cat may not be able to groom herself very well anymore, you can help her by gently cleaning around her eyes, ears, mouth, genitals, and anus. Coping with the pain of your cat dying can be one of the most difficult things you'll face. Cats are just full of love and affection. Although it can be hard to think about your cat dying, focus on the chance to make your cat as happy and comfortable as possible. The truth is, the strongest thing you can do is to allow yourself the space to cry. When you have handled all the final details, the enormity of your loss may hit you immediately, or you may find yourself feeling numb and unable to cry. They can live longer or shorter lives depending on how healthy they are. She is Not Behaving Like Her Usual Adorable Personality, 7. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Your veterinarian can help you sort out your emotions and questions regarding euthanasia. | Last Updated March 4, 2021. A dying cat may often hide away and seek a solitary place. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty, Making Your Cat's Environment Comfortable, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Comfort-a-Dying-Cat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Comfort-a-Dying-Cat-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Comfort-a-Dying-Cat-Step-1.jpg\/aid1010540-v4-728px-Comfort-a-Dying-Cat-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"