How cats die

Although losing a beloved pet is never easy, knowing how cats pass away can be reassuring during this trying time. Like all living things, cats experience certain changes as their lives come to an end. Knowing these indicators will enable you to give them the finest comfort and care possible in their last moments.

A cat’s behavior and physical state will start to change as its life draws to an end. While some cats might withdraw more, others might want more love and care. They frequently lose energy and may become less interested in grooming or eating.

It is crucial to keep in mind that each cat has a unique experience. While some may pass away peacefully at home, others might require veterinary assistance. You can provide your cat with the peaceful and affectionate farewell they deserve by being organized and aware of what to expect.

Like all living things, cats experience death in various ways. They frequently exhibit symptoms like lethargy, weariness, and disengagement from their environment. Even though it’s a trying and emotional time, pet owners can provide their loved ones comfort and care in their last moments by being aware of these signs. Since every cat’s death is different, attending to their needs can help the pet and their family find closure.

Life expectancy of cats

A cat’s life expectancy is influenced by multiple factors. While domestic pets can live up to 15 years or longer, animals on the streets only have an average lifespan of 5 years. A cat that lives indoors but has unrestricted outdoor access for up to eight years of life represents an intermediate option as well. Cats used to die earlier, but thanks to advancements in veterinary care and vaccination, animals can now live longer depending on how well their owners take care of them.

The oldest cat that is still alive is called Poppy, and she is 24 years old. She lives in England.

Cats that lived longer than thirty years have been documented. The Guinness Book of Records features a cat that lived for 38 years.

When given the proper vaccinations on schedule, cats live longer. Additionally, a cat’s health may be affected by whether or not it is castrated, or sterilized, on time. Sterilization generally lowers the chance of contracting numerous illnesses. These may include post-pregnancy and lambing complications or oncological diseases. A pet’s life also lasts longer in ideal circumstances. When a cat becomes ill, its owner is able to identify it early and take the appropriate action to heal it.

My grandmother once owned a cat named Musya. She never received a vaccination, nor was she sterilized. Musya had children each year. There were four or more kittens in each litter. Since Musya’s grandmother lived in the village, she spent a large portion of the day outside. This cat did, however, live for 19 years.

Common causes of death of domestic cats

Home cats frequently pass away from old age, but street animals cannot afford such comforts.

A cat will start to show signs of aging in its appearance and behavior if it lives next to a person for an extended period of time (more than ten years). A 15-year-old pet could have lived 76 human years if its age were converted to human years. It’s possible that a cat that passes away from old age is not ill and does not experience pain. You just have to accept the fact that this occurs often. An aging cat may be close to passing away for a number of reasons:

  • the cat is apathetic and sleeps a lot, without leaving its favorite place;
  • the animal stops eating and begins to lose weight;
  • the cat is unhappy or does not react if you stroke it or pick it up;
  • the cat begins to have poor spatial orientation (touches and bumps into objects, corners);
  • the animal breathes heavily, the pupils are dilated, the lenses are cloudy.

Cats also frequently pass away from illnesses (accidents can claim the lives of healthy animals). Kidney failure is the most common disease that results in death. Cats, especially those who have been neutered, are susceptible to this illness. Inadequate nutrition throws off metabolism, which results in urolithiasis. The cat dies as a result of renal failure. Only when a cat is young can the life of a sick animal be prolonged. A healthy diet and prescription are essential.

Ponchik has been my sister’s cat for three years. This black cat is a mongrel, but it’s still quite lovely. Ponchik mostly eats dry food. Boiled fish is one of the cat’s favorite foods. The cat became ill a year ago. He lost his appetite, started having painful, frequent urinations, and his urine was bloody. According to the veterinarian, these symptoms point to urolithiasis brought on by an imbalanced diet. Ponchik recovered following treatment. The cat has been on a diet for the entire time. They’ve replaced the dry food with better quality, cut back on the amount of fish they feed him, and added dairy products to his diet.

Renal failure affects men more frequently than it does cats.

Cancer "burns out" on furry pets frequently. This may be among the most excruciating illnesses. The likelihood of this illness occurring in cats increases with age, and it is also more excruciating. An elderly animal might endure pain for a few days. The frail are not immune to cancer. Young animals may endure months of suffering. A cat with oncology can only be saved by surgery to remove the tumor. Still, it’s not always easy to locate a zoosurgeon with such training and compassion.

