How to Know a Sick Cat Might be Dying
written by Kelly Roper (Cats Group Editor)
You may also visit the actual site here: http://www.anaflora.com/grieving/beloved/index.html
Introduction
Eventually, every cat's life will end. If you're lucky, your cat will have lived a long life filled with great moments of shared affection. There's not much you can do to change the scheme of things, but it can be helpful to recognize the signs of a dying feline friend in order to get veterinary care, or at least offer comfort as your pet leaves this world.
Signs of Dying
According to FelineCRF.org, understanding the signs and symptoms of dying will help you prepare for your cat's exit from this world, and possibly even allow you to make your pet's final moments more comfortable. So, how can you recognize when the end of your cat's life is imminent? The body goes through various changes as it begins shutting down before death finally takes place.
Reluctance to Eat and Drink
As a cat's body begins the process of shutting down, the animal will gradually refrain from eating and drinking. As a result, you'll also notice a reduction in the amount of urine and feces released, and the urine will begin to take on a darker coloring.
Distraction/Disorientation
Many cats seem to become distracted during the dying process. They appear unaware of much of what is going on around them, and often will just stare into the distance at nothing in particular. In what appears to be an extension of the distracted aspect, some cats also become a little disoriented. They don't seem to recognize their owners as they once did, and they are sometimes startled by sudden noises or touches. At times like this, it's very important to take a slow and gentle approach with your pet. Speak softly to announce your presence, and touch lightly. If you must move your cat or adjust him to a more comfortable position, do so with great care.
Breathing Changes
A cat's breathing will certainly change as death approaches. In some cases, the breathing becomes rapid and shallow. In other cases, the lack of hydration leads to a gurgling sound in the chest as normal lung secretions thicken. Sometimes the breathing will simply become slow and rhythmic with intermittent pauses between breaths that become more prolonged as the final moments near. Eventually, breathing ceases except for the last agonal breaths that may come minutes apart. In the end, the heart and lungs come to a complete and final rest.
Restlessness
Some cats do not go as gently as others, and some become restless as the time approaches. They may struggle to change positions or may actually try to wander away to a place they feel more secure during their final moments.
Body Cooling
As the heart begins to slow its beats, the cat's body temperature begins to cool, first in the extremities and then the torso itself. As a result of decreased circulation, the cat may lose some or all feeling in his limbs and become unable to move for himself.
Increased Sleeping
Dying can happen quickly, or it can go on for hours and even days. During a prolonged death, most cats will spend a majority of the time in light sleep, occasionally waking up in response to what is going on around them and drifting back into sleep.
Sight and Hearing
As the body grows weaker, a cat's sight will often grow dim until he no longer appears able to see anything. However, even when sight fails, the cat is still likely able to hear what is going on around him, including the sounds of his family's voice.
Being Certain Your Pet Has Passed
It may be difficult to be sure when your cat has well and truly passed away.
- Watch for a complete relaxation of the entire body.
- Your touch doesn't provoke any kind of reflexive response.
- The cat's eyes are fixed and dilated.
- There are no more breaths after at least ten minutes of observation.
- There is a release of bodily fluids and waste.
Saying Good-Bye Is Difficult
Saying good-bye to a sick and dying feline friend is perhaps the most difficult issue cat lovers ever face, but death is a part of the natural scheme of things.
The grieving process eventually becomes bearable, and a new feline works its way into your heart only to begin the cycle again.
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