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Coming face to face with the death of a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching experience. However, being able to recognize the signs that indicate a cat has passed away is crucial for grieving and seeking closure. Understanding these signs can help pet owners navigate the moment of loss with dignity and empathy. In this guide, we will explore the various physical and behavioral indicators that can help you determine whether your cat has died. By knowing the signs of a dead cat, you can both prepare yourself emotionally and handle the situation responsibly, honoring your furry friend’s memory.
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This article was co-written by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Adult and Pet Health in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
This article has been viewed 214,822 times.
In the final moments of life, cats will exhibit certain behaviors and you can tell that the cat is about to die. Cats may refuse to eat or drink, lose energy, and lose weight. Many cats instinctively want to be left alone in their final days. Recognizing the signs of a dying cat helps you give your cat the most attention and special care.
Steps
Watch for signs of a dying cat
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Feel the cat’s heartbeat. A decreased heart rate is a sign that the cat is weakening and about to die. A healthy cat’s heart rate is usually around 140-220 beats per minute. The heart rate of a cat who is sick or very weak may be reduced in part because the cat is very close to death. Here’s how to measure a cat’s heart rate: [1] X Research Source Here’s how to measure a cat’s heart rate:
- Place your hand on the cat’s left chest, just to the right of the front paw.
- Use a stopwatch or smartphone to count the number of heartbeats you feel in 15 seconds.
- Multiply the number you counted by 4, and you get the cat’s heartbeat in 1 minute. You need to assess whether this heart rate is in the healthy range or below the normal range.
- A weakened cat may also have a drop in blood pressure. However, you need a special device that can measure your cat’s blood pressure.
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Check your cat’s breath. A healthy cat can breathe 20-30 times per minute. If the cat’s heart is weak and the lungs are not working properly, the amount of oxygen pumped into the blood will be reduced. This will cause the cat to gasp for oxygen and result in the cat having difficulty breathing, labored and slow because the lungs are filled with fluid. [2] X Research Source You can monitor your cat’s breathing by:
- Sit near the cat and listen to the cat breathe. Observe the number of times the abdomen rises and falls with each breath.
- Use a stopwatch or smartphone to count your breaths for 60 seconds. [3] X Research Sources
- If breathing is rapid and labored, the cat may receive less air and is dying.
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Take the cat’s temperature. The body temperature of a healthy cat is around 37.7-39.2 degrees Celsius . [4] X Research Source The body temperature of a dying cat may be lower. A weakened heart can lower your cat’s body temperature below 37.7 degrees Celsius. You can check your cat’s temperature by:
- Use a thermometer. You can insert a pet thermometer into your cat’s ear. If you don’t have a pet thermometer, you can use a digital rectal thermometer to take your cat’s temperature. You can insert a thermometer into your cat’s rectum and take it out and read the temperature after the beep.
- Without a thermometer, you can feel the cat’s paws. A cat’s paws that are cool to the touch are a sign of decreased heart rate.
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Monitor your cat’s eating. Dying cats often refuse to eat or drink. You can see that the plate of food and drink does not seem to be empty. Cats may also show physical signs of anorexia such as weight loss, excess skin, and sunken eyes. [5] X Research Sources
- Check your cat’s waste. Cats that do not need to eat often go to the bathroom less often and have dark urine.
- Because they are so weak, cats often have difficulty or no control over their urinary and intestinal tracts, so you may see cat waste strewn all over the house.
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Check for odors from the cat’s body. When the organ begins to shut down, toxins in the body can build up and cause a foul odor in the cat. Dying cats often have bad breath and body odor. This condition can become more and more serious because cats are not able to excrete toxins.
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Watch out for cats when they want to be left alone. In the wild, a dying cat is usually more sensitive than other carnivores, thus tending to find a final resting place. Dying cats may instinctively hide in a closed room, under furniture or somewhere outside.
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Take the cat to the vet clinic. If you notice signs that your cat is sick, you should take your cat to the vet immediately. Many serious and seemingly impending signs of death can be cured with proper treatment. You should hope and do not rush to conclude that the cat is about to die if you see the above signs. [6] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- For example, chronic kidney failure is common in older cats. Symptoms of kidney failure are often very similar to signs of imminent death. However, with timely veterinary intervention, cats with chronic kidney failure can live many years.
