How to relieve the suffering of a dying cat

It is not easy to live through such an ordeal. All things of the deceased pet should be removed, so that nothing unnecessary reminders of him. It is better to scroll in your head only the most pleasant and bright moments spent with the animal.

A cat's dying. How to make her days easier without putting her to sleep…

Hello. My cat is dying, a month ago began to sleep in the bathroom all the time, the last 3 days is almost never gets up, I feed and give her to drink herself. Today at lunchtime I gave her sour cream and water, she began to breathe heavily, now does not get up, breathes only by mouth (not nose) and looks at one point. She is not responding to anything…she shakes sometimes. How to relieve her last days or hours.
The cat is about 17 years old, no kittens.

Have you tried any tests? How can you make a diagnosis without seeing the cat and knowing what's inside her? You didn't write any information. The cat's diet, is it neutered, vaccinated, wormed? What is the stool and urination, how often? How much water does she drink?

And you should not ease the days, but treat the animal. Blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, chest x-ray. It's been a month now, you're just catching up!

Ration used to be canned Viskas, cereal, milk, chicken, fish. The last few days only sour cream … Water is almost unable to drink, immediately chokes a little.
Does not go to the bathroom. She does not go to the toilet now.
She is not neutered, not pro-glistovaned and not vaccinated.
She really does not have much left, she is over 17 years old.
My parents' cat, they are at the cottage now can not help.
She doesn't look good, she's lost weight, she has bad breath…

Acetone smell? Any vomiting? Any mouth sores? Any vaginal discharge? Most likely the cat has BPH, may be pyometra (inflammation of the uterus), cancer, but you can not say anything without tests. You need IV fluids and parenteral nutrition if she won't eat, you can hardly do anything at home.
Does she not go to the toilet – no stools, no urination? When was the last time she peed or pooped?

No, there is no acetone smell and no ulcers either.
Last time yesterday she peed and pooped.
No vomiting, swallowing with difficulty, can not even move.
Tomorrow my parents will come and take her to the vet. clinic, now I just do not know what to do. I wipe my cat's face with gauze soaked in water and try to let her swallow even a drop of water…

Feeding a dying cat

In the latter stages of life, cats often lose their appetite, which can lead to poor health. Proper nutrition can help improve a dying cat's quality of life and make it more comfortable.

Make sure the cat gets enough water

It is important to make sure the cat is drinking enough water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration and poor health. Depending on the cat's condition, you may need to help him drink, such as using a needleless syringe or a sprayer to fill his mouth with water. You can also try giving your cat liquid food that contains a lot of water.

Choose food that is easy to digest

In the latter stages of life, a dying cat may have digestive problems. Therefore, it is important to choose foods that are easy to digest and do not burden the body.

These are usually soft, liquid or semi-solid foods that contain more water. Canned foods, pastas, baby foods, and diet cat foods that are high in protein and low in fat may be appropriate options.

Variety of food

Provide your cat with a variety of foods to keep him interested in food and stimulate his appetite. You can try adding wet chicken or beef, canned fish, finely chopped vegetables, eggs or cottage cheese to the food. It is important to remember that the cat must get all the necessary nutrients, so you need to ensure a balanced diet.

Give your cat food when he asks for it

When a cat is in the last stages of life, his appetite may change. He may refuse food at certain times, but after a few hours he may want to eat.

Hair Care.

A cat may be uncomfortable with overgrowth of hair. You can help him with this by combing and clipping his hair regularly. This can also help remove dandruff and reduce molting.

When a cat is sick and suffering, it is important to give him lots of love and support. You can spend more time with him, pet him, and interact with him to make him feel supported and cared for by you. Many cats like to socialize and play with toys, even when they are sick.

If a cat has pain or illness, he may feel restless and anxious. You can help him calm down by creating a calm and quiet atmosphere around him. This may include reducing the noise level in the home, closing curtains to reduce bright lights, and using music or sound effects to create a relaxing atmosphere.

About breathing before you pass away

Measuring breathing rate is also one way to tell if a cat is dying. In its normal state, an animal takes 20 to 30 breaths per minute. But, unlike the pulse rate, the number of breaths will not decrease, but instead will increase. However, they will be weak, without depth.

This is due to the fact that the weakened heart also affects the efficiency of the respiratory system. Immediately before the death the breathing rate will fall, the number of breaths will be equal to the number of heartbeats.

