Symptoms of a Dying Cat

Your pet is sick, but you are not sure if it's serious; what are the symptoms of a dying cat?

It is important to know your pet. It is easier to tell if your cat is sick when you know how she acts and looks at her healthiest. As your cat ages, some of her behaviors will change. Understanding her normal behavior at each stage will help you notice any sign of illness or death.

Some of the symptoms of a cat in excellent health are:

• Thick, shiny coat of fur
• Bright eyes
• Good appetite
• Energetic
• Moves gracefully and easily
• Grooms self
• Healthy weight
• Purring
• Alert

By the time a cat has obvious symptoms of illness she is usually very ill.

Symptoms that your pet may be dying are often difficult to see if she is dying from old age rather than illness. Symptoms of an illness are usually much more pronounced.

One of the first symptoms of a dying cat may be changes in appetite. Your cat may not want to eat at all, or only nibble a bite or two. She may stop drinking water as well.

It is important that you not try to force her to eat. If your cat's body is shutting down, it has no need for nutrients. By forcing her to eat or drink you will only upset her and make her more uncomfortable.

Another symptom of death is that there will be less urine and feces produced. Your cat's urine may become very dark due to dehydration.

• You pet may stop grooming herself at this time. Her fur may become dull and matted.
• The gums, nose, eyelids and tongue may become pale.
• Her eyes will lose the alert look that is normal for a healthy cat.
• There may be extreme weight-loss.

Another sign that death is imminent is when your cat begins to sleep much more than usual. She may wake up briefly now and then and need reassurance that you are still there. Pet her and talk to her gently. Keep her warm because her body temperature may drop as the function of her internal organs slows down.

You cat may become disoriented. This is normal. She may wander around or just lie around. Your pet may seem to be unaware of her surroundings, or she may startle easily. Use slow, gentle movements and a soft tone as you care for her needs.

Your cat's breathing will change as death approaches. Your cat may take rapid breaths that are quite shallow. She may have a rattling or gurgling in her chest as she breathes. This is normal. At some point the breaths will become slower and the pauses between them longer until her final breaths.

If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of being near death, you may want to consider talking to your vet about euthanasia. This can be the more humane choice for a cat that is dying.

If you choose to put your pet to sleep, your vet will give her an injection that will slow her heart to a stop. This takes only seconds and is not a painful procedure. You will usually be given the opportunity to stay with her throughout the process if you wish. Euthanasia can put an end to your pet's suffering as well as shorten the emotional distress you feel.

Symptoms of a dying cat can be frightening, upsetting and disheartening. By understanding and coming to terms with the process of death, you can make decisions based on what is best for you and your pet rather than based on your emotions.

After your cat's death, you will need to deal with your grief in a healthy manner. Losing a pet is difficult; be sure to give yourself plenty of time to grieve.

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