There's no right or wrong way to cope when your cat is showings signs of dying. Some pets pass away peacefully at home, while others may start to experience so many bad days that putting them to sleep is the kindest option.

It's always a good idea to talk to your vet, who can guide you through the options and help you make the best decision for both your family and your pet.

Whatever path you choose, keeping your cat comfortable and managing any pain is the most important thing during this time.

End of Life Care for Cats

A cat's passing can be peaceful or traumatic, depending on the circumstances. Sudden events, like road traffic accidents, can be incredibly distressing and there's often little time to prepare.

However, if your beloved pet is elderly or has a terminal condition, pet parents may find it helpful to gradually adjust their cat's care as they approach the end of life. These small changes can make a big difference in easing your cat's final days and helping you prepare emotionally.

Older cats often experience a loss of muscle mass or suffer from arthritis, which can make movement more difficult. Providing an easily accessible litter box is important to reduce joint strain and prevent toileting accidents.

As cats age, their body temperature can drop more easily due to decreased activity and lower body fat. Warm bedding placed in a quiet, cosy spot can help keep them comfortable, and many cats will want to spend time resting close to you for warmth and reassurance. You might also consider moving their bed and litter tray to a more convenient location, such as downstairs, and offering soft or palliative food to encourage eating and maintain hydration.

These thoughtful changes can help ensure your cat feels safe, loved, and cared for in their final moments.

What Are the Most Common Signs a Cat is Dying?

Signs a cat is dying can vary from one pet to another, but often, you'll notice a worsening of existing health issues.

Cats with long-term illnesses may exhibit intensified symptoms of various conditions, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or increased stiffness.

In some cases, your cat may begin to act out of character - this might include staring at walls, sitting in unusual places, or having toileting accidents indoors. These types of changes are often referred to as cat end-of-life behaviour, and they can be just as telling as physical symptoms.

A noticeable lack of appetite, quiet behaviour, and a tendency to hide are common as cats near the end of their lives. As their body starts to shut down, you might also observe laboured breathing, reduced energy and a general withdrawal from usual activities.

Signs a Cat is Dying of Old Age

Signs of a cat dying of old age rather than illness are often more gradual. You may notice a slow loss of appetite, longer sleep periods and a gentle decline in mobility or interest in their surroundings over several days or weeks.

While this can be difficult to witness, understanding these changes can help you provide comfort and support during this natural phase of life.

Do Cats Go Off to Die?

When a cat is dying, it often seeks security and will look for a quiet, safe space to rest. This behaviour has led many to wonder, do cats go away to die?

In truth, this instinct to hide can be emotionally challenging for cat owners, especially when their pet starts withdrawing.

As your cat reaches the final stage of their life, or if you begin to notice signs that your cat may be passing away, it's a good idea to keep them indoors so that you can monitor them closely. Creating a calm, quiet room with cosy hiding spots and soft bedding can help your cat feel safe and at ease.

How Long Do Cats Say Goodby Before They Die?

There is no set timeframe for how long it takes for a cat to pass, and the process can vary depending on their health and condition. If you're unsure whether your cat is actively dying, especially if it's sudden or unexpected, it's important to contact your vet.

Maintaining regular contact with your veterinary team can provide peace of mind and support while you offer end-of-life care at home. They can also talk you through other options if things don't go as expected.

Cat End of Life Services

There are many services available to support you and your cat during this difficult time. Veterinary professionals understand how emotional this stage can be, and your local practice can help guide you through the decisions and care options available.

Depending on your cat's end of life signs, you may consider palliative care, hospice care or euthanasia, depending on what's best for your cat and your family.

Palliative Care for Cats

Palliative care focuses on keeping your cat comfortable and managing any symptoms or discomfort they may be experiencing. While it includes treatments to ensure they're not feeling pain, it may also involve medication aimed at stabilising or treating their condition - often suitable for serious but potentially manageable health issues.

Hospice Care

Alternatively, hospice care may be more appropriate if your cat has a terminal diagnosis with little time remaining. This type of care doesn't aim to cure the illness but instead focuses on comfort, providing pain relief and gentle support in a familiar and loving environment. In some areas, animal hospices offer specialised care to help pets pass peacefully.

Medications

Medications, whether for palliative or hospice care, are usually given orally via syrups, tablets or through injections.

If giving your cat medication at home is stressful for either of you, be sure to let your vet know. They can adjust your cat's treatment plan to suit your needs, ensuring it remains effective and manageable for everyone involved.

When to Consider Euthanasia in Cats

When your cat's quality of life has declined significantly, and there's no longer a way to manage their discomfort, pet euthanasia may be the kindest option. This is an ethical and peaceful procedure performed by a vet, either at home or in the clinic. It involves an overdose of anaesthetic, which is administered through a vein. Your cat will gently fall asleep before taking their final breath.

Pet Bereavement Support

During the heartbreak of losing a pet, it's important to have clear, compassionate information to guide you through.

The signs that a cat is dying can vary depending on their age, condition and personality, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared.

There are many options when it comes to cat end-of-life care, from palliative support to hospices and, when needed, euthanasia. However, the most important thing is making sure your cat is comfortable, pain-free, and surrounded by love.

Whatever decisions you and your family make, they should feel right for you and reflect the care and bond you've shared with your beloved pet. And don't forget to take care of yourself.

Is it Normal to Grieve a Cat?

Grief is a natural and valid response when a pet passes, and losing a pet can awaken memories of other personal bereavements or worries about future ones.

Throughout this journey, it's important to remember that emotional and mental support is just as important as physical care. If you're struggling, reach out to your GP. Alternatively, your vet can direct you to pet bereavement services. You're not alone, and there's help available to support you through this incredibly difficult time.

Pets are cherished members of the family, and it's entirely natural to grieve their loss. Reaching out for support can make all the difference.

Everypaw Cat Insurance

Everypaw's Cat Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your kitty will be well looked after. 

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - www.vetlexicon.com/felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.