About the refusal to drink and eat

Refusal of both food and water is one of the main harbingers of imminent demise, which is most often the focus of the pet's owners. It is true that for some time before his death, the pet stops eating and refuses water. Even if offered something tasty and favorite, there will be no reaction.

The refusal to eat and drink causes the animal to look emaciated and lose weight. The cat's stomach sinks. This moment is important. If the cat's belly is swollen, you should immediately take your pet to the clinic or call the doctor at home, rather than grieve.

Symptoms of imminent death

You can understand that the pet will soon leave the world of the living by the presence of certain characteristic signs. Older cats that are more than 12 years old should be brought in for routine checkups with a veterinarian for close monitoring of their overall health.

If characteristic symptoms appear, a qualified veterinarian should be contacted as soon as possible. It is possible that the cat is very sick and needs help, it can still be saved. Timely therapeutic measures can prolong the life of a pet with chronic pathologies for several years. In this case, timely treatment will give good results – the animal will not suffer and suffer.

Characteristic symptoms of impending death in a cat:

• Change in eating behavior. Cats start to eat very little or no food at all. After a while, the cat's drinking habits become disturbed as well – they refuse to drink. An owner should be alarmed by the following signs: untouched food, no visits to the litter box for more than 48 hours, feces with bloody discharge, and a cloudy and dark urine color. Some time after refusal of food, the animal becomes physically exhausted, the coat becomes dull and falls out in shreds. The animal tries to move less and lies down all the time. Control of the intestinal muscles and the urinary sphincter is impaired, leading to involuntary emptying.

• Respiratory Disturbance. Changes in respiratory rhythm are a clear sign of serious disorders in the body, indicating the imminent demise. This is due to the fact that the myocardium fails to cope with its work, and the amount of oxygen needed by the body's cells decreases sharply in the bloodstream. The cat begins to breathe heavily and frequently, trying to compensate for the loss as much as possible. It is important to remember that a healthy animal should have a respiratory rate of at least 20 times within 60 seconds. Weak and intermittent breathing indicates that the pet is about to die. To accurately determine respiratory rate, use a stopwatch and observe how many times the chest rises and falls within 1 minute.

• Abnormal heart rhythm and changes in blood pressure readings. A clear sign of the animal's imminent death is a slowing of the heart rate. A healthy animal has a normal heart rate of 125 to 145 beats per minute. A sudden change in the rate signals difficulty in pumping blood through the body. To measure a pet's heart rate, you must place an open palm on the left side, behind the front limb and count how many beats there were for 15 seconds. Multiplied by 4, the resulting figure should not be less than 60. Otherwise, the signs of the sudden death are obvious.

Causes of death in cats

A cat's life depends on a number of factors and it is often man's fault if he dies or dies. Long-lived cats live more than 20 years, but the average cat dies in its 14th to 16th year of life. Street cats are prone to disease or injury and live up to 5 years. Mixing breeds to breed a new species can have undesirable results. For example, kittens often die from mating a Brit with other breeds. It is worth considering whether to get such pets, because the death of a cat is hard to bear.

How to understand and what to do?

Caring owners can make pets' lives easier. If the cat did not die from injuries and did not die from disease, a timely treated illness gives a chance for a long life in good conditions. You can tell if a young cat is dying by watching it for a while. A beloved playful cat may develop new habits with age, but sudden apathy, refusal of food and a sleepy state should be alarming. If the cat is screaming in the toilet, you can see blood in the urine or feces, the surest solution is to go to the veterinary clinic. The doctor will be able to determine the diagnosis, prescribe treatment in time and not leave the animal to die.

Respiratory system

A change in breathing is a sign of ill health of the animal. Normally, the cat takes about 30 breaths and exhalations. Deterioration occurs along with an increase in temperature, decreased immunity and pain. If breathing dominates in the abdomen, with little movement of the ribs, it may be a congenital abnormality or a chronic disease. In such cases, damage to the ribs, rib cage, spine or lungs is to blame. The cat feels pain while breathing and may die. Weak or intermittent breathing is one of the main causes of abnormalities in the body when the cat dies. Accompanying signs that indicate the development of the disease:

Heartbeat

Normal heart rate in cats is 100-130 beats per minute, in kittens it is slightly higher and is 150-200 beats. To know the condition of the pet, you need to listen to the heart rate. This can be done with the palm of your hand by placing it on the sternum under the left paw, just below the shoulder blade. An intermittent pulse indicates an arrhythmia, and an obstructed pulse indicates a cardiovascular malfunction.

