How to Recognize Signs Your Cat is Dying

Check your cat's heart rate. A declining heart rate is a sign that your cat is weakening and approaching death. A healthy cat's heart rate typically ranges between 140-220 beats per minute. A sick or very weak cat's heart rate may drop significantly as death nears. Here’s how to measure your cat's heart rate:

• Place your hand on the left side of your cat's chest, just behind the front leg.
• Use a stopwatch or smartphone to count the number of heartbeats you feel in 15 seconds.
• Multiply the number by 4 to get the heart rate per minute. Assess whether this rate is healthy or below normal.
• A weakening cat may also have low blood pressure, though specialized equipment is needed to measure it accurately.

Monitor your cat's breathing. A healthy cat typically breathes 20-30 times per minute. If the cat's heart is weak and its lungs are inefficient, the oxygen pumped into the bloodstream will decrease. This can cause the cat to breathe rapidly to compensate, leading to labored, heavy, and slow breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. You can monitor your cat's breathing by:

• Sitting close to your cat and listening to its breathing. Observe how many times the abdomen rises and falls with each breath.
• Using a stopwatch or smartphone to count breaths over 60 seconds.
• If the breathing is rapid and labored, the cat may be receiving less air and could be nearing the end of its life.

Check your cat's body temperature. A healthy cat's body temperature ranges between 37.7-39.2°C. A dying cat's temperature may drop below this range. A weakened heart can lower the body temperature below 37.7°C. You can check your cat's temperature by:

• Using a thermometer. Insert a pet thermometer into the cat's ear. If unavailable, use a digital rectal thermometer to measure the temperature. Insert it into the rectum and wait for the beep to read the temperature.
• If no thermometer is available, feel the cat's paws. Cool paws may indicate a drop in heart rate.

Observe your cat's eating and drinking habits. Cats nearing death often stop eating and drinking. You may notice their food and water bowls remain untouched. Physical signs of appetite loss may include weight loss, loose skin, and sunken eyes.

• Check your cat's waste. A cat that isn't eating or drinking will produce less waste and may have darker urine.
• Due to extreme weakness, the cat may lose control of its bladder and bowels, leading to accidents around the house.

Check for foul odors from your cat's body. As organs begin to shut down, toxins can accumulate, causing a foul smell. A dying cat may have bad breath and an overall unpleasant odor. This condition can worsen as the cat's body fails to eliminate toxins.

Notice if your cat seeks solitude. In the wild, a dying cat becomes more vulnerable to predators, so it instinctively seeks a secluded spot for its final rest. A dying cat may hide in a closed room, under furniture, or somewhere outdoors.

Take your cat to the vet. If you notice signs that your cat is unwell, you should take it to the vet immediately. Many serious symptoms that may seem like the cat is nearing death can be treated effectively if addressed promptly. Remain hopeful and avoid jumping to conclusions about your cat's condition based on the signs mentioned earlier.

• For example, chronic kidney failure is common in older cats. The symptoms of kidney failure often resemble those of a dying cat. However, with timely veterinary intervention, a cat with chronic kidney failure can live for several more years.
• Cancer, lower urinary tract disease, and tapeworms can also be treated even if the cat exhibits symptoms similar to those of nearing death.

Consult your vet about end-of-life care for your cat. If medical treatment can no longer prolong your cat's life, discuss with your vet how to make your cat as comfortable as possible in its final days. Depending on the symptoms, the vet may prescribe pain relief, provide feeding aids, or dress wounds.

• Many cat owners now opt for "hospice care at home" to help their cats pass peacefully. Owners often provide round-the-clock care to maintain their cat's comfort and well-being for as long as possible.
• If you're uncomfortable with a specific treatment, you can schedule regular vet visits to ensure your cat's needs are met.

Provide a warm and soft bed for your cat. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a dying cat is to offer a warm and comfortable resting place. As death approaches, cats often struggle to move around and spend most of their time lying down. You can make their favorite sleeping spot more comfortable by adding soft blankets.

• Ensure the bedding is kept clean. Wash the blankets every few days with hot water. Avoid using scented detergents to prevent irritation.
• If your cat has accidents, line the bed with towels for easy cleanup.

Help your cat relieve itself comfortably. Sometimes, a cat may struggle to use the litter box. If your cat is too weak to stand, carry it to the litter box every few hours. Discuss with your vet about using supportive harnesses to make the process easier for your cat.

Monitor your cat's pain levels. Cats can experience severe pain even if they don’t vocalize or flinch when touched. They tend to endure pain silently, but careful observation can help you recognize their suffering. Look for signs of pain such as:

• Increased hiding or withdrawal
• Labored or irregular breathing
• Reluctance to move or stiffness
• Reduced appetite or water intake

Decide whether euthanasia is the right choice. Choosing to euthanize a cat is never easy. Many owners prefer to let their cat pass naturally at home. However, if the cat is in significant pain, euthanasia may be the most humane option. Consult your vet to help determine the appropriate time for this decision.

• Keep track of your cat’s pain and suffering. If the days of pain outweigh the days when your cat can move, breathe, or function normally, discuss with your vet about ending its suffering.
• If you choose euthanasia, the vet will typically administer a sedative followed by a medication to ensure a peaceful passing. The process is painless and takes about 10-20 seconds. You can choose to stay with your cat or wait outside.

Care for your cat's remains. If your cat passes at home, preserve the body in a cool place until you arrange for cremation or burial. This prevents decomposition and protects your family’s health. Wrap the cat in a plastic bag or container and store it in a cool area like a refrigerator or a cold concrete floor. Cats euthanized at the vet’s office are typically handled appropriately by the clinic.

Choose between cremation and burial. If you prefer cremation, ask your vet for recommendations on local cremation services. For burial, look for pet cemeteries in your area.

• Some locations allow home burials, while others prohibit it. Research local laws before deciding on a burial site.
• Burying your cat in public parks or other communal areas is illegal.

Consider pet loss support services. Losing a pet can be incredibly difficult for owners. Experiencing deep grief after a pet's passing is normal. You may seek counseling to help process your emotions and navigate this loss. Your vet can recommend qualified counselors to assist you during this challenging time.

• Always consult your vet at the first signs of illness or discomfort in your cat. Early medical intervention can significantly extend your cat's life.