When your elderly pet cat is not behaving normally or is refusing to eat, it can be worrying. What are the signs your cat is dying, and how can you make them as comfortable as possible before they pass? Our DeSoto vet clinic aims to explain to help ease you through this difficult time.
Signs That Your Cat May Be Dying
It’s important to understand that every cat is different. Some of the following signs a cat is dying may simply indicate an illness in another cat, especially a younger one. However, if you are seeing significant changes in their behavior, you should start looking for other signs of discomfort or illness.
Frequently, if your cat is nearing the end of its life, you’ll see more than one of the following signs. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to our clinic for advice.
Changes in Appetite
If your cat experiences a noticeable loss of appetite that lasts for a couple of days, you should pay close attention. If your animal starts vomiting or experiences changes in their bowel movements, you should seek help from a veterinarian.
You could try offering a different kind of food or some of your pet’s favorite treats. If your cat suddenly starts eating again, the animal may simply want different food. Older cats with painful teeth may prefer eating moist food instead of dry food, too.
Failing to Drink Water
If you have concerns about your pet’s health, keep an eye on the cat’s water intake. Move the water bowl to a location where you can watch the pet drink. Remove other potential sources of water the animal has access to so you can watch your cat’s behavior more closely.
Sluggishness or Lack of Alertness
Lethargy and decreased alertness can be signs your cat is dying or is not feeling well. An elderly cat might not be all that active normally. However, if your pet also starts ignoring a favorite toy or other form of stimulus, you may want to reach out to our clinic. If the cat doesn’t have its normal level of alertness when you enter a room or when a new person tries to pet it, let us know.
Increased Vocalization
If your cat suddenly begins meowing more or is making other out-of-the-ordinary noises, this could indicate discomfort or pain. Cats can be noticeably vocal when they aren’t feeling well.
If the increased vocalization occurs at the same time that your cat is having difficulty moving or is refusing to jump to a favorite perch, this could indicate a high level of pain.
Hiding From You
Many cats will show sudden reclusiveness or will begin hiding from you most of the day when the end of life is near. Some cats are normally reclusive, so pay attention to any changes in reclusiveness for signs your cat is dying.
Unexpected Aggression Toward You
One of the most disturbing changes in behavior when a cat is nearing the end of its life is sudden aggression toward you. If the cat unexpectedly lashes out or bites while you are trying to pet it, it could be feeling quite a bit of pain.
If this aggression is a new behavior for your cat, let us know.
Sudden Poor Grooming
A cat that is feeling severely ill or is in significant pain may stop grooming itself. If you start noticing matted fur or similar problems, pay close attention to any other changes in the animal’s behavior.
Unexplained Weight Loss
One of the clearest signs of a cat that is nearing the end of its life is significant weight loss. This often indicates severe illness, although it can also imply dissatisfaction with the food you’re providing.
If your cat looks like it’s losing weight but you aren’t certain, we can look back at our care records for past weight measurements on your pet.
How You Can Help Your Cat With End-of-Life Care
Coping with the death of a pet is extremely difficult. Most of us don’t want to face the possibility of losing our beloved animals. For your cat’s level of comfort, though, it’s important to be proactive to help the animal during end-of-life situations.
When you are seeing signs your cat is dying, the best thing you can do is to provide the most comfort possible to your pet.
Speak with our clinic to determine the best course of action for your cat’s situation. We can explain some of the steps you can take at home to help your cat during this time of transition, including:
- Create a warm, comfortable place for the cat to sleep
- Place the litter box as close as possible
- Keep food, treats, and water near the sleeping area
- Provide companionship as much as you are able
- Maintain the schedule of pain medication your veterinarian recommends
- Watch for signs of changes in your cat’s comfort level
- Reach out to our clinic if it seems like your cat’s pain level increases
If you are struggling to keep your cat comfortable, consider pet hospice care from our clinic. We can create the perfect care scenario to help your cat during this transition.
If euthanasia eventually becomes the most humane choice in your cat’s end-of-life care, our team will give you and your cat the compassionate attention and support you need.
Let Penny Paws Animal Clinic Help You With End-of-Life Care for Your Cat
At Penny Paws Animal Clinic, we know how difficult it is to believe you are seeing signs your cat is dying. Facing the prospect of losing your beloved pet is never easy. We aim to guide you through this difficult period and make your pet as comfortable as possible.
Our team members can help you with end-of-life care for your cat, providing the support you need while easing any pain your pet may be feeling. For questions or to learn how we can help, call (817) 284-7297 or book an appointment today.