How to relieve the suffering of a dying cat?

Illness or deterioration of a sick pet always comes unexpectedly. The doctor has determined an incurable illness or there is an old cat in the house – it is worth knowing how to help a dying pet. Feeling the loss of strength, the pet will look for a warm, cozy place and the owner should take care of this by laying a soft blanket. Often a weakened pet will not be able to get to the toilet, so a litter box should be placed next to it, or towels should be laid which should be changed frequently. If the cat is in severe pain you can, after consulting your veterinarian, apply painkillers or medical ointments. But the most important thing for the pet will be the care and affection of its owners during the last days of its life.

If a cat doesn't get acclimatized in your home

It also happens that pets, whether they are cats, dogs or small rodents, constantly die in the house. It is important to find out the reason why they don't take root. There is a very high probability of the presence of negative energy or evil forces in the apartment that affect life.

If the animals died at the same time or at short intervals after each other, it means that even they cannot cope with the amount of evil that has settled in the house. Perhaps there was a curse put upon the family or someone consciously continues to put curses on it that the cats are trying to resist.

Not superfluous would be and search for information about the place where the house is located. Very often this is the root of the problem. On a piece of land in the past could be a cemetery or a place of sacrifice, which can not leave behind a trace and negative energy. That is why it is so important to find out the history of a site in advance – places that serve as a refuge for magical forces are usually sold cheaper, and the truth about their past is withheld. Young families or just people who want to save money do not hesitate to buy houses, and then become victims of terrible events, one of which may be the death of a pet.

If there is no way to change the house, it makes sense to turn to a priest or other professional who will clean the house, carrying out the most powerful rituals. You can also perform them yourself, but only if you have confidence that everything will be done correctly.

You should not exclude the possibility that cats may not have liked the house cat, although usually this neighbor does not resort to physical violence. The death of a cat may indicate that the creature does not like the way of life that the owner leads. In such a situation, you should try to placate him, as well as to put the house in order and stop constantly thinking about bad things.

Omen associated with the death of a cat

There are a huge number of omens about these little animals, because they are longtime companions of man and are firmly embedded in all aspects of culture.

Seeing a dead cat in the street

Strange as it may seem, if a dead cat is encountered in the street or elsewhere outside the apartment, there is no need to fear and panic. Most superstitions associated with this event, call it a favorable omen.

After such a meeting is expected financial gain, perhaps a trip or a long journey, as well as love or a meeting with the enemy, depending on the color of the animal – to prepare for a duel with the enemy is worth it, if the cat's fur is black.

On the contrary, the English fishermen immediately collected their fishing rods and their belongings, as soon as they saw the corpse of the animal. They said that one should not go fishing after such an omen, because it was easy to get into trouble and not get the desired prey.

If a dead cat was dropped off

It is not uncommon for ill-wishers to drop dead animals at the apartment door or in entryways. Most likely, there is a magical ritual involved. If someone wants to harm a family, he has to strangle a cat and toss it to the dwelling of the object of the plot.

Real experienced magicians and esotericists are skeptical of such actions – they are sure that the accent is made precisely to frighten the person. One look of a corpse at the threshold becomes uncomfortable, so very often the anxiety of the owner and turns into the cause of subsequent mishaps.

How long do cats live?

The average life expectancy of a domestic cat is 13 to 17 years. This is not an exact figure, as cats can live more than 20 years. Others die from disease or accidents at an earlier age. Their lifespan is divided into six stages:

When a pet reaches advanced age, her body begins to slow down. The cat will no longer be as energetic as before. The animal may develop arthritis/joint problems, and it will be more difficult to recover quickly from illnesses. As the end of life approaches, the older animal may show signs of cognitive dysfunction.

Signs that a cat is dying of old age

Animals are known to be good at hiding injuries and illnesses. In the wild, this is a great survival instinct, as any sign of weakness makes the animal a potential target for predators and rivals. But in the case of our pets, this can be a problem for us loving caregivers who want to help our pets cope with any illness or discomfort. We must monitor our pets closely and pay attention to subtle changes that indicate that something is wrong.

Many of the signs that your cat is nearing the end of her life are also common symptoms of conditions such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer and diabetes. The first step when you notice something is wrong with your pet is to show her to the veterinarian. After an examination and diagnosis, the vet will be able to tell you if your pet has a disease that can be treated, or if the prognosis is more grim.