The thirteen-year-old cat is suffering from a breast tumor. We visited the veterinarian today, and he informed us that unless an operation is performed, it would be cruel. However, only 50% of the cat will live, and it will take a long time for it to recover. Only during the procedure will the extent of the damage be ascertained; however, they have already stated that metastases will be visible. /home/animal/thread/4030448/3/ http://m.woman.ru

Some cats die not because of the main tumor, but because of metastases or illiterate treatment. However, in addition to oncology, panleukopenia (distemper) can be the cause of death of an animal. This disease kills even a young cat in just a few days. It is very difficult to survive with such a disease. Older individuals can survive if they survive the first 4-5 days after the onset of the disease. Sometimes the disease can progress very quickly: the pet dies suddenly and for no apparent reason. Distemper is just one of many infectious diseases, and there are dozens of them, as well as viral diseases. Veterinarians are also trying to treat "feline AIDS". This is the feline immunodeficiency virus. The disease can be asymptomatic for several years. But without immunity, a cat can "catch" any infection, and this will lead to the death of the animal.

How to understand that a cat is dying

A cat’s behavior can indicate that it is about to pass away.

A cat that has spent its entire life with one owner is able to "give clues." An animal near death may exhibit unusual calmness. A cat that senses impending death, however, will make every effort to spend as much time as possible with a person. These "hints" are generally typical of elderly cats, for whom death is an inevitable event.

Peer into your feline’s eyes. Even as a small child, I could still picture Musya’s face. She had completely lost weight by the last few months; her eyes had clouded, her fur appeared dry, and her cheekbones had sharpened. But she frequently spent a lot of time (and not just mine) lying on my lap. She looked directly into people’s faces when they began to pet her. Her eyes were large, dejected, and, for some reason, appreciative. Musya was going to leave the house soon, Grandma said.

Apart from the behavior typical of an aged animal, illness symptoms can also portend impending death. It’s important to be aware of the following signs:

  • redness, peeling skin;
  • bald spots;
  • difficulty breathing, wheezing;
  • discharge from the eyes, nose;
  • high or low temperature;
  • blood in the discharge, difficulty urinating or its complete cessation;
  • diarrhea, vomiting.

The body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate of a cat can all give you information about when its death is imminent.

Even if one of the listed symptoms is present, you need to pay special attention to your cat. If you did not know about the disease, it is possible that not all is lost and the cat can be cured. To accurately determine any deviations from the norm, you need to remember the basic vital signs of the animal. The body temperature of an adult cat ranges from 37.5 °C to 39 °C. The older the cat, the closer its temperature is to the upper "bar". The respiratory rate also depends on age. Kittens breathe more often (60 breaths per minute) than young cats (22-24 breaths). Adults and older individuals breathe the least (17-23 breaths). The pulse in cats is frequent – 100-130 beats per minute (regardless of age).

There are some deadly animal illnesses linked to the gastrointestinal system. In these situations, the cat itself may be the source of a particular odor—not their waste. The animal needs to be examined if the disease has not yet shown symptoms. The pet’s abdomen will be firm and thick if there is an issue with the digestive system. For diagnostics, you can get in touch with a veterinarian.

I noticed that the kitten has a strange smell, once I locked it in the room at night, and in the morning I went into the room, and the smell immediately “rushed” into my “nose”… Some kind of specific smell. The kitten smells. I have already tried to wash it, but the smell still appeared. Acrid… and I began to notice that I cannot be with the kitten in a closed room for a long time – my head starts to hurt, there is pressure on my temple.

Although we already have one cat and I have never felt any smell from her.

The owner of a sick kitten, Nimishkina

F/19248865.html on https://foren.germany.ru/arch/animals

A dying cat might not want to eat. An animal that is weak cannot eat because it lacks the strength to do so. Even with its favorite treats, a cat has the ability to turn away. Refusing food only makes the pet’s condition worse in the event that it passes away from illness, and force-feeding is not an option.

Why do cats leave home to die

If a cat gets the chance, it will undoubtedly leave the house before it passes away.

How many years cats live next to people, the same number of years the question has been asked – why do cats leave home. There are many theories about this. Despite its popularity among people, the cat remains one of the most amazing and unsolved animals. Some believe that the cat wants to remain in the owner"s memories as a beautiful and gentle pet. After all, often before leaving the house forever, the cat goes into the arms of a person to say goodbye. The owner may not suspect that such a surge of tenderness is the last. And there is also a theory that cats leave, taking with them the illnesses and troubles of a loved one.

I was asleep when Musya left the house. My grandmother searched for her in the morning but was unable to locate her. By nightfall, it was obvious that Musya would not come back. It’s hard to put into words, but I thought for a long time that the cat took some problems with her. Maybe I still lean toward this version. It is difficult to imagine, after all, how a cherished animal finds a soft lawn to "ly down" on and sleeps through eternity. It is simpler to picture a healthy pet "entering the sunset."

