What Is the Dying Behavior of Cats

What is the dying behavior of cats? If your cat were dying, would you know what the signs were? All animals, even cats, exhibit some telltale signs that the end of their life is approaching. As a pet owner, these signs can help you make your cat's life more comfortable as this time approaches.

Is your cat sick or dying? Learn more here.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that death must also occur. It is difficult to watch a dear friend reach the end of his days, as many cat owners will attest. While it is possible that cats will die unexpectedly or blessedly in their sleep, other animals will exhibit certain behaviors before they pass on.

Cats seem to have the ability to know that they are going to die. A sick cat will begin seeking out places that are comfortable to him, yet away from his owners. For pet owners who allow a cat outside, this can cause problems. Cats will often seek out cool, shaded areas, such as under bushes, thickets of wild grasses or under vehicles. If your sick or aging pet has suddenly pulled a disappearing act, check in these areas around your home first. Indoor pets will exhibit a similar behavior, seeking out cool, dark areas in which to rest. Typical hiding places in the home include the cellar, under beds or in rooms used for storage.

Cats that are ill or dying will avoid eating food and drinking water as well. A cat that isn't eating at all, even when you tempt him with a favorite treat, is either very ill or close to dying. While a cat may skip a meal or two occasionally, an animal that hasn't eaten two or three meals in a row should be taken to a vet for examination.

A cat that is close to dying may have an unkempt appearance. He won't have the energy to groom himself as he normally would. In addition, his fur may even come out in small clumps or shed copiously.

A cat's eyes may appear different when he is close to death. One or both eyes may be dilated; this often means that he has had a seizure. In other cases, a cat may appear to be blind or his eyes are glazed over. His eyes may also have a sunken in appearance.

One sign that is exhibited by some cats that are dying is a series of seizures. This is one of the reasons that pet owners should have a cat in a safe and comfortable place when he is nearing death. A cat that is having seizures may yowl and throw hiss head backwards, making an uncomfortable-looking arch in hiss back. A cat may have one or two of these seizures, or many more over a period of several hours before death takes him.

A cat's breathing may change when he is dying. Some animals will pant during their last hours or make wheezing sounds. The cat may keep his mouth open with his tongue hanging out. Towards the end, some cats will make little gurgling noises as the respiratory system begins to shut down.

Cats often pass away without anyone noticing that they've gone. For the pet owners who know that death is imminent, preparing for the event can help them say good-bye to their friend.

Some animals are so ill that an owner may take them to a vet to determine if euthanasia should be considered. If the vet agrees with you that your pet should be euthanized, you'll be given a chance to say goodbye before the vet administers the shot.

Occasionally, taking a pet to the vet isn't an option. In these cases, making the animal safe and comfortable is the best thing that you can do for him. If you have access to a large animal cage, a cat can be placed in it along with water, a soft bed to lie on and a litter box. If no cage is available, a quiet room with a door will suffice, once again providing the cat with soft bedding, water and a litter box.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a cherished pet and member of the family. Understanding what is the dying behavior of cats will help you to give your pet some measure of comfort in his final hours.

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