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About Signs a Cat Is Dying
Pets are cute, playful and our daily source of entertainment. Generally, cats are healthy and can live up to 10-20 years. They are not immortal though, so some caveats should not be overlooked.
Do cats really show signs that they are dead? How do they behave if they get sick? How can you know?
Yeah! And if you observe your cat closely, you will understand them.
Ok, you found a problem with your cat being less cute, not eating as much and their health also looking bad.
What will happen now? How do you console the poor cat and console yourself, or how do you decide to bear such a loss?
Disclaimer: This guide is all about “consoling you (the owner) and the dying cat.” (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
7 Warning Signs Your Cat is Dying Soon:
A dying cat can signify a loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, red eyes, weight loss, vomiting, depression, increased urination, seizures, fainting, and many more physical and behavioral changes.
These symptoms can possibly be caused by old age, liver failure, heart failure, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, or even cancer. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
Read on for 7 worrying signs and reasons why your cat is in her last days:
1. Your Cat is No Longer Excited to Eat or Drink
One of the key signs describing your cats may be moving into the last days of their lives when they are no longer concerned with their favorite food or even drinking water. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
Gone are the days of getting excited after seeing you bring their food, and now all they do is smell the food and come back depressed.
A lack of appetite can be one of the many signs that your cat is dying of old age, liver failure or even cancer. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
Tip: Give them food in a right-angled bowl to prevent vomiting and stomach aches.
2. Your Playful & Energetic Cat Has Become Weak & Quiet
Cats are playful, energetic and cute animals. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
However, when your cat is sick, it’s hard to see him doing any activity. They feel weak, less energetic and distant.
Once expressing its love, affection and affection for you by rubbing its soft fur against your legs, the cat is often seen sleeping and hiding in corners.
Why? They may be sick, in pain, or sadly dying.
Note: There may be some exceptions as each cat has an individual personality. Some may be overly vocal, aggressive, afraid of being alone, and even clingy. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
3. Their Temperature & Will to Live Has Dropped
The average temperature of a healthy cat is 101°F-102.5°F (38.3°C-39.2°C), and one of the vital signs of a ‘my pet-something wrong’ cat is low body temperature. . (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
When you notice a significant drop in body temperature and that even his paws are cold to the touch, this is a warning that your cat needs to see a vet.
Low body temperature also signals that your cat’s heart rate is slowing, which can lead to difficulty breathing, gray-blue tongue, weakness and, unfortunately, heart failure.
Loss of appetite or weight, sudden collapse or saddle thrombus (hind leg paralysis), high respiratory rate (average of 16-40 breaths per minute), and lethargy are other signs of heart problems in cats. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
4. Their Health & Weight Are Declining
A dying cat becomes lazy, dull, and more sleepy. You may even notice that they don’t move at all. This weakness will be most pronounced in their hind legs. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
Weight loss can be caused by intestinal (worm) parasites, food allergy or infections, inflammatory bowel disease, stress, depression or anxiety. Yes, cats have feelings too!)
He may stop eating or is trying to eat but vomits immediately, which causes weight loss. Could it be diarrhea? Stomach infection? Or are these signs that a cat is dying of kidney failure?
Tip: Even if you notice a small change in your cat’s behavior or health, be sure to visit his vet right away or it will be too late. And only loss and regret will remain.
Never ignore any unusual changes as these could be among the signs that a cat is dying! (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
5. It Looks Messy & Smells Weirdly
A healthy cat does not smell and usually combs its fur itself. Yes, kitties are very easy to care for and their cuteness, cleverness and adorable personalities are just a bonus. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
Cats are simply full of love and affection.
The sad thing is that it dies, and a sick cat will show early signs of sleepiness, laziness, loss of appetite, foul odors, and trouble with bathroom chores like stools and urination, but most of us don’t notice these symptoms.
These can point to cancer, toxins accumulating in their body, diabetic ketoacidosis (sick sweet odor) or even kidney failure (ammonia-like odor).
Pro-Tip: His fur may develop bald spots, clumps, or shed heavily and you may need to clean him on the day of his death, so it is recommended to use a portable pet hair vacuum to groom his fur.
Since it is already weak, you should not allow it to waste energy by taking regular baths. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
6. They Are Not Behaving Like Their Usual Adorable Personality
As the saying goes, “It’s not always the decline that’s worrying. Sometimes it’s the other way around!” (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
As such, other warning signs that a cat is dying include overeating, urination, hyperactivity, aimless pacing, panting, increased thirst, appetite and heart rate.