Skeptics tend to think that an animal in death does not consider anything like that. Conversely, as far as they are concerned, a cat is unaware that the end is near. As a result, they view discomfort as a sickness that will eventually go away. The cat leaves the house for a bit so that no one tampers with the animal’s healing process. But after a walk, there’s no strength left to come back, so the pet quietly passes away by itself.

A cat may push someone away, refuse assistance, and attempt to flee the house at all costs on the eve of death. An enraged owner might conclude that he may have offended the animal in some way. Actually, a person has no influence over a cat’s decision to vacate the premises. Additionally, despite the fact that she has turned hostile, you shouldn’t be offended by her actions.

How cats behave in an apartment when they can"t leave

As long as she has the strength, a dying cat will attempt to flee the house.

The cat will hide if she is unable to leave the apartment. Upon closer examination of the theories surrounding this phenomenon, it is evident that the cat’s desire is to remain away from the person during the final moments. The animal can feel pain, and it may believe that the person is the cause of its misery. Furthermore, some people think that cats hide "out of spite" or because they are arrogant. Either way, a weaker pet will seek out a quiet area. The cat will take up residence in a dark corner, beneath a bed, or in a closet.

Last night, my cat passed away. hid deep down beneath the closet, which was not like him. He lived for nearly ten years, dying one month before his little anniversary. The inability to assist him was a hindrance. Artem lost a cat that he lived with for ten years. http://m.woman.ru/ /home/animal/thread/4234845/4

There are some deviations from this pattern, though. A cat with time on its hands could only be able to afford the luxury of selecting last. This is not available to animals that have perished in accidents. Pets who are not prepared to say goodbye to life and who do not want to die will, nevertheless, make an effort to return home to a person. A cat struck by a car will therefore continue to crawl to the last house.

How to care for pet to ease his suffering

Cats who sense their impending death require extra care.

If you feel that the cat is getting ready to leave, pay maximum attention to it. The animal can hint that it needs to be affected (go into his arms, purr, caress, and t. d). Some owners who guess that there will be no fluffy friend, take a break at work and put off all the things. A cat, like a person, will be much calmer if a beloved owner devotes several hours to it and sees it off on its last journey. Cats suffering from fatal diseases do not have the strength to hint. Poor animals suffer until they fall into unconsciousness. They die quietly, without disturbing anyone, but even in such cases a special attitude is needed.

Cats are able to sense a person’s presence and concern even though they are unable to express gratitude for their company.

Generally speaking, cat care is situation-specific. A veterinarian can offer guidance if a pet is ill, has been diagnosed, and is taking medication. For instance, start an IV, up the dosage of the painkillers, etc. A cat nevertheless requires moral support most of the time. Some people think that in order to ease guilt feelings down the road, the owner of the cat—rather than the cat itself—needs to provide this kind of care.

Put to blame a dying cat or let him die on his own

Special medications are used in euthanasia.

The decision on the euthanasia of the animal is one of the most difficult. To decide to euthanize your favorite pet, you need to look at the situation "from the outside". Even if the royal conditions are proposed, it can still die. And sometimes it is no longer possible to look at these suffering, and the most humane way to get rid of a cat from torment seems to kill. And even if a person clearly realizes that pity for the cat is stronger than the unwillingness to part with her, it is extremely difficult to decide on such a step. It is always difficult to part with a friend, about which there are so many bright memories. And how much joy he brought when he was small. Pranks, once committed by a cat, seem to be no longer an universal disaster, but a trifle. Therefore, having thought over again, you need to consult with the veterinarian. It is easier for someone else"s person to soberly assess the situation.

In my opinion, cats don’t need to sleep—if they have a person, then why should they still live? Consider a scenario in which a close relative is ill. Few people will consent to a loved one’s death. And contrary to popular belief, this is not selfishness. Even those who are battling cancer want to live, believe in a miracle, and fight until the very end. However, cats (almost like people) dedicate their entire life to a person or family. Nobody can take away her last minutes, hours, or days because she has earned the right to live.

If a decision is made, you must select a means of death:

  1. The cat is given anesthesia, and after switching off – a drug that stops the heart or respiratory activity.
  2. An injection of ditilin (listenone), a drug that stops the respiratory muscles, is given.

The first method is softer. Strong anesthesia makes the cat fall asleep. In a state of sleep, she does not feel the injection of magnesium sulfate (or ammonia solution). The injection is given intravenously or into the heart. Sometimes after the injection there is agony, but the cat will not feel anything, because it will be unconscious. The second method is harsher: your pet will be conscious until death. After the injection, the cat will begin to choke, will feel it, will beat in agony, but will not be able to do anything about it. Euthanasia is carried out in a clinic or at home (for this, a veterinarian is called in advance). It is also necessary to decide in advance what to do with the body later (bury or cremate).