- Cancer, lower urinary tract disease, and tapeworms can also be cured when cats show symptoms similar to dying. [7] X Research Sources
Make your cat comfortable
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Consult your veterinarian on how to care for your cat at the end of life. If medical treatment doesn’t help your cat live much longer, you need to talk to your veterinarian about how to help your cat live as comfortably as possible into her final days. Depending on the symptoms, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication, provide a device to help your cat eat and drink, or bandage the dog’s wound. [8] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- Many cat owners are now doing “end of life at home” regimens to help their cats pass away more easily. Owners often care for cats around the clock to prolong the cat’s health and comfort for as long as possible.
- If you are uncomfortable with a certain form of treatment, you can schedule regular vet appointments to meet your cat’s care needs.
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Provide your cat with a warm bed and soft mattress. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a dying cat is to give her a warm and comfortable resting place. When dying, cats often find it difficult to move around and spend a lot of time lying down. You can make your cat’s favorite sleeping place comfortable by providing extra soft blankets for her.
- Make sure your cat’s bedding is clean at all times. Every few days, you should wash the blanket once in hot water. Do not use scented laundry detergent to avoid irritating your cat.
- If your cat is going to the toilet uncontrollably, you should line the bed with a towel that can be easily changed after each time the cat urinates.
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Help your cat to go to the toilet comfortably. Sometimes cats can have trouble defecating in the litter box. If the cat is too weak to stand up, take her to the toilet every few hours. You should talk to your veterinarian about designing a sling for your cat to make defecation more comfortable.
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Monitor your cat’s pain levels. Cats can be in severe pain even without whining or flinching when you touch them. Cats tend to suffer in silence, but careful observation can help you get a feel for the pain your cat is experiencing. You can look for signs of pain such as: [9] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- Cats hide more than usual
- Cat panting or struggling
- Cats move reluctantly
- Cats eat or drink less than usual
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Decide whether to euthanize the cat. Deciding to euthanize a cat is not an easy decision. Instead, many cat owners want their cats to die naturally at home. However, if the cat is in extreme pain, euthanasia is a humane option. You can call your veterinarian to help you decide when to proceed with euthanasia.
- You should keep a record of your cat’s pain and distress. If the number of days your cat is in pain and distress exceeds the number of days she can get up, walk, and breathe normally, you should consult with your veterinarian about how to help her end the pain.
- If you decide to euthanize your cat, your veterinarian may prescribe a sedative followed by medication to help the cat pass away peacefully. The process is usually painless and only takes about 10-20 seconds. [10] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to the source You can choose to stay with the cat or wait outside. [11] X Research Source
Handling after the cat dies
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Caring for the cat’s carcass. If the cat dies at home, you should store the cat’s body in a cool place until a cremation or burial is planned. This ensures the cat’s carcass does not spoil or endanger the health of your family. You should carefully wrap the cat in a plastic bag (or other plastic container), then store the cat’s body in a cool place like a refrigerator or cold concrete floor. Cats that die by euthanasia are usually properly preserved by veterinarians. [12] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
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Deciding between cremation and burial. If you want to cremate your cat, you should consult your veterinarian for cremation sites in your area. If you want to bury your cat, you should find your local pet cemetery to bury your cat.
- Some places will allow you to bury your cat yourself while it is illegal in others. Before deciding where to bury your cat, you should research local laws. [13] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- It is illegal to bury cats in parks or other public places.
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Consider reassurance services after a pet’s death. The loss of a pet can be difficult for an owner. It is normal to experience deep sadness when a pet passes away. You can make an appointment with a counselor to help you calm down and get through this period of loss. Your veterinarian can refer you to a qualified counselor.
Advice
- Be sure to consult your veterinarian when your cat shows the first signs of illness. Medical intervention can significantly extend the life of a cat.
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This article was co-written by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Adult and Pet Health in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
This article has been viewed 214,822 times.
In the final moments of life, cats will exhibit certain behaviors and you can tell that the cat is about to die. Cats may refuse to eat or drink, lose energy, and lose weight. Many cats instinctively want to be left alone in their final days. Recognizing the signs of a dying cat helps you give your cat the most attention and special care.
In conclusion, knowing the signs of a dead cat is essential for any pet owner or animal lover. Identifying these signs early can help ensure that proper care and attention is given to the cat in its final moments and in handling its remains. By understanding common indicators like lack of responsiveness, absence of breathing and heartbeat, stiffening of the body, and changes in body temperature and color, one can make an informed decision about seeking veterinary assistance or preparing for a respectful and dignified burial. It is important to remember that losing a cat is a difficult and emotional experience, but being aware of the signs of a dead cat can enable us to honor their lives and provide closure in the most compassionate manner possible.
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