There are many reasons why your cat may behave this way, and hyperthyroidism is just one of them.
Note: Increased appetite can cause him to eat anything and everything that could pose more problems for his health, such as raw meat, almonds (find out if he can eat almonds), onions (causing anemia in cats). (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
7. Their Appearance Has Changed & So Is Her Love for You
Is your cat starting to hide in corners? Does he no longer respond to your love? Or are his eyes always cloudy and watery even when he looks at you? (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
And do you think his love and devotion to his favorite person, to you, has lessened? Number! Not like that.
Red, cloudy, or lifeless eyes may be due to corneal ulcers or cataracts (common in diabetic cats). Your cat isn’t hiding from you, but her vulnerable personality has made her consider protecting herself from everyone.
It is best to take your cat to a veterinarian and let him check it thoroughly. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
“If he could save you, you would live forever.” – a quote from a dying cat owner
You are now aware of all the signs that a cat is dying. What’s next? You know their end is near and you’re starting to prepare yourself to let it go.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to make them live longer if their health is critical, but how long will it take them to leave comfortably?
It can last for hours or days, followed by irregular breathing, seizures, and anxiety.
What you can do is make their final journey comfortable and shower them with all your love, affection and care. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
7 Ways to Make Your Cat Feel Comfortable & Loved in Its Last Days
There is no easy way to deal with a dying cat, but what you can do is make the rest of their day comforting, comforting and filled with your love and affection. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
1. Provide Them with a Warm, Cozy, and Comfy Sleeping Place to Rest
As a cat goes through its last days, it will begin to sleep and rest more. You will always find them lying here and there, even hiding in corners. Get a soft and comfortable faux fur mattress for them to cuddle as much as they want.
Let them sleep softly when they are with you. (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
2. Give Them Your Attention, Make Them Look Clean & Beautiful
Cats generally like to clean or groom themselves because they like to look nice, but all these normal things can be difficult for a dying cat.
Conserve their energy as much as possible. Use pet grooming gloves to brush their hair or a pet cleaner to give them a nice massage and bath.
Your beloved cat may be weak, but your love for her is as strong as ever! (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
3. Let It Eat Whatever It Wants To
Sure, some things can be unhealthy for pets, but when your cat shows signs of death, it’s okay to offer treats here and there. But be sure to measure the amount of food before giving it to them.
It’s okay to break the rules sometimes! (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
4. Help Them in Bathroom Chores
Your cat is weak, less energetic and tired. Keep litter boxes closer to them or bring them yourself to help them poop and urinate.
Use your efforts to live longer! (Signs a Cat Is Dying)
5. Keep Their Pain Under-Control
Your cat may be in pain but cannot express it. Visit their vet regularly and, if possible, give medication or painkillers to relieve pain. You can mix prescribed medication into their water or food.
Cats give us comfort. It’s time for us to console them too!
6. Shower It with Your Love & Affection but Don’t Overdo It
He may be breaking up with you soon so try to spend more time with him. Take care of them and tell them you love them and everything will be alright.
Death ends a relationship, not a relationship. – Jack Lemon
7. Consider Euthanasia If Their Suffering Becomes Extreme (Unfortunately, Yes!)
You may feel sad and terrible even thinking about it, but only when their pain and suffering becomes unbearable and extreme. You’d better talk to their veterinarian for medical solutions.
Make your departure easy and peaceful!
5 Tips to Comfort Yourself from The Loss of a Dying Pet:
The loss of your loving pet is shocking. You can have countless moments with your cute cat that will never let you forget it.
But the truth is they are no longer with you. Thinking positive thoughts will help you. Think of all the good times and cute personalities you shared together.
What more can you do to deal with your loss? Read these 5 comforting tips that can help you deal with your grief:
- Accept the reality or unfortunate departure of your poor cat. (Yes, this is the first and most important step you have to take, no matter how difficult it is)
- Meet other pet owners who have experienced the same loss as you
- Join a pet loss support or grieving group
- Take care of your other pets too, because they need your love too.
- Finally, you can adopt a similar-looking cat that is waiting for your love and affection.
Because all cats are adorable and they want to be loved!
Final thoughts
“Love and compassion are intense emotions that can reach an extreme level when one is afraid of losing.”
Losing a companion or pet is something no one should experience, and every pet owner who notices the physical and behavioral changes in their sick pet agrees with us.
You never know, these 7 signs a cat is dying can help your vet in diagnosing the problem in your cat early.
Finally, we hope you don’t have to prepare yourself for the fatal moment when he is no longer with you!
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