How to tell if your cat is near death

Learn the Signs to Tell if Your Cat is Dying.

Understanding some of the behaviors your cat may exhibit before death may help you cope and prepare for the event. You also have the opportunity to make your cat as comfortable as possible for its last days. Some cats will exhibit behaviors before they pass, while others may not, dying more suddenly. If your cat is very ill or in incurable pain, take it to the vet to determine if euthanasia is right for your pet.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Vet's phone number

Instructions

1. Monitor your cat's eating habits. Cats will often quit eating altogether and may avoid drinking water, too. If your cat stops eating and drinking for more than two or three meals in a row, and even refuses his or her favorite treats, it is time to consult your vet.

2. Keep track of your cat. Cats who are sick and dying will often hide in a cool, comfortable quiet place. Check under vehicles, in closets, under beds, in thick bushes or other shaded areas. Your cat also may be visibly withdrawn or distressed. It is natural for cats to hide when they are not feeling well.

3. Take note of your cat's appearance. A cat who is very sick will lack the energy to properly groom himself. Your cat also may shed in odd patterns, such as in small clumps, for example. It may develop a sunken appearance in its eyes, or it may have a glazed-over look. Your cat may start to stagger, or collapse suddenly. Toward the end, your cat may not even be able to hold its head up, and it may fall into a coma.

4. Check the cat's breathing. Some cats may start to breathe with their mouths open and their tongues out. Others may wheeze. As they get close to death, some cats may make gurgling noises. Cats also may exhibit a rapid heartbeat.

5. Observe your cat for seizures. If your cat starts to suffer from seizures, as it approaches its last days, keep it in a safe and comfortable place. Your cat may yowl and throw its head backward during a seizure. It may fall over and lose control of its bowel or bladder. You may wrap the cat in a towel during a seizure to try to prevent injury. After the seizure, its eyes may be dilated.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to let your cat pass on unaided, make sure you have a phone number for a vet on hand in case things start going wrong and the cat begins to experience discomfort and distress. If you are trying to decide whether or not to euthanize, ask your vet.

• Some very sick cats may suddenly appear to get better just before they crash. Your pet may suddenly start eating, become more friendly or have a burst of energy, only to go downhill soon after. Each cat is different; however, so this may or may not happen. Keep your cat's quality of life in mind when thinking about treatment options.

References

• Messy Beast: Towards End
• Feline CRF: The Final Hours