Severe weight loss

Weight loss is very common in older cats. This is partly due to normal loss of muscle mass: as the body ages, it becomes less efficient at digesting and building protein, which leads to loss of muscle mass. Your pet may be eating well, but still lose weight.

Over time, the weight loss can become extreme. Some old or sick cats can become very thin, with their ribs, spine and hip bones protruding under the skin. Cachexia is a particular form of extreme weight loss caused by cancer in which rapidly dividing cancer cells require so much energy that the body breaks down fat stores and muscle for fuel. Cats with hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease also often experience weight loss.

Hiding

Hiding is the surest sign of illness in cats, but it can be difficult to spot. Normally, many cats hide often. Signs to look out for include increased hiding, hiding in new places, and reluctance to come out even during routine, positive events such as eating.

Causes and characteristic symptoms of impending death

The longevity and death of domestic cats, like all other living creatures, depends on many factors. These include natural aging, genetics, injuries, poisoning, disease, and even psychological causes such as chronic stress.

Some of the most frequent fatalities in cats are:

• Chronic renal failure resulting from urolithiasis. Spayed animals have a metabolic disorder that causes them to require specialized nutrition and drinking regimens. If you continue to feed the cat as usual, concrements form in the kidneys and bladder, which provoke pain, severe inflammation, impaired urine flow, and swelling. If treatment is begun as soon as the first symptoms are detected, the disease can be managed.
• Cancerous tumors, which can affect various organs. As with humans, cancer in cats can occur at any age. The most common malignancies found in cats are in the uterus, lymph nodes (lymphoma), mammary glands, brain, and liver. There is no definitive cure, but timely surgery and medication will prolong the life of the cat and make it feel better.
• Bacterial, viral and fungal infections, to which kittens, unvaccinated and free-range adult cats are most susceptible. A sick animal definitely needs veterinary care and medication. With mild infections the body can cope on its own in 4-5 days, otherwise the condition deteriorates very quickly, becomes critical and help the pet will no longer be possible. There are infections that develop rapidly. Cheerful in the morning, by the evening the animal already shows the strongest symptoms of intoxication.

What caused the sudden death of a pet will only be known after the autopsy at the veterinary clinic. It is better not to take the risk and consult with a specialist.

Why do cats walk away and hide before they die?

The most logical explanation for an old or sick cat's desire to leave home has to do with an ancient instinct that pets inherited from their wild ancestors.

The animal senses well and understands its vulnerability in such a condition. Intuitively, they look for a secluded and safe place to rest while not becoming prey to other predators. For the same reason, cats who have never been outside the walls of the house are still looking for a nook.

Zoopsychologists also sometimes say that the desire for privacy before death is related to the independent and proud nature of felines. They don't want to be seen weak or dead.

Animals that are especially attached to their owners may thus protect them from sorrow and grief.

There are more mystical explanations for why a cat runs away from home. They are related to the myth that these animals can anticipate the future and see subtle worlds. Allegedly, in this way, they take the trouble that threatens the owners and their home, and die in their place.

The care of an animal

• Many cat owners turn to pet hospices in an effort to relieve their pets' suffering. These hospices provide animals with around-the-clock care and attention that can prolong their lives.
• If you are unable to do any of the procedures yourself, you can arrange for the doctor to take care of them.

• Make sure the area stays clean. Wash the blankets in warm water every other day. Do not use strong smelling detergents, as these smells may be unpleasant for the animal.
• If the cat suffers from urinary incontinence, lay towels that are easy to change if necessary.

Surround the cat with care in its final days. Sometimes it can be difficult for animals to get to their own toilet. If the cat is very weak and cannot stand up, take it to the toilet every few hours. Talk to your veterinarian about using a dressing to make it easier for the cat to empty.

What to do after the pet dies

Take care of the pet's remains. If the pet died at home, place the body in a cool, remote area and store it there until it can be cremated or buried. This will slow down decomposition and protect your family from harm. Carefully wrap the body in cellophane (e.g. a plastic bag) and put it in a cold place (freezer, cool cellar). If the death was a result of sedation, the veterinarian will take care of the body. [12] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source

• In some areas, the law allows a pet to be buried on private property belonging to its owner, while in others it is prohibited. Check your local laws before choosing a burial site. [13] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
• Burying a pet's body in a park or other public area is against the law.

Consider how to deal with grief after a pet's death. The death of a beloved pet is very hard on its owner. It is normal to feel the bitterness of the loss during the first days. Make an appointment with a psychologist who can help you deal with the loss of your pet. Your veterinarian may recommend a specialist.