What to do after death and how to come to terms with the loss

The cat may be laid to rest in the backyard (in the country, for instance) or in a dedicated animal cemetery.

To survive the loss, you need to observe some sequence. First you need to say goodbye to the body of the pet. After the funeral, you can mourn the cat. It is useful to mourn the animal, so it’s easier for a person to let the pet go. After this, you need to remove objects that remind you of the cat: toys, bowl, tray, etc. d. However, all this is just a dry instruction, a person must realize that life goes on, and that it is time to let go of his friend. Of course, memories will still remain. But let them be bright and pleasant memories. After a couple of years, love and bright sadness should remain in the memory, and not heavy oppressive grief.

I remember every cat that was ever in my family. Some of them lived a long life, and some died in childhood. We had a white kitten Bim. He died on the third day from distemper. No one had time to play with him, and no one had time to get used to him. But I remember with a smile how fluffy he was. So fluffy that his ears were not visible at this root, and he looked like a lump. And I really wanted to cuddle him, but his parents forbade it.

Getting a new kitten helps people forget about their losses. While this is an effective method of diverting attention, not everyone should use it. There can never be a single recommendation because every pet death is experienced differently. One needs to experience each stage of grief in order to get through this tragic event. Eliminating any sense of guilt is crucial. Everything else will be fixed by time because time heals.

Video: what awaits animals after death

Even those who do not practice any religion are able to envision an alternative afterlife. Phrases like “meet me on the bridge,” “walk with your fluffy paws along the rainbow,” and similar expressions can be found on forums dedicated to bidding adieu to beloved cats. One of the myths states that a pet’s soul travels to "cat paradise," a better world that lies behind a rainbow. The cat will cross the rainbow bridge to meet its owner when the appropriate moment comes.

When is it worth getting a kitten

If you want to get a kitten after the death of a cat, you need to remember that no one can replace your beloved pet. A new kitten will not become the same fluffy one that you had before. A new kitten will have its own character, such habits will appear. A kitten will become an outlet if only it becomes an object for new love. Taking care of a small animal will make it easier to forget about the loss. But you can"t take a kitten the day after the funeral. You need to prepare for the arrival of a new friend in the house. If the cat died of illness, then you need to prepare the apartment. And also buy everything you need for the kitten. For example, the litter box of an adult cat may not be suitable for a baby.

Our nine-year-old Siberian, Barsik, passed away yesterday. Many pets die from cancer (he had lymphoma)! After a year, only bring a vaccinated kitten into a cleaned apartment. The beloved cat of Natasha Gordeeva passed away. You can find the question 39921908 at https://touch.otvet.mail.ru.

You have to get the apartment ready before bringing the kitten.

When the apartment is ready, a place for the kitten is prepared, everything necessary is purchased, you need to start looking for a kitten. Many families know in advance where they will get a pet. But not every animal will do. For example, you can"t take a newborn kitten if you don"t have the skills to keep such small animals. The kitten must be healthy and stand on its feet confidently. The animal must also feed itself. If the cat eats only its mother"s milk, then in the new conditions it will have nothing to eat and it will get sick. The age of the kitten is of great importance. It is advisable to take an animal at the age of three months.

Vaccinations are a major factor in the recommendation that a kitten not be brought home until after three months. An animal receives its first round of vaccinations when it is eight weeks old. Revaccination takes place three to four weeks later. In other words, a kitten that leaves the house after 12 weeks is as protected as possible from different viruses and infections. V-kakom-pokupat-kotenka-vozraste/ The website of Royal Canin.ru offers services for kittens and guests.

Signs of Aging Cats often show signs of aging such as decreased mobility, weight loss, and sleeping more.
Decreased Appetite Cats may stop eating as their body starts to shut down, leading to weakness.
Breathing Changes Irregular or labored breathing can be a common sign as a cat approaches the end.
Isolation Some cats seek solitude when they are close to death, hiding in quiet places.
Loss of Interest They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, like playing or grooming.

Being without a cat is a very emotional experience, and it’s crucial to realize that every cat’s death is different. Early detection of the symptoms will enable you to give them the care and consolation they need in their final days, making them feel supported and loved.

While it’s normal to feel helpless at this time, you can really help your cat by being there for them, giving them gentle attention, and attending to their needs. Following their lead will facilitate a more peaceful transition for them, regardless of whether they long for your presence or solitude.

Even though saying goodbye to a cat is never easy, it can be consoling to think back on the relationship you had with them. Your love for them will always be in your heart, and your friendship and support will always be a part of their journey.

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Oleg Pashkov

Expert in matters and dietetics for cats and dogs. Studying the composition of feed and the effect of food on the health of pets - a priority area. I select individual diets for different breeds and ages, based on scientific data and many years of experience.

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