Illness In Older Cats Symptoms Of Dying

About Illness in Older Cats, Symptoms of Dying

Sooner or later, every cat's life will end. If you're lucky, your cat will have lived a long and very full life filled with great moments of shared affection as well as a little adventure now and then.

All too commonly, as cats age, many begin to develop various illnesses that sap their bodies of energy and gradually take their toll on the internal organs. It's sad to see an old friend begin that gradual decline, but it's basically inevitable. You can prolong your pet's health and life by providing the best home care possible combined with routine health care from your vet. You can even take heroic measures to treat life threatening illnesses and injuries, but illness or simple old age always wins in the end.

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.

Signs of Dying

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.

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, they all but cease except for the last agonal breaths which 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 cat's 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 ten minutes worth of observation.
• There is a release of bodily fluids and waste.

Conclusion

Illness in older cats, symptoms of dying and saying good-bye are perhaps the hardest issues we face as cat lovers, but it is all part of the scheme of things. Eventually, the grieving process becomes bearable, and a new feline works its way into our heart, only to begin the